Mercury Retrograde/ New Moon in Taurus

New Moon in Taurus: Sunday at 9:13pm
Moon into Gemini at 2:27am today (Monday)
Mercury Retrograde at 6:49pm tonight
Sun into Gemini at 1:45am Thursday

What a beautiful weekend with the Sun and Moon in Taurus. The Moon is exalted (strengthened) in Taurus and is conjunct the asteroid Eros (love affairs) making it extra juicy. Hope you were able to get out and enjoy nature. I filled my house with beautiful tea roses in different shades of pink to celebrate the Venusian vibe :) Mercury was stationing all weekend too which can clear the air between people. Something can be started right now that has huge growth potential!

As of this evening we now have Mercury Retrograde in Gemini until June 11th when it turns Direct. Time to reorganize, retry, rethink and redo our plans. Rely on intuition during this time, and thoughtful communication. Don't freak out too much over this - just try not to sign any important contracts or make big purchases.

The dark star "Algol" is also in the mix this week. Check out this info about Algol from the C.I.A. (Cosmic Intelligence Agency):

"Algol/ Medusa depicts everything that Man fears in life – the fury of the suppressed feminine soul; the rage and violence of nature; the fine line between madness and wisdom and life and death; the depth and power of a woman’s sexuality. As Demetra George writes in the ‘Mysteries of the Dark Moon’, “… the extent that we have culturally repressed and feared the powers of this Dark Goddess and have accepted the patriarchal view of her as a monster to be destroyed, we have cut ourselves off from our ability to access our sexual power to create, regenerate, and know the truth from within ourselves. In fact we have been taught to shirk from and reject the kind of menstrual, ecstatic, and non-reproductive sexuality that activates these powers. {Algol/} Medusa carries the patriarchy’s projection of women’s dark sexuality as evil”.
From Agent EI's, Andrew Smith article on the coming New Moon in Taurus conjunct fixed star Algol.

Aries:  The Ram 
The Mercury Retrograde shines in your House of Communication. You'll hear some marvelous information about yourself. Be honest, clear and truthful in negotiations with people. This month is about speaking your truth.

Taurus:   The Bull
The Mercury Retrograde is illuminating your House of Money. Insights about yourself come from things you value. The spotlight is on money and resources so make some time for these in whatever form they take.

Gemini:  The Twins 
You are the Moon's special child this month! Go bask in the unearthly light shining in your corner of the sky. Insights will come regarding your appearance and identity. Use the Mercury retrograde to take stock of your life.

Cancer:  The Crab 
The Mercury Retrograde shines in your House of Self Undoing. What are some of your negative habits that no longer serve you? What do you need to let go of? This is a hugely positive placement because you can review your Blind Spot, giving you a unique chance to see things you don't always see.

Leo:  The Lion 
The Mercury Retrograde is in your House of Friendships. Personal insights come through your companions. Or Facebook. Stay away from gossip and social intrigue.

Virgo:  The Virgin 
The Mercury Retrograde is in your House of Career. Expect plans or insights to be slightly postponed in your profession. Trust it because it's for the best, you just can't see it now. Now's the time to back up and research a little more to make sure your ducks are in a row.

Libra:  The Scales 
The Mercury Retrograde is lighting up your House of Perspective. Some deep insights regarding your inner self are showing up. It's a great time to research some personal goals. Travel, philosophy and education are highlighted.

Scorpio:  The Scorpion 
Do you owe anyone money? The Gemini influence impacts your House of Other People's Money. New information comes bringing positive movement with debts, loans or real estate.

Sagittarius:  The Archer 
The Mercury Retrograde travels through your House of Partnerships. Deep insights comes to the inner workings of your important relationships. Set some goals for what you can and can't expect from people, and then practice acceptance.

Capricorn:  The Sea Goat 
The Mercury Retrograde falls into your House of Work and Health, offering some insight into how you meet expenses every month. Get your books in order and revamp your daily habits - especially around diet and exercise. Get enough sleep too. Back to the basics!

Aquarius:  The Water Bearer 
The Mercury Retrograde flies into your House of Romance. New romances might have trouble getting off the ground. Lots of talking will be necessary before new couples can trust each other. Better to direct your energy towards creativity and self expression.

