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To
do or not to do that is the question. Mercury rules all types of mundane,
routine things in our life and is associated with our daily schedules and
all that stuff we normally do without having to think about it; by route.
Most of us don't have to concentrate on making a pot of coffee, tying our
shoe laces or answering correspondence or focus too much on any of our routines;
we often boast that we can perform these types of functions blind-folded and
with one hand tied behind our back. From November 4-30 it is all too easily
to get ahead of ourselves and fail to see the forest from the trees.
Mercury is an interesting traveler in the zodiac. He breezes by quickly has meetings with all of the planets near the Sun on a very regular basis. He excels at passing on information without changing the words, but at four month intervals, all bets are off. He is also very thorough when he slows down around his retrograde travel period. He works his way through the elements with a distinct preference over certain elements. He spent about 400 days in the element of Earth in the course of 2003 and most of 2004. Earth is the element that shouts to us to roll up your sleeves, and take care of these practical matters; balance that cheque book, maintain that machinery and clear the decks for inspired action, when the cycle shifts into fire. I talked about this in my article on the Earth Cycle - to read it click here.
Timelines for Mercury Retrograde: November 30, 2004 - December 19, 2004; March 19 - April 12, 2005; July 22 - August 15, 2005; November 13- December 3, 2005
Note the themes begin when Mercury enters the sign (dates
given below) - and the associated mischievous events begin to manifest
about two weeks prior to the first date of the retrograde period.
In a nutshell: Signing contracts, entering into partnerships, and buying equipment with wiring
Quick Advise: Think twice and say once; and even then stick to tones and words that cannot be misconstrued. Or in the words of John Wayne: "Talk low, talk slow, and don't talk too much."
Most astrology and horoscope columns bring the Mercury Retrograde period into our attention at four month intervals. We read the warnings about what not to do, and are advised to postpone important communication and purchase decisions to a later date. People are offered jobs during these periods, they do buy cars and computers, and life goes on. Jobs that start under these circumstances tend to be subject to lots of changes along the way, and there can be potential job losses with sometimes flimsy reasons. There seems to be more problems with equipment with wiring, just about everything these days, and the 'machine' spends more time getting repaired. So, naturally, making these types of purchases requires the prudence of getting extended warranty, and keeping those receipts safe for the return season that follows. Typically it is best to avoid these headaches. Some things work well under these conditions and others never amount to much.
So we avoid the things and actions that do not fair that well when Mercury is retrograde - about 10 weeks a year. During these periods make sure that you:
- Make a copy of your data - paper or disk
- Keep receipts together somewhere safe
- Opt for extended warranty for purchases which come with wiring
- Be prepared for delays with payments, correspondence
- Keep Virus Protection current - they seem to increase in quantity during
retrograde periods
- Be prepared to clarify your words more than once
- Don't trust rumours and do not feed them
- take care of MAINTENANCE of appliances, computers and sort out both computer
and paper files so you can find them after the period is over.
After the two year cycle in Earth the Mercury retrograde cycles switch into the element of fire. The theme of productivity and making practical solid progress gives way to inspiration, but the shift into the emotional, nurturing element water happens late next year. This timeframe is not as straight forwarded as the two previous periods where intellect (air) and working it (earth) dominated. The earthy cycle of Mercury returns in December 2009.
Mercury spends 60 days in each of the three Fire signs during the next year - with a shift to water as the secondary element December next year. Fire is the energy that fuels the Sun and ignites that flame of inspiration within us. It is creative energy and it regenerates us. Think of those big forest fires from a year ago, now the underbrush is gone and there is fresh, new vegetation for wild animals to graze on, and there are new regenerated forests springing up. Pine trees do not pollinate without the help of a fire, it is one of nature's ways to foster new growth. The same theme applies to fire in the astrological language - it is intended to inspire us to venture toward new things; in the case of Mercury new ways of thinking, organizing and tackling our mundane chores and not so mundane chores.
Mercury has distinct travel plans and I also have a listing of the retrograde periods on this site as well as articles for the Earth 2003-04 and Air cycles 2001-02. In a nutshell Mercury typically spends three weeks breezing through a sign. He is the information gatherer, broadcaster and our travel agent. Every year, however, Mercury spends approx. 60 days travelling through each of the three signs in the same element.
Let's keep in mind that in 2005 Mercury will spend 180 days in the Element of Fire. Fire is inspired, heated, fast thinking and acting energy with the intent of get light up that proverbial fire in our belly or under our sitting bones. The extended length of his stay in an element is quite impressive and highly effective (think about a house guest that stays and stays).
