December 10 - 29/30, 2010 Mercury Retrograde Alert

The planet Mercury rules thinking and perception and all types of communication. When Mercury goes retrograde it gives rise to personal misunderstandings. There would be delays, flaws and hitches in all communication related areas like transportation, trade, etc. Astrologers advise not to make any important decisions while Mercury is retrograde, since it is likely that such decisions will be marred by misinformation, poor communication and careless thinking. During a retrograde period, it is not a good idea to push forward any practical venture. It is better to prepare for it rather than doing it and to move ahead later with the direct phase of Mercury.

Mercury goes Retrograde 3 times every year. As it slows down before the Retrograde period, we call it the Pre-Retrograde. Mercury starts loosing power then and hence new ventures cannot do well in this period. Then there is the Post-Retrograde when Mercury picks up or gains speed but is still moving slowly enough to cause a slow progress in the projects undertaken. During the Mercury Retrograde period it is best advised not to venture into any new territory and to stay put. Actually Mercury keeps going around the Sun, always in the same direction and more or less at the same speed. Knowing the Mercury retrograde periods can help you to plan your ventures in advance so that they do not go off-track.

Most Mercury Retrogrades are calculated in the Tropical System of Astrology, which is based on the seasons of the Earth. I calculate Mercury Retrograde for both Tropical and Sidereal Systems.

In a nutshell, the Sidereal System is "what you see is what you get."  This means that assuming you are an Aquarius in the Tropical System, if you would have looked up into the sky at the time of your birth and viewed the constellation the Sun was in, chances are that the Sun would have been in the constellation of Capricorn instead of Aquarius.  This is due what is called, "The Precession of the Equinoxes."  Because of this "Earth wobble" the Earth moves back in the zodiac table approximately one degree every 72 years.  So now, after 2000 years since astrological observations began, the Earth has moved back approximately 24 degrees.  This is significant since on an average each "house" in the zodiac table is approximately 30 degrees in size. How does this affect us from a Mercury Retrograde standpoint?

In the Tropical System, the upcoming retrograde will be in the sign of Capricorn.  All forms of structures that are outdated will be reevaluated and if it does not serve its intended purpose then it will be broken down and rebuilt by those in the next zodiac house (Aquarius). All forms of structured ideas that previously helped, and continue to help, organizations may be forced to look within themselves and let go of what does not work for the greater good of the organization.  From a health and wellness standpoint, a retrograde in Capricorn may affect the knees, joints, and the skeletal system (structures).  The inability to be flexible to new ideas and new ways of doing business may cause much pain and suffering.  In addition, the Sidereal System needs to be factored into this retrograde as well. 

In this retrograde, from the Sidereal System, it will occur in the sign of Sagittarius.  Belief systems in all forms, i.e. religion, business practices, etc., will be challenged to the point of breaking unless adaptation and flexibility are incorporated.  Travel to distant lands is not recommended during this time since Sagittarius affects foreign lands.  Communication with foreign people may be difficult so international business may be affected as well as international relations between governmental bodies.  From a health and wellness standpoint, the hips, thighs, liver, and sciatic nerve may be affected, especially for those who have experienced previous injuries in these areas.

To put it all together, this Mercury Retrograde may dramatically affect all forms of structured belief systems causing miscommunication within yourself and with others around you.  All businesses and government bodies may also be affected to the point of causing clashes over who's right and who's wrong.  Large "big business" companies may fall if they do not do their "inner work" and create a healthy work environment and a healthy work relationship for both their employees and their business partners.  Health and wellness in the areas of hips, sciatic nerve, lower back, joints, knees, liver, and the skeletal system may also be affected in a way that brings awareness to those areas. 

Awareness of this upcoming Mercury Retrograde, and future retrogrades, may help in alleviating the strain of this energy and help us in letting go of old and outdated belief systems.  By letting go of judgment we can be in a better place to adapt and change with the times.

Blessings,

David-Uriel "Eagle Heart"