Pisces:  The Fish 
The Mercury Retrograde in Gemini shines in your Home and places where you spend most of your time. Some insight could come about a new neighborhood you want to move to. The Fourth House also symbolizes the foundation of your being, so some deep personal revelations could appear this week.

Love Horoscopes ~ February 2014

 Happy Valentine's Day. While I'm not an avid follower of Hallmark holidays, I do like a celebration of Love at any time. I see Valentine's Day as a harbinger of Spring, and of the heart, so in these respects it makes me happy.

Venus is currently in Capricorn, just recovering from her retrograde (backwards motion) throughout the month of January. The sign of Capricorn means Work, and many relationships came up for reassessment. Without the willingness to work they fell apart if not grounded on a firm foundation.

If you are single right now just rest assured, Love is coming for you :)

We are also in the middle of a Mercury retrograde which means to avoid signing contracts and buying electronic gear. It's a time when the Truth comes out between people. Mercury just entered Aquarius yesterday, giving us quicksilver intuition and inventiveness. Let your eccentric, creative ideas out to play.
 
 There are some challenging aspects in the sky this Valentine's Day. It's a Full Moon in Leo which amplifies a big square between the Sun/Mercury in Aquarius and Saturn in Scorpio. It can be a time of rebuilding structure and big creativity but can also cause tensions below the surface to erupt. Keep a low profile and focus on your growth, and take space if you need to. 

For the horoscopes below, read your Sun sign and your Rising sign. If you don't know your rising sign you can find it here by typing in your birth information.

Aries

You have new forward momentum in your life thanks to Venus's Direct motion in your House of Career. Any projects that were stalled or delayed in January are gaining speed and showering you with money and validation. Regarding Love, try to listen to your partner and let him or her lead the way. Your ruler, Mars, is in Libra for the next few months. This aspect is about being fair and balanced so give your partner equal time. The Saturn square on Valentine's Day is a huge reality check for relationships. Focus on listening and everything should go smoothly.


Taurus

Now that your ruler, Venus, is moving forward you are feeling more centered. Venus was moving backwards throughout January, asking you to retool your Life Perspective. She's back to forward motion - in Capricorn - which is harmonious for you Earth sign folks. Capricorn is the sign of ambition and work, so in the love arena this could mean taking a clear view of your partner (or someone you'd like to meet) and creating a plan on how you'd like things to develop. There's a Saturn square in Scorpio on Valentine's Day which can shine a harsh light on any conflicts bubbling under the surface. Patience is the best approach - it will be smooth sailing by Sunday.


Gemini

With Venus and Pluto doing a dirty dance in your House of Sex, Death and Taxes - you are bound to have the most exciting February of all. Certainly a steamy Valentine's Day. Try to avoid extreme thinking regarding relationships i.e. "you are my soul mate" or "we're done forever". Look for the middle ground and avoid dramas. With the Saturn in Scorpio square on Valentine's Day things could heat up and get REAL at the same time. It's OK to talk things out just don't make any big decisions about money or love until March. Your ruler, Mercury, is retrograde this month and playing tricks in your House of Perspective.


Cancer

With Jupiter in your sign, watch out for overeating, laziness and having money thrown at you. We'd all like to have your problems. This will be continuing until July 2014 so make the most of this influence! It only comes once every 12 years so if there's something you really want to do, NOW is the time. With Venus (Love) going backwards in your House of Partnerships in January, you improved the foundations of your important relationships. Now for more insight on Valentine's Day. Stay home and do art projects with your sweetie. There's a challenging aspect overhead that brings a harsh light to the reality factor of relationships, and creativity is your best outlet.


Leo

Well OK. Good news is it's a Full Moon in Leo today! That's good luck for you - a great time for you to shine. The challenging side is the square with Saturn in Scorpio going on today too. Saturn wants you to set realistic goals for your shining ideas. This square is a huge reality check for you, but Saturn usually makes things better if you take the long view. A good cure is to get out in the sunshine and focus on structure. What changes can you implement to make life better?


