Category Archives: Mercury retrograde

Your ECLIPSE Mini-Sampler 9-10 October 2014: Being Open to Change

09 Thursday Oct 2014

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, ECLIPSE magazine, Mercury retrograde

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Earth and her Moon taken by the Galileo probe 1990 NASA {{PD}}

Earth and her Moon taken by the Galileo probe 1990 NASA {{PD}}

A few bits in this post-eclipse season:

9 October: Merc retro is pulling things we’d rather leave in the past into the present and messing with our feelings of empowerment and effectiveness. Why? As Merc moves backward it pulls things with it like water exiting a drain—and anything left lying around unattended from the past is prime for Mercury to suck, dredge, and serve up. What we see, though, if we look past the sodden mess of Mercury in retreat is our shining ambitions and desires, the pinnacle of what we hope for, high upon the hill; all we need do to reach them is adjust our values and home and mate interactions, just so, allowing us to make both what we have and what we want harmonize. Sweet. (Perfecting today: Juno square Mercury and parallel the South Node, Sun conjunct and parallel Zeus, Earth sesquiquadrate Vesta). Lunar Note: 11 PM PDT the Taurus Moon trines Pluto. You have the power to shape the material world at this point–use it wisely.

10 October: Relationships and finances are calling for adjustment—without the flexibility to accommodate changing situations, we may find ourselves looking at severely outdated interactions sitting in for real relationships, and severely reduced financial circumstances substituting for dynamic earning and attracting. We have the chance to engineer bounty—do it! Take opportunities, respond to circumstances as they are, not as you wish they were, and listen—others are there to help, whether it’s with advice or by example, whether they’ll be showing you how to do ‘it’, or warning you off by their own poor choices. (Perfecting today: Merc enters Libra, Venus quincunx Chiron, Sun sextile Jupiter)

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Seeking Advice During Mercury Retrograde

13 Friday Jun 2014

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Mercury retrograde, Retrogrades

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Anonymous c1460 {{PD}}

Anonymous c1460 {{PD}}

This is a re-print from 2008 I thought might be helpful now–

Just a reminder that, in these tough times when so many of us are looking for effective guidance, we must remember that most basic of admonitions: seek advice from those who really know. Sometimes we lose the logical connection during a Mercury retrograde; we forget that the proof is in the ‘life pudding,’ so to speak. Does it make sense to ask for relationship advice from someone who can’t sustain one? or to ask financial advice from someone who can’t make a living? how about health advice from someone who is not able to resolve their own health issues in a timely way? No, it doesn’t make sense at all; but we can easily forget this in the midst of Mercury retrograde, when we feel a lot of pressure to decide, get things done/ going, to make up our minds; this might be an especially pressing issue for those experiencing a hard transit from Mars right now. If we use our intuition in seeking advice, we’ll do well–as long as it’s truly our intuition speaking, and not our agitated and frustrated mental faculties as they struggle against the retrograde tide.

Are we requiring perfection of those who offer guidance, formally or informally? Not at all; nor should we–learning comes through experience. But to seek, say, financial advice from those struggling to make ends meet makes no sense–if one can’t do ‘it,’ whatever it is, for themselves, then how can they advise others? It’s the same in any area–would you call an electrician to handle a plumbing problem? You see my point. (This also implies that the individual has some asset they could and probably should exploit, that’s being ignored in favor of something else, likely something that is feeding the ego, and little else).

What about those who offer advice but are not truly up to the task? I have a theory about what people choose to do in life; they either choose to do something they’re really good at, or they choose to do the very thing they actually need done for them. I realized this when I met a nurse who desperately desired nurture from the Universe; and she wasn’t a very good nurse!

This doesn’t mean that we avoid learning new functions, or that we only undertake what we are already competent with; it does mean that we don’t ‘practice’ on others until we are very clear about ourselves.

