Dear known or yet unknown Cosmic Friend,
embodied on Planet Earth!
What a wild & chaotic world we’re in!
So many shifts & changes, concerning & shocking events!
SO much help needed.
Like the recent Maui fires that started right on the 08/08 Lion’s Gate, devastated historic town Lahaina, took more than 90 human and countless animal lives, let alone the destruction of nature, culture, homes, and livelihood.
And the on-going thus far more than 5000 Canadian wildfires of 2023, having already consumed more than 13M hectares (avg. 2.5M / year), up to date!
All of which has also ignited hot debates around causes, responsibilities, response, prevention.
These devastating events have been also reflected by the cosmic weather of energetic ‘storms’ and ‘blazes’.
SO much LEOnine activation this late Spring / Summer, incl. MARS, MERCURY, VENUS – currently retro! – and ‘wild’ LILITH – in LEO until Oct 4!
I’m definitely not saying, this takes responsibility away!!!
The energy has partially shifted to VIRGO:
For MARS since July 10, and for MERCURY since July 28.
Strength through Wellness, Self Alignment & Service in Action
Practice IS Perfect, Reason Matters & Crafty Pranks too
Their combo is conducive for clarity & awareness / analysis beyond drama, actively ‘cleaning up’ (quite literally, perhaps) / bringing order into chaos, and helping with re-alignment in quite practical, down-to-earth ways.
MERCURY is about to go into pre-retro ‘storm’ – on Aug 15.
MERCURY has to do with daily weather (not bigger trends). I’ve seen quite often literally significant storms occurring when MERCURY goes retro.
This time, while entering the ‘storm’, MERCURY approaches MARS end of VIR but stops is course, just before meeting the red hot ‘Warrior’ Planet.
Mid-Aug has been very MERCURY – MARS affected.
The actual M-M contact will only happen on Oct 29, in SCO.
What’s the call to action, at this point?
Changing gears, slowing down, shifting from the fiery intellectual overdrive into practical magic and service in action.
And taking it easy on apparent ‘glitches’ which themselves have messages on many levels for us.
More about this below…
MERCURY now in earthy VIRGO, since July 28 and soon retro re-minds us to be mindful & grounded while things move soo fast, in the whirlwind – of the mind / perception.
Speaking of perception, as a VIRGO theme:
Even though, MERCURY is well positioned in VIR (one of its ruled signs, next to GEMINI), certain ‘affliction tendencies’ may show up now under M-r – for re-alignment:
* Selective perception of the imperfection
* Overly problem focused
* Worries and concerns ‘colonize’ the mind
* Frustration when things ‘don’t line up / add up’.
Any of the above can happen more likely under M-r in VIR – only to help us become aware of what the mind is doing (rather than being hijacked by it).
On the other hand – speaking of issues / problems:
These VIRGOan themes are SO on people’s minds nowadays, as the world seems quite chaotic / out of alignment / there’s so much suffering (the PISCEan side, from VIRGO’s perspective) help is not available / accessible where it could / should.
What does THAT tell us?!
MERCURY starts its retro journey on Aug 23 end of VIR (double-VIR) in wide opposition to NEPTUNE retro end of PI, and ends its retro journey on Sept 15 in early VIR, in wide opposition to SATURN retro in early PI.
All is connected, in multi-dimensional / in the Web of Life / in quite practical ways.
What is our part, and sacred duty?
How can we help raise the vibrations & make the world a better place?
MERCURY the Messenger links these areas.
Lots to think, read, talk, write about, and yet: what matters most is: What helps?…
‘Random’ info / communication can lead to connecting the dots, and also to self awareness / figuring out what our best ways of service are.
This article is about well-known
Winged Cosmic Messenger / Mischief Maker MERCURY…
Let’s take a breather, RE-flect, read what’s been shelved away / hidden / ‘lost & forgotten’ – talk with people whom we haven’t been in touch with for a while, re-connect w. neglected sources of information.
And: Let’s RE-connect with Spirit – which helps us cut through the mental ‘noise’ to the heart of the matter.
For some of us, it might be time to take it easy on being overly problem / ‘issues’ focused (that VIR thing) / be mindful of those patterns we get stuck in, be curious, ask new questions / ask old qu in a new way, commune & communicate – you never know where it leads!
Let’s invite & encourage the cosmic & inner Messenger to re-trieve lost-in-translation info & news.
Time to turn to / invite (nowadays un)common sense, comic / cosmic relief, and a good sense of humour.
These are all general MERCURY retro ‘prescriptions’.
And it’s very unique / ‘specialized’ (so VIR!) for each one of us.
One step at a time, and backtracking re-quired, says M-r.
About time for another round of ‘good Trickster Medicine’.
MERCURY has been slowing down its speed from Earth perspective, to turn retro on Aug 23 from end of (21°351′) to early VIR (back to 08°00′) on Sept 15.
The Messenger of the Gods will be busy flying back & forth, yet not tooo fast.
I bet you already noticed early MERCURY retro symptoms…
…maybe even since the pre-retro ‘shadow’ (M crossed the point in the Zodiac from which it’ll go direct again on Aug 15) started, on Aug 4.
…and more likely now a the pre-retro ‘storm’ (M moves very slowly – less than 40′ per day – in ‘U-turn mode) starts, on Aug 15.
