Mercury Neptune Connections

by Luc De Jaeger
Cosmic Technologies (CosmiTec)

In most cases, the following configurations are used (there are more though (!) to define Mercury Neptune connections but this would lead us too far and make it more complicated than necessary):

Mercury in the 12th house
Neptune in the 3rd or the 6th house
the ruler of the 12th house in the 3th house
the ruler of the 12th house in the 6th house
the ruler of the 3rd house in the 12th house
the ruler of the 6th house in the 12th house
Mercury in a close conjunction, square or opposition with Neptune (a very exact sextile or trine counts too but in a minor way)
Mercury at the solstice point of Neptune
Neptune in Gemini or Virgo
Mercury in Pisces

When at least three of the above listed analogies or connections can be found in the natal chart, we have a very powerful Mercury Neptune connection that will be felt and noticed in the character and life of the native.

What do Mercury Neptune connections signify?
Mercury and Neptune have principles that actually don't blend very well.
Mercury is cerebral while Neptune is intuitive.
Mercury is critical while Neptune is more vague.

However, both are changeable and may combine to a floating or drifting combo.

Neptune is anaesthesia for the brain and mind (Mercury) and that's why this connection is about 'brain fog' or mental anaesthesia.

The stupefying influence of Neptune switches the mind (and the brain) into stand-by mode so that no new information and stimuli can enter the sensitive nervous system when the brain and mind are in a situation of 'overflow.'

This connection is more interested in and focused on images than on hard facts & figures.

People with Mercury Neptune connections are apt to day dreaming. They should listen more carefully before excecuting anything because Neptune often acts like a shield that distorts sharpness and makes messages more vague and unclear.

Misunderstandings often are the result.

This connection often results in issues related to some of the senses (especially vision and hearing problems).

People who have Mercury Neptune connections in their natal chart may need to do some effort to bring structure in their way of communicating. They tend to drift easily, making that messages are not always as clear as they should be.
Mercury Neptune connections are not about a sharp and penetrating mind but about an absorbing mind.

This connection is a more passive and introvert one.

In many instances, people with this connection are born in a family that does not fit in the social environment they live in, a family that is not part of the social environment for whatever reason (language barriers, differences in education or cultural background, ...).

To feel onself (like) a stranger, an outcast, a fugitive or to feel part of a minority group is one of the most predominant characteristics of this connection.

Neptune loves to be anonymous and wants to remain invisible. In combination with Mercury, Neptune is able to hide one's thoughts to avoid arguments and conflicts.

In a certain sense, Neptune acts like a protective and invisible shield that camouflages one's opinion and intentions.

In other words, this can be a very chameleon-like connection.

This connection represents a certain fear too; the fear to develop a clear-cut personality with an identity that is able to cast a shadow.

While Uranus is the Awakener, Neptune is the Dreamer, stupefying ones senses and protecting them from fear and the harsh realities.

Hence, the Mercury Neptune connection is a soft one and represents the poet, the musician, the magician.

Mercury Neptune connections belong to the ones who can conjure with words or sentences, the ones who can do magic with sound.

Mercury and Neptune also rule the zodiac signs that belong to the zodiac axis of servitude and submission (Virgo-Pisces).

Together they join forces to live their role perfectly in a subordinate and obeying way.

This confirms again, that this connection is a passive one and not an active one.

The Mercury Neptune connection adjusts to whatever it encounters, it absorbs the event(s) with all the senses and filter the harsh stuff out.

In case the own subconsciousness and mental anaesthesia no longer work sufficiently, the native may bring on additional stupefying means through the intake of drugs, alcohol, and the like.

People with this connection are not easy to figure out, because of their chameleon-like traits. They fare best when working in the background, behind the scenes or in large institutions.

They should take on a helping role and be of service like a 'servant.'
Because this connection dislikes clear-cut things, it also dislikes formalities and boundaries.

Mercury Neptune connections represent borderless and invisible communication (without words) -- like through the 3rd eye....

Though this is not a connection about rational thinking and logic, the natives are very often able to build very sound opinions.