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Just a Little Mercury Retrograde 6 February 2014: Upset or Ecstasy

06 Thursday Feb 2014

Posted by in Astrology of Careers Vocations and Callings, current events in the sky, ECLIPSE magazine, Mercury retrograde

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'The Sense of Sight' Annie Louisa Swynnerton 1895 {{PD}}

‘The Sense of Sight’ Annie Louisa Swynnerton 1895 {{PD}}

A little something from ECLIPSE:

Mercury Retrograde The Messenger retrograded on the 6th at 1:43 PM Pacific time at 3 Pisces 20, and during his backward trip re-enters Aquarius; in the Whole Sign chart, this means a definite change of Houses occurs, emphasizing the shift in atmosphere with a shift in area of expression, as well. Starting the Mercurial journey in Water suggests the first issues that surface will be emotional ones, likely seeming to intrude on the mind either from the larger Collective or from one’s own overactive imagination. At the point of turnaround Merc is in close aspect to nothing else (the conjunction to Neptune isn’t technically perfected, and so lacks oomph or relevancy, yet). This implies the possibility that we may enter the retrograde receiving emotional messages or info that we are completely unable to process mentally—and this suggests, upset or ecstasy, that we will be hard pressed to understand or communicate our feelings, leading to unavoidable frustration. Then Merc retreats to Aquarius, and the mind may suddenly unscramble the earlier emotional reactions, with the current danger that we will go too far toward intellectualizing—and so distance ourselves from feelings we really need to deal with. When Merc turns, just let the emotions happen—it’s normal for a Merc retro period to make understanding difficult, so don’t try—and when the mind is suddenly up and running again upon Merc’s entry into Aquarius (albeit with lots of short circuits, thanks to the retro!) you will (almost without any effort) get a handle on the preceding emotions—then the trick is to not talk yourself out of your feelings—which will be the most likely temptation as Merc moves backward through Aquarius

And from the Search Terms grab-bag:

“getting laid off in Mercury retrograde”

Since this term showed up before the actual start of the retro this afternoon, I’m wondering if this individual is anticipating bad news–and that means, you knew something, even if it was only through your spidey-sense, that told you it’s coming. The real focus, then, might need to be on what happened during Venus retrograde (21 December 2013-31 January 2014). Since this clearly affects the income, I think detective work on matters that manifested during the Venus turnaround is called for, as that will likely reveal the true issue. If you’re wondering if a layoff during Merc retro has particular consequences, the answer is yes; as an employer, making a hiring or firing decision during such a cycle means that you may be drawing conclusions from incomplete information, that you may not be assessing individuals correctly, and that you almost certainly will change your opinion of your choice after direction. For the person who receives such news, you can bet that you don’t know the real reasons behind it, and you may receive some satisfaction in the idea that your employer will probably regret moving on it at this time–though of course, you may never know that for sure. There is also the possibility that, if you did receive signals of a potential job loss before the retrograde, the actual commencement of the retro period may bring a change of mind, a re-consideration, that could nix previous decisions. So, don’t despair yet–and if it does come to pass, embrace the idea that something not so great is being removed from your life (albeit forcibly) to make room for something much better.

Mercury Retrograde 21 October 2013: Feeling, Not Thinking

21 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by in current events in the sky, Mercury retrograde

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Have a cup of tea, and sort out those feelings during Mercury retro. 'The Glass of Tea' Mary Cassatt 1897 {{PD-Art}}

Have a cup of tea, and sort out those feelings during Mercury retro. ‘The Glass of Tea’ Mary Cassatt 1897 {{PD-Art}}

Mercury Retrograded at 18 Scorpio 23 today–Nothing is in close contact for this event (though Vesta is technically sextile from Virgo, the aspect did not perfect before Merc’s retrograde, essentially ‘robbing’ the contact of real meaning). A Merc retrograde in Water typically calls us to examine the emotions, and all communications, occurrences, and perceptions related to these. We ask ourselves, How do I feel? and we will spend some time determining the ‘fit’ of those feelings to our lives. We do see Jupiter trine Merc’s turnaround (wide, by my fussy event standards), probably exaggerating the emotional effects, and possibly linking them to the social. Mercury retrograde in Scorpio could plunge us into dicey emotional territory; the emotions are intense, deep, probably at least partially hidden even from us, and may be propelled by undercurrents of feeling of which we’re unaware, and we may confuse these with thought; we’re ‘feeling, not thinking’, though we may believe just the opposite. This retrograde will be a time of emotional discovery, and should be approached with that in mind.

