Mercury Exits its Shadow

Having gone retrograde back on August 20th at 19 Virgo and turned back to direct motion on September 12th, Mercury has now finally reached 19 Virgo again and thus is now emerging from the 'shadow' of its retrograde.

What does that mean to us? Several things.

For one, this signals an end to projects, conditions or issues which have been 'hanging around' since back in August. Even (actually) the tail end of July, seeing as Mercury entered the shadow of its recent retrograde back on July 31st. For some, things are finally slipping into place. Finally! It's done.

Then there are those who get to a point that they decide it's not worth chasing after something. Or someone. They're not just ready to move on - that would have happened back around the time of the station - they're moving on!

With Mercury as ruler not just of Virgoan 'needs of responsibility' but of Gemini and the 3rd house of 'everyday doings' and with these retrograde cycles coming around (generally) four times a year, there are 'seasonal' matters also on the list. And with Virgo the last sign in the zodiacal 'second season' (the 2nd quarter of the zodiac being Cancer-Leo-Virgo), with Mercury emerging from this retrograde shadow at 19 Virgo we get the message that a 'private and responsive/reactionary' phase of (Mercury) thinking is just about over. Mercury hasn't yet gotten to Libra and Matters Public and Worldly, but it's definitely on its way there.

Thus, so are we - at least in our Mercurial thoughts.

Into all this comes the fact that Virgo being an earth sign, this is about real things. Or at least what's 'real' or a 'reality to us. 19 Virgo being the last of Virgo's emotional degrees, this may be the reality of our emotions. Or something real and emotional we've been dealing with. Virgo being a sign of health, work, service, something emotional in that arena has now been dealt with. Or maybe - in true Virgo style - it's been worked over and made more functional.

Lore on this degree suggests a capacity for 'sharp tongues' and 'philosophical developments,' which considering this is Mercury we're talking about may be what you hear, what you say, or what you say to yourself. And with Mercury hitting this mark in tandem with asteroid Sphinx, there's a definite 'stone face' quality here - so don't count on knowing what everybody else is thinking. Or that what they're saying in the heat of what may be a heated moment is the gen-u-ine mental article, as there is a little emotional stress in the air: Sphinx meets emotionalism is not a graceful combination!

Whatever Mercury's exit from shadow means in the moment, it is just a moment. We experience it and move on. A few things are over, a few are not forgotten, but now it's on to the new!

The Mercurius of Chateau Neercanne in 

Maastrich, Netherlands - by Alexander Taratynov (2000)

News Flash: Mercury Station Effects Begin

Planet Mercury as photographed

by Mariner (source: NASA)

A little 'heads up'....!

Because Mercury will go direct on September 12th, the two-day "station leeway" period begins on September 10th and runs through September 14th.

Communications, incidents and encounters which amount to 'turning points' may occur during this period, and if they do happen, they may well be of particular  significance. So pay attention!

Timing-wise: the closer your "event" to the actual time of the station (on the 12th) the more quickly things can be expected to evolve. Theory also suggests that events in your world which happen before the actual station on the 12th are yet to take full form, while those which happen after the 11:10pm (GMT) station time pertain to things you already know about which are now 'taking a turn.' 

And now a request from the astrologer: as things happen, do us all a favor. Come back to this blog. Use the comment box (below) to post a little personal story. It's not for me - it's so others can see how stations work. Tell us if your situation or "news" happened before or after. Tell us if it is was something you knew about or a complete surprise. And come back when things pan out...let us know what came of your 'Mercurial turn'!

Help out! Lots of blog-reading folks are intrigued as to how to use astrology - nothing like sharing so we all learn together!

New Moon of September 8th

 New Moon Over Brushwood Gate (1405)

A New Moon at 15 Virgo occurs on September 8th at 10:31 (GMT). This being one of four mutable New Moons of the year, we know it begins a month when we learn a little at a time, doing, getting input, changing course, trying again and refining our methods according to results.

The degree 15 Virgo is an emotional degree; given Virgo's penchant for getting things done and done right, this may mark a time when it becomes evidently that things haven't been done correctly. Or maybe that they're just not working any more. This would be a classic time to realize that you really need to replace something or figure out how to get things done more effectively.