I’m looking forward to re-discovery of what’s healthy & helpful as well as old-new ways of being of assistance, in this summery M-r phase. No problemo, though…
To re-discover informational resources that haven’t been in good use (or not for a while).
To intentionally-randomly strolling, and cruising around on my (Mercurial) bike, on old-new and not usually taken streets. One never knows what’s around the corner, and whom one sees and re-connects with…
Let’s invite & encourage the Messenger to re-trieve lost-in-translation signals, info & news!
Cheers to all things practically retro!
Some Tidbits for Newbies to MERCURY Retro (M-r)
Why does MERCURY even go retro?
Because of an ‘optical illusion’.
MERCURY goes retro from Earth perspective, because of its elliptic orbit around the Sun, in relation to the almost exactly circular orbit of the Earth around the Sun.
We Earthlings are looking at the planetary moves geocentrically – even through, from the central Solar vantage point things would look differently – which is what astronomers critique about astrology…
Astrologers in response: “No, we’re not at the centre of the Solar System, and well aware of this, lol. But hey, human life as we know it(!) happens on Planet Earth, our Home & vantage point”.
And yes, a heliocentric astro chart is also available, btw.
Back to the M-r effect:
From our terrestrial perspective, MERCURY hence appears to be alternating between going quite fast, going slow, and even ‘falling back’ (like two trains going at different speeds next to each other – looking out the window of the faster train the slower one seems to be going backwards).
MERCURY goes retro 3 x a year (about every 4 months) for about 3 weeks.
The covered area in the Zodiac that’s covered by the retro motion is 10 – 15°.
With that pattern, the retro phases are in each year in the same element/s, while ‘going backwards’.
The pattern goes also retro.
M-r happens in EARTH signs in 2023
Dec 29 – Jan 18 in CAP
Apr 21 – May 14 in TAU
Aug 23 – Sept 15 in VIR
It shifts to EARTH-FIRE, starting Dec 12, 2023 – Jan 2, 2024 in CAP – SAG.
What’s the Cosmic Weather on Earth,
during Mercury’s Retro Trip?
Quite a lot is going on in this mercurial season =
From the beginning of the pre-retro ‘storm’ on Aug 15, to the end of the post-retro ‘storm’, on Sept 28 – which encompasses the whole VIRGO Season.
Here’s the line-up of the Highlights:
* AUG 16
End of LEO New Moon – w. VENUS retro / ‘New Venus’ & LILITH
* AUG 23
‘Sphinx Point’ – the SUN crosses from LEO to VIR
* AUG 27
MARS enters LIBRA ( – Oct 11)
* AUG 28
URANUS in TAU goes retro ( – Jan 27)
* AUG 30 / 31
‘Blue’ SuperMoon in early PI (w. SATURN retro) – early VIR
* End of Aug / early Sept
Super Retro Summer peaks
Up to 7 Planets simultaneously retro
* SEPT 3
VENUS in LEO goes out of retro
* SEPT 4
JUPITER in TAU goes retro ( – Dec 30)
* SEPT 14
End of VIR New Moon (opp NEPTUNE retro end of PI)
* SEPT 22
Fall Equinox – the SUN enters LIBRA
* SEPT 29
SuperMoon / Harvest Moon in early AR – LI
Looks like the Mercurial Messenger has a lot of important, otherwise overlooked (or hidden ‘between the lines’) messages from these Planetary Gods (and Humans) to convey!!!
New important information / new dialogues are re-quired too – if things are under- or mis-communicated.
And it’s time to pick up conversations where they’ve been left off – maybe from the previous M-r in Apr / May.
Over-communication (often at the onset of M-r) needs to be re-balanced.
MERCURY close-up & magical
What you find in this extensive / never perfectly comprehensive MERCURY Retro article
* Going with the Flow & Magic of MERCURY retro…
* MERCURY Retro in VIR & its Connections w. other Planetary Players
* Where is MERCURY retro in VIR happening in Your Chart & Life?
* 7-Phase Sequence of the MERCURY Retro Timeline
* Sabian Symbols of the Start & End Degrees of MERCURY Retro
* Timeless and Timely MERCURY Retro REminders
* My Seasoned MERCURY Retro Tips & Seasonal Tool Kit
Going with the Flow & Magic of MERCURY retro…
Technology, traffic / transport & communication glitches (or surprises!) sneaking in again lately, and calling for flexibility?
No way! Are you telling me…..?
YEP, the ‘inevitable’ is happening again:
Another MERCURY Retro phase is ON!
All in VIRGO this time:
From 21°51′ back to 08°00′ VIR, to be precise, from Aug 23 – Sept 15.
If you’ve read my MERCURY retro support REport (or even advocacy) over the years you know:
M-r isn’t necessarily ‘BAD’ news, as pop Astrology would have it.
And hey – perhaps M-r is ‘even’ an overdue & cosmically well timed de-conditioning?!
During M-r, the MIND is operating differently / ‘unusually’, and tuned-up by the ‘New MERCURY’ (what’s that?!). T.b. revealed below…
Have you noticed?
Our good old messenger / trickster friend MERCURY has been already since Aug 4 in pre-retro ‘shadow’ (i.o.w., crossed the 08°00′ VIR mark from which it will go direct again at the end of M-r).
On Aug 15, MERCURY goes into stationary (very slowly moving) ‘U-turn storm’.
