The retrograde of Mercury is fast approaching, in fact you may probably be experiencing a few mild effects now. As my colleague Jessica Adams has explained, the retrograde effect starts about two weeks before the actual planet goes into backwards motion and continues for approximately two weeks after it has turned direct. What this means is that for about 8 weeks, we’re all under the “Retrograde Effect.”
Each and every individual will experience some type of affect because as I stated, we all live under the same sky. Some may be more affected more than others - some less so - and this article will help explain what could happen on a personal level by sign/element.
Your Sign. Your Element.
Without trying to bore you to tears, we’re going to briefly talk about Carl Jung.
In Jung’s study of astrology, he identified four psychological functions that related to how people “operated” according to the elements. His four functions are: emotion, intellect, sensation (as in the physical senses), and intuition and each one of these correlates to an element, for example: the Fire element corresponds to “intuition” (although I have read some authors who write that it is the emotional realm that Fire belongs to. But I feel that intuition is the correct type as I’ll explain later). The Air element corresponds to “intellect”, Earth corresponds to “sensation” and Water corresponds to “emotion”.
FIRE
Fire Signs and the Mercury Rx
The fire signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius and these signs are typically spontaneous, out-going, exuberant, full of self-assurance and plenty of energy. Their will-power is matched by their bravery. According to Karen Hamaker-Zondag:
The intuitive type is distinguished by the fact that intuition is neither sensory perception not intellectual conclusion, and it is not feeling.
What this means is that the fire type “instinctively” knows that everything will turn out alright, and it allows them the freedom of a “naive” outlook and a certain type of expectancy in life. I know this to be true because my daughter Hannah, is an Aries. She is outgoing, full of energy, very spontaneous and has an uncanny ability to “know” how things will turn out. Seeing the “intuitive” function operating in her solidifies my belief that Fire does indeed correspond to intuition.
Mercury Rx and the Fire Signs
When your Sun sign is an elemental fire during this retrograde phase you can feel as though you were hit by a truck or are stuck in mud. The usual speedy way in which you approach life can make you feel like you’re treading water and everything around you can appear as if it is floating by slowly. Don’t fight the feeling. Just go with it.
Aries - Your penchant for wanting to take immediate action like yesterday, can feel thwarted at this time. This doesn’t mean that you should just drop goals/aspirations, but think of it as sign that maybe you’re moving too fast when all the Universe wants you to do is re-formulate a better plan for looking before you leap. Once Mercury turns direct, you will be glad that you were given that time to find a nice, safe place to land instead of leaping and breaking a leg.
Leo - A fixed sign - you’ll have to resist the temptation to push through obstacles at the time of retrograde and rethink the use of your will power. While you may be used to wielding your royal authority during normal times, Mercury Rx says your normally obliging subjects will not listen nor follow your commands. At this time you’d be better served by redirecting that energy
Sagittarius - You like to travel, moving around and mingling. But the retrograde puts a harsh on your mellow. At this time however, try to be mentally curious instead of moving in many directions at once and don’t promise more than you can do. Being under the influence of a retrograde Mercury will require patience - it could be the road to harmony.
AIR
Air Signs and the Mercury Rx
The air triad of signs comprise Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. When your Sun sign comes under the air element all of your sharp mental perceptions can fly out window like a sudden gust of wind during this retrograde phase. And while you certainly don't appreciate people wasting your time - they will during a Mercury retrograde you can bet on it. But don't panic. This could simply be the Universe’s this way of asking you of thinking your obligations and your time constraints.
Gemini - While Mercury is a co-ruler of your sign you can land on your feet during this time. Your logic can be turned upside down, but you do have somewhat, of a natural advantage over other signs because of the natural affinity with Mercury. More than any other side besides Virgo - you should carefully plot a plan B and C on the off chance that your plans go awry. And while you are probably the sign that hates being pinned down the most, if you give yourself a bit of time to come up with some options for yourself it will be much better.
Libra - You are all fairness and justice however during a Mercury Rx you may find that fairness and justice are two things that are coming up short. You could find your decisions are not being considered or even that your decisions are being pitched like a foul ball. Don't let the uneven scales throw you off balance. The answer could be found in teamwork. A team member can you help show you the way when you are feeling all at sea. But don't let indecision prevent you from following through with your goals.
