The Essence of Success

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 ideal
for 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

When Mercury is retrograde, everyone’s thinking is more introspective; we tend to think about issues and concerns that relate to the sign involved. With Mercury retrograde in Capricorn, people with this sign prominent in their charts will be especially prone to such introspection. Capricorn is a Cardinal Sign, so the other Cardinal Signs, Aries, Cancer and Libra will also receive a touch of the lash!

Mercury turns retro at 21°46′ Capricorn, conjunct the fortunate – and mercurial – Fixed Star Sulaphat, in the constellation Lyra, the Lyre. According to legend, “Mercury (in the form of the god, Hermes) found the body of a tortoise cast up by the Nile, and discovered that by striking the sinews after the flesh was consumed a musical note was obtained. He made a lyre of similar shape, having three strings, and gave it to Orpheus, the son of Calliope, who by its music enchanted the beasts, birds and rocks.” It is said to give an harmonious, poetical and developed nature, fond of music and apt in science and art, but inclined to theft. Robson says it is associated with the Hebrew letter Daleth and the 4th Tarot Trump, The Emperor. The Emperor is a token of material wealth and power, bold and aggressive, signalling that bravery will win the day. Given the fact that Mars has just turned retrograde in Leo, the sign of the King, tyrannical rulers might do well to consider the alternative of abdicating…

Mercury retro in Capricorn, a Saturn-ruled sign, becomes critical, penetrating and somewhat suspicious, although, due to the saturnine nature of the sign, thoughtful and diplomatic. No doubt spying and information-gathering will come to the fore, as this placement gives the ability to foster out secrets. Those involved in science, particularly chemistry, need to restrain malicious tendencies. This phase awakens the inclination to be miserly, cruel, malicious and spiteful. Learning to relax and developing a sense of humor will be important for our emotional and physical health! The pragmatic, material world takes precedence, so hold on to your assets and always have something “saved for a rainy day”. This phase can stimulate skin problems and psoriasis due to nervous tension and stress. Too much worry will upset your digestion. Chiropractic care and regular massage should ease the problem.

Mercury turns direct at on the day of the Capricorn New Moon on January 15th, which is itself conjunct the planet Venus, a benefic planet. This should be quite a good day all round, with some surprising benefits, especially for those who wish to make a new start. Merc stations on the fortunate Fixed Star, Kaus Borealis, which has the reputation of promoting of idealism and humanity, being endowed with bright ideas, enterprise and a sense of justice.

All areas of communication are affected by this phase, especially in matters related to teaching, healing, professional advice, workplace relationships (especially those with employees and subordinates), the military, and communications connected with such matters. Small animals may be important amidst the confusion. This period brings travel snafus, mail mishaps and missed appointments of all kinds. Documents can go astray. Be sure to carry a diary and refer to it often.

Mercury Retrogrades for 2010

In 2010, Mercury retrogrades four times, as the Mercury retrograde that begins on December 26, 2009 will be occurring when we transition into 2010. Mercury turns direct on January 15th in Capricorn. We will be reviewing the Capricorn issues of contracts, pacts, treaties and agreements regarding the Capricorn industries and all of the processes in place within these environments. All of the Mercury retrogrades in 2010 are in earth signs, which means that we will be changing and adjusting our thinking and thought process regarding the earthy environments, such as Capricorn – business, Taurus – finances, Virgo – health. Because 2010 is universally a THREE year (in numerology), this Mercury retrograde process becomes important in the major adjustments as we move into our creativity, self expression and providing innovative resoursefulness. Mercury retrograde provides the opportunity to adjust our thoughts, attitudes and communications about our direction. The adjustments that are slated to occur in 2010 are in earth signs, Capricorn (in January), Taurus (in May), and Virgo (in Sept). These same signs, same degrees were the Mercury retrogrades experienced in 1931, as the cycle of Mercury retrograde repeats with an incredible exactness, along with Mars, which activates the thoughts, ideas and communication process of the needed course corrections for humanity at these given times.

Because the planet of Mars has the same repeating cycle as the Mercury retrogrades, we have Mercury and Mars retrogrades that set the pace for the year of 2010. Mercury retrogrades in Capricorn and Mars retrogrades in Leo. This combination was also setting the pace of 1931, which brings the same energies to repeat history or to move history into a time of growth and wisdom. These earth signs of the zodiac relates to our material world and the attitude we carry with us regarding Capricorn business, Taurus finances, and Virgo audits and health. With all earth signs, ruling thoughts, attitudes and communication, we are focused on being accountable, financially successful and providing solid business plans and goals. This energy will gain from the flow of activity from Mars moving through several signs, but with Leo setting the pace that requires visionary leadership be a pre-requisite for the year. Those who were not able to provide this visionary leadership in the ELEVEN year of 2009 will be replaced with those who are the visionary leaders for our new beginnings.

The Mercury retrogrades that are occurring this year provide the opportunities for us to bring forward new and different ideas and talk with others that are also interested in pursuing these new directions. With 2010 being a THREE year in numerology, we can bet that the mercury retrograde in earth signs will have a huge impact on the FORM that comes from different ideas, different communication and a whole new innovative movement turning our world into a new and different direction. Inventions, innovative designs and major idea changes will come about to make major adjustments during this time. The changes, revisions and adjustments that occur during these Mercury retrograde time frames will have a major impact on the material world with technology and business environments presenting new strong, bold and innovative ideas.

Because Mercury itself rules how we think, we will be adjusting everything related to thoughts, concepts, ideas, and communication, especially how technology and material elements play a part in the physical manifestation of ideas. When Mercury retrogrades, we find that many parts of our life are being revised. Often these revisions can be a surprise or throw us back a step. However, these revisions which occur during a Mercury retrograde, are a “course correction” and provide a stop gap measure until we can review situations. During this time of revision, change is compounded and confusion is created by our reactions to the ever-changing situations. Thus anything started during this time will ultimately be taken back or even revised further, making for a high-frustration time. This will be especially true with changing our minds, reviewing new ideas and our communication being improved and honed so not to be mis-understood.

The best mode to be in during a Mercury retrograde is one of “non-reaction”, and with earth signs being impacted, physical environment will be changing continually during a Mercury retrograde. Treat the time period as a time of gathering information, yet because the information will be in constant change it would be like trying to comb your hair in a wind storm. Best to wait until the changes stop before attempting to make things orderly. Therefore, just let the winds of situations blow around you without reacting. Once Mercury turns direct, take a look at the information that is still around at that time and go about putting everything in order, while maintaining the fine art of flexibility.

Mercury begins the year already retrograde from December 26, 2009 at 21 Capricorn
Mercury turns direct January 15, 2010 at 5 Capricorn

Mercury turns retrograde April 18 at 12 Taurus
Mercury turns direct May 11 at 2 Taurus

Mercury turns retrograde August 20 at 19 Virgo
Mercury turns direct September 12 at 5 Virgo

Mercury turns retrograde December 10 at 5 Capricorn
Mercury turns direct December 30 at 19 Sagittarius