Virgo

The Valentine's Day Full Moon is lighting up your issues around job and health. Go for a massage with your sweetie and just chill. Your ruler, Mercury, is currently doing a backwards dance around the Sun in your House of Work and Habits. February is not the right time to start health programs - wait until March and then go for it! Work could be a little frustrating right now with plans delayed, computers misbehaving and outcomes uncertain, but this is only for the next couple of weeks. Focus on what you have control over and wait for March.


Libra

The Valentine's Day Full Moon is transversing your House of Romance! Beam all that Libra love out into the world. Avoid discussing finances though. The other good news your huge amount of drive and enthusiasm for the next few months! Mars, planet of Action, in your sign which doesn't happen often so make the most of it! Also, your ruler Venus is moving forward in your House of Environment. Improvements to your home and positive negotiations with roomies are possible now.


Scorpio

Communications should flow smoothly today, but with Mercury retrograding in your home environment, try to get out and explore. Saturn in your sign is activating squares with the Sun and Moon today which can feel tense. I think this is a great aspect because it shows you where you need to focus your energies for the strongest result. You've been rebuilding your life in a new way over the last year or so, and the Full Moon today can show your where some subtle changes will make a big difference.


Sagittarius


Venus is finally moving forward in your Money House! Plans are moving in the right direction again and you're receiving well deserved acknowledgement. Keep things light with love interests today since Mercury is running backwards through your House of Communication. Let someone else do the talking. The Saturn in Scorpio square is activating your mind today, giving you boundaries in your inner dialogue. Practice affirmations and positive thinking, even if it feels hokey.


Capricorn


January was a transformative month for you, and now you're experiencing the lovely aftereffects. Venus (Planet of Love and Money) has just finished her retrograde cycle through Capricorn and is now moving forward, bestowing strong love mojo and popularity enhancement. Appreciation at work is the best Valentine's Day present for a Capricorn. The Saturn square today might rattle your social circle today but just let it slide off you.


Aquarius

The Full Moon shines over to your sign from Leo (House of Partnerships), putting you in the middle of some huge personal growth. Relationships reach a culmination of sorts - either strengthening with a new structure or imploding if the foundation isn't solid. Just stay in the present moment and write down any insights you receive. Today is a juicy day for transformation and reflection. With Mercury running backwards through you sign, it's not the time to finalize or sign anything. Wait until March.


Pisces


The Valentine's Day Full Moon is lighting up issues around job and health. Go for a massage with your sweetie and just chill. Meanwhile Mercury is currently doing a backwards dance around the Sun in your House of Self Undoing. This placement can be really positive, allowing you to reassess your thinking and how you see yourself. In March when Mercury goes forward you'll be in a more centered place. Just focus on what you have control over, and that lovely Jupiter in Cancer creativity that's activated until July.

New Moon in Aquarius

Aquarius.
"It is the Dawning of...."

The Moon just entered Aquarius at 7:33pm Pacific this evening, becoming exactly New at 1:39pm tomorrow afternoon. There is a lot of electricity in the air.

Venus is stationing above our heads, preparing to go Direct in Capricorn on Friday at 12:49pm Pacific. Venus has been Retrograde (moving backwards) for the whole month of January - creating the desire to reevaluate all our relationships. Creativity has been on hold for weeks. I'm so glad to see the energy moving in forward again!!

Mercury is moving into Pisces on Friday at 6:29am, bringing strong intuition but fuzziness in communication. Mercury is also preparing to Retrograde next Thursday, February 6 at 1:43pm. Mercury will be Retrograde (going backwards) for all of February.

AND!!! This Friday begins the Year of the Wood Horse. This will be a very fast paced and exciting year. Very good for people born in the years of the Dog and Tiger - but challenging for those born in the Year of the Rat. Just keep a low profile and you'll be OK.

More to come soon!

Elizabeth Rose

Mercury Retrograde today at 9:08am PDT

Yes, Mercury went retrograde this morning! But everything will be fine. 
This is a time of reexamination of old issues coming up for resolution. It's a time to speak the unvarnished truth and clear the air. Try not to sign any contracts, begin new commitments or rush around anywhere. It's a great time for solitude and meditation.

Mercury Retrograde from June 26th, 2013 to July 20th, 2013

Midsummer Horoscopes ~ LEO

So here we are.