But there's more to 15 Virgo than just that! This being a degree indicative of people and processes which are supportive (or meant to support), the person who is mannerly or the means by which something is done by prescribed means, the flip side is anything but pleasant. When 15 Virgo dynamics go wrong, there's a whole potential for treachery, a wreaking of vengeance upon those who apparently have 'done you wrong.'

Coaching in Athens at New Moon (1904) 

by Csontvary Kosztka Tivadar

So...what are the odds here? Well, to state the astrological obvious, if this position conjuncts, opposes, squares or inconjuncts a problematic point in your own chart...this could be the beginning of a rather stormy period. And if it aspects something pleasant in your chart, the opposite would be true. 

There are also a couple of intriguing specifics which go along with these generalizations. For one, Vesta (a symbol of service) is sitting conjunct asteroid Lilith at 15 Libra at the moment of this New Moon, giving us a testy little semi-sextile to contend with. Given how in application asteroid Lilith represents personal attributes we don't like acknowledging to ourselves (never mind others!), throw in Vesta and this becomes a situation which needs attending to. 

Then there's Mercury - which rules Virgo. Currently at 6 Virgo in conjunction with Thuban (success after much effort) and opposition calculated Lilith (societal denial) you may be tempted to avoid or evade...or then again, you may be about to be find out what happens when you do avoid and evade the reality of...

Of what? Either of what you have sown prior to now, or what you have failed to sow or properly (at)tend to. Remember - Virgo is always about a 'harvest.' So this New Moon is supposed to be a time of results.

And like as not it will be - but are they the results you really want? If not, this would be the time to begin working towards those things which in the end, really matter.    

The August Full Moon

 Full Moon over Cincinnati, Ohio

Also known as the Corn Moon, Fruit Moon, Barley Moon and Sturgeon Moon (don't ask...!), the August Full Moon occurs this year on August 24 at 5:06pm, Greenwich Mean Time.

Occurring just a day after the Sun entered Virgo, the chart for this Full Moon is obviously going to have a lot in common with the Virgo ingress.

The Virgo Ingress (shown as an Aries Wheel)

       

The August Full Moon (shown as an Aries Wheel)

Look carefully...all you'll see having moved are Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars and Vesta. And that in itself tells us something, as Mercury - one of the fastest moving planets in our solar system - hasn't shifted even a degree.

To make the point, Mercury makes an orbit of the Sun every 88 (plus) days. That means Mercury usually moves a couple of degrees a day. So that it hasn't moved is in the bigger picture of 'norms' unusual. Yet it's also entirely understandable, seeing that Mercury just went retrograde on August 20th.

On the 20th, it was at 19 Virgo. Four days later, it's only at 18 Virgo. That's Mercury moving at barely ooze pace.

Considering Mercury's metaphysical connection with thinking and the general thought process, decisions, planning, activities and schedules, that suggests a Full Moon period rife with hold ups. Or maybe just with taking a pause.

Famous for interruptions in mail service, processing of paperwork, clarity of communication, car problems, computer snafus and everything from stubbed toes to canceled or delayed travel, business and personal plans, Mercury retrograde is a pain in the very low back for the highly motivated and speed-addicted among us, but quite all right if you're taking a personal 'time out' of some kind.

On the Full Moon side, Full Moons are known as a time of great 'illumination in reflection' ...and a general intensity of feelings.

Occurring at 1 Pisces, this Full Moon is conjunct three separate astral objects: Athena (wisdom), calculated Lilith and royal fixed star Fomalhaut, a star which promotes those dreams which are not corrupt and which brings great unhappiness where corruption is in the mix.

Athena, goddess of Wisdom. Having sprung from the

brow of Zeus full grown, her helmet represents Athena's

'unassailable mentality' - an 'armor clad' intellectual function.

Considering Lilith is here, and that calculated Lilith is hardly ever a piece of cake as it represents societal considerations we either avoid, evade, reject  or have forgotten about, at best this is likely to be a time of sorting things out. And at worst? The worst here would seem to be where we have done without wisdom (Athena) and done something totally naughty (Fomalhaut) which for some reason has now come back to haunt us (Lilith). Courtesy of Mercury inching along like an unmotivated snail, there's little likelihood of doing a verbal tap dance and scooting away.