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Just a Little AstroEssence 27 June 2013: ‘Listen With Your Spirit’

27 Thursday Jun 2013

Posted by in Consciousness Explored, current events in the sky, Mercury retrograde

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A quote from a film adaptation of Thackeray's 'Vanity Fair' sums up what those of us not afraid to face reality must do, just to get by: "Come along, my dear. You'll sit by me. And after dinner, we shall abuse the company." Illustration by Rita Senger for VF mag 1916 via LofC {{PD}}

A quote from a film adaptation of Thackeray’s ‘Vanity Fair’ sums up what those of us not afraid to face reality must do, just to get by: “Come along, my dear. You’ll sit by me. And after dinner, we shall abuse the company.” Illustration by Rita Senger for VF mag 1916 via LofC {{PD}}

Well, if you find my pessimism off-putting, now’s the time to stop reading! Or you can call it realism, and go on. The past two days or so, something has been in the air, and now that I’m looking at the chart for Mercury’s turnaround, I see what it is: Merc began to backtrack in the 6 AM hour Pacific of the 26th, coming off pursuit of Vesta, the only close aspect at the time a sextile to Sedna–and even that doesn’t perfect. Couple this with Venus’ stress at the end of Cancer, then today’s entry into Leo, Jupiter’s flight into exaltation in Cancer, and two oddballs, Vesta sesquiquadrate Neptune, and Uranus opposed hZeus while Chiron quincunxes it, and we see some interesting dynamics expressed. There may be a lot of ‘defending of the Faith’ when that is precisely the subject that needs examining; whatever it is that we’ve been (rather desperately) insisting is sacred is exactly what needs to be dragged into the light this Mercury retrograde. Venus in Leo gives us the strength to examine it without falling apart–unless that vanity is part of the problem. Jupiter allows the social sphere to play the part of kindly showing us what needs fixing, if we’ll only pay attention, as functions performed will include dispelling illusions about what we revere and shocks concerning ambitions and desires that poke at our primal wound and make us unreasonable (aside from the way we should be listening with our spirits, rather than with our minds, due to the retrograde). It makes for some confused and angry individuals, and a great deal of defensive blather even when no one is attacking. The best advice, perhaps, is that when you are bitten for trying to help, don’t take it personally.

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Just a Little AstroEssence 6 November 2012: ‘Make A Choice’

06 Tuesday Nov 2012

Posted by in current events in the sky, Mercury retrograde, Sabian Symbols

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‘Canvassing for a Vote’ Bingham 1852 {{PD-Art}}

From the latest ECLIPSE; get it now to get your upcoming Solar eclipse influences in order!

November 6th: Besides the retrograde of Mercury (at 3:03 PM PST at 4 Sagittarius 18) we have Juno sextile Zeus, Venus sesquiquadrate the South Node, the Sun quincunx Jupiter, and the Earth as apex to a Finger of God with base of Juno-Zeus. What a tidy little package (most of ) this makes! Though Mercury may be taking a great deal of our attention, we really should keep an eye on that Finger, as it describes a power struggle by a pair of Olympians (the US election?) one of whom feels terminally disrespected and who’s out for revenge, while the other holds all the real power–you figure out who’s who! When we look at the Sabian for the Earth at this point, we get this: ‘Head Covered With a Rakish Silk Hat, Muffled Against the Cold, A Man Braves A Storm’ That says to me that Frankenstorm Sandy will not succeed in keeping voters home–and possibly suggests a minimum of Merc-style problems, at least for the election.