They can be very allergic to certain substances and should listen to their sensitive bodies very carefully.

A running nose, sneezing and asthmatic reactions occur frequently.
Another characteristic trait is a progressive and gradual aversion to learning when growing older and avoiding intellectual work (no more 'strain for the brain').

Mercury Retrograde Through the Houses

• http://www.leahwhitehorse.com/2012/07/14/mercury-retrograde-through-the-houses/

Mercury rules the mind and communication. His position in the chart shows you how you learn, how you think, your style of speech and the way you make connections with others. He is your intellect and psychology and the knowledge you attain through life. As ruler of transportation, symbolically he shows how you get from A to B in life as well as on the road. On a deeper level, he can show how you communicate with the divine and your own inner spirit. Mercury may tell you the way or recite a tall tale to fool you into going some place else. He is imbued with trickster energy as well as being a divine messenger.

Mercury is a quick moving personal planet. When he reverses he triggers in each of us a period of reflection and re-organisation – in fact pretty much any word with the prefix ‘re’ can be applied during this period. How the retrograde will affect you may manifest in a myriad of ways.

If you know your chart, look at whether Mercury will aspect any planets or points during the cycle and also bear in mind the houses with Gemini and Virgo on the cusp as these may be brought into play. This is an ideal time to read up on or reacquaint yourself with the position of Mercury in your own chart and get a sense of how he works for you.

Mercury wants you to pay attention because something about the house he’s transiting needs a re-think in order for you to move forward again. It may be that you’ve lost your way a little or that you simply need to reflect upon where you are. Either way, Mercury is tapping you on the shoulder and coughing loudly so that you turn round and look at him.Along with the aspects transiting Mercury will make, the house that Mercury is transiting can give you a very big clue as to where the retrograde will be most felt. This is like a cosmic signpost saying ‘You are here‘ and if you’re not actuallythere in your mind; if you’re not paying attention – Mercury just might start acting up, comically sticking his foot out so you fall flat on your face, tinkering with your electrics, hiding your keys, losing the numbers on your phone and so on.

Sometimes, as with my own chart during this retrograde, Mercury’s transit will take him across two houses of your chart. In this case, read both houses as each are called upon for reflection.

Mercury transiting retrograde in the 1st house

How you approach the world may need to be re-thought. Consider a change of image – do the research but perhaps wait until the retrograde is over before booking a drastic haircut! Take a long look in the mirror. The most important thing is whether you are happy with what you see.

You may find yourself tripping over words or unable to express yourself in a way you would like. You worry about how you are coming across to others. There’s a growing sense that you would like to express a part of yourself that perhaps you haven’t allowed to come out before. You may feel like the way others perceive you doesn’t reflect who you are on the inside. Mercury retrograde in this house can help bring the inside and outside together, restoring confidence.

Take a personality test, read up on your natal chart – for others to know you,you have to know you.

Keywords – Reframe, reaffirm, re-vamp

Mercury transiting retrograde in the 2nd house

Take a look at what you hold dear. You may find yourself asking the question ‘Is it really worth it?‘. Money due may be delayed so it’s wise to keep some aside just in case. Sometimes unexpected money falls into your lap.

It’s time to think about what you really value in life. Are you happy with how you make money? Are you financially comfortable? What do you really want? Do you believe you are worth it? Are you on the way to getting it or do you feel like you moving further away? Review your bank account; keep any sale’s receipts; pay overdue bills; avoid major new purchases; update or start a record listing your outgoings and income; open a savings account.

Keywords – Re-evaluate, replenish, re-stock

Mercury transiting retrograde in the 3rd house

All forms of communication, transport and thinking are brought into focus. You may feel like your mind is very ‘busy’. Sometimes Mercury transiting here can increase worry and nervous symptoms. Ensure you create some quiet time to gain clarity. On a deep level, you are working through what you know. Confusion may mean you need further information.

Repair your car; check the tires; take the car for an MOT/service; check your oil and water before a long drive. Research, replace the battery in your phone; charge up your battery regularly; replace your phone (but avoid a new contract until after Mercury retrograde). Watch your speed limit.

