Astrology Source - Mercury in Retrograde

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Mercury in Retrograde View Mercury Retrograde dates for 2007 through 2004
Mercury Retrograde dates for 2008 January 28-February 19, 2008 Mercury begins it’s retrograde period at 23° of Aquarius - continues it’s backward motion until February 19 when it stations at 8° of Aquarius and begins to move forward again. May 26 - June 19, 2008 Mercury begins this retrograde period at 21° of Gemini and goes direct when it gets to 12° degree of Gemini on June 19. September 24-October 15, 2008 Mercury goes retrograde at 22° of Libra and continues this retrograde cycle until the15th of October when it stations direct at 7° of Libra. What exactly is “Mercury retrograde”? It’s when the planet Mercury (the nearest planet to the Sun) and the planet Earth align in such a way that Mercury appears to be moving backward against the stars (constellations) of the zodiac. It never actually moves in reverse, it just looks that way from our terrestrial vantage point. Ever been on a train that was passing another train, and, in comparison to the mountains in the distance, it seemed to you that as if that other train was moving backward? That’s what Mercury retrograde is, an optical illusion of sorts. Mercury, the swiftest of all the planets, retrogrades for approximately three weeks every four months. When it changes its apparent direction it feels like you are in a speeding car and the driver just slammed on the brakes. You can’t help but notice and react. What happens when Mercury retrogrades? First of all, Mercury rules communication, so you will miss appointments, your computer equipment crashes, checks get lost, you find the car you just purchased during Mercury retrograde is a lemon. Or, you hate your haircut; your sister hates her birthday gift. There will be countless delays, cancellations and postponements - but know these will benefit you in the long run. Don’t fight them, although your frustration level and feeling of restlessness will be hard to cope with at times. All machinery and things with moving parts -- such as computers, VCR’s, camera equipment, garbage disposals, and so forth, will reveal any weak links now. It is critical that you back up your data system and be more careful and vigilant than ever. In matters of the heart, if your boyfriend or girlfriend breaks up with you or says something hurtful, take a wait-and-see attitude. Since Mercury rules speech, they may not mean what you think they are saying now. Let them have some space, and wait to see if they mean when Mercury goes direct as they are saying while Mercury is retrograde. When traveling, leave early and allow for extra time for travel. Have all bags double-taped closed, double check addresses and reconfirm appointments. Things get lost when Mercury messes us up. Take NOTHING for granted. The sector of your chart that Mercury happens to be skating through (transiting) will be effected most dramatically. Some activities are lucky or actually improve when Mercury retrogrades. You are likely to bump into old friends that you haven’t seen in years. Adopted children tend to find their birth parents, or people locate their long lost siblings. Mail that went astray weeks or even years ago shows up and some things that were lost reappear. If you “go with the flow”, it is a time to say what needs saying, to retrace one’s steps, and to finish what needs finishing. Bring your resume or portfolio up to date, and clean out your closets. Take time to paint the house. Clear your decks. Just try not to start new things. If you have to start a job during a Mercury retrograde period know that the nature of the job is likely to change dramatically over time. Perhaps the person you know will leave, or your responsibilities will be very different from what you thought they would be. Or your company won’t be ready to take you on, and you won’t have much to do until things are reorganized. But, remember, if this was a position that you tried for in the past, then you’ve got the vibes working for you rather than against you. Mercury also rules the mind and thinking. So, if you were born with Mercury retrograde you will tend to reflect deeply over events and issues throughout your lifetime. There will be a more philosophical tone to your character. Planets are never actually retrograde, go backward or remain stationary, they just seem that way, due to this optical illusion.Let's not sugarcoat it: This isn't the time to sign anything important, kick off a new relationship or expect a last-minute birthday card to make it to Aunt Sue. Retrograde periods, although often problematic for us earthlings, are not uncommon. Each planet retrogrades, except the Sun and Moon. Mercury, much like the winged messenger of the gods, commands us to speak and take action. Communication, intellect and awareness are all within Mercury's domain, as are logic and reasoning, our manner of thinking, and how we create and express our thought processes. Mercury is about a quick wit, quick thinking, possibilities, opinions, reasoning and the ability to rationalize things. It also prompts us to move from one thing to the next and to get answers on both a physical and psychological level. Mercury's energy is both dexterous and perceptive. Mercury is about short trips: the workaday commute, a visit to a neighbor, and a weekend getaway. Siblings, and transportation in general, are also within Mercury's realm. Speaking, writing, books, online communications and learning are ruled by Mercury. This Planet implores us to express ourselves often -- and well. When Mercury goes retrograde (the appearance of traveling backward), however, our communications will be challenged. Because Mercury rules communication and transportation, these two areas are most influenced during a Mercury Retrograde period. Conversations might be more difficult, as crossed signals and unclear meanings confuse normally straightforward discussions. Still, with a little caution and consideration, you'll get your point across. Similarly, be prepared with a back-up plan when you're traveling. If your flight gets canceled or your car won't start, remain calm and make the best of it. Who knows -- you might not have met that fascinating new person in the airport lobby or bus stop if you had taken your flight or driven to work. Remember, we can use this powerful energy in positive ways. Use this time to do activities that start with "re": repair, review, renegotiate, research and redo. Mercury rules thinking and perception, processing information and al means of communication, commerce and transportation. By extension, Mercury rules people who work in these areas, especially people who work with their minds or their wits: writers and orators, commentators and critics, gossips and spin doctors, tricksters and thieves. Mercury retrograde gives rise to personal misunder- standings; flawed, disrupted, or delayed communications, negotiations and trade; glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses, and trains. And all of these problems usually arise because some crucial piece of information, or component, has gone astray, or awry. When Mercury is retrograde, everyone's thinking is more introspective and we tend to think about issues and concern that relate to the sign involved. There is little choice but to reconsider one's personal views and opinions about life. There is, however, an opportunity to gain insight into one's own ego. Ideas are not easily translated into money or other tangible rewards while Mercury is retrograde. Literary pursuits tend to be stymied in one way or another. Artistic tendencies including crafts, music, art or design tend to be blocked by circumstances beyond one's control. Legal matters will proceed slowly and unforeseen obstacles tend to emerge. Mercury retrograde tends to lack depth of perception and has no patience for detailed analysis. All areas of communication are affected. Methods and motivation for learning, communication and transportation are subject to difficulties under this aspect. It brings travel snafus and missed appointments of all kinds. Documents can go astray. Be sure to carry a diary and refer to it often. The good things to do when Mercury is Retrograde: meditate, clean house, contemplate, edit the book/poem/song/essay you've been writing, talk to your pet, listen to music, paint, catch up on sleep, brush up your resume, finish what needs to be finished!
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