Personalize Mercury Retrograde

Mercury

The impulse to write this is a little late (which is funny), since Mercury goes direct again tomorrow, but I thought I would share how to find out where Mercury is transiting retrograde in your chart, because it does happen about four times a year.  The next one will be from May 18th to June 11.

Remember that Mercury Retrograde gets a very bad rap, so use the time in a positive manner by doing all the things that start with "re" ~ relax, refresh, revisit, revise, revision, rehash, rethink.

What sign is it in?

So the first thing to consider is the signs that Mercury is moving through during the retrograde, which sort of effect everyone similarly.  http://www.findyourfate.com/astrology/mercury-retrograde-signs.html

So for the retrograde just ending: 

When Mercury goes into retrograde phase in the sign of Aquarius there would be much focus on independence and freedom than what is needed. Social orders would be put to great test. People would be found to be more adamant in their view point which would cause serious frictions in relationships, both personal and professional. Intellectual conflicts arise. Those in the political scenario need to be careful with their moves. Nerve and muscle related disorders are said to be on the rise during this phase according to medical bulletins analysed over a good period of time.

What element is it in?

We can also consider the element of the sign through which Mercury is retrograding, in this recent instance it would be Air.

The zodiac sign that Mercury is travelling through and the aspects it forms (by transit or in the natal chart) will modify our mental orientation to some extent. For example, when Mercury is in the Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), it will tend to be more intuitive, sensitive and imaginative. When Mercury is going through the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), it is typically more cerebral, intellectual and interactive. When Mercury travels through Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), it is often more logical, down-to-earth and serious. And when Mercury sprints through the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), it is bright, excitable, intuitive and expressive. source

What are retrogrades of Mercury like for your sign and rising?

 You can also look at how Mercury retrograde generally effects you as just your Sun or Rising sign (scroll down): http://www.cafeastrology.com/mercuryretrograde.html  (BTW, they say that Mercury retrograde is particularly intense for Geminis since it is the sign ruler).

My Sun is in Scorpio: All Mercury retrograde cycles particularly affect you in terms of communications with friends or groups, as well as intimate communications and shared financial resources, because Mercury rules these areas of your life. It would be wise to be especially clear when it comes to financial transactions and personal communications with friends, or, better yet, take this time to re-budget or rethink your plans instead of taking premature action.... 

My Rising is in Sagittarius: All Mercury retrograde cycles particularly affect you in terms of communications with bosses or in your career in general, as well as communications with a close partner, because Mercury rules these areas of your life. An argument over joint finances can also get you into hot water. Hold back. Because Virgo and Gemini are on the angles of your chart, you may be especially sensitive to all of the common Mercury Retrograde issues. ...

What house in your natal chart is Mercury turning around in?

But the most important thing to consider is the houses in your natal chart that contain the retrograde, as well as any planets that might be within the degree span.

So you will need to look at your chart.  I recommend pulling it up at http://astro.com (use the free extended charts, natal and transits option) or you can order from me.  Here is the section of my chart showing Mercury moving from 18 degrees Aquarius back to 1 degree Aquarius tomorrow.

where Mercury began to appear to go backwards

where Mercury will go forward/direct again

Not sure what all those glyphs (symbols) mean?

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So for me, this all happens in my second house.  You can look up the meaning here, among other places: http://www.cafeastrology.com/transits_mercuryretrograde.html

You will want to read the paragraph for the day house that Mercury goes retrograde which will be titled "stationary retrograde", and then when it goes Direct again, that paragraph will be titled "stationary direct."

EXAMPLE 

Mercury Stationary Retrograde in 2nd House
 I would read this for Jan. 21

The coming three weeks mark a period when not only hedging your bets but replacing your wagers may be just the right thing to do. When resources come up short, don't hesitate to reallocate them in order to provide yourself a firm foundation and a springboard to the future. Redesign with an eye toward giving yourself some extra padding, rather than relying on last minute income to fill in the gap. Less is more when you streamline your operations, and that may include reshuffling the way you present yourself on a day-to-day basis, in order to become a better part of the flow of life around you.

Mercury Stationary Direct in 2nd House  
 I would read this for Feb. 11

Kinks, twists, and delays in financial matters are on their way out and a return to smoother sailing is in the works. Although delays may have been annoying, the resolutions they have brought will benefit you immediately and in the long run. Picking up loose ends and tightening your operation has lasting benefits, not only on your resources, but also on your opportunities to disseminate your ideas and expand your contacts and horizons. Any headway you may have lost is momentary and will be made up for by a smoother operation, a steadier course, and fewer distractions over the next several weeks. Tie up loose ends and be ready to move on to expanded horizons and a surer sense of your underpinnings.

 2015 Mercury Retrograde Dates:

Mer R Jan 21 2015  07:55  17°Aquarius 04' Retrograde

Mer D Feb 11 2015  06:58  01°Aquarius 19' Direct

Mer R May 18 2015  17:50  13°Gemini 08' Retrograde

Mer D Jun 11 2015  14:34  04°Gemini 34' Direct

 Mer R Sep 17 2015  10:10  15°Libra 55' Retrograde

Mer D Oct  9   2015  06:58  00°Libra 55' Direct

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