When Mercury is Retrograde
Your Natal Chart and in Transit
Reconsidering before speaking
Lots of inner conversation and thoughts
Expressing self better in writing
Feeling misunderstood
| Date | Time | Direct/Retrograde |
|---|---|---|
| September 7, 2009 | 4:45 AM | Mercury Rx |
| September 29, 2009 | 1:13 PM | Mercury Direct |
| December 26, 2009 | 2:38 PM | Mercury Rx |
| January 15, 2010 | 4:52 PM | Mercury Direct |
| April 18, 2010 | 4:06 AM | Mercury Rx |
| May 11, 2010 | 10:27 PM | Mercury Direct |
| August 20, 2010 | 7:58 PM | Mercury Rx |
| September 12, 2010 | 11:09 PM | Mercury Direct |
| December 10, 2010 | 12:05 PM | Mercury Rx |
| December 30, 2010 | 7:21 AM | Mercury Direct |
Mercury involves mental processes and communication of all kinds. Exploring ideas, seeking knowledge, writing, public speaking, making contacts, even short trips and commerce fall into Mercury's domain.
Mercury is retrograde at least three times each year, and is our most frequently retrograde planet. During this usually three week timeframe, misunderstandings increase, mail and email gets lost, messages are delayed or appear elsewhere, misdirection and frustration with miscommunications of all kinds tend to intensify. Odd ideas tend to occur as normal abilities and patterns of writing, learning, and speech become disrupted.
For a few, this retrograde actually has the opposite effect. New ideas, new speaking or writing abilities are often revealed in folks whose natal Mercury is retrograde. Are you normally hesitant or afraid to speak out? Do you find yourself very concerned with how others will take your words or what will happen if you speak your mind? You few, may tend to get a kind of vacation from or improvements in both your usual internal and external dialogue.
In Karmic terms, Mercury retrograde in your natal chart suggests that you may be dealing with old lessons about the negative consequences of uninhibited speech. Motives mean a lot to you. You could find yourself attracting more than your share of criticism or opposition to your ideas, but if you let that stop you from speaking your mind, you are essentially inhibiting yourself from communicating. You can learn to overcome your fears.
Most other people are actually more concerned with how the world sees them than they are about what they think about you. Apply your curiosity, flexibility, and take an active interest in the welfare or interests of people around you. Half of your ability comes from listening! If speaking to groups of people makes you nervous, let your thoughts escape into the outside world by writing. Make small talk wherever possible about any topics of interest, while you boost your self confidence and begin to overcome your hesitance of expounding your personal views in public.