Ask questions to ensure you understand; check someone received your message if you haven’t heard from them; send important items early – by insured post if possible; check appointment times; spell-check before sending! Back up your computer, run your virus and malware checker regularly; double check emails are from who they say they are from.

In personal communications, make sure you have understood the other person’s point of view before going off the deep-end. Diffuse arguments. Don’t make promises that you can’t keep; don’t say yes when you mean no and vice versa.

Reconnect with your siblings – especially if things were left on a difficult note.

Keywords – Re-think, rewrite, review,

Mercury transiting retrograde in the 4th house

Your home is your sanctuary. Does it reflect who you are? If you feel stuck in a rut in life, maybe energy in your home is also ‘stuck’. Change the furniture around to give yourself a new perspective. Revisit each room and try to see it with the eyes of a stranger. What does it say about you? Release objects that no longer have any meaning.

The 4th house is also your foundation, your childhood, your roots. What were you told as a child that you still believe is true? You may become aware of negative thought patterns that have a significant impact upon your life. Don’t be afraid to ask yourself fundamental questions.

Old family/childhood issues may resurface or there may be a need to walk down memory lane. Reconnect with your family. Make peace with your past.

Keywords – Re-route/re-root! Redecorate, re-establish, retrace, refurnish

Mercury transiting retrograde in the 5th house

There may be a withdrawal of creative energy. Let the process happen, your project may need time to ferment. Loss of confidence may be an underlying reason for creative stalling. Check in with what you are telling yourself about your ability to express yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others. You are who you are.

Seek out new inspiration. Visit a gallery, the theatre, the beach, a local park. Try out a new craft. Take yourself on an artist’s date.

This can be a wonderful time to reconnect to your inner child. Aim to re-capture your spontaneity. Play a game. Spend time with your children, see through their eyes. Be curious.

An old flame may reappear. Past partners may remind you of how far you have come or how happy/unhappy you feel. Alternatively this is an excellent time to inject some romance back into a jaded relationship. Put your thinking caps on and devise new ways to ‘play’ together 

Traditionally this isn’t the best time to start a new love affair. Whilst life must

go on during Mercury retrograde, it’s wise not to fall head over heels just yet.

Keywords – Re-ignite, reanimate, rehearse, rekindle, recapture

Mercury transiting retrograde in the 6th house

Re-organise your workspace, office or desk. Sort out your diary, create a calendar or to-do list. re-work your routines. Re-connect with your colleagues and/or reflect upon your relationship with them. Sometimes this transit may manifest as mix-ups in communication and team work can suffer. Check everyone else has the right information to hand. Sometimes this transit can feel like your schedule has been thrown out of the window. Mercury may be asking that you become more flexible. Routines and habits can be an excellent structure to work from however they can also make life a little dull, safe and predictable.

In matters of health, this is the time to do a personal inventory. How do you feel? Are you full of energy or weighed down by aches and pains and undefined maladies? This is the perfect opportunity to do some research into your own health issues. Unless there are serious consequences for postponement, a second opinion (when Mercury is direct) is advised before embarking on a course of treatment for an illness or problem. Test results now may be inconclusive. Avoid starting a new diet. Time is better spent researching the foods you will eat, gathering recipes and nutritional information.

Keywords – Reorganisation, rejuvenation, relapse, repair, recover, refresh

Mercury transiting retrograde in the 7th house

Whether marriage or business partner, Mercury’s transit here may call for

re-negotiation of terms. In personal relationships, we often have unspoken contracts and agreements that have developed over time from who takes the trash out to who sleeps on what side of the bed. There are also others such as ‘don’t ever disagree with my Mother’. These ‘rules’ can be taught to us through certain behaviours and body language. What remains ‘unspoken’ is likely to be given voice during this transit and perhaps this is necessary in order for you to clear the path ahead.

Alternatively, old issues that you thought forgotten may rear up and you may find yourself having to bite your tongue. Mercury retrograde in the 7th house can serve to bring you closer together by airing differences of opinion. By the time this transit is over, you may both feel like you understand each other a lot better.