At 11:30 am PST, Saturday July 30th, the Moon and Sun converged into a New Moon in the fire sign of Leo ~ giving us a new cycle of growth over the next 30 days. Leo is a sign concerned with POWER. It's a fixed sign, which means it can stubbornly refuse to budge from it's position. Also, Leo seeks the limelight - it's the sign most associated with theater. I saw it playing out in Washington all last week.
 
It's interesting that this debt ceiling debate is happening now. Leo is the sign of the wise and gentle ruler who leads with his or her heart. The leader who puts the concerns of the people above all else. But instead our country is being held hostage by power plays and greed.

I was happy to hear about the religious leaders that gathered on Capitol Hill to pray on Friday! They were arrested of course. They gathered to protest cuts to programs that would help the poor:

From the NY Times:  "Religious and civic leaders from around the country were arrested in the U.S. Capitol today in an act of civil disobedience to protest drastic cuts contained in a Republican bill now before the House. The leaders first met with Congresswoman Chellie Pingree before Pingree escorted them to the Capitol Rotunda, where they were arrested while praying.
After the arrest, Pingree spoke on the House floor, saying that the religious and civic leaders who had been arrested were speaking for working class families.
"They were praying for the millions of Americans who don't have high priced lobbyists to protect them," Pingree said.  "They were praying for the families who find it harder and harder to afford basics like groceries and heat and gas for their cars--not the millionaires and big oil companies whose tax breaks are protected in this bill."


Anyhow, enough politics and onto the New Moon! The next two weeks will be a great time to let your light shine and be creative. Some of your plans might be delayed though due to the Mercury Retrograde beginning Tuesday. The Mercury Retrograde lasts from August 2nd through August 26th.

I will look at the Sun's position and where the coming Mercury Retrograde will be traveling in your chart. Your Sun sign is important, but be sure and read the horoscope for your Rising sign too! If you don't know your rising sign (also called the ascendant), you can figure it out on the Free Horoscopes link at astro.com.

Aries:  The Ram 

The New Moon shines in your House of Romance! It's twice as lucky for love since Venus is there too. Opportunities come through socializing. If you're unattached you might find a new love this week. Personal insights come through your romantic relationships OR creative endeavors! The Mercury Retrograde might bring old lovers back into your life, but it's usually to clear the air and get some resolution. 


Taurus:   The Bull

You will receive insight and positive direction regarding your home life over the next few weeks. The Sun and Venus (a fabulous duo) are joining you in the places where you spend most of your time. Look for fortunate circumstances and harmonious social opportunities occurring in your home life and community. The only smudge on your plans is the Mercury Retrograde in the same area. The luck still exists it just might need some negotiation or coaxing.

Gemini:  The Twins 

It's all about communication and learning for you this month. Your self expression will be in full bloom over the next several weeks. People will be receptive to your ideas, but remember to listen to others as well. Mercury (your ruler) is going Retrograde in the same spot, giving your path some twists and turns. Follow truth and reality and you'll be fine. Be honest, clear and truthful in negotiations with people this month. 


Cancer:  The Crab 

We're going to call you Lucky for the next few weeks! The Sun and Venus are traveling through your Money House bringing all kinds of opportunities your way! With Mars in Cancer you'll have the energy to pursue them. You will end this month on a financial high note. Mercury Retrograde is occurring this month in the same area, so keep negotiations very clear - double check the fine print.

Leo:  The Lion 
How are you feeling this weekend? Are you having a personal revolution? The New Moon is shining on YOU like a spotlight! This is your time to shine in the spotlight, so make the most of it. Perhaps some insights are coming up about identity. You're the birthday kid so make some wishes. Whatever you want CAN HAPPEN, so try to set a positive tone for the next year.

Virgo:  The Virgin 
The Sun is traveling through your House of Self Undoing for the next few weeks. This could bring revelations on how you've REALLY outgrown some of your habits. Are you ready to make some deep changes? It's high time to let go of things that no longer serve you, so you can experience a rebirth when your birthday comes around next month. Also, your ruler Mercury is going Retrograde starting August 2nd so give yourself some time for reflection and contemplation. 

Libra:  The Scales 

The New Moon in Leo is lighting up your House of Friendships. This placement brings fortunate opportunities through your social circle and community. Mercury Retrograde is there too, so be clear in your communications ~ misunderstandings are likely. Focus this month on being in reality and speaking your truth to people close to you.  