However...this is just a Full Moon. And though Full Moons can be 'one of those moments' (good or bad) they are also very transient. With the Sun in perfect conjunction with Orcus and Sphinx, there is either a tendency to attempt to use Sphinx-like patience and tolerance couple of Orcus-like 'facts' to try to charm your way out of things. But if you really have violated the Fomalhaut rule, chances are Orcus-Sphinx-Sun is going to manifest as a totally blank wall which greets all your witty charm with a 'nice try' and a demand that you toe the line, admit your error and make amends.

The good news is that over the next couple of days - while the Moon is still in Pisces, you have some room for emotional negotiation. And this is useful even if you haven't had a good time as Moon in Pisces is as wonderful time to achieve understandings and make mutually beneficial plans as it is to mend broken bridges....

...It's also a perfect time to work on you own if you have some personal project.

Looking to the Arabic Parts for this Full Moon, issues concerning one's own experience of being mothered arises now, as does your personal relationship to honor as a concept. How these two things interact is now functional across the board, as is the experience of being a daughter - which would obviously be personal for women and as something men will do well to be aware of.

These qualities or 'patterns' may be apparent in what goes on, but they won't necessarily be the subject of conversation. But if you know the people you are dealing with or listening to well, you are likely to hear some of their own experiences coloring their parameters in this moment.

Again, this isn't necessarily a giant red flag, merely a nuance which if you understand it may allow you to comprehend what's going on better and operate more clearly for your own part.

Often marking the period when something comes to fulfillment, this particular Full Moon - given Mercury having just gone into retrograde - suggests a time for reflection, discussion and self examination. 

Given the Sun in a pragmatic sign on one side backed up by fact-driven Orcus in opposition to the Moon in a emotional, perhaps even vulnerable (hopeful?) position conjunct Fomalhaut on the other, keeping the facts separate from the feelings is the best way to go. Both are valid, but it won't help matters to let them get confused.

 Going forward, we move into a 'waning' period (from the Full to New Moon) which here involves becoming more aware of ourselves, our values, our choices, our plans and how our personal aims matter, but need to work with others if we're to get ahead. All this is up for consideration, and with Mercury in retrograde, considering and thinking things over is the perfect thing to do.

Have a happy, prosperous, productively feeling-filled Full Moon!

The Full Moon - photographed from Japan

Mercury Retrograde: August 20 - September 12

 Mercury - by Hendrick Goitzius

As of August 20th at 8pm GMT, Mercury will be in retrograde motion. And it will not go direct again until September 12th.

It's taking a rest, one might say - hence the unusual image (above) of Mercury the Greek god actually sitting down.

This is not to say that planets in retrograde aren't active. They are. Think of it this way: the planet isn't losing mass just because from our vantage point here on Earth relative planetary speeds make it looking it's 'losing ground' or "going backward," right?

The planet is still the planet. It still has all the same mass and all the same forward motion, all the same gravitational affect and the rest of it. So retrograde must be about the relative point of view we get on said planet - and thus, on the metaphysical attributes associated with the planet.

From our point of view the planet (and thus all it represents) is not moving forward. Thus neither are matters connected with it - which in the case of Mercury are 'thinking oriented.' And when thoughts are not moving forward...what are they? Either static or under review, right?

Thus we come to the meaning of Mercury retrograde: things either being 'on hold' (static) or 'under review' (getting looked into, edited, worked on, etc.).

Fair enough...what do we know about this retrograde period?

Well, for one, the whole of this retrograde takes place in the sign of Virgo (keywords: health, work, service), a sign all about doing whatever it takes to maintain, improve or streamline life and one's efforts.

Constellation Virgo - source: AlltheSky.com

The most famous star in Virgo is called Spica. Positioned at 23 Libra (yes, Virgo is a very large constellation!), Spica was originally envisioned as the wheat sheaf carried by the goddess of the harvest - a symbol of 'sustenance which encourages healthy growth.'

Yet because Spica is also thought lend 'brilliance' to whatever position or planet it is connected to, it's sensible to think that as civilization has become ever more mechanized and technological, Spica is very much a star about the sorts of expertise and skill so typically associated with Virgo. Maybe you've heard that Virgo can be 'nit-picky' or obsessive about details? Well, that's this exact quality gone overboard; where honing one's ability jumps the proverbial shark we get pickiness, over-attention to detail and that other Virgo no-no, critique-criticism when anyone doesn't think like you do.