Traditionally it isn’t recommended to get married or set a wedding date under Mercury retrograde. If you have to sign a contract, read the small print! If possible, defer until after Mercury has gone direct.

Keywords – Re-negotiate, refine, reunite

Mercury transiting retrograde in the 8th house

In the house of shared resources, Mercury here offers you the chance to find out if you are getting and/or giving your fair share in a relationship. It may be time to redistribute the wealth. Renew your insurance, check when your insurance runs out, avoid taking out a loan, pay off your debts and taxes. There may be issues or delays with jointly held resources during this time. It is not the best time to take out a mortgage or loan or invest in a new business.

Sexual issues may need to be discussed. Divine intimacy can be achieved through sharing your thoughts. It may be important to recall previous intimate relationships in order to understand better your preferences and needs.

The 8th house favours eliminating the old. Cleanse your mind. Secrets and hidden things may come to light during this time. Psycho-analysis and other forms of healing are beneficial.

Keywords - relinquish, repay, reallocate, relent

Mercury transiting retrograde in the 9th house

Re-examine what you believe about the world as Mercury backs up in the 9th house. Your beliefs create what you experience. It’s time to consider the future. What you do now effects the outcome. What’s your overall philosophy to life? Are you really living it? This house is also connected to morals and ethics. During this transit you may be called upon to re-assess what the truth really means.

This is a good time to re-sit exams previously failed or to go back into education. Use this time to revise, to edit writing, to re-write and proof read your work. Explore books that make you think differently about the world.

You may have a sense that you have lost the big picture somewhere along the line. Take some time to re-visualise where you want to be.

You may find yourself needing to revisit a place. Generally however, travel plans at this time need to be triple checked. Be prepared for delays, cancelled flights and roadblocks. Mercury would like you to see where you are so you can be clearer about where you want to go. Sometimes we just have to stand still.

The 9th house is also associated with the concept of faith. Your faith in yourself or in a higher being may be called into question. Faith adhered to without question can bind you. Keep asking the big questions!

Keywords – revisit, re-examine, retrain

Mercury transiting retrograde in the 10th house

Take care of old business, finish the job you started. A change in status can

sometimes be indicated by this transit from promotion to job loss. There may be communication problems with a manager or team leader. Misunderstandings can lead to frustration. Patience and a cautious approach are necessary. This is not the time for a career change or to apply for a new job. Reapplying for a job you didn’t get before however is favourable. Use this period to consider whether you are happy with your career to date and what you would like to achieve. Researching a new career and connecting with people who work in that sector is a beneficial use of the retrograde period..

If you are self-employed, take care with new contracts and clients. This may be the time to re-consider how you market yourself and the clients you want to work with. Re-vamp your public image.

Alternatively, a great way to make use of Mercury in the 10th is to take a holiday from work, spend some time at home and recharge your batteries.

Keywords – redefine, re-assemble, reappoint, resign, retire, reorientate.

Mercury transiting retrograde in the 11th house

Time for a catch up with old friends. You may bump into each other unexpectedly. On the other hand, this transit can indicate a withdrawal from the social scene for a while which may happen by choice or circumstance. If this occurs, it may be that you need to take some time to discover who you are away from others. Most often this can happen when too much time has been spent socialising and not enough time alone.

There can be misunderstandings with friends at this time. Be sure you have the right end of the stick before you cross them off your Christmas card list. Gossip and rumour may play havoc with otherwise good relationships. It’s wise to follow the ‘hear no evil, speak no evil‘ motto right now. It could however be time to weed out connections that no longer serve you. Mercury retrograde in the 11th can help you to discover who your real friends are and why you move in the circles you do. It also serves as a reminder that people make their own decisions in the end. You can’t control what others decide to do.

The 11th house is also connected to your goals and dreams. Re-capture a dream that you once had to get inspired about the future. Research networks that may help you towards your goal.

