“Review, Reflect, Revise”
The first Mercury Retrograde transit begins on February 6th in the sign of Pisces and then on February 12th backtracks into Aquarius until is goes direct on February 28th. What exactly does it mean when a planet is said to be retrograde? A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. This concept arises in the planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth, with relation to other planets in our solar system. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way, it is an optical illusion. During a “reversal,” the areas of life that the retrograde planet rules will feel askew until it catches up to Earth again.
Mercury retrograde is perhaps best known of all retrogrades. Since communication is Mercury's main domain, communication is greatly affected by this planet's pull. When Mercury is in retrograde, expect some difficulty in all forms of communication. Misunderstandings might happen like you’re not being heard or coming across clearly to others. You’ll suddenly find yourself in the middle of a ridiculous argument. Technology can also become problematic, emails could be mis-sent, text messages are misinterpreted or delayed, phones are suddenly not charging, laptops and computers crashing... you get the idea. In addition, travel and transportation is also affected. It could be as simple as delays due to a traffic jam or difficulty in getting a cab, but it can be as bad as your car breaking down in the middle of traffic. Since Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo, these individuals (and those with these signs prominent in their charts) can feel moody, pensive and out-of-sorts.
On the positive side, retrograde planets draw our attention inward and to the past. Mercury retrograde is a great time to review or finish up an old project, contact an old friend, or clean out the closet. It’s also a good period for introspection, dreaming, and deep thought. We look at the world a little differently--through different filters--and can come up with some very important inner revelations. It may be difficult to communicate them under this influence, but not everything needs to be rationalized. Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness, when meditation, benefiting from keeping a journal, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored. Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication can actually re-connect us to other means of communication, such as when there is an unexpected power outage and we're forced off the computer and television, finding different and often satisfying ways to entertain ourselves.
This period begins with Mercury in Pisces. Pisces rules our spiritual and intuitive qualities that make our true beliefs seen in the outside world. The viewpoint of about humanity and our attitude about others will be seen as well. If we see ourselves separate than others, then our spiritual attitude is one that only exists within a compartment of church and does not venture out into our day to day lives. Since Mercury is in retrograde in the sign of its fall in Pisces, (Planets in fall are uncomfortable and weak, having much less power to assert their own identity.) this retrograde period creates mental and emotional confusion, with strange dreams and sometimes psychic experiences. Mental processes being entwined with emotions, we find it hard to separate ideas and opinions from passion and idealism. Our mental orientation can be unstable, unrealistic and overly-spiritual, but it also inclines to laziness and increases the urge to consume alcohol. Nervousness and stress, even unfounded fears and paranoia are stimulated, especially from working or living in a hostile environment. Maintain privacy and dignity in the working environment and don't try to read between the lines, when there is really nothing to find. On the 12th, Mercury will enter Aquarius which is a more comfortable placement for Mercury. As an air sign, Aquarius exudes qualities of the intellect and communication, especially to do with invention, new ideas and the pursuit of a higher truth; as a fixed sign, it is also reliable and resolute. Aquarius can also appear contradictory, in that they may be both social and individualistic at the same time; its intellect can appear detached and come from a standpoint of distant objectivity, and at the same time, its need for communication drives it to relate to others. When Mercury retrogrades in Aquarius, it's time to reconnect with old friends, new friends, new ideas, old ideas, and the internet. Check all the details of your connections to make sure they're versatile enough to handle the pace of your innovations and the vision of your creativity. Now that your mind is filled with cutting edge concepts and the latest information, think about how you can integrate and use these new and renewed connections, concepts, and products as everyday tools to help you attain your goals. Today the "glass is half-full and people are too trusting. That great deal, may not be all it seems, so have a Virgo read over that fine print. It's easy to insist on cutting your way through the confusion only to find yourself more at sea than before. Elusive concepts flee in the face of challenge. This can also manifest in ways that are positive. For example, if a person who is usually depressed finds hope or meaning in their life, it can open them to new possibilities and potentials. Just be aware that the collective exuberance is temporary. I am all for taking a leap of faith, but look very, very carefully before you do.
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