And on Aug 23, first day of VIRGO, MERCURY in VIR ‘officially’ starts its seasonal retro loop, which goes technically until Sept 15, and rolls out completely until end of Sept.
So, early Aug – end of Sept (which include build-up time before and roll-out time after) are under M-r influence.
Take it easy on ‘plans‘, and don’t get wrapped up in ‘loops’ that are based on too much random info, not enough info, or simply: ungrounded confusion.
A good time to chill, go on a RE-treat, or simply more RE-laxation (esp of the bizzy mind), and to be open to unexpected info / intel / communication that can open your mind.
M-r is conducive for
* Perfect for summerly decluttering, as well as writing & mind clearing.
Purging outdated info & items – while surprisingly finding re-levant info ‘from the past’ (which can show where we were at mentally, at that time).
* Picking up lost & forgotten reading or writing projects you’ve been shelving for a while and which have been waiting for your attention.
* Catching up with people you haven’t talked with in a while – and being surprised by synergistic conversations that can lead to much more than ‘expected’. VIR like-mindedness relates to shared interests & values about health, wellness, work, business…
* A heightened time for info to leak, and communication to happen that’s usually under the radar (esp. with the MERCURY – NEPTUNE / SATURN connections at the beginning and end of the retro phase – chaos, confusion / delusion / deception, inter-connectedness, media, movies, music).
Could be also a good time to check in again astrologically.
Astrology is by nature about aligning with the universe (VIR – PI), and helps with accessing the bigger picture for ‘small stuff’ (VIR) we can easily get caught up in.
Get in touch if you feel it’s calling you.
Also: Client Appreciation Month of August is now ON (until Aug 31) – celebrating 23 years of my Astro Practice, with fabulous offers on all sessions.
MERCURY Retro in VIRGO,
and its Connections with other Planetary Players
…with suggestions for how to be in natural alignment with the energies
AUG 4
MERCURY at 8°00′ VIR goes into pre-retro ‘shadow’ (crosses the point in the Zodiac from which it’ll go direct again on Sept 15)
Fore-shadowing issues of the retro process?
AUG 9
MERCURY in VIR in Earth trine w. JUPITER in TAU (# 1 of 3 alignments, again on Sept 4 – the day when JUPITER goes retro – and on Sept 25)
Valuing and appreciating Nature & Mother Earth, as well as our biology, and everything natural, what are the overall and specific issues, and what needs to be thought through, and done?!
AUG 15
MERCURY goes into pre-retro ‘storm’ (slowing down its motion from Earth perspective, before the ‘U-turn’)
Take it easy with communication, allow for slow processing, and reasonable approaches.
Not a good time for rash conclusions / decisions / ‘planning’.
Great for research.
AUG 16 – day of the LEO New Moon
MERCURY stat. end of VIR quincunx w. CHIRON retro in ARIES (# 1 of 3 alignments, again on Aug 30, and Sept 27)
Even if it’s awkward, you can’t rehearse / things happen in the moment, and it seems like such a brave thing to do, don’t be self critical…
Just take the first step to talk, and be authentic. Very healing.
Second half of Aug:
MERCURY stat. end of VIR widely opposes NEPTUNE end of PI (the aspect will be exact on Oct 2)
We’re doing our human thing – the Universe is ‘weaving the Web of Life’.
All is connected, and communicates on so many levels.
Even if it seems overwhelming and confusing, trust the flow.
And: Even ‘small’ acts of kindness & compassion matter.
AUG 23
MERCURY goes retro at 21°51′ VIR – end of VIR has a VIR undertone
MERCURY comes close to, but ‘misses’ / backtracks from MARS, while forming a wide Earth trine w. URANUS stat. (retro from Aug 28 on) in TAU , and a wide opposition w. NEPTUNE retro in PI
Backtracking from being wrapped up in external issues, problems, and heated debates in the midst of confusion / delusion / deception.
Turning to the spiritual work of grounding & embodying the Light.
Light of reason, disrupting false comfort zones.
Light of embodied freedom.
AUG 30 – day of the PI – VIR SuperMoon / Blue Moon of August
MERCURY retro in VIR quincunx with CHIRON retro in ARIES (# 2 of 3 alignments, again on Sept 27)
We’re in unprecedented predicaments that require urgent & bold action. All is connected.
SEPT 4 – day of JUPITER going retro / day after VENUS going out of retro
MERCURY retro in VIR in Earth trine w. JUPITER stat. in TAU (# 2 of 3 alignments, again on Sept 25)
All Life on Earth matters.
What are the real issues? What needs to be done?
SEPT 6 – ‘New Mercury’, aka ‘Day of Enlightened Insight‘!
MERCURY retro meets the SUN in VIR on the exact half-way point of the M-r phase. The ‘Promethean’ phase of M-r starts.
Check out what epiphanies & paradigm shifts occur round this day!
SEPT 15
MERCURY goes direct at 8º00′ VIR – early VIR has a CAP undertone
The natural, ego purged and re-aligned mind follows the Heart
The mind is the messenger / assistant, not the master.
Once again, we figured.
Bringing the gifts of the retro journey to “what’s next”. What have you learned about what works for you & how you work best, and taken inventory?
If you have SUN / MOON / AC / MERCURY, or other Planets positioned in VIR you’d have been in for Mercurial treats (and tricks too).
SEPT 19
The post-MERCURY retro stationary period in early VIR comes to a close.
Yes, indeed, the ‘hottest’ phases are the ‘storms’ before & after M-r (this time Aug 15 – 23 and Sept 15 – 19).
Take it easy, in the stormy integration phase – as lots of practical details & ‘issues’ need to be considered.
What can be a way forward that’s grounded in reason?
What are the best and most efficient ways of helping / being of service / solving issues (VIR)? The M-r process prob. helped you sort that out, also by re-viewing previous experiences.
SEPT 25
MERCURY post-retro in VIR in Earth trine w. JUPITER stat. in TAU (# 3 of 3 alignments)
All Life on Earth matters.
What have we come to understand in the process over the Summer?!
SEPT 27
MERCURY post-retro in VIR quincunx w. CHIRON retro in ARIES (# 3 of 3 alignments)
Where reason meets bold action, initiatives, and new beginnings, there can be healing.
SEPT 28
MERCURY leaves the post-retro ‘shadow’ (crosses the point in the Zodiac which it went retro from, on Aug 23)
There’s been a lot to learn, by going inward-backward, and about the nature of the mind.
Has it been regenerative for you?
Are you clearer and more aligned now?
Where’s MERCURY’s retro loop in VIRGO
happening in Your Chart & Life?
The House in your (birth / relocation) chart that contains VIR is the ‘Scene of Affairs’.
(Always, esp. nowadays) good to check in what being alignment / wellness / service says, or would do.
MERCURY’s retro visit will help re-connect you to / connect the dots in these realms…
As you read this, maybe you have your SUN, MOON, AC, or Planets (MERCURY?) in VIR?
You’re in for a a Mercurial treat (and tricks too, of course).
Do you know where VIRGO is in your chart, esp. House wise?
Here are hints for how it makes itself known in your chart, and what MERCURY has to say.
1st House
Your Presence and Sense of Self
With VIRGO there: Self sufficient, conscientious, cautious, reasonable, service and wellness oriented
With MERCURY (incl. retro) transiting through: Become more aware of, speak, write, let the world know about what you do to keep your life in integrity. Do you do as much for your own well-being as for others’?
Time to inquire and reflect.
2nd House
Your Values. What you own, incl. metaphorically, your Business
VIR: A healthy mind in a healthy body matter to you – and sustain you.
MERCURY Transit: A good time to check in on your business and values, incl. money. Are you working too hard / spinning your wheels? What gives you true security?
Time to appreciate what you (already) have, and to brainstorm about healthily enhancing your business, based on your skills & values.
3rd House
Your Environment & Relatives / Mentality around you
VIR: Modest, busy / working a lot? Grounded & practical? Problem oriented?
MERCURY Transit: Notice your thinking about / interactions with them.. are you criticiszing (VIR) or evading (PI) each other? How could you change your thoughts / communication…?
4th House
Your Home, Origin, Ancestry
VIR: All in order? ‘Small world’?
MERCURY Transit: Planning a visit home (uhhh – now?!)?
Could be timely, but also full of glitches that show you how you & yours handle those (maybe eye-opening, how people help each other, or get wrapped up in concerns / complaints…).
5th House
Your Creative, Playful, Inner Child and Lover
VIR: Did s/he feel quite little? Or deal with health issues? Or being quite ‘regulated’?
MERCURY Transit: Creative crafty time with kids / doing helpful things for your lover.
Talk to your inner child. Cherish the time with your children / lover (even if it feels minimal). Notice where scarecity mode kicks in, and what that has to do with your thinking.
6th House – that ‘VIRGO House’
Your Work, Wellness, Lifestyle
VIR: Looking after yourself, health wise, helps you with your livelihood too. Maybe you literally work in the wellness sector?
MERCURY Transit: Here’s your top season to serve & hone your skills. Time to check in with customers / clients, to make sure your service really helps them, and find out what can we improved.
7th House
Your Partners & Significant Others
VIR: People whom you work with / for, or: who help you / whom you give business
MERCURY Transit: Reconnect with them. Or they may reconnect with you. What’s been unresolved? What haven’t you worked on, in a while.
8th House
Your Involvement and Sharing with Others. Your Transformations
VIR: What’s too small and limiting might need to be transformed.
Practical analysis & re-alignment help, in the change. When it comes to shared projects / ownership, make sure hte ‘small stuff’ is in place / fine print is considered.
MERCURY Transit: Yes, you need to talk about those processes.
Time to reflect & re-adjust…
9th House
What gives you Meaning. Your Wisdom, Inspiration, Path and Travels
VIR: Practical world views / nature philosophy. Journeys to nature are good for wellness, and travelling for work make sense.
MERCURY Transit: Having conversations about / collecting ideas & gathering inspiration for what you saw / see / believe in, or for your next journey?
10th House
Your Purpose incl Career. Your Public Self
VIR: Being of service – making the world a better place.
MERCURY Transit: Have you experienced complications, problems with superiors, or find the world is out of whack? Brainstorm, have conversations with people who model what you want to become.
11th House
Your Social Side – Engagement with Society, Groups and Friends
VIR: Collaboration, work parties, and meetings that turn into projects?
MERCURY Transit: Maybe time to cook up a new one?
Or sort out what works well / what doesn’t, in those endeavours.
Re-connect with / talk to your friends, and find out.
12th House
Your Transcendent and Spiritual Self and Union with All-that-Is.
VIR: Form & Formlessness. Ever interchanging and simultaneously present. Can’t wrap your mind around it / reason with it.
MERCURY Transit: The Web of Life is an amazing design. God doesn’t make mistakes. Receive & share cosmic & practically helpful messages.
7-Phase Sequence of the MERCURY Retro Timeline
pic by NASA
AUG 4
Pre-retro shadow started: MERCURY in the Epimethean phase
AUG 15
Pre-retro stationary / ‘storm’ – starts
AUG 23
MERCURY goes technically retro
SEPT 6
MERCURY half-way in retro meets the SUN, in ‘Superior Conjunction – MERCURY is from Earth Perspective ‘behind the SUN’.
A ‘New Mercury’ is born, a.k.a. ‘Point of Enlightening Insight’ – Promethean phase starts
SEPT 15
MERCURY goes direct again
SEPT 19
Post-retro stationary / ‘storm’ ends
SEPT 28
Post-retro shadow ends
The first half of M-r (phases 1. – 4.) is the Epimethean phase.
RE-minding us of ‘old stories’ – which doesn’t have to be a ‘bad thing’ to overcome, it can be an important RE-flection / correction inducer…
The second half of M-r (phases 4. – 8.) is the Promethean phase.
New insights and connection with Spirit & Consciousness can lead to new inspired direction – a very auspicious time.
MERCURY went into so-called pre-retro ‘shadow’ on AUG 4 (it passed for the first time the Zodiac point (08°00′ VIR) from which it will after the retro phase go direct / forward again, on Sept 15).
Noticed ‘foreshadowing’ of themes that might come up during M-r ?
A good time to be fluid as quicksilver, RE-spond to higher intelligence, and trust the ‘messenger from the future’, via intuition & precognition.
Perhaps you already had inspired conversations with friends / in groups, about VIR themes (Health, Wellness, Work, Service / what serves?, Business…) to inform your view of things.
On AUG 15, MERCURY enteres its stationary ‘storm’ period, i.o.w., goes into super slow ‘U-turn’ mode, in VIR, close to MARS.
A time to slowwwww down the fast & busy ‘modern mind’ that likes to jump from one topic to another (ADHD, anyone?), and can make us quite driven (coffee doesn’t help).
With MERCURY retro, it’s about HOW we think & communicate, not (just) about the content – and ever more content, nowadays…
‘Regular’ / ‘normal’ communication affairs might have started to become ‘tricky’, ‘chaotic’, ‘complicated’, ‘messed up’…
Well, from the perspective of the ego that likes to seize control, via the mind. Yet also, synchronicities and magic might have kicked in…
MERCURY in ‘zigzag mode’ suggests:
Being super adaptable, in flux & at ease, while swiftly, swimmingly / surfingl, changing course as necessary – which can lead to more auspicious outcomes than assumptions & expectations / plans.
drawing by Helen Rowlands –
reminds me of a brain
In the actual RETRO PHASE, from Aug 23 – Sept 15, the mind is geared to turn inward-backward.
Mental moves may be paradoxical, like in a labyrinth, or ‘far out’ / eccentric.
As always, the MERCURY retro cycle starts with the ‘Epimethean’ phase (first part – until Sept 6), where old epic stories, memories, and patterns show up for REasons yet unknown – which may REveal themselves in the journey with M-r.
With the VIR energy of the current M-r, it’s good to gain space and distance from the mind that can get wrapped up in issues / problems / details.
Don’t believe everything you (or: they!) think.
Check where ‘your’ thoughts may come from, and why you loop around them!).
Experiment with discussing with others, turn to other sources, for a more balanced view, informing your grounded common / reality sense.
Things don’t have to be as complicated as you think.
And conversely: You might point out a detail others have overlooked.
Verify your thoughts & ideas in the ‘real tangible world’ with its practical implications. Invite unexpected insights, a world of synchronicities.
Be open for new understanding, via / of hidden and overlooked info that gets our attention now, for a RE-ason.
At the approx. half-way point of the M-r phase (on Sept 6, this time!), MERCURY crosses paths with the SUN:
A new ‘New Mercury’ is born (like a New Moon in the monthly SUN – MOON conjunction) – which happens 3 times every year.
Let’s see what Epiphanies THIS ‘Point of Enlightened Insight’ reveals!
On the ‘New Mercury’ point, it’s time to REgenerate the mind (MERCURY), to become more conscious, follow Spirit & the Heart (SUN).
Prometheus surrounded by the Ring of the Zodiac – Rockefeller Ctre, NYC
The second part of M-r (Sept 6 – 15) is the ‘Promethean’ phase…
…where new insights & new Consciousness can be more easily carried forward & expressed, in creative & innovative ways.
Sabian Symbols of the Start and Finish Degrees
of the upcoming MERCURY Retro Phase
MERCURY turns retro on Aug 23 at 21°51′ VIR.
VIRGO 22°
A ROYAL COAT OF ARMS ENRICHED WITH PRECIOUS STONES
KEYNOTE
The certification of aristocratic status, at whatever level ‘nobility’ expresses itself in cultural eminence
Once more a reference to ancestral achievements occurs among these symbols for the sign Virgo.