Keywords – Reconnect, regroup, reconvene, reform

Mercury transiting retrograde in the 12th house

As I start to write this piece, I hear Simon and Garfunkal singing ‘The Sound of Silence’ in my mind. When Mercury transits retrograde in the 12th house, the need for retreat and quiet may be very strong. For some this can manifest as a strong pull towards their own inner psychology. Mercury may bring you messages from your deep unconscious mind through dreams. Keep a record of dreams during the retrograde period as they may well provide information you need to be aware of. Images from past lives may surface.

Sometimes it may feel like you have been left alone with no one to rely on. It may be because only you can decide what comes next. Regrets may characterise this time, with sorrow bubbling up about what could have been and should have been. Be kind to yourself and let it go. If you are telling yourself dark and twisted stories, give the tale a happy ending. Trust that you can make the right decision by yourself and move forward.

Your spiritual life gets a boost when Mercury retrogrades the 12th. As the outside world loses it’s pull over you, you may find yourself more psychically aware and sensitive to subtle vibrations. Synchronicity speaks to you vividly. Spiritual renewal is a possibility. Meditate, remove your mental chains, set up an altar, commune with the world soul, pray.

Keywords – redeem, release, recharge, re-consecrate, repent

Source: LUA Astrology

Mercury Retrograde - A New Look at the Guide of Souls

by Robert Wilkinson

Most people have heard of Mercury retrograde, but little is known about how to make best use of these misunderstood recurring periods. Since we have another of these retrogrades approaching in the near future, I thought I'd offer you some insights now so that you can get yourself positioned to take advantage of the coming retrograde period. Of course I'll also do my usual 3-part series in the next two weeks on what it means in general, what it means for each sign specifically, and how it relates to past Mercury retrograde themes.

There are a lot of myths, supposition, and confusion about Mercury retrograde, yet there are many things one can achieve during these periods that occur three times a year. It's a great time to examine the Cosmic Magician and figure out some things not evident when Mercury is direct in motion. I offer many insights into how we can use these times productively in my ground-breaking book, "A New Look At Mercury Retrograde," now out of print but soon to be republished on this site as an ebook.

Many want to act productively during these times but don’t know how, usually due to paralysis induced by indecision, ambivalence, or second-guessing. Actually, despite the superstition and fluff of most commercial astrological explanations about how to approach these times, they're really not so bad! Again, if you can find a copy of my book (there are a few out there) you can investigate more about this oft-recurring phenomenon and get major insights how best to use these times. Since it's so hard to find, I'll try to post some relevant sections over the next few weeks that will help you understand what's up when Mercury, or Hermes, "the guide of Souls," is slow in motion, which is really the meaning of a retrograde.

Briefly, it's a time to take a new look at information, insights, and perceptions, and rework interpretations to prepare for the four month period that follows a Mercury retrograde. Mercury goes back over ground it's just traversed, but during the retrograde there is an entirely new angle of view that presents itself so that some things previously unknown or unnoticed can be factored in for the future. There are curious returns that allow us to re-think some things, and find a new rhythm of coordinating our life affairs.

A little explanation here. All the planets go retrograde due to the way perception works from our angle of vision here on Earth. Planets obviously do not go backwards, but they do slow down and speed up in their orbits relative to the Sun, and this creates interesting perspectives here on Earth. A retrograde only appears to be going backwards, much like a slow train appears to be going backwards relative to an express train. Now the fact that motion changes is not what’s important here, unless you’re an astrophysicist. What is important to explore is how best to use these recurring periods for maximum effectiveness without being deflected or hindered by the superstition and mythology surrounding "Mercury retrograde." As I noted in the book,

"… retrograde periods offer us a chance to slow down certain parts of our life for closer examination, preparing for a change that inevitably occurs. This is part of a larger cyclic process of unfoldment when the planet speeds up again in forward motion. Life always speeds up again after a time of reflection, contemplation, and transitional change. One of the benefits of Mercury retrograde is that it provides the time for reflection, which can lead to revitalization after a symbolic fallow period….

Periods of reflection, meditation, and contemplation allow us to take a needed break from routine or inertia. Retrogrades are the natural time to do this. When we turn inward, our Soul connection assists our growth by allowing us to focus on that which we would not address if we were preoccupied with mundane affairs….

