In the Stars with Kathryn Silverton
Author of "In the Stars" for United Airlines' in-flight magazine
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Mercury RetrogradeThere is a tide in the affairs of men
And we must take the current when it serves,
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Or lose our ventures.
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.William Shakespeare
Julius Caesar, Act IV Scene 3
Retrograde Mercury (Merc' Retro)One of the values of astrology is to understand the ebb and flow of the times. One significant planetary cycle is that of Mercury's retrograde motion. Mercury goes retrograde about every three and one-half months for a period of three and one-half weeks. There are positives as well as negatives to this cycle.
How to read your Mercury
The pink shaded dates are the dates in which Mercury is in his shadow, as he is about to go retrograde.
Retrograde Card
The red dates are the dates of the actual Mercury Retrograde.
The gray shaded dates are the dates in which Mercury is in his shadow after he goes direct.
The good news
During Merc' Retro, focus on your past. Complete projects that have been in motion since Merc' last went forward. Edit or fine tune these projects with an eye out for details requiring change. Pay attention to people who contact you from your past. If you find yourself thinking about someone from your past for no reason, contact them. Through these contacts helpful information may surface. In sales, reconnect with existing accounts. Train for a new position or to take a refresher course. Make tentative plans for new projects scheduled to begin once Merc goes direct. This is also the "cleaning out the filing cabinet" cycle. Sort through old files, stacks of paperwork or periodicals that you have yet to read. You're apt to come across data that is more relevant now than if you had read it when it first arrived. Also, seeds planted in the past come back to you unexpectedly during this time.
The not-so-good news
It's safe to assume that Murphy's Law will be in effect in those areas involving Mercury: transportation and communication. Logistically, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. By taking this cautious approach during Merc' Retro, you're apt to anticipate and avert problems. Be prepared for the following:
1. Communication breakdowns. Anticipate crossed wires, misunderstandings, confused communications and incorrect information. Double check all relevant information for accuracy. Take time to verify instructions, numbers, directions and appointments.
2. People tend to change their minds in midstream, backing out of contracts or agreements at the last minute. It is NOT in your interest to sign contracts during this cycle. It's OK to consider options, but do not expect or plan to complete negotiations until after Mercury has moved forward.
3. Mechanical problems seem to arise with greater frequency. This includes vehicles, computers, locks and keys, and other vital appliances. If something mechanical breaks down, the culprit is generally the transport mechanism, such as piping, tubing or wiring. Expect a greater frequency of car problems such as flat tires, stalling and accidents. Whenever possible, be prepared with an alternate plan. Throughout the retrograde and shadow periods, back up your computer regularly. Have at least one backup copy stored in a separate location.
4. Schedules tend to get thrown off, often requiring last minute adjustments. Be accessible and flexible.
5. Repairs completed under a Merc' Retro may have to be reworked. Hold on to documentation such as receipts.
6. It is best NOT to start new projects under this cycle. Wait until Merc' moves direct for a more productive beginning, such as opening up a business, an account, mailing proposals or starting a new routine.
7. Expect increased accident-proneness in fingers, arms, hands, limbs, nerves, lungs, vessels and tubes.
8. Anticipate delays in receiving information - mail can be delayed or information might be filed incorrectly.
9. Watch the tendency to do silly things like lock yourself out of your car or home. And be sure you have the proper paperwork on hand when leaving for outside appointments.
10. Undergo surgery only if it is essential. If surgery is absolutely necessary, be sure that all documentation is in order and that the surgeon knows exactly what is to be performed.
11. Travel plans go awry. Double check flights and accommodations. Prepare for last minute changes or glitches.
12. Avoid hiring new personnel. This is a fine time to interview candidates, but you may not have all relevant information, such as references, at your fingertips to make a well informed decision.
Mercury's shadow
Mercury is said to enter its shