What does that mean? Let’s first look at these planets as needs in life: communication, movement and processing for Mercury, expansion, learning, beliefs for Jupiter, contraction, boundaries, rules and limits for Saturn, shock, change, individuation and evolution for Uranus and creativity, escape, and dreams/visions for Neptune, power, surrender and transformation for Pluto. When planets are moving in a retrograde motion, the energies are more slowed-down, subtle and inward.
The key words for retrograde are re- words like relax, return, review, reconsider, rest and so on. There is support for taking a step-back, to gain both perspective as well as having time to review options. This is not a time for action as much as it is a time to do the research, while not getting caught up in re-action. While the outer planets spend some six months out of every year in retrograde movement, an inner planet like Mercury only does this three times a year for about three-weeks. For an in-depth explanation of the retrograde cycles and what it means for each planet, I highly recommend watching this class I did for Stormie Grace https://youtu.be/vtTeZiQ5V8c Looking at the image of Mercury above, you can see that he is more exacting when in the sign of Virgo. This helps us all get down to the nitty-gritty details of things. You may consider making lists of what works, what doesn’t and what would be ideal for your life and start cleaning house accordingly.
Mercury plays the unique role of Psychopomp in Greek Mythology. He has the unique ability to visit his brother Hades/Pluto in the underworld as well as visit his other brother Zeus/Jupiter up in the heavens of Mount Olympus –and most everywhere in-between. This ability to connect with the “other worlds” can give us a glimpse into the possibilities this magnified retrograde cycle offers us all. Our dreams and daily experiences can sometimes feel indistinguishable as we process through the accumulated experience of life while being witness to one of the most challenging transitions in human history. So many people are in dire straits, lacking the “simplicities” of food, home, security, opportunity- how do we address the needs of an ever-growing world population?
With the Sun in harmonious Libra, this is a great time to take a deep breath and give yourself the time and space to re-consider, re-view and revisit the various relationships you have with life. Venus, the ruler of Libra, is lending some grace to the ways in which Mercury expresses itself. Consider your words, deeds and actions. Are they in alignment? Consider the people in your life: spouse, partner, lover, friend, co-worker, family, colleague, authority figure –are you surrounded by individuals who support you to be your highest version of yourself? Are you all working together in a healthy manner or do you need to make some adjustments? Are you advocating win-win situations? This is a great time to check in with others, especially those dear ones with whom you haven’t been in contact for some time. Re-solutions to long brewing issues can occur with some careful attention. After careful consideration, sometimes the best thing to do for your mental health and well-being is to say goodbye to people, places, work, situations and experiences that no longer serve you. Mercury goes direct in the wee hours of Sunday 2 October – so you still have a few days to take advantage of the opportunities presented. With all of the outer planets doing their backwards walk, let Mercury provide the translations needed to synthesize what you need to see, hear, process, move and experience for your best life possible.
Wishing you much grace with the time and space you have to manifest your highest goals,
Michael