It is seen here in its most exalted character, for ‘royalty’ is spoken of.
Traditionally the king is the spiritual symbol of unity of an integrated nation; as a coat of arms is visualized, we are dealing with a status that is not merely personally acquired but has its roots in a notable past.
Every great adept has come out of a line of human beings who have made their marks upon human evolution. Spiritual attainment is the result of a series of long, repeated efforts; it is the end of a ‘royal path’, (raja yoga) in the broadest sense of the term, raja, meaning king.
This second stage symbol contrasts with that of the first in that it refers to heredity rather than to the training of youthful raw material. Gautama the Buddha was known occultly as “He who comes after his predecessors”.
The coat of arms represents the collective status, the Spiritual Office. Whoever wears it assumes the responsibility of an Office. As the French say, “Noblesse oblige“. NOBILITY confers upon a human exacting responsibility.
The question implied in the symbol is, Are you willing, able and ready to assume a ‘royal’ office, at whatever level it may be?”
MERCURY goes direct again on Sept 15 at 8°00′ VIR.
“VIRGO 8°
A FIVE-YEAR-OLD CHILD TAKES A FIRST DANCING LESSON
KEYNOTE
Learning to use one’s capacity for emotional self-expression according to cultural standards
The process of emotional experiencing under , to a controlled situations is shown now to demand self-induced, active movement; yet the movements are still conditioned, if not totally determined, by cultural and thus collective patterns.
The individual can express their own individual character only according to traditional modes. He / she is still entirely responsible to their teacher or guru. Yet new perspectives are now open to him / her.
At this third stage of the five-fold thirty-second sequence of symbols we witness at work the transitional phase which may lead to mastery.
The child-consciousness is still dominated by some form of authority; but if the child is “five years old”, the implication is that h / shee is entering the level of a conscious human being, represented by the number 5, the five-pointed star which outlines at least the POTENTIALITY OF INITIATION.”
What an interesting combo / process:
From the quite serious, responsible exercise of a position, conveyed by predecessors in a lineage to a conditioning / initiation early in life…
Maybe a message to go back in time when we were trained to do the steps, and be part of a ‘corps’ that dances to the tunes of society / of those in charge – who may or may not have inherited their position in the game, and notice the pattern / mental imprint and conditioning.
An orchestration of practicing loyalty…?
Timeless & Timely MERCURY Retro REminders
* Under M-r, ‘usual’ thinking and communication patterns are being questioned, and it appears at times as if there’s a trickster / little devil at play.
Actually, we have a chance now to SEE the inner mental trickster / saboteur that’s been there all along, camouflaging & going unnoticed.
* The challenge is, not to get frustrated when things don’t turn out the way YOU thought they ’should’, according to the ego.
* During M-r, let’s experiment with, practice, and hopefully also integrate for later, going with the flow of things, in an intuitive, heart sourced way.
* Feel free to change your mind when you get the impulse / intuition / signal for an alternative course that works better / is more aligned.
* Don’t let the mind run the show, and create more ‘mental karma’.
Be open to and curious about ‘creative detours’ that might lead to unexpected turns, and unusual connections, rather than going with comfort / routine / habits of your ‘Inner Muggle’.
Don’t get wrapped up with linear, habitual, and often self-limiting ways of dealing with information / communication channels & modes.
An ‘unorthodox’ approach, and maybe a random connection with someone can open up for serendipity, synchronicities, and magic.
Let’s mischievously ask ourselves (M-r):
* How can I get out of the busy conditioned & controller mind now, and shift to Openness for Change, Creativity, and Play?
* What would my Inner Magician / Wizard / Alchemist (yes, that’s what Mercury also is) suggest?
* Where’s the comic (and cosmic) relief in all this…?
Let’s stay as mobile (like quicksilver, the MERCURY metal), adaptable, and unattached to ‘plans’ / agenda as possible.
by Susan Boulet
MERCURY is a light, youthful, fresh, fun-loving punster and Coyote / prankster energy.
It looks at the fun & meaningful side of unusual twists & turns, and even likes to provoke those. Tuning into that less serious mode makes us happier and more at ease – not only – these days.
Come on board with these spontaneous twists, unintentional new-found puns, and creative fun realizations!
Laughing at ourselves is certainly part of the picture.
Best kind of humour.
We sure need comic relief of all the seriousness these days / months / years(!) – what happened to satire?
There’s a cool word in German: Realsatire.
Meaning, reality provides lots of satire in itself.
M-r is a lot about the meta level:
Not so much about the content of the mind & its expressions but the nature of the mind, how and why we think and communicate.
Not always so easy to notice how the mind is playing tricks on us all the time. In ‘insane’ times like these, under M-r, it can be more easily busted – esp. in comic relief ways – with ego alert, ha-ha!
Great time for satire and comedy it is – and ‘real life s & c’!
When it comes to committing to something long-term – you prob. don’t have the intel yet to be ready. Yet you can be in a vibration that attracts what you need, and that you easily recognize & connect with.
SO – give yourself time.
During M-r, new information streams in, which can alter our outlook on things.
Often, after the M-r phase we have more information which gives a different picture, based upon which a good avenue forward becomes clear.
If we commit prematurely and aren’t flexible to back off again easily, we might say, “If I only had known… I wouldn’t have… and didn’t have to untangle these complications now.”