All this comes back to Virgo being an earthy - concrete - sign which deals in tangibles, but one which in being ruled by thinking, thoughtful, idea and question provoking Mercury is all about mentality.

The Thinker - Auguste Rodin 

 

It's the idea of the thing, the how to do it well or better which is Virgoan. Virgo's striving to do things well or better is where it comes by its care-giver nature (bettering health through service). And why Virgo is associated with those in 'helping' or 'service' professions, be that a civil servant, a doctor, members of the military or in a general sense, employees.

Virgo rules all those things we do because they simply need doing; Mercury's twin rulership of Virgo and Gemini (sign of choice-organization-priority) gives us the picture of Virgo as the sign under which we get those things done which Mercury/Gemini has chosen to do.

With this now in mind, we look to where in the sign of Virgo Mercury is going retrograde. Answer: at 19 degrees Virgo, a degree which is about being practical if  philosophical yet not distinctly determined and pragmatic in a way which may come off as hard. Sharp statements which cut through the fluff are typical of this degree, as is a pronounced willingness to take on detailed or technique-oriented tasks which require time and perseverance.

Nineteen degrees of any sign being the final degree of the 2nd (emotional) decanate, we can expect matters to be about emotionalism and to raise emotions (or stir passions) about now. And a note on that too: though associated with 'the Virgin,' and for the past couple of thousand years with the Christian Mary, the astrological Virgo is not chaste. How could she be if she is goddess of the fruitful, fertile harvest?

Sommer - by Leopold Karl Walter Graf von Kalckreuth (1890)

The non-sexual-celibate, rather 'prudish' version of Virgo many of us have heard of is something laid on by religious hands probably seeking to douse what is a  natural, nature-oriented, physicality-accepting aspect of Virgo. Doctors, remember?

The separator term here is 'purity,' which has through some religious associations come to be thought of as chaste. In Virgo? Not so much! Known as a sensual sign which in accepting the mortality of human existence is well aligned with intimate notions, Virgo (particularly because of it's polarity with spiritual, unworldly Pisces) embodies that essence where the mundane becomes special.

Where it is...pure. That's the thing to understand about Virgo - the key to this sign is the cleanliness of concept. That which is uncluttered, functions well. That which is well formed, suits and fits the required purpose. That's Virgo: pure Virgo.

As when any planet goes retrograde, Mercury in Virgo going retrograde means the attribute functions not so much on an external, but rather an internal basis. So as Mercury now goes into retrograde, all the attributes and qualities we've just discussed - those are the lens through which you are likely to look at yourself now. Or be seen. And considering how easily planetary symbols in Virgo tend to manifest as critiques and criticism, you may feel highly critical now - of yourself or someone else as you measure them against what you think of as your 'good and pure self.'

Probably not a great idea, granted. But don't be shocked if you get into such a mood.

Anyone with a placement between 14 and 24 of Virgo, Pisces, Sagittarius or Gemini is likely to have the hardest time integrating their own concepts and points of view with what presents themselves now. But they do have options - remember that!

People with placements between 14 and 24 of Capricorn and Taurus are likely to feel caught up in an ongoing process. The challenge here is not to get so focused on the pine cone that you forget the tree, forest, national park and the original intention to get the whole thing surveyed and delivered on time.

People with placements between 16 and 22 of Scorpio or Cancer now have an opportunity to be effective or become more effective with regards to some greater goal. The question is: will you get yourself in gear?

People with placements between 17 and 21 of Leo or Libra are likely to feel frustrated by lack of cohesion or a sense that people are 'on your side.' Maybe you should be on theirs? Who's ego is trying to play a trump card?

And lastly...

People with placements between 17 and 21 of Aries and Aquarius are faced with making some changes. Resist not, lest they be made for you in a manner you really dislike!

By the time Mercury reaches the end of its retrograde on September 12th, it will have rolled back through all the emotional degrees (suggesting these weeks will not be placid) and arrive in the physical degrees, where it's what you do, how you do it and how fit you are to do it (or what you need to do to be fit) which counts.

