Astropsychologist/Astrologer
The Virtual Sacred Circle Project
November 23, 2011
Upcoming Mercury Retrograde Effects for Most Zodiac Signs
In evaluating Mercury retrogrades, I use sidereal astrological calculations, as well as Starry Night Pro 6, to determine real-time (current) energies involved. Mercury goes retrograde November 24, 2011, in the constellation of Ophiuchus/Scorpio.
Mercury rules thinking and perception, processing and disseminating information and all means of communication, commerce, education and transportation. By extension, Mercury rules people who work in these areas, especially those who work with their minds or their wits: writers and orators, consultants, commentators and critics, gossips and spin doctors, salespeople, teachers, travelers, tricksters and thieves. Mercury also has an occult side, so healing, astrology and the transmission of spiritual knowledge are also in his area.
Mercury retrograde gives rise to personal misunderstandings; flawed, disrupted, or delayed communications, negotiations and trade; glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses, and trains. And all of these problems usually arise because some crucial piece of information, or component, has gone astray or awry. Public transit, i.e. air, bus, etc., law enforcement activity, and social unrest may be affected and/or increase during a Mercury retrograde.
It is not exactly wise to make important decisions while Mercury is retrograde, since it is likely that such decisions will be clouded by misinformation, poor communication and careless thinking. Mercury is all about mental clarity and the power of the mind, so when Mercury is retrograde these intellectual characteristics tend to be less acute than usual, as the critical faculties are dimmed. Make sure you pay attention to the small print!
During this Mercury Retrograde, we have an interesting configuration, specifically, the Sun in Scorpio, Venus in Ophiuchus, and Mercury and Venus conjunct to each other in Ophiuchus. The energy during this period will also be about healing relationships, which could mean relationships ending, and the hard truth of old paradigms being exposed for the world to see, which can also be seen as healing our relationship with our world. We can accomplish this task by first going within us (meditate) and establish an open communication line with ourselves. Here are some traits on Ophiuchus.
The Good: The Ophiuchus loves to seek change in their life. They hate the mundane routine in their everyday life. They tend to get very impulsive and will follow their guts, even if they tend to get it wrong most of the time. These people are happy people who love to have fun. These people are considered the “healers” of the zodiac so they may be involved in healing arts.
The Bad: These people have a jealous streak in them. As they tend to get bored with the daily routine, it comes as a no surprise that they find it very hard to have a monogamous relationship. These people think with their heart and therefore tend to get judgmental too soon. They are restless beings as they are forever seeking new wisdom and tend to get a bit irresponsible. They are masters of procrastination and can have violent temper tantrums, that fortunately are short lived.
Major Zodiac Signs Affected by the Upcoming Mercury Retrograde
Sun (Leo) in Scorpio
Leo is a highly energetic, masculine fire sign. Leos can be none other than kings, leading all types of enterprises with their strong personalities. They need to be independent in their work, not submissive to others. They have a sense of entitlement and expect to be served. During this retrograde the lazy side of Leo will come forth with many gestures indicating a sense of entitlement. Leo will become very frustrated due to Leo not being able to express what he/she is feeling in a way that is constructive and understood by all. Leo will also tend to misinterpret sex for love and may go on wild “love” tantrums during this retrograde. Cool your fire, take a breath, and think things through Leo before acting on what you consider “primal instinct” during this retrograde.
Venus (Taurus and Libra) in Ophiuchus
The symbol for Libra, a scale, indicates Libra's strong need for balance. Libra is very oriented toward other people and skillfully tuned into their needs and emotions. Their preference in relationships is for harmony and love-they are peacemakers. Because they have the ability to see both sides of things, it can be difficult for them to make decisions. Law enforcement, judges, and other work involving government service suits Libra well. While in Ophiuchus, Libra may want to heal many forms of relationships between people, organizations, etc., in the attempt to achieve balance and harmony but will become frustrated due to the retrograde effects. Those in law enforcement and courts of law may find themselves with major communication issues with individuals as well as the inability to determine a good balance between work and home life. Patience, planning, clear communication and waiting for the most opportune time to be of service to others will go a long way in your venture to attain balance and harmony during this retrograde.
Taurus people are very much in tune with the Earth. Due to the influence of Venus, they have a great love for beauty found in things such as art, jewelry, and the natural landscape. They are loyal, patient, and deliberate in working toward their goals, just as farmers must be in tending their crops from planting through harvest. Grounded in reality and the physical world, they excel at professions such as artist, farmer, the financial sector, and politics. In Ophiuchus, Taurus attempts to make sense and heal the current state of affairs with the nation, individuals, and the self, regarding the home, money and politics, will only be exacerbated during this retrograde. Taurus may lose patience on projects because the beauty of the project may become lost, which may lead to a lack of loyalty to the project as well as to those involved. Be patient, ground yourself, go within, and find the beauty in what you set out to do again Taurus. Everything that has a beginning will have an end. Once this retrograde ends, a new beginning will be available to you.
Mercury (Gemini and Virgo) and Venus (Taurus and Libra) Conjunct in Ophiuchus
The opportunity for forgiving and loving yourself to heal the deepest hurts in your life, and past lives, is being presented to you this retrograde, especially for Gemini, Virgo, Taurus, and Libra people. There may be a tendency for you to be the “healer,” which reflects one of Ophiuchus’ traits, when loved ones are in need. There will also be a strong need to “heal” relationships regarding abundance, i.e. money, wealth, etc. Money issues that individuals, as well as governments, will begin to come forth so they can be evaluated and healed from a global perspective as well. The issue with the nation’s budget and the current problems with our banking organizations is just one example of this conjunction in Ophiuchus (Audit of the Federal Reserve Reveals $16 Trillion in Secret Bailouts). Before venturing forward on an endeavor, i.e. helping friends in need, Occupy Wall Street, etc., go within yourselves and truly see if you are healed first. Then look upon your loved ones in need and see if providing help will empower them to continue a “victim” attitude or if helping will truly help them to help themselves. The key here is to first go within yourselves and self evaluate before acting on your impulses during this retrograde.
With the November/December 2011 Mercury Retrograde, the major issue of goals, plans and directions are up for revision. We are on the threshold of major change and transition regarding our direction, location and purpose. The road that we have been on for this year of 2011 now requires that we make choices and decisions. The road has ended and we must choose to go right or left, we can no longer continue the way we have. This Mercury Retrograde is setting the stage for the shift out of 2011 and movement into 2012, a universal FIVE year (in numerology terms) which represents CHANGE, BREAKTHROUGH AND FREEDOM. You will need to be ready to break free from the past and move into new directions, shifting your goals, location and purpose. This Mercury Retrograde is also host to a Solar and Lunar Eclipse, signaling that the changes we make are setting a new pace for the NEW YEAR of 2012. Honor others as you would honor yourself, go within, and find that spark of love that has always resided there and share unconditionally with others what you have learned. In sharing with others unconditionally, we all grow together in Spirit. Be blessed and enjoy the holidays as we move into our chosen path.