Mercury is the planet of communication, merchandising, and travel. Misunderstandings are the big theme during the retrograde periods). We don't explain things properly or use a poor choice of words. Things are blown out of proportion, and little details are analyzed for flaws. Little casual comments such as "Where did you get your haircut?" travel through the air and the other party hears "Why did you let them ruin your hair?" A few other choice comments are exchanged and before we know it, we have a long-standing friendship on the verge of falling apart. The statements: "the cheque is in the mail." "I didn't get your message" and "I put it on your desk" echo hollow when there is no visible proof. So think twice, say once, and even then stick to tones and words that cannot be misconstrued. Travel plans are subject to change, disruptions and the direct flights become hop scotch across the country or globe.
The retrograde periods are time periods when we experience communication, travel and information break downs. We get ahead of ourselves just prior to the period and then get to play catch up and explain what we really meant with our words.
During these times we should avoid signing contracts, purchasing any equipment with wiring and think twice say it once. If you do purchase equipment, vehicles, computers, etc. then do get the extended warranty, you'll be glad you did. Incidentally, I stock up with fuses for our old-fashioned power panel - save having to run to the store when the fuse blows. Note, however, that some of the best deals and bargains can be had when the planet of Merchandising in retrograde!
The key prefix for Mercury retrograde periods listed above is RE. That is re-do, revise, revamp, and reconnect as well as all action words that can have the prefix added plus of course, my favourite, REPAIR. Mercury is also paperwork thus it is a great time to haul out that manuscript, proposal, the Last Will you have been meaning to deal with, and other documents and go over them with a fine toothed comb and polish these up. Naturally these should not be signed until Mercury is acting normal again; after the last date for each period.
The two month stay of Mercury in each sign has a stronger influence on our lives. Mercury in Fire years offers us the opportunity to become inspired to pursue our dreams and higher goals. But he is still in charge of our daily routines, and when he is up to these antics, there can be disruptions and with those mundane matters in particular.
Mercury in Sagittarius November 4, 2004 - January 9, 2005
Mercury is in Sagittarius during the first go-around. Sagittarius is the sign
we know for it penchant for speaking the truth, which is ultimately very subjective.
Mercury in Sagittarius is also fond of voicing opinions, standing on that
proverbial soap box, and pontificating about anything that has become important
to him. Mercury is Sagittarius could be called the preacher or the sage; we
don't hear the message unless it resonates within us. The other moniker we
assign to Mercury in Sagittarius is the foot in the mouth syndrome, so during
the periods where Mercury lives in Sagittarius thrice the normal time frame;
it is prudent to talk less and listen more or bypass all of this and insert
second foot into mouth as well.
Mercury in Sagittarius desires wisdom not just information, and can be excellent in our question to understand why we are here in the first place. We could squander the time period looking for misplaced belongings but it is best to use the energy rather than let it abuse you. That being said, spend some time learning about philosophy, religion and questioning your convictions. How sound are these now that you've pondered them? Mercury in Sagittarius is the "Ponderer and Wonderer."
On a practical level, the standard advisory tells us not buy equipment with
wiring, however, some of the best bargains are offered during these periods
thus I keep saying get the extra warranty, especially if it is an expensive
item.
Mercury in Sagittarius November 4, 2004 - January 9, 2005
o Retrograde November 30, 2004 at 4:17 PST - 26° Sagittarius 43'
o Direct December 19, 2004 at 22:28 PST - 10° Sagittarius 27'
Mercury in Aries March 4, 2005 - May 12, 2005
o Retrograde March 19, 2005 at 16:14 PST - 14°Aries 06'
o Direct at 1° Aries 45' around midnight April 12, 2005
Mercury in Leo June 27, 2005 - September 4, 2005
o Retrograde July 22, 2005 19:00 PST
o Direct August 15, 2005 19:51 PST
Mercury in Sagittarius October 30 - November 26, 2005 and December 12, 2005
- January 3, 2006
o Retrograde in Sagittarius November 13- November 26, 2005
o Retrograde in Scorpio November 26 - December 3, 2005
o Direct December 3, 2005
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Date |
PST |
Station or ingress |
Fire
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© Anne Massey 2003-05
Anne Massey, CAP (ISAR) is a certified professional astrologer. For personal consultations with Anne call her office at 604-888-9552. More details on the services page. Note you can now purchase reports and charts via email or regular mail and pay for personal consultations using your credit card. The pricing and types of readings are listed on the services page.
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