Scorpio:  The Scorpion 
Did you get some GREAT news on Friday regarding your Career? There's a lot of activity going on in that corner of the sky right now. The New Moon has landed in your Career House, and the Sun and Venus will be traveling through there until the end of August. This is a lucky placement which draws opportunity and good fortune your way. Mercury Retrograde is in the same place though, so double check the fine print.


Sagittarius:  The Archer 
It's time for your Summer vacation! The Sun and Venus are traveling through your House of Travel and Perspective for the next few weeks. This is what Sagittarians do all the time anyway, so it will be a great month. Some deep insights regarding your inner self are showing up. It's a great time to set some personal goals! Travel, philosophy and education are also highlighted. 

Capricorn:  The Sea Goat 
The New Moon in Leo lights up your House of Other People's Money. New information brings positive movement regarding debts, loans or real estate. You also have Mars (Big Energy) traveling through your House of Partnership. If difficulties come up in a relationship, wait until you've both calmed down to work it out. Mars can bring storms of emotion, but also the willingness to work out problems. 


Aquarius:  The Water Bearer 

The month of August is a very romantic month for Aquarians. The New Moon has landed in your House of Partnerships, and the Sun and Venus will travel through there for the next few weeks. It's an auspicious time to meet someone special, or deepen an already established relationship. With the Mercury Retrograde be sure and lock up any business negotiations since August might be unpredictable. 


Pisces:  The Fish  

The New Moon lights up your House of Work and Health, offering some insight into how you meet expenses each month. Good fortune will appear in your financial life. Also, pay attention to your habits. Get enough sleep, good food and exercise. Back to the basics! With Mercury Retrograde here, make sure communications are clear and well thought out in the work place.

Horoscopes for the Full Moon, Virgo and the Mercury retrograde

My new favorite picture! This is the archangel of the Air element - RAPHAEL

(painted by Howard David Johnson).

I've been thinking about the Air element a lot lately...

First there's the heat in San Francisco the past couple of days. It's because the winds have changed direction. They are blowing East to West for the first time in several weeks. It's significant when winds change direction. It means magic is in the air and transformation is imminent.

The Sun just followed Mercury (Lord of the Winds) into the sign of Virgo - the only earth sign in the zodiac that's ruled by Air. This is notable because AIR is about ideas while the EARTH element is Manifestation. They work well together. Virgo helps us take practical steps towards achieving our dreams.

Today (Tuesday) is also a Full Moon in Pisces - the sign of the dreamer, artist, musician, humanitarian and mystic. It's perhaps the most spiritual of the signs and brings us closer to the God of our understanding.

With Lammas behind us and Mabon ahead, we are in the harvest season. Mercury is our guide, asking us to slow down and pay attention to what we are harvesting.

The horoscopes below reflect the Full Moon and the recent Mercury retrograde. 

Aries:  The Ram
Tonight's Full Moon lands squarely in your 12th House of Your Blind Spot. It's also the arena of Dreams and Spirituality. Try to remember your dreams this week - they will send you insightful messages from your unconscious. Mercury’s retrograde lands in your House of Work and Health, so prepare for some short circuits around the workplace. Stay focused on your goals and it will all sort itself out. One of your greatest gifts is your originality, and now is the time to let your light shine.

Taurus:   The Bull
The Full Moon in Pisces today shines a light on your 11th House of Friendships! Get out and be sociable this week. Hang out with your tribe. On the other side of your chart Mercury’s retrograde has landed in your 5th House of Relationships. Keep open communications with your partner. You might notice some of the past returning too...

Gemini:  The Twins
The Full Moon today brings light and focus to Career issues. Put aside analysis and pay attention to the wise voice inside you that "knows" the answer. Listen to your heart, this is the key to any events occurring this week. Meanwhile the Mercury Retrograde (until mid-Sept.) will be running through your home life. Listen carefully to other points of view and convey your own thoughts honestly - you want to aim for balance in your dealings with people.

