Mercury Retrograde
Even for the neophyte to Astrology, Mercury Retrograde has some familiarity, albeit, often in an inaccurate and convoluted manner. The term retrograde has to do with the perceived direction which a planet is travelling from our perspective here on earth. Retrograde is the period where a planet appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac, opposite of its usual motion.
Venus and Mercury are the only two planets that orbit between the Earth and Sun. When they are between us and the Sun, this is the period in which they appear to be retrograde. Typically, a planet is noted to be retrograde in a natal chart by the placement of an
Rx
next to the planetary symbol and with the degrees and minutes shown in a
red
font.
Planets that are retrograde in a natal chart are said to have their energy turned inward. The manifestation of this energy in the native’s life can seem delayed, impeded, or hindered in some manner. They take on a more internally driven nature, and tend to be more introspective.
The current Mercury Retrograde will station at 23 degrees and 59 minutes of Cancer on
July 30
th
at 11:57:41 pm
here in Cleveland. It will resume its direct motion on
August 1
st
at 11:57:41 pm
. It will then journey through the remaining degrees of Cancer, ultimately entering Leo on August 11
th
.
When Mercury is in Cancer, thoughts, ideas and our communications take on a nurturing and self-protective posture. One may find their conversations becoming more emotionally based and sensitive in nature. As Mercury leaves Cancer and enters Leo, this can represent a shift in the mind to thoughts of creativeness, enjoyment, and playfulness. Communicating in a dramatic or colorful manner also can occur.
Mercury turns retrograde three times per year for approximately three weeks.