As always with MERCURY retro, clarify / specify communication whenever possible:
* Say things several times, in different ways / even in a different language to make sure there’s no misunderstanding in a fast / distracted context – in our oh-so ADHD world.
* Talk in a way that’s not just a judgment / statement, but offers invitations for open discussion.
* Be present and genuinely curious & helpful (if you are!), rather than distracted (Mercurial shadow).
* Ask questions that instinctively / intuitively come up (esp. to clarify otherwise held assumptions!).
* Choose the most direct medium & tool available (meet and connect in person, or at least via online video call), which helps with clearer & more holistic communication, and body signals.
More ‘channels’ are involved & signals are conveyed, by being face-to-face with the other person, rather rather than on the phone, or via mutual messaging / e-monologue – so ‘standardized’ & ‘normalized’ in the electronic age, and an even bigger deal since 2020.
M-r gives us the chance to take a break from it – at least make sure we SEE each other!
And who knows what else might come up and be addressed when you take the opportunity to actually meet & talk?!
Are you a slave to technocracy (domination by technology) / techno-crazy?
If you become mercurially frustrated, maybe it’s because you needed to learn something about the nature of the human mind and its extensions: Technological equipment which now, more and in different ways than already, seems to have ‘a mind of their own’…
Consider MERCURY retro in an AI dominated world – crazyyy…!
Bottom like, with this aspect of M-r:
You don’t want to become (well, maybe under M-r you see how much you could be) a stressed-out remotely controlled slave of coordination & communication, and of the technology that should(!) be here to serve us (which interests does it actually serve most?).
Computers, phones, and tech gadgets are / should be treated as ‘just’ tools (VIR). Their efficiency also depends on & responds to the (hopefully relaxed & detached, savvy & inventive) mind of their ‘user’.
Which obviously nowadays begs more questions…
Another M-r aspect:
Have you noticed? The technical equipment can magically-morphically mirror the state of mind YOU’re in, even ‘simply’ by breaking down and being ‘on strike’ when we humans need ‘a break’ anyway?
Give your tools and tasks proper mindful and focused attention & care, one at a time, instead of attempting to multi task and ‘efficiently’ orchestrate everything simultaneously.
To keep the interface between the electromagnetic field of computers and the human mind smoothly operational, don’t impose any potential extra stress onto your nervous system – nor on your computer.
And how about:
Turn the AI off, and your natural inner intelligence (NI) on.
Check in on signals showing you that you need to be relaxed & mindful.
Assume nothing, and drop your (under M-r evident, otherwise under the radar) expectations & assumptions.
Trust the infinite Intelligence of the Bigger System aka Universe –
‘Even’ as it might temporarily take you on wild & ‘crazy’ journeys that you apparently haven’t signed up for.
Notice how much your mental involvement affects your experience of ‘the trip’.
Be ok with the impermanence…
Talk to people from the past who come to mind, and whom you haven’t heard from in a long time.
And to ‘new’ yet familiar like-spirited people whom you’ve just met & intuitively ‘clicked with‘ and feel aligned with (VIR).
M-r also tends to bring back unfinished communication business from the past, esp. from previous M-r phases (last ones in Dec / Jan in CAP, and Apr / May in TAU).
What also happens quite often under M-r:
* We receive / intuit a potentially interesting message for others that’s worth sharing & passing on – to whom it may concern. Go ahead, and ‘randomly’ (without your personal agenda) deliver / spread it to others, to whom that information & inspiration can be helpful.
* We’re prompted to connect two or more people with one another – because we can. Who knows what comes from it?
So, let’s keep collecting M-r communication karma cookies, by being the random messengers & connectors!
Back to Basics & Buddhists
1427 painting by Xuande Emperor
Rather than having the mind ueber full…
Be mindful (so VIR), and observe the phenomenon mind from a deeper level.
Like, by asking yourself:
Why am I really saying this?
Who’s the one thinking and talking here?
If we don’t do from time to time this ‘mental hygiene’ (VIR) our inner ‘devil’s advocate out-tricks us, subconsciously ‘sabotaging’ our plans, second guessing ourselves, and constellating circumstances that make us back off from our original intention.
So important to check what we’ve been doing with our brain – or rather, what the brain has been doing with us all along.
The Buddhists call the day-to-day mind that busies itself with all kinds of ‘chatting’ and inner stories, lists, and dialogues, the ‘Monkey Mind’.
Like a monkey, the trickster mind jumps from one tree of interest and attachment to the next, and is never quiet, unless we observe the movement, and thereby naturally calm it.
My Seasoned MERCURY Retro Tips & Seasonal Tool Kit
1) Be easy on yourself, as you get into the groove of things
It usually takes a week or so to adjust to the different mode.
Hope you could take it it easy on the pre-retro shadow phase (since Aug 4)…
Rather than being ‘pulled into’ the wild ‘storm’ (starts Aug 15), or apparently stationary stuckness (can be either and both, in paradoxical trickster fashion).
2) Be mindful, and lead from what’s here-now
There’s a tendency for the mind to be distracted and all over the place, to loose and misplace things & thoughts that later have to be RE-trieved again, in your ‘inner house’.