When a planet goes retrograde, the areas of life that it symbolizes need to be re-examined. It is metaphorically an in-breathing or dreaming, a retracing and reexamining of steps already traversed, digesting and assimilating previous experience…. This is a time when we can examine the effect that our personal subconscious and the Collective Unconscious has upon us…"

While it seems as though Mercury retrograde causes many things to malfunction and brings miscommunications and delays in its wake, actually no planet or its influence is good or bad unto itself. We are the ones who determine our "destiny," based on our choices, which shape our character. In that sense, "character is destiny," and so we have the responsibility to determine whether we will be active or passive in responding to life’s challenges. We have free will and no planet or star "makes" anything happen. They merely indicate the larger patterns we live within, and so by understanding these patterns and what they symbolize, we are in a position to be in harmony or disharmony with inner and outer "reality." This is the power of our individuality to rise above inertia, superstition, and belief systems that are obsolete, inadequate, or fear-based.

In any case, Mercury retrograde has been with us and will be with us for a long, long, time, as long as the planets have their present orbits around the Sun. So the more we learn about this recurring phenomenon, the more able we will be to take advantage of our ability not to get lost or bogged down by "Mercury retrograde." As one great astrologer once wrote, "Action speaks louder than suffering." By learning how to use Mercury retrograde periods wisely and consciously, even if our affairs are momentarily diverted in strange directions, coordinated in some unusual ways, or take some peculiar twists and turns, they will usually turn out for the best, whether you knew you were doing that or not. Often we get useful information and insights we overlooked before the retrograde, and these times help us factor in different pieces of our life's puzzles so we can operate more effectively after the retrograde period ends.

Sometimes it may seem like it's two steps forward, one to the side, one back, two to the side, and three forward. It's all okay, since it's showing you a different way to be guided to your truth and more effective way of being in the world. Often things don't turn out the way we suspect, but that can be as good as it can be difficult. Still, due to the different rhythm of events and perspectives that send things off on strange or unexpected tangents, it is always useful to get your affairs in order before the retrograde. Then while in the three week period and things are slowed down or seemingly moving in a different direction or even backwards, turn to whatever has been neglected and needs attention, finishing them up so that you can get on with new business when the retrograde ends.

http://www.aquariuspapers.com/astrology/2005/10/mercury_retrogr.html

Mercury Retrograde

Sometimes, stuff just happens. If you're concerned that the cosmos had it in for you recently, check the table below to see if Mercury might have been retrograde.

Retrograde Mercury is the most commonly known astrological signature for Murphy's Law ("If something can go wrong, it will"), and is one of the first features intermediate astrology students learn about. Say it to a seasoned astrologer and you'll likely get an amused smile and some delightful stories about how things can get quite unexpectedly unhinged.

Computers crash, software develops unexpected glitches, traffic jams ensue, telephone service snarls up, letters get lost on the mail, machinery breaks down, new projects fail. Ah, yes, the trickster Mercury is up to his old pranks again. In fact, at least three times a year for about three weeks each time Mercury has his way with us.

First let's look at what Mercury retrograde is, and then look at what can be done about it.

Those of a keen astronomical bent actually watch the planets each night as they travel through the zodiac. Mercury, which is only visible just before sunrise or just after sunset travels in a forward direction most of the time.

But three or four times a year, if you care to watch carefully, it appears to turn around and go backwards for about three weeks! Now Mercury really isn't going backwards. It's just an optical illusion based on the relative speeds and orbits of the Earth and Mercury around the Sun.

Here's an easy example. Think of riding in a fast car on an expressway which is passing a slower-moving car. The slower moving car appears to be moving backward, but it isn't really. It's just the relative speed and direction of the two cars gives that illusion. Retrograde Mercury is similar to that.

The apparent backward motion of Mercury is called retrograde, and it has been known and studied in western astrology for thousands of years.