Aquarius - Mercury Rx can mess with the navigational skills of your mind. And even though you may not know which way to go don't force the outcome. Use your insightful mind at this time to you think deeply about the situation and circumstances so that when Mercury turn to direct again you know exactly which way to go. By waiting until Mercury is direct you should be able to make clear decisions and your patience will be worth the wait.
EARTH
Astrology has set the earth signs as Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. When your Sun sign is in the earth element, it is important to have your business in order and expect to have Mercury Rx throw a wrench in your plans - a deal falls through or an unexpected expense shows up! That earth element means that you are pragmatic and efficient, and when all those plans seem to fall apart, it can drive you crazy. Sometimes Mercury moving backwards is just being mischievous because it was to see how you will react. The key to success at this time is to pay you prepared to make necessary adjustments.
Earth Signs and the Mercury Rx
Taurus - Nobody - but nobody - likes things steady like a Taurus. In fact if you look under the dictionary heading of “steady” if you are a Taurus, you're more likely to see your own face. Making quick changes does not work for you because you really prefer to stick to the plan. But during this retrograde phase - that can be down right, near impossible. Don't despair - and too - don't try sticking to a solid plan otherwise that stubborn nature of yours will backfire. You can use the Mercury retrograde to clarify any decisions that you have which will work out better in the long run - after the retrograde phase passes.
Virgo - This retrograde can have you showing your over-perfection tendencies. “Who, me?” Yes. You. Your sign is the other co-sign ruled by Mercury and thus has natural affinity with its energy and wavelength. While it is great to notice all the details, try not to go overboard and burnout your mind. What about work, you say? You are the sign of service but during this retrograde it’s simply not possible to “do it all”, so don’t to. Use this time to open up your creativity and empower your vitality by focusing on the mind, body and spirit.
Capricorn - You may feel at the time of the retrograde that you are not in complete control of a life. Why? Because some new information may come to you. There may be some clues to point you in a new direction. Don't resist learning something new, if it comes to you. Life can be hard for a Capricorn, after all your ruled by Saturn who never make things easy and remember that it may be harder on a problem then it is people, including yourself. Whatever you do don't get burnt out. You have to learn to pace yourself. And don't fear change. This retrograde phase can bring you deeper understanding and insight into your life.
Water
Water and the Mercury Rx
The water signs include, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. When you are a water sign, your emotions can't be a little more confusing or distracting at the time of the Mercury retrograde. Usually this is because the mental and emotional energies or in conflict and you can feel as though you are treading water. Call time out or ask for a break in the action. This may can I give you the opportunity to bridge the gap between mind and emotion.
Cancer - Try not to worry about any emotional white noise/static you may be feeling because the retrograde may be including some of your emotions at the time. Stay focused on your main objectives and you have a better than average chance that everything will turn out fine. It is possible that you could hit the ground running during this retrograde phase and not stop until it's over. But if you can remain centered and grounded, you can keep a handle on your physical energy and creative stamina. Here's a tip: make sure you know exactly what you are getting into in either a business or personal relationship. This could save you time, money and a lot of grief. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed during this time take a break and try to meditate or try to do anything that is good for your mental health.
Scorpio - You are good at delving beneath the surface to examine things, and this retrograde phase may have you doing just that. You may develop a passion to learn or study something new or excel at your job. Channel your energy into productive objectives and try to keep a curb on negative emotions or fussing over the details. If you have to tell someone how you honestly feel, be careful of what you say and how you say it, but it gives you the opportunity to make communications clearer. And here is a plus under the retrograde - your business could be marketed in a new way!
Pisces - if you can become more objective about a situation, this Mercury Rx can help you distance the anxiety you feel over a situation or circumstance. Your ruling planet Neptune stations direct 5 December - a week before Mercury stations retrograde. Denial is a key thing to watch out for - particularly if you have a head/heart conflict. Just like for Cancer try to keep a handle on your business and personal relationships. If there is any denial are you can't see exactly what is going on, check in with yourself. Frequently. And often. Is there a life experience that is truly delivering what you seek? And if the answer is no, remember that you can't change it right away and especially under the Mercury Rx, but be ready to act when he turns direct again.
Coming up next: What to do and what happens after Mercuy turns a direct.
Tara, your writing is instructive and illuminating, and never, but never boring.