The intrepid planet, the archetype for communication, thought process, logic, and discernment, regularly retrogrades. This is the natural rhythm of the universe. All the planets go into retrograde annually. The event is not “medieval” or rare.
Mercury in retrograde is popularly known as a time when things can go wrong, break down, or become obfuscated. Astrologers commonly warn against entering contracts, making agreements, getting married, or any other substantial endeavor involving communications, contracts, or commitments. This is true enough.
The usual retort is, “Life goes on. One can’t possibly live around Mercury’s calendar.” This is true enough, as well.
Mercury in Retrograde: 2011 Schedule
The year 2011 is the Chinese Year of the Metal Hare, a gentler, easier year, with fewer hindrances than 2010, Year of the Tiger, heaved upon the world. Last year, Mercury went retrograde four times. This year, in accordance with the Hare, Mercury only goes into retrograde three times. This, first one, appears to be dramatic in tone.
Mercury retrogrades on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 12:47 PM PDT. There the planet will retreat twelve degrees in Aries. It will return direct on April 23, 2011. This first period will occur in Aries, a potent Fire Sign.
The second retrograde period begins on August 2, 2011, when Mercury is in Virgo. The planet retreats into Leo during retrograde, and returns direct on August 26, 2011. The second will involve Virgo and her Earthly qualities, and Leo, the midsummer Fire Sign.
The last period begins on November 24, 2011 when Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius. The planet returns direct on December 13, 2011. The third will take place in a Fire sign again: this time in the more diplomatic, Sagittarius.
Mercury in Aries
The first retrograde period may be difficult for many, as Mercury travels in Aries, and will cross paths, twice, with the sign’s ruler, Mars. This combination is as literal as the image of the two mythological gods might conjure.
Active, dynamic, and combustible are appropriate hues for the character of this period. No fewer than five planets will crowd and intensify the effects of Aries during this period. Mercury’s retrograde is symbolic of turning things upside down to attain new, fresh perspectives. Amplify this experience by 100%, then one may understand the potential of this retrograde period.
Mercury in Retrograde: The Characteristics
Imagine a cutting-edge technology sports car: wired, wireless, and packed with every digital feature to allow the driver maximum information. Mercury is the network in which information is transmitted, received, processed, and then outputted.
Once the planet enters retrograde, appearing to move backwards in the heavens, things go awry. One goes to turn on the Bluetooth (in the imaginary car) and the sunroof opens. Turn on the navigation system and the MP3 player starts playing. And in the worst case, go to use the breaks and the accelerator thrusts the car forward.
Real-world manifestations of typical Mercury in Retrograde periods have been revealed in common cases such as technology breaking down, and many instances of miscommunication between parties. Unconsciously, the mind can tend to lose focus, or confuse one’s perspective on things in life: a metaphorical "forest-from-the-trees" crisis.
Yet, given the ominous reputation, this event is actually a natural cycle. There is a time to take action, and the time to plan. A retrograde period is a perfect time to plan. And not every retrograde will have its effect on everyone, or even bring hindrance to one’s life every time the planet goes backwards.
Some periods may feel harsher than others, and sometimes one may not feel the influence of one for many consecutive retrogrades. The determining factors on how each occurrence will influence an individual life are encoded in one’s natal, or birth chart.
Every person’s birth chart is entirely unique and resonates with the universe in its own individual way. So depending on where one’s planets are by sign and house in their birth chart, and where Mercury is currently in retrograde, then one can get an idea how good or bad the tests of a retrograde period will be.
The fist retrograde (March 30, 2011 to April 23, 2011) may be difficult across the board, thanks to Aries and Mars stirring up trouble.
Sources:
Astrological Chart (Tropical/True Node/Equal House) for Wednesday, March 30, 2011– 12:57 PM PDT
Sue Tompkins, Aspects in Astrology, Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont 1989.
Sean Abreu - My choice in topics may seem discordant. I hope a clear vista will present itself with time, connecting disparate points spread across the ...
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