We are having quite a bit of astrological activity recently, starting with the spring equinox on March 20, followed by the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse on March 25, and now we have Mercury going retrograde. The time of all planets in direct motion which started the end of January is coming to a close. And we still have another eclipse coming, this one a Solar Eclipse, on April 8. More on that later; for now, Mercury is taking center stage.
Mercury retrogrades happen three to four times a year and there is a pattern to them. Mercury retrogrades through the signs of each element in turn. The specific element gives the overarching focus for the Mercury retrograde cycle. As it takes its retrograde through each of the three signs of the particular element, we get the opportunity to explore the theme from various points of view. It is really quite an elegant system, although it is often challenging to recognize that when we are going through it.
This year, Mercury will be spending its retrogrades in the fire signs, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. Fire sign energy is idealistic. It sees the world through the eyes of what could be. Fire signs are enthusiastic, confident, future oriented and inspirational. Fire signs are guided by their belief in bigger concepts like truth, honor, valor, kindness, and love.
Mercury is the planet that deals with communication and information processing. While in Aries, consider how you begin things. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and is the initiator. On the one hand, Aries energy can be impulsive, jumping into things before a stable plan has been created. Details might be overlooked. Realities might be glossed over. This can result in needing to backtrack and adjust. On the other hand, a dose of Aries energy might be what is needed to get the ball rolling on a project that has been stalled due to analysis paralysis. Perhaps procrastination and a quest for perfection is gumming up the works. A little dose of Aries optimism might break the logjam.
What are you passionate about? Mercury retrograde in Aries is the time to explore your purpose and passions. What lights you up? What brings you joy? What warms your soul? These are questions for review. How do your ideals guide your choices? Fire sign energy can be motivating, but it is most potent when it has a direction. If it is unfocused, it can show up as erratic and damaging. Fire can warm or scorch.
When Mercury is retrograde, it appears to be going backwards from the point of view of the earth. The energy of communication which is normally expressed externally is turned inwards, giving us a chance to pause and reflect. In our society we usually don't appreciate it when the brakes are applied. We are so busy; so many things to do; so many demands on our time and attention. Mercury doesn't care. Mercury's job is to help cultivate a better understanding of how we use information and how we can communicate our messages effectively. So Mercury retrogrades often cause events that force us to slow down. The car breaks down; the computer acts up; we show up too early for an appointment and have to wait; someone forgets they were supposed to meet us and we are left with extra time. The point isn't to malevolently create chaos in your life, but rather to force you to simply stop for a moment. Reflection and the insights it brings rarely happen when we are doing all the things. In order to wake up, we need a wake up call. Mercury retrograde will show you the effects of your current mode of operation. In Aries, Mercury asks us to decide if the life we are currently living is still exciting and engaging. Do we enjoy all the activities we fill our days with? If not, what would be better aligned with your inner fire? How could you take steps towards building that life? Fire energy is transformative and creative. What is calling to be transformed? What is asking to be birthed?
There is always a rhythm to the energy of the Universe, and we are in the midst of some powerful Mondays. Last Monday we had a Lunar Eclipse along the Aries - Libra axis, bringing to light our approach to relationships. It brought awareness. Now, Mercury is retrograde in Aries, bringing the opportunity to pause and reevaluate how we express ourselves to our important others. Can we share our dreams? Do we meet our important others as our most authentic self? How much independence is comfortable for us to have in relationships? How honest are we with ourselves and our important others about what matters to us? Do we need to revise how we communicate with our dear ones? Take this next week to review at least some of these themes.
The following Monday, April 8, we will have the Solar Eclipse in Aries. That is the time to plant the seeds of new beginnings. They probably will not bear fruit for a while. Still, this is the time to act on the insights you gain. What will you do differently?
The last time Mercury was retrograde in Aries was March - April 2018. The Aries energy was not as potent then as it is now, but there might be a repeat of themes that came up then.
Mercury will go back to direct motion on April 25, and it will leave its shadow on May 13. Any lingering situations should settle down by then.
“When have you paused to let life in? When have you stopped scrambling to produce...? Where are your pauses? Where are the spaces in your life where you let the light in? Where is your stillness?" C. JoyBell C.