Mercury Retrograde

Does it really effect us?

Many of us have heard someone in conversation complaining about Mercury retrograde.  How relevant is this phenomenon?  My short answer is – it depends. 

The ancients in both Western and Vedic astrology considered Mercury to be a messenger.  They could observe in the skies that Mercury was closest to, and traveled with the Sun. It was thereby a sort of mediator between the Sun and the earth.  There are so many different myths and stories about Mercury, but most cultures associate Mercury with communication of all sorts.  Therefore, in our collective psyche - Mercury rules over learning, the intellect, and all forms of speech, both the written and spoken word.

When Mercury is retrograde, (planets don’t go backwards, it is only from the perspective of earth that it appears/feels so) all of these issues in your life tend to stall.  You are invited to review, reflect and revise your communication in all its forms.  This happens on a regular basis, about 4 times a year.

If that Mercury retrograde is occurring at a point in the sky that happens to be in a particular house, or a sensitive point in your chart – then it could be extremely relevant to your life.

For example, if it is taking place near your natal Mars in the 10th house of career – you would want to have a heads up.  It would explain why you might be having to keep your cool with your boss.  Try not to let misunderstandings take place, as there might be a promotion coming your way.  If Mercury retrograde was happening in your 4th house, there might be a purchase of a home or vehicle on the horizon.  Knowing this, you would want to review that contract very carefully before signing.  You could be missing something hidden in the details.  Mercury retrograde invites us to look more carefully and be more vigilant in our communication.

Further, if Mercury rules your chart – (you are a Gemini ascendant, or your Moon is in Virgo) Then Mercury is always affecting you a bit more than other signs ruled by other planets.

Mercurius, De Sphaera Biblioteca Estense - Wikimedia.org via Wikimedia Commons

This 15th century Italian manuscript called “De Sphaera”  {formerly attributed to Cristoforo de Predis} shows Mercury in a human form ruling over Gemini and Virgo.  This is a beautiful and immensely interesting piece.  It helps us to see how much older societies looked to the heavens and personalized these influences to understand themselves more. 

Yes, today we have in depth scientific knowledge of the planets in our solar system, and beyond.  But, how much more understanding do we have about what is going on within ourselves?  I would share this ancient wisdom as sort of a missing piece to help us along the path to self-knowledge.

I’m posting this as Mercury is just now going direct at 2 degree of Pisces.  Sidereal of course!