The Venus-SN aspect, as well as the Sun-Jupiter one, describe an active social arena where both the past and the reality situation will have to be respected if anyone is to gain. Obviously, adjustments will need to be made by all parties–but in the end this will be worth it–and I have a sense that, at least on a smaller scale, this may usher in a new era, one that is both more practical, more kind, and more rewarding for all concerned.

 

Just a Little Something for Your Weekend, 14-16 July 2012: ‘The Fiery Impulse’

14 Saturday Jul 2012

Posted by in current events in the sky, Mercury retrograde

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Thomas Cole 1828 {{PD-Art}}

On today’s Mercury Retrograde, which occurs at 7:16 PM PDT of the 14th at 12 Leo 32:

Our biggest danger during the retro time is that Mercury’s Fire placement during the initial change-of-direction could prompt us toward action with each review of Mercurial subjects and when we consider matters of the House where it turns around, as well as when we review matters of any House it may move into during the retrograde. This means that during the retro we may feel continually that ‘something must be done’, though what we need to remember at this point is that, though our re-consideration of matters reveals them in a new light, there will be other things hidden from us by the current retrograde motion of which we will remain unaware at least through the end of the retrograde, and quite possibly on through the shadow period (the time when a newly direct planet moves back through the degrees it just retrogressed through). It makes for a tough internal contradiction, as we ponder issues that quite naturally ‘light a fire’ under us that urges change, and yet we are in no sound position to make decisions that will make those changes effective!

And for tomorrow, the 15th of July:

By the 15th Saturn sesquiquadrates Ceres; authorities or our own power or maternal urges must adjust to the reality of things, likely needing to pull back and delay action, when we consider the other aspects in play–Mars semi-squares Juno, and Earth trines Sedna–actions may actually disempower us, and we just don’t have the ability at present to know what we might lose! A bit scary, unless we simply calm down and hold back. Dark of the Moon begins this evening, Pacific time, calling us to scale back and to meditate, contemplate, and go within.

We stretch into Monday, the 16th, and see what’s up:

Today Uranus also sextiles Ceres, giving the unique point of view and the individuality the license and authority to express; innovation can thrive, as can efforts by individuals and groups to work in harmony with nature. And, Venus trines Zeus, allowing us a glimpse of how desires may be fulfilled in relationship, and money can be earned through ambition–take note of what you realize/ see in this regard.

All this is from ECLIPSE, the Weekly Newsletter that features articles on astrology theory and practice, assessments of well-known people and events, commentary on specific astrological configurations, events, and aspects (this week, it’s Mercury’s Retrograde), and detailed forecast material one (and sometimes two) weeks at a time, using everything you’d expect plus Sedna, Ceres, Vesta, Pallas, Juno, Chiron, and Zeus, and featuring hour-by-hour major Lunar contacts and their meaning–all for only $5 per month!

The New ECLIPSE is Out! Adele, Morsi, Mercury Retrograde, the Forecast & the New Moon!

12 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by in Consciousness Explored, current events in the sky, ECLIPSE magazine, future events in the sky, Mercury retrograde, New Moon, Spiritual Considerations

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Thomas Jones c1820 {{PD-Art}}

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8-9 December 2010: Frustration, One Way or Another

08 Wednesday Dec 2010

Posted by in current events in the sky, Mercury retrograde

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Read the description of this odd print here http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Richard_Arkwright_dismissing_his_wife.jpg