The degree of that station/direct moment will be 5 Virgo - a degree known to pose a passel of passionate questions. Will you be defensive or aggressive? Will you control yourself and funnel your abilities usefully or splurge and scatter your energies to your own ultimate detriment. Will you trust the proven ally or make choices based on superficial qualities which turn out to not be 'quality' at all? Will you be lonely, defiant and isolated - or will you be dependent, dependable and respected?

Most of all, seeing as this station will involve Mercury - what will you think of yourself, and what will you think of others at this point? Will this be a time when you come to understand yourself better - or recognize who others are in a whole new and different way?

It's something to think about. But then, that's what Mercury retrograde is all about.

 

News Flash: Mercury Station Effects Begin

 Source: NASA

As Mercury goes retrograde on August 20th, the 2-day 'station leeway' period begins today and runs through August 22nd. As with all stations, the apparent astronomical 'turning point' (which is all about relative planetary speeds) may signal an actual turning point in life.

This being about Mercury, the medium is informational, whether that means understanding, conversation or communication by any other means.

Events which occur prior to the actual station are evolving into being. Those which take place during the two days after the station on August 20th imply was is coming out of something which has already happened or become known.

Color August by Number

 

Having done my time in the money-and-finance end of the movie business, I know many a person sees or thinks 'augh! numbers!' and flees!

And yes, I do mean 'did time' in the movie business. As glorious and incredibly entertaining as behind-the-camera work is, between the power/people politics, and 14-hour days (not to mention the 6-day weeks), it can really get to you. When I see movie honchos, I recognize they've lasted through all the flame-throwing and bad behavior in the climb to the top.

And that says as much for as perhaps against them (said the daughter of a producer!)

So I'm not amazed at how many people fall by the wayside or crumble under the industry load. That  entertainment eats its own? That's just fact. That the terribly talented if vulnerable fall prey to entertainment's various rapacious? Oh how sad!

But unavoidable, too.

People talk about blood diamonds. Maybe we should contemplate how much blood is on that DVD, celluloid, MP3 file our pouring through that digital signal which so lustrously fills the HD flat screen these days.

And no, that's really not what the blog is about today...that's just on the way to warming up. The reason to bring up numbers isn't really about entertainment - it's about life. Namely the August you're about to live through.

Since the Moon changes signs every 2 days or so, I'm exunting it from this conversation. And that leaves us with a basic if mighty nine classical symbols: Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

Yes, even though Pluto got demoted to dwarf planet we still include the icy darling in our daily conversations. 

Anyway...you want to know the basics of how August is going to shake out?

Well, here 'tis - and no coloring outside the numerical lines!

AUGUST 2-4: With six out of nine planets in the physical-and-action-oriented 1st decanate, the emphasis is definitely on doing and harnessing of Self.

With the Sun in emotional degrees of Leo (an altruistic, will-driven sign prone to disappointment when reality doesn't meet the ideal...), reminding ourselves that ideals are here to motivate is useful, seeing as that way we don't get seriously disappointed. Ideals aren't reality - that's just the truth of it!

With Venus and Neptune in 3rd decan positions, nebulous communications are likely. Even when you do get straight talk, it isn't exactly what you want to hear - but don't take that to mean all's for naught!

Doing what needs doing because it needs doing seems optimal, though not delightful. Bear with - you don't know everything you need to know yet.

AUGUST 4-7: The piece which changes here is Mercury (communication) going into emotional mode. Still, it's all a matter of degree, so don't take this as a carte blanche to go postal on anyone.

Warmly practical and pragmatic caring approaches are a good bet, especially if you make an effort (and let others know you've made the effort) to see the bigger picture before deciding what's true, worth believing/believing in...or acting on.

AUGUST 7-13: Venus moving into Libra warms up  opportunities for productive (maybe even fun) interactions so long as you know who you are and get that you're going to be received as just that, with no un-warrented accolades attached. (Sorry, it just happens!)

Seeing as we have three personal planets in successive signs (Sun in Leo, Mercury in Virgo and Venus in Libra), that signals days not exactly made of wine, rose petals and luxury, but so long as you don't get your ego in a pinch good things can happen.