In general the effect of Mercury retrograde is annoyance. Little things get snarled up and a low-grade frustration emerges. Anything involving communications, verbal activity, technology, short trips and journeys, primary education, and siblings can be affected.

While Mercury retrograde usually is in the minor irritant category, every now and then a colossal screw-up can take place.

For instance, the stock market crash of October, 2008, took place while Mercury was retrograde, although in all fairness a large number of other much stronger astrological indicators were also present pointing to a major financial failure. Retrograde Mercury was more like the astrological straw which broke the camel's back.

However, consider the Bush-Gore 2000 American presidential election in Florida. Now there's a classic colossal screw-up, and we can point our finger directly at Mercury retrograde.

For reasons best known to the Americans, they chose to have their 2000 presidential election on the exact day when Mercury retrograde energy peaked, called stationary direct. Oh, my goodness. In the end, after weeks of wrangling and legal battles, George W. Bush was declared the winner. History now records what a mess he made of virtually everything he did for the next eight years, a classic Mercury retrograde presidency.

(FWIW, astrologers, too, learned much from that Florida election. For instance, prior to the Florida election I had always thought a dimpled Chad was a good-looking man.)

One might think that after eight years of George W. Bush, the Americans might show a bit of respect for what Mercury retrograde can do to an election. But, no, apparently the Americans didn't get that message in their 2000 presidential election. Now please recall that the law of karma says if you don't get the message the first time, the lesson keeps coming back until you do get it. So, the Americans are going to get their noses rubbed in the Mercury retrograde lesson again.

The next American presidential election is scheduled to be held on Nov. 6, 2012, the exact day when Mercury is stationary retrograde. Here we go, people, instant replay.

Note two differences between the 2012 and the 2000 elections. The first is that in the 2000 election the Mercury retrograde was at the station which ended the retrograde, and in the 2012 election the Mercury retrograde will be at the station which begins the retrograde. Having made that distinction (which astrologers will relish thoroughly), for the rest of us just understand that both stations can snarl things up enormously. The beginning and ending stations are when the retrograde is the strongest.

The other difference is that in 2000 there was no incumbent running for re-election. It was anyone's race. In 2012 we can count on President Obama running for re-election. He's a Leo and Leos love the imperial limelight. But at this early date we can only speculate about who he might be running against. But we do know this. Whoever his opponent might be, that person will help significantly to define the electoral snarl up.

So, how does one say this politely? Oh boy. Anyone for another US presidential election that ends up looking like dog's breakfast? You read it here first.

Anyway, getting back to your life, with only a small amount foresight here are the precautions you can take to prevent colossal screw-ups in your life during the next Mercury retrograde:


If at all possible, avoid signing legal documents.
If at all possible, finish projects which involve communication before the retrograde.
If at all possible, avoid closing big deals during the retrograde
If at all possible, avoid launching new projects during the retrograde
If at all possible, avoid scheduling meetings to make a big decision
Allow extra time when travelling
Backup your hard drive before the retrograde
If at all possible, avoid installing new computer software during the retrograde
Do needed repairs on machinery before the retrograde
Do not hold an election during the retrograde.

This is not to say Mercury retrograde is always a bad thing. Far from it. It is actually an ideal time to do some other things, like:


Do the follow-ups on a project already started
Wrapup or complete a project already started
Research a new project thoroughly
Catch up on paperwork
Hold an information-sharing meeting
Enjoy someone's wacky sense of humour

Upcoming Mercury retrogrades

Begins:     (stationary retrograde)	Ends:     (stationary direct)
Sunday, April 18, 2010 4:01 a.m. GMT	Tuesday, May 11, 2010 10:23 p.m. GMT
Friday, August 20, 2010 7:53 p.m. GMT	Sunday, September 12, 2010 11:04 p.m. GMT
Saturday, December 10, 2010 11:58 a.m. GMT	Thursday, December 30, 2010 7:16 a.m. GMT
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 8:49 p.m. GMT	Saturday, April 23, 2011 10:05 a.m. GMT
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 3:51 a.m. GMT	Friday, August 26, 2011 10:04 p.m. GMT
Thursday, November 24, 2011 7:20 a.m. GMT	Wednesday, December 14, 2011 1:44 a.m. GMT
Monday, March 12, 2012 7:50 a.m. GMT	Wednesday, April 4, 2012 10:12 a.m. GMT
Sunday, July 15, 2012 2:17 a.m. GMT	Wednesday, August 8, 2012 5:41 a.m. GMT
Tuesday, November 6, 2012 11:05 p.m. GMT	Monday, November 26, 2012 10:49 p.m. GMT
Saturday, February 23, 2013 9:42 a.m. GMT	Sunday, March 17, 2013 8:04 p.m. GMT
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http://www.thegreenduck.com/ka/mercrx.shtml

