Mercury, the Cosmic Messenger, usually goes retrograde three times a year for a brief period of about three weeks. This year there a four retro periods. Gosh. During the retro phase, hiccups are likely to occur with communication, travel, transport, misunderstandings, lack of information, phone problems, breakdowns with certain appliances, machinery and component failure. This can happen because of inattention to detail, messages being unclear, or overlooking the fine print in documents. Fine tune areas that need your attention; other people may be holding back on information that you are after, or has it simply been misplaced even lost in the mail?
Ideas and plans that begin at the onset of a retrograde period usually get delayed or put on the backburner for another time. While Mercury is retrograde, a process of review can effectively resolve problems, more so when Mercury goes back into direct motion through the zodiac. Not everyone is badly affected by a retrograde phase, due to Mercury’s condition in the natal chart; for instance, should the Messenger be retrograde at the time of birth, a retro phase in the heavens can give you the flow of tidying up loose ends, clearing paperwork, or looking at areas that need your attention.
It’s important to double-check all arrangements for possible mistakes; listen to what others have to say and make yourself clearly understood. If possible, hold off on major decisions, major purchases, verbal and written agreement and the signing of crucial documents. The year’s Mercury retrograde phases are outlined below, giving an insight into the year ahead.
December 19, 2016 – January 8th, 2017, Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn, 4h / 3rd house.
This is the remainder of the Mercury retrograde phase that began last year on December 19th, in your 4th house of home and family. Mercury remains retrograde at the start of January in your 4th house of home and family touching on events from December 2016. On January 4th Mercury re-enters friendly Sagittarius your 3rd house of communication, giving you the option on catching up on phone calls, speaking to relatives especially if you were late in giving your best wishes. You’ll also chat with neighbours, receive overdue mail and parcels, together with attending to transport and travel arrangements.
The Cosmic Prankster turns direct in Sagittarius on January 8th and moves on into Capricorn your 4th house on January 12th, which is when you will revert your attention back to domestic scene and family concerns, discussions on real estate, possessions, plans on home improvements and repairs. Your mind may be filled with nostalgia while sorting through family photos, heirlooms, trinkets, knick-knacks, and packing away the season’s decorations. You will rethink original ideas and plans, and perhaps changing your mind totally once Mercury trips the light fantastic out of his shadow phase on January 28th.
April 9th – 20th, Mercury Retrograde in Taurus, 8th /7th house
On April 9th, Mercury turns retrograde in Taurus, your 8th house of sex, death and taxes. Mercury in your 8th house will call for resolving finances with jointly owned accounts, possessions, investments, inheritances, taxes and other people’s money. There’s likely to be discussion, rearranging of finances, loan approvals, shortage of money and meeting your obligations. Keep your accounting up to date and as accurate as possible well before Mercury turns.
The Cosmic Prankster then re-enters Aries on April 20th, your 7th house of significant commitments. It’s time to scrutinize any mutual arrangements you have made in business partnerships, alliances and relationships. Read all documents thoroughly, understanding anything you are signing , but preferably after May 19th. Look back at talks that took place during the end of February, March 23rd to the 28th, and will re-occur from April 27th to the 30th. Venus about to re-enter Aries on the April 28th will help you find resolutions in relationships. Mercury turns direct on May 3rd in Aries, then moves forward to re-enter Taurus, your 8th house on May 16th, but remains in a shadow phase until May 19th.
August 13th to 31st, Mercury Retrogrades in Virgo, 12th / 11th house.
On August 13th, the Cosmic Prankster turns retrograde in your 12th house of secrets, sorrows and subconscious motivations. It will be that time of year when you are likely to be quieter than normal, missing someone, or generally needing a quick break from mental activities. Fears from the past, hidden concerns and issues connected with a partner’s health may resurface. It won’t do you any good rehashing those thoughts, or going over anxiety and other troubling issues. You may get into researching spiritual and religious beliefs, join a secret society, or speak with someone from the past. From September 19th to the 21st, self-delusion may creep in, associated with gambling and managing financial affairs. On the 31st, Mercury re-enters Leo, your 11th house, when your social network of friends will be in the picture. Perhaps an argument with a friend, loved one, or a partner’s children needs to be resolved. On September 5th, Mercury turns direct in Leo before moving forward into Virgo on the 10th. Mercury will be out of his shadow phase on September 20th just at the New Moon in Virgo and as Venus enters your 12th house.
December 3 – 23rd, 2017, Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius, 3rd house
This is the last Mercury retrograde phase for the year, beginning on December 3rd in your 3rd house of communication. Your pace may slow down as you concentrate on more important issues, especially from December 1st to the 8th as Mercury conjuncts stern Saturn. Communications will be problematic, with computer problems, transport issues, or receiving unsettling news. If anything is going to go wrong, it will happen now. Go back to problems that arose from November 25th to the 30th to help you resolve any quandaries. With Christmas and seasonal celebrations coming up, get mail away on time well before Mercury retrogrades, clear misunderstandings with relatives, neighbours and get some arrangements in place. Mercury returns to direct motion on December 23rd, but will remain in a shadow phase until January 11th, 2018.
Lunar Life with Lady Moon
Your personal New Moon occurs on October 19th in your 1st house of personality. You will come alive during this phase, as life seems to be bringing you fantastic opportunities. However be aware that you will have urges for more freedom in relationships, especially for those born towards the end of the sign. Pay more attention to your self-image and self-confidence. You’ll be looking great with either a new hairdo or stylish clothes that suit you no end. You may have to deal with unexpected changes, a turn of events in relationships and business partnerships and how that will impact your personal needs.
Your personal Full Moon occurs on April 11th. This Full Moon will mark a culmination of major events that took place back in October 2016. You’ll have plenty of things on your agenda with Mercury and Venus retrograde. Events over the next two weeks will revolve around discussions in relationships, joint finances, business partnerships, agreements and commitments. Your emotions will be fuelled by circumstances and sensitive emotional issues, so remain optimistic and drama free. Try to reach amicable agreements, balance with each other’s needs and let ego differences rest.