The key all about being openly creative, being neither manipulative of circumstances nor expectant of their outcome. It's all about what works, not what happens in the short run, so go for the curiosity and exploratory route, not the pre-planned dotted line.

AUGUST 13-15: We all have those days all about getting things done and these would be a couple from that box. 

With the Sun now in Leo's 3rd decan of 'where does this get me?' you're likely to feel a bit on your own and avoiding feedback isn't helpful.

But if you lead with a spirit of generosity and willingness to listen? That works pretty well, even if it doesn't scratch every itch. 

The one big warning here? Don't insist - that could lead to unpleasant drama down the line!

AUGUST 15-17: Feelings intensify as Mars moves into emotional Libra territory, prompting actions and conversations bent on communicating feelings. 

Since Mars is about ego and Libra about interaction and self-presentation, this may or work or not work, depending on everybody's Diva Meter.

And yes, how much of a diva you've generally been of late!

Bottom line, no matter how frustrating, irritating, boring, insulting or risky the conversation seems, try to have it. And when it happens, negotiate, don't accuse - and whenever possible rely on facts and not opinions!

AUGUST 17-22/23 (depending on time zone): Venus moving into emotional degrees heightens longings and those possibilities which if capitalized on properly, may just satisfies them.

Unfortunately, with the opportunity here comes the vulnerabilities. Either we're all more 'noticeable' or our personal auras are way cranked up now, and since

Mercury is going retrograde, this may just spark an important encounter.

Good or bad? That's as yet more than likely unknown. You may be taken aback, inspired to step back and have a little think or realize you need to consolidate gains (or your position) before moving on.

Whatever's happening it's in transition mode, so don't chisel anything in concrete, or try to glue anything down just yet.  By the end of Mercury retrograde (that would be in September), you'll feel a lot better clued in - best to wait for that than act now!

AUGUST 22/23-28: The Sun moving into early Virgo brings all a bit down to earth - rather like coming home from a fabulous vacation only to get there and realize there's no food in the 'fridge and you really need to do the wash.

No doubt, there are things to do and a near future to prepare for. Time to knuckle down, get organized and get your priorities on straight!

AUGUST 28-31: Venus arriving in Libra latter third tells us this is when we are likely to get a few questions answered. You may not have enough to make a move with yet, but you do have enough to set off on an exploration of the wilds with, so get out the canteen and pith helmet. (And yes, you look fetching in a safari jacket. Is it YSL?)

As Mars works on catching up with Venus just at the month's end we realize that we're not quite 'home free' yet.Things are changing. You're getting places...but where exactly are you getting?


There are choices in the air and many pluses and minuses going around. You may feel annoyed that no one left you in charge of this world now, but since that's the way it is, grumble and snarl if you must...but then get to doing what doable.

Or even yet, what must be done. Tying up lose ends is a plus now - you'll thank yourself soon enough!

********************************************

If you find this sort of monthly 'planner' useful, leave a comment to that effect and I'll put it on the schedule. If not, no harm, no foul, no offense.

Such a deal, right?

.

Mercury Retrograde: Into the Shadow

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Tomorrow July 31st, Mercury crosses 5 Virgo, entering what's known as the "shadow" of it's upcoming retrograde.

Mind you, this isn't anything nefarious. It's not like Mercury is doing anything 'shadowy.' All that's meant by the term is that in crossing 5 Virgo, Mercury is beginning to traverse degrees which during retrograde, it will then again back over. And once it goes direct again on September 12th, these degrees will again be hit in forward (direct) motion.

The whole of this cycle not ending until September 28th, marked above as the date when Mercury exits it's shadow and moves on.

So what does this mean in general and to you? As any planet enters its shadow of upcoming retrograde (and remember, all celestial objects except the Sun, Moon, fixed stars and galactics do this celestial dance step)...any time this occurs we enter a 'zone' where things already 'on the table' are what will be worked out during the whole of the cycle.

As we discussed earlier this week when Mercury entered Virgo, there are different 'style's to how people cope. Apart from that, the general lore of direct-versus-retrograde motion is that during direct motion we experience and learn from 'input' and external events. During retrograde we build on what we've learned, consolidate gains, cut losses and otherwise do some mental/personal housekeeping.

In this case, as Mercury goes sliding into its shadow, there's some...celestial 'noise' going on. Call it a bit of cosmic bickering. 