Avoid getting scattered and disorganized, collect the mind ‘pieces’, be present with any situation & function ‘at hand’, and don’t loose sight of what practically works, and matters most. The apparent priority of urgent ‘little’ things & ‘small stuff’ can easily be a distraction and waste of energy.
Practice coming back to the Here-NOW.
3) Retro is an inwards / backwards oriented energy
M-r is a good time to RE-treat, and RE-connect with meditation and mindfulness.
Also an excellent chance (if not necessity) to deal with ‘old unfinished business’, ‘loose ends’, and to clear communication themes from the past, often carried over from a previous M-r times (last ones Dec / Jan 2022 / 23, Apr / May 2023).
4) Every M-r phase is a great time for basically everything that starts with ‘RE-‘, esp. RE-sidual communication
Like: RE-assess, RE-align, REad, Re-search, RE-treat, RE-pair, RE-boot, RE-group, RE-consider, RE-arrange, RE-place, you name it…
One RE-ason for me pointing out all these RE-activities:
During M-r (which also has a karmic undertone), we / they less likely get away anymore with being sloppy, and with procrastinating or neglecting RE-sidual communication issues with people from the past. They come up like a mirror. Talk about what RE-ally matters, esp. with friends and loved ones.
What do you think about – and want to (re?)discuss, esp. re: health, wellness, work, common sens, ‘recipes & remedies’ (all apropos VIR)
5) Choose the clearest & most direct mode of communication available
Phone rather than messaging / emailing.
Meet and connect in person rather than via phone / text, to make sure an actual dialogue happens (rather than just your factual monologue, with the assumption you know what they think, or they know what you think).
Consider communicating in several ways & via different media, to make sure the message comes across.
Keep in mind that because people’s minds can be all over the place now, communication might be scattered / incomplete, or prone to assumptions:
“I thought you got my email!!!”, or actually a monologue: “Are you thinking out loud as you talk, or are you actually suggesting something to me?
6) Be mindful & compassionate in your communication with others
Compassionately put yourself in their position, and take ownership & responsibility for your part and mental processes, rather than blaming & judging (based on lack / deficiency / incompleteness of communication), manipulation, and the alike.
7) Be clear and precise with commitments & agreements
Double-check whether you’ve been understood correctly, and RE-peat / RE-phrase back to them too.
Avoid signing an agreement with consequences, before you have all the necessary details / information (often only after MERCURY retro is over, or at least half-way, meeting the SUN = Sept 6).
8) MERCURY Retro RE-minds us…
…that direct connection with one another as an authentic & lively dialogue offers the opportunity to open up, speak freely, and touch on other subjects than the originally intended purpose / agenda of the communication.
Which can eventually lead to an even more important outcome or purpose than anticipated.
Check out in hindsight why you actually needed to talk to that person…
9) Under M-r, the odds for unexpected synchronicities are 99%
When we act more intuitively and out of the ordinary, we let the spontaneous intervention of the Universe show us our interconnectedness! So magical!
10) M-r is a good time to RE-connect with people you have lost sight of – and see them in a new light.
With the VIR flavour, get in touch with people whom you feel in alignment with / can do practical things with.
Trust your intuition, and let yourself be surprised by what shows up when you speak to them – also re: whether you are (still? again?) on a wavelength or not. No assumptions…
Allow yourself to get mentally un-stuck in conversation.
Old communication themes might get triggered, yet now’s the chance to see them in context of the overall your & their evolution.
Be open to meet new people whom you connect with, and feel you already know each other ‘from somewhere’.
11) The areas of life (partners, children, career, groups, etc.) that THIS retro phase brings up for YOU…
…have to do with Planet/s and House/s that M-r activates in YOUR personal birth chart, i.o.w. where VIR is situated (see above).
I’m happy to check that out for and with you – as a quick hint, or in a focused (or longer) session if more is going on for you…
12) When ‘glitches’ occur, be fluid and flexible like quicksilver (MERCURY’s metal), think “shift happens”.
Turn the paradigm around:
What could be the opportunity in this mishap?
What’s ‘even’ actually funny about this?
RE-frame your way of thinking about things.
Entertain the possibility of having subconsciously ‘arranged’ a wild alternative to the original ‘plan A’ which – who knows? – can lead to something new, better, and more fun than what the ‘normal’, ‘usual’, ‘regular’, and apparently most ‘efficient’ mind-in-rut-mode could have come up with?
13) Enjoy those unintentional puns, slips, and new connections in the mind, be creative and brainstorm – esp. together with your MERCURY Retro Friends.
14) Enlightened Insights, anyone…?
The Day of Enlightened Insight – when M-r meets the SUN on the exact half-way point of the M-r phase.
In this M-r phase on Sept 6.
Check out what epiphanies & paradigm shifts occur round this day!
15) If you would like to know…
…whether you are a member of the RETRO CLUB (born under MERCURY Retro, as yours truly)
…in which area of Life the MERCURY Retro Trickster in VIR would likely play tricks on / with you
…how to consciously, creatively, and mindfully play WITH the energy…
…feel welcome to get in touch with your trusted Astrologer.
Wishing you a blessed navigation in the retro- and interdimensional zone, in the Heavens as on Earth, with the Mercurial Mind currents – this time around in VIRGO!
Hope to SEE you again soon, in real life, or online – it’s all about REconnecting (as directly as possible)!
Mercur-elanie
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© 2023 by Melanie Lichtinger
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