Cancer:  The Crab
The Full Moon in Pisces today may send you off on a journey, or have you wistfully daydreaming about where you'd like to go. Today is also a great day to ruminate on your life perspective, and update where necessary. The big thing to watch out for though is the Mercury retrograde in Virgo in the Communications sector of your chart! Try to be as clear as possible in your communication because misunderstandings are possible. Get everything in writing!

Leo:  The Lion
Today is the day to put some attention on your business partnerships. How do you envision them moving forward? Who would you like to be working with and under what conditions? Meanwhile your Financial House will be going through some reorganization the next few weeks. Get all your paperwork in order so the retrograde won't hand you any unexpected surprises.

Virgo: The Virgin
The Full Moon in Pisces today puts a laser beam on your relationships. Strive for balance - remember your needs are important too. The Mercury retrograde will have a big affect on you since Mercury is your ruler and he's going backwards through your sign! Over the next few weeks you will go through a rebirth concerning your appearance, how you interact with others and your overall approach to life

Libra:   The Scales
This week the Moon puts the focus on Work and Health issues that need attention. On the other side of your chart Mercury will be moving backwards through your House of Self Undoing until mid-September. You could Undo your Undoing! Cool. With Saturn in residence in your sign, everything is geared towards you facing reality and maturing nowadays... focus on the footwork, the universe will guide you through the rest.

Scorpio:   The Scorpion
Ooooh La La! Watch for sudden events regarding Love and Romance this week! Just try not to lose your discernment while you're having all that fun. Mercury’s retrograde in Virgo has you clarifying your relationships with friends and coworkers over the next few weeks. I encourage you to strive for fairness, justice and balance.

Sagittarius:  The Archer
This Full Moon is illuminating situations regarding your Home. Try to be diplomatic regarding the issues you're dealing with - you will make better progress. For the next few weeks Mercury’s retrograde has you reworking your career path. Try to hold off making critical decisions or signing anything until September 15th.

Capricorn:  The Sea Goat
The Full Moon in Pisces highlights your communications with others for the next few days. You will do well to first get clarity on what you want - then you can speak your truth most accurately. Mercury’s retrograde has you rethinking your perspectives about your life, both in the present and where you're headed.

Aquarius:  The Water Bearer
Tonight the Full Moon is lighting up your financial sector. It's a good week to get your records in order especially since Mercury is dancing backwards through your House of Banks, Credit and Shared Resources. You will experience a strong financial rebirth in the middle of September from the reassessment and negotiations you do today.

Pisces:  The Fish
The Full Moon is shining down on you tonight, bringing good feelings, luck, and oneness with the universe. Pay close attention to your dreams this week. They will bring information from the aethers that will illuminate your path. Meanwhile Mercury's retrograde in Virgo gives you the chance to reassess and rework your important relationships.

Mercury Retrograde in Libra & Virgo

Long time no see! You know why? Cause my computer DIED the day before Mercury went retrograde! (see article below)

Arrrrgh!

But I'm back now with a new found appreciation of electronics:)

Here's a great article I found about Mercury Retrograde that I want to share with you. I'm waiting to find out who wrote this so I can give them proper credit, but in the meantime I think you'll find it very informative!

Mercury, the Divine Messenger

Mercury Retrograde in Libra & Virgo [Sep. 7 – Sep. 29, 2009]
At 04:46 UT (Universal Time), on Monday, September 7th, 2009, Mercury the cosmic trickster turns retrograde at 6°13' Libra, in the sign of the Scales, 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 Sep. 29, 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 October 18, 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 2009).
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. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way due to this cosmic shadow-play. Click here for 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 Libra (relationships; tastes; harmony) while the Sun is in Virgo (analysis; critical ability), but retrogrades into Virgo at the Virgo New Moon on Sep. 18 (while the Sun of course is still in Virgo). The Sun moves into Libra at the Equinox on Sep. 22 while Merc is still in Virgo, but Mercury soon heads back to join the Sun in Libra on Oct. 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, Mercury retrograde in Libra (relationships; tastes; harmony) awakens quite different sets of circumstances from those generated when he retrogrades 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.

Many astrologers consider that the "Mercury Shadow" begins between two and three weeks before the actual retro station, so the "shadow phase" begins on August 18, when Mercury passes the point of direct station for the first time in this cycle. 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 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 here is one of focus. 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. 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.