The symbolism here is Mars (direct), Saturn (direct) and Black Hole M87 in early Libra, all opposing a retrograde Aries quartet of Jupiter, Lust, Uranus and Hebe (plus ill-favored Scheat in late Pisces). This is a picture of 'conflicting interests' either in your head, maybe in your schedule or your preferences...it can be about you and other people in your world, some personal relationship or something you're trying to achieve.

Whatever it is, it needs time in which to consider parameters, information and options. Virgo representing the linkage between the desire and the 'achieving of the thing' questions now swirl around am I doing the right thing? or maybe is what I'm doing really going to get me where I want to go? In some cases you will have to cope with "oppositional forces" which are presenting you with critiques or important choices.

During the last week before retrograde, typically feelings of urgency about. The rule is to differentiate between what's on track to finish naturally (easily) and what you feel pressured to rush and take care of.

Rushing isn't good. But things which may come to fruition (climax, completion) during this time because you've reached the end of a process? Well, bravo! Go ahead - take care of the thing and be done with it. 

Things may be emotional as station/retrograde nears, but that isn't necessarily bad. And please - don't do or not do because retrograde is coming: the ONLY question is whether your ducks are in a line. Don't worry about what others may or may not do - or when they're going to do it. Astrologers get lots of questions on this score  (yours truly included); for some reason people think all of life is/should come to a halt during retrogrades.

But nothing of the sort is remotely true! Take Mercury retrograde...it's a great time for catching up on paperwork. Or phone calls. It's fabulous for doing research or a fine-tooth edit. It's a fine time for conversations which may clarify your thinking.

Put simply, Mercury's retrograde periods (like that of any other planet, asteroid, TNO or what not) can be incredibly productive. It's all in how you use it.

So just be aware. All retrogrades ask us to do is take note of what we might in our rush run on by. Retrogrades ask us to explore the broader and richer potentials in life.

We all tend to focus narrowly. We all tend to see too much simply in black-or-white. And because we do, along comes the conceptual shadow of a retrograde, adding metaphorical and metaphysical shadows...and thus depth. During retrograde cycles our life takes on context and texture.

They give us a bit of pause in the action so that we can accept, absorb...then move on to excel in this thing we call life.

Mercury enters Virgo Prior to Retrograde

Planet Mercury as viewed by Mariner - source: NASA

As Mercury enters Virgo on July 27 (9:42pm GMT) it does so in exact conjunction with Orcus, symbol of all those things which can no longer be changed, whether that means money gone, trust broken, lives spent or decisions made badly. 

And just ahead, at 4 Virgo, sits Atropos, the Greek Fate all about endings. 

Gee...does that give us a clue, or what?

 And yet, considering the great metaphysical theorems that 'all things happen for a reason' and 'unbeknownst to us, the universe is unfolding as it should,' that suggests that whatever 'ends' (or we let go of) is truly all for the best. After all, Virgo is all about making things better and more functional. 

So maybe this is a very auspicious way for this particular ten week transit to begin. 

WAIT! 

Did I say TEN weeks? 

Yes, actually, I did say ten (count 'em, TEN!) weeks. It wasn't jus a test just to see if you were listening. 

Now...I know that you the fairly more savvy astro-watchers know what this means. It means that Mercury's about to go into retrograde, elsewise it would move on to a new sign in something like...oh, say...three weeks or so. You know, the standard sort of time period for Mercury transiting any given sign. 

The retrograde itself we'll talk about in detail later. But as for this 'letting go' thing, there's a couple of ways to think of it, considering the retrograde is a-comin'.

 One is the pro-active concept. And yes, those who know something needs giving up who begin the letting go process now will probably have that process pretty much well and done by the time Mercury ends retrograde and goes direct on September 12th, having all 'in gear' and moving on to the next thing by the time Mercury exits its shadow come late September. 

Then there's the 'I guess I have to think about it, but I'm not making any decision yet' group. Considering this is all taking place with a Mercury (thought process) in Virgo (making things work better/more workable), this group is going to investigate all the angles and see what can be done without doing anything truly drastic until the September 12th station rolls around. At that point they'll see why something has to change and begin making changes. 

For the record, this is likely to be most people. 