What is Mercury Retrograde?
All of the planets move in the same direction around the Sun, each with a different rate of speed.  Mercury's orbit is 88 days long; therefore approximately 4 orbits of Mercury around the Sun equals 1 Earth year. —

Periodically, Mercury appears to slow down, then stop, (stationary retrograde) and then move slowly backwards for several weeks (retrograde).  Eventually, it appears to stop again and reverse direction (stationary direct) moving slowly forward once again (direct). Eventually Mercury appears to return to its normal orbital speed.

This occurs because Mercury travels faster than the Earth, and it periodically catches up with Earth, passing us by. When Mercury "goes retrograde" it does not actually slow down, stop and move backwards. It only appears to do so. This phenomenon occurs near Mercury's inferior conjunction to the Sun—as Mercury passes closest to the Earth, between the Earth and the Sun. This phenomenon has to do with the relative speed of the Earth and Mercury as well as their relationship to each other at a particular point in their orbits. There are threeMercury Retrograde periods each year, each lasting approximately 3 weeks.

What does Mercury Retrograde mean? 
In mythology, Mercury is the messenger of the gods.  Astrologically, the planet Mercury is said to be associated with or to rule all activities that relate to communications, travel, learning such as:

• signing agreements
• classes and schools
• sending correspondence
• communications equipment such as computers, radios, and phones
• traveling and travel equipment such as cars, bicycles, trains, and planes

Classically, Mercury retrograde periods are not considered idealfor engaging in Mercury related activities such as:

• placing ads
• making important decisions
• travel
• purchasing communications equipment
• signing contracts
• initiating business deals
• sending important correspondence or any type of message
• starting school or any important project
• beginning any new enterprise (as plans may be reversed later)

A Mercury retrograde period is thought to be excellent for:

• reviewing and revising plans
• catching up on old business
• cleaning out the metaphorical closet
• deeply considering issues

 

However...
like everything else in life, these rules are not steadfast and your experiences may differ from these generalities. Never let the planets rule your life! If you simply must sign a contract or begin a new job when Mercury is retrograde, go for it!

While some of us are very sensitive to Mercury cycles and find that certain activities become difficult during retrograde periods, while others experience no such problems. How you experience Mercury has a lot to do with planetary placements at your birth, as well as with current planetary positions. The best way to understand how Mercury retrograde periods impact you is to track your own experience. Check the dates that Mercury is retrograde to track how sensitive you are to this cycle.

My baby might be born during Mercury retrograde and I'm nervous with how this will affect him/her in life? 
Do not worry about your little baby if s/he's born with a retrograde Mercury. Many very intelligent people have that in their charts. It's the mark of a deep thinker and, depending on the sign and placement of Mercury in relation to the natal chart as a whole, it can indicate an individualistic thinker—someone who absorbs information from external sources, and processes it coming up with their own conclusion. The Mercury retrograde native does not approach things in a superficial way, and often has an uncanny ability to see beneath the surface of issues.

Again, depending on the sign and placement, it may indicate a person who is hesitant to share opinions unless they feel confident that others want to know their thoughts. So if your baby has Mercury retrograde, be sure to encourage him/her to let you know what s/he thinks—and to give him/her time to consider options. So you might say to a young child with this placement, "Do you want milk or orange juice for breakfast? Think about it while I butter your toast and let me know."

http://www.beyondsunsigns.com/mercretfaq.html