Void begins 5:08 PM PST of the 8th, with the Moon’s entry into Aquarius coming at 11:30 PM PST. This is notable mostly as offering denizens of the Western Hemisphere uncertain evening proceedings. Particularly in Western time zones, the atmosphere could be one of seriousness that in spite of itself can’t really accomplish anything–there’s just no energy (the meaning of a Void period) behind any efforts–and Cappy hates to be thwarted. Frustration can lead to cross words and temper tantrums–all to no avail. With the Moon’s entry into Aquarius, energies turn philosophical, and we gain a little mental distance, allowing for assessing where things just weren’t going well. First aspect of note that breaks us out of our critical revery is the Moon’s square to Venus, 9 AM-ish PST of the 9th; why is it that just when we’re feeling good about our minds we start to worry about our looks? or our relationships, or our money? Things take a devilish turn as we overthink and over-analyze; this overwrought contemplation could take up our whole day–and it’s not helped by the pressure of Mercury’s imminent retrograde.

ECLIPSE Readers: There is a LOT of new material on the Private Page, including info on Merc Retro and its effects; if you don’t have your password yet, get it with $4.95 purchase of ECLIPSE Astrology Journal http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/the-latest-new-fall-2010-eclipse/ Includes 3 month access (November, December, January) to all the password-protected Private Pages here at the site, and includes Mercury Retrograde info and will cover the upcoming Eclipses! PS The 13th is the day to watch–find out why in the Private Pages!

A Word on Merc Retro, and Weekend Action Plans

08 Saturday May 2010

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Mercury retrograde

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It seems that there has been something sinister at work the last few days.  Quite by chance, I ran into an acquaintance.  When Mercury is NOT retrograde, I go out of my way to avoid this person.  When Mercury is retrograde, I get sucked in.  This person is emotionally abusive and something about Mercury retrograde makes me forget until I’ve been given a verbal beating.  The day before, I came across a mama duck w/ newly hatched ducklings, about to cross a busy street.  Believing I was being a good samaritan, I herded her to a different pond, where she was immediately attacked by a male duck of a different species.  Upon researching online, I found that she HAS to go to the pond across the street to find her mate or she won’t be protected.  Man, did I feel terrible.

Twice in a row, good intentions blown to pieces.  Boom.

April

Hi April, Here’s the thing about Merc retro: logical thinking doesn’t work; putting together the pieces doesn’t work. ‘Sinister’ of course just means ‘of or to the left,’ and suggests that old saying, ‘The left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing,’ perfect for this period. ‘Good intentions’ are meaningless, while ‘true’ intentions come through. What it all works to do is expose reality in a way you can’t ignore. In the case of your acquaintance, only wanting to see yourself as ubercivilized and pretending interacting with mud won’t get you muddy is at work, while with the ducks it seems to signal a Ceres-like tendency toward inappropriate control, in this case you thinking you know better than Mother Nature. We’re given an instinctive warning system that should keep us away from the snake in the grass, or the poisonous berries, but we get all big-brained and opposable thumb-y and believe we can outwit everything–and Merc retro offers us a time to reconnect through the feelings and the senses–and if we don’t take it, we suffer the consequences.

jd

Thus endeth the Merc retro lesson for today; my thanks to April. Mercury goes direct on the 11th at 3:26 PM PDT; you have that long to wallow in brain down time that will allow for a much less restricted flow of information and intuitive and feeling experience. What you bring to your ‘regular’ life after Merc direction from these periods can be very useful, so take advantage of the extraordinary access to what some might call our animal brains, but that I call ‘fun’!

Moon in Pisces and she stays there until the 9th at 2:29 PM PDT. With Merc staying out of the way and our instinctive Selves in high gear, what magic isn’t possible, what escape won’t we try this weekend? Do it now, because the Moon enters Aries tomorrow afternoon Pacific and things become, well, focused, stern, and pretty frustrated, as Merc will still be retro and Mars has a hard time getting what he wants when he can’t think straight. Plus it will swiftly square Pluto, suggesting some taking your lumps, getting to the bottom of things energy around. Just have a one-pointed plan of attention for the early Aries Moon, something Arian and safe, like swordplay or wood-chopping or working at a forge, you smithy of the Soul, and you’ll make it through just fine (and fashion a great set of horseshoes to boot!)

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