The last group of people are the 'I'm going to do this my way - I don't CARE what anyone else thinks!' group. This group will resist pressure heading their way as retrograde approaches, hold on by the proverbial skin of their teeth (however unhygeinic that is) through the actual retrograde period and then, as Mercury goes direct, find out what the gain or loss is for having refused to yield to clear indications that things weren't okay as they stood. 

In other words, especially with Atropos as part of this picture, they are going to feel or experience loss. 

Truth is, there's some sense of loss to be associated with this transit no matter what. It doesn't have to be terrible or disatrous, it's just a 'loss' in terms of what comes out of it is an altered status quo - it could be totally positive! The question is really whether you want to participate in the changes and ultimately benefit from them, pinch Peter and pay Paul as you go along, hedging every bet - or if you're just going to have change thrust upon you, for lumps or glory. 

Virgo being an earth sign, this concerns something tangible. Something which is part of your reality. Considering that Virgo is a mutable sign and not set in its ways, that accounts for the aura of change, exchange, interchange, improvement and experimentation.

A medieval image of the astrological Virgo as the goddess

of harvest who teaches us to care for that which 'feeds' our needs

Being that Mercury rules Virgo, this is a highly focused period. Your thoughts are going to be on whatever your issues at hand are. Meanwhile, others are going to be focused on their stuff - so don't be surprised if you're not getting the normal amount of input or support you might normally expect. 

But that's not all. There's a whole slew of points standing in opposition to Mercury as we trot into this mini-epic, starting with Neptune, representing ideals and illusion or disappointment. Neptune supports non-egotistical energies and dissolves that which is simply too over-the-top selfish to bear. (And no, you don't get to decide which is which - that would be the cosmic/karmic point!)

Then there's Chiron, the mythic centaur healer. Chiron is all about those things which you don't know how to do (or "fix") and which truthfully you'd be much happier never having to face, never mind deal with.

 As it to underscore the issue, then we have Icarus. You may remember Icarus from the myth - a youngster who when equipped with wax wings takes off into the sky, forgetting that if you get too close to the Sun the wax melts and down, down you go. Astrologically, Icarus tends to be about overstepping the bounds of both safety and good sense. All three of these symbols are in social, societal, friend-and-income (supportive) Aquarius. In opposition to Mercury/Atropos, this sounds a bit like standards of behavior and/or operational parameters.

Moving on to the Pisces portion of this opposition program, only a couple of points, the first being royal star Fomalhaut, a star which rewards one with great success unless corruption enters the picture. And since Athena (wisdom) is here, this is a whole 'you should have known better!' story. Or maybe even a 'you DID know better and did it anyway' tale. 

Considering this ingress happens just a day or so after a Full Moon in Aquarius, whatever was 'highlighted' at the full Moon...(which would have been on Sunday the 25 in the Americas and Pacific region and on Monday the 26th in the UK-Europe-Africa region and from there, all points east)....whatever was highlighted then has set a tone, theme and tenor for what unfolds from this point forward.

Remember...this all started with Mercury/Orcus - the idea of something already done. We can build anew, we can fix, apologize, restructure...but we can't 'undo.' And sure as shootin' we shouldn't in this moment try and evade, deny or ignore. 

One more 'looking back' note: as we started we noted not just Mercury conjunct Orcus at 0 Virgo, but Atropos at 4 Virgo. That implies 'units' of 4: days, weeks, even months. (It could even mean years, though with this being about Mercury that seems highly unlikely.)

Atropos, cutting the 'life thread'

There's also that Mercury reaches 4 Virgo on July 30, so don't be shocked if something pokes you with a stick about then.

How you handle all this? That's of course up to you. And how you emerge from this cycle? Again, that's all your personal doing. With the whole of this passage in Virgo, cooperation is helpful and obsessive focus on doing your thing your way not only often not helpful, but undermining. 

This can actually be an incredibly productive time of substantial achievement. It just depends on your understanding and willingness to own that you don't know everything, your ways aren't always the best ways to do things and that the world has standards and necessities we all need to pay attention to.

So bottom line here, be honest with yourself. In the end, that's the Virgo-Mercury healthiest thing you can possibly do. You may not love the reality of your life, but it is your reality - and reality...realistically...that's all we ever have.


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