Often when I mention Mercury Retrograde people tilt their head to the side and give me that look as though I have just painted a question mark across their face. Other people are well versed on this ’slowing down of Mercury’, which is referred to as Mercury Retrograde because it appears to go backward, similar to when you pass another car while driving and it appears to go in reverse.
This retrograde happens four times per year. The dates are: March 30th to April 23rd, in Aries; August 2nd to 26th in Virgo, then Leo; and November 23rd to December 13th in Sagittarius. As you can see we have one approaching in the next few days. In preparation for this period, there are ways to flow in alignment and not be deterred from your path by some of the mishaps that often take place during Mercury Retrograde.
Quick Overview Mercury Retrograde:
- Building up:Nov. 5th – 24th — Mercury in Sagittarius
- Retrograde begins:Nov. 24th – 20 degrees Sagittarius
- Direct motion: Dec. 13th at 3+ degrees Sagittarius
- New Cycle begins: Jan 1st, 2012 – Mercury 21 degrees Sagittarius
Since Mercury rules communication, it’s said that everything goes haywire in that area — emails get deleted or bounced back, mail is returned, calls go out into the ethers, etc. Some people find that their computers go on the fritz or phone lines go down. But Mercury Retrograde does not have to be viewed as a negative, it is more-so a period for reflection and journeying within to pay attention to your inner being.
Mercury retrograde gives us time to catch up with ourselves, and to look back. Something from the past might return in a different form. This can mean people, ideas or buried insights that need to surface for you to move forward. Often it’s felt as a contemplative time, depending on the sign, a chance to go over old ground again, to claim what you missed the first time.
There’s a long-held belief that it’s best to avoid making set plans during the Mercury Retrograde. This means being cautious about things like signing contracts, and forming partnerships and corporations. What gets put in writing at this time may turn out to need serious revising after Mercury goes direct. But since tying up loose ends is the domain of retrograde, this type of finalization might fly.
In our relationships, sometimes we gloss over things that pushed buttons at the time, but which we let slide. What seemed not worth the trouble may reveal itself as a major issue in need of our attention. The Mercury retrograde is a time for review, when the underlying patterns come to light.
Some dreams and goals get lost in the hectic rushing around of daily life. The Mercury Retrograde period can be a rich time of reflection on those longings. This makes it a time for the soul to ponder its destiny. You might look over old journals, review your creative work, muse on serendipities of the past that have pointed you toward your spirit’s calling. It can make the retrograde period a time of solidifying a sense of your personal story and where you’re headed.
The Mercury retrograde is shaped by the sign through which it is cast. For example, a Mercury retrograde in Cancer turns the mind toward things like family, home and the invisible emotional bonds that connect us. On the other hand, a Mercury retrograde in Aquarius gives it a different spin, with a review of group dynamics, the larger human community, all from a detached perspective.
“Re-Envisioning” the Bigger Picture of Your Life.“ All key themes will surround the astrological sign of Sagittarius during this retrograde, such as; expansion, integration, aspiration, vision quest, higher mind, belief systems, philosophy, international affairs and higher education.
We get an opportunity to reflect on our “quest” in life, as a Seeker in life what are you seeking? Is it meaningful? Does it help you to broaden your perspective? Are you envisioning the bigger picture?
“Desire Everything, Need Nothing.” ~The Secret, Daily Teachings
~Namaste~
This is great stuff! Very intuitive, informative—right on time and right on point! I can definitely agree, lately I have been looking at my life and its higher meaning and where Im headed. I have also found myself, being more supportive of other people goals and helping people reach them.
Thanks Vi!
-Ashley J.
Fantastic explanation! I hope many read this to understand how to become aware of this invisible, intangible yet most important occurance & the effect it will have on everyone’s path.
Thank you for the feedback Ashley! This is definitely a time to be in tune with one’s self and the Universe! *Namaste*
Loving it. ya writing flows. Great topic. We want more. Thanks for putting this right thinking out there. One.
I’m in the “Reviewing” phase right now….so necessary!!!!
I truly appreciate all of the feedback! It’s good to know these words are touching the lives of others, thank you for keeping the Movement Moving! ~Namaste~
I love this cuzzo. As you can see from my strike I am definetly looking at my life and where I want to be.