|
Mercury retrograde slows the pace of daily life, dotting the energetic landscape with delays,
disappointments, and detours. Normal routines feel mired in molasses and
unforeseen circumstances make it difficult to get anywhere in a hurry.
Make sure you leave enough time to get there on time, and try not to lose
your mind when everyone else shows up late. Reverse motion tends to grate
nervous systems, so as the days play out, try to be as patient as possible.
It's only the beginning of Mercury's retrospective, but this retrograde
is particularly complex because several other planets participate in the
rewind process making it much harder to muddle through. So get out your
astro scorecard—you'll need one to track the action.
Mars is conjunct Chiron and both are retrograde in Sagittarius. This conjunction focuses on issues of self-hood, specifically where self-assertion is wounded
and in need of repair. Both Mars and Chiron oppose Mercury in Gemini.
This opposition engenders a faultfinding mindset. Notice what needs work,
but resist the temptation to dwell on what's wrong. Also avoid being too
critical of yourself or others. The Mars, Chiron, Mercury bundle breeds
hypersensitivity, and this tenderness is apt to make even the "right"
word sound judgmental.
The Sun is
conjunct Jupiter in Gemini, and by the middle of the week, both the Sun
and Jupiter conjunct Mercury. Fortunately, when the Sun, Jupiter, and
Mercury share the same space they produce an optimistic outlook. Unfortunately,
Mars and Chiron also oppose the Sun and Jupiter, instigating excess and
exaggeration. Commit to moderation, and use this energy to redefine your
goals and aspirations.
All these
oppositions and conjunctions constellate along the Gemini/Sagittarius
axis. Gemini and Sagittarius are dual signs and represent two-fold systems.
Gemini is the sign of the Twins. Its ruling planet, Mercury, is in charge
of the mind and focuses the binary energy of Gemini on intellectual pursuits.
Gemini loves gathering and sharing information, but struggles with applying
all it knows. For Gemini, finding the facts is often juicier than the
arduous process of integrating that knowledge. Sagittarius is the sign
of the centaur. Its ruling planet, Jupiter, also enjoys collecting information.
But Jupiter's quest differs from Mercury's. Jupiter wants wisdom capable
of synthesizing the supposed split between instinct and reason and the
struggle to make sense of the human condition often produces profound
feelings of alienation. For Sagittarius, finding a system that satisfies
intellect and intuition often generates despair until the focus shifts
away from external evidence and concentrates, instead, on internal knowing.
Conjunctions
consolidate energy. Oppositions generate tension. Mercury retrograde amplifies
this stress mess by making forward progress problematic. For some, the
strain is aggravating and agitating. For others, retreat feels like the
only viable solution. For still more, old information collides with new
facts, exacerbating an already too confused climate. Instead of clinging,
let go. Take a deep breath, and reach for wisdom capable of containing
contradiction.
|
