Rob Tillett has been an astrologer for more than three decades. In previous incarnations a poet, musician, magician, healer, dramatist & composer, he is the editor and publisher of Astrology on the Web and has written many articles on this website.
Rob lives in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, on the east coast of Australia.
At 02:39 UT (Universal Time) Saturday, December 26th, 2009, Mercury the wise communicator and universal trickster turns retrograde at 21°46' Capricorn, in the sign of the Sea-Goat, sending communications, travel, appointments, mail and the www into a general snarlup! The retro period begins some days before the actual turning point (as Mercury slows) and lasts for three weeks or so, until Jan. 15, 2010, when the Winged Messenger reaches his direct station. At this time he halts and begins his return to direct motion through the zodiac.
Everything finally straightens out on February 4, as he passes the point where he first turned retrograde. Mercury normally turns retrograde three times a year, but this year he turns tail four times, which is unusual. The effects of each period differ, according to the sign in which it happens (see box for Retrograde Periods in 2010).
A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. According to modern science, this traditional concept arises in the illusory planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth with relation to other planets in our solar system. It's a bit like travelling on the road watching another car beside you: when the other car slows down, or you speed up, it looks as though the other car is moving backwards. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way due to this cosmic shadow-play. Click here for some neat graphics and more on the science of retrograde planetary motion.
Retrograde periods, although often problematic for us earthlings, are not particularly uncommon. Each planet retrogrades, except the Sun and Moon. Although a powerful astrological influence, Mercury is quite a small planet that travels at a relatively fast speed through the zodiac. Despite being the closest planet in our solar system to the Sun, he is not always in the same sign as the Sun. This time, Mercury turns retrograde in Capricorn (ambition; loyalty) while the Sun is in Capricorn, but the Sun moves into Aquarius (original; unorthodox) on Jan. 20 while Merc, having just turned direct, is still in Capricorn; however, Mercury soon speeds up, heading back to join the Sun in Aquarius on Feb. 10.
Fated Events
As a rule, retrograde planets mark a period of seemingly inevitable or fated events that relate to their sphere of influence. Unresolved issues from the past tend to rear their heads. Retro phases present us with a series of events over which we seem to have little or no conscious control, relating especially to the sign in which the retrogradation occurs. For example, last time, Mercury retrograde in Libra (relationships; tastes; harmony) awakened quite different sets of circumstances from those generated when he retrograded into Virgo (analysis; critical ability).
A retrograde period is best seen as a cycle, beginning when a planet begins to slow to a halt before travelling backwards through the zodiac, and ending when it returns to the point where it first paused. However, during the cycle, a planet's energy is most powerful (and more likely to generate critical events of universal importance) when the planet makes a station: appearing motionless in the sky.
These stationary periods occur near the beginning of the cycle (when the planet first halts as it prepares to move backwards) and midway through the cycle when the retrograde planet slows to a stop before moving forward again. The direct station (when the planet halts before moving forward again) is the most powerful and can be used for maximum benefit.
Mercury Shadow Phases
Many astrologers consider that the "Mercury Shadow" begins between two and three weeks before the actual retro station; so the "shadow phase" begins on December 9, when Mercury passes the point of direct station for the first time in this cycle. This view has some justification, but I am more inclined to think that the really noticeable peculiarities begin when Mercury slows significantly, a few days before the retro station.
This period of "Mercury Shadow" extends to the Return date, something under three weeks after the direct station. Bear this in mind, because experience shows that the effects of the retro period are still marked during the shadow phase. Some of the most characteristic annoyances often occur just after Mercury makes the direct station, while he is crawling forward before picking up speed.
What does Mercury affect?
In general, Mercury rules thinking and perception, processing and disseminating information and all means of communication, commerce, education and transportation. By extension, Mercury rules people who work in these areas, especially those who work with their minds or their wits: writers and orators, commentators and critics, gossips and spin doctors, teachers, travellers, tricksters and thieves.
Mercury retrograde gives rise to personal misunderstandings; 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.
It is not exactly wise to make important decisions while Mercury is retrograde, since it is likely that such decisions will be clouded by misinformation, poor communication and careless thinking. Mercury is all about mental clarity and the power of the mind, so when Mercury is retrograde these intellectual characteristics tend to be less acute than usual, as the critical faculties are dimmed. Make sure you pay attention to the small print!
The Key Issue
The key issue here is one of focus. Mercury's retro phase tends to bring unforeseen changes and blockages, but the aggravation and frustration that many of us experience during these periods is often due to our own inability to roll with the punches. Is this due to our ego-fixation?
Mercury sets out to restructure our thinking processes and for many of us this is painful and frustrating. Unresolved issues from the past tend to push themselves forward. Moreover, these experiences reveal flaws in our internal organisation as well as our external planning, which can make us feel foolish and inadequate.
Mercury retrograde, like any cosmic aspect, affects people differently, depending on where it hits their personal charts. Some people actually prosper under a retro Mercury, especially if Mercury is retrograde but otherwise well-aspected in their birth charts. For example, I have heard of some who excel in the way they play roulette under a retrograde Mercury! It is also a time when matters begun under a previous retro period will come to fruition, or completion as the case may be. Firm decisions that have been previously made when Mercury is travelling normally through the zodiac may be implemented or finalised while Mercury is retrograde without too much worry, for experience shows that this can be done without undue problems arising.
Click your sign to see how Mercury Retrograde affects you!
Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn
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.
The Key Issue
This is the end of the article. Click here to read Mercury Retrograde: Above the Hype and Beyond the Spin.
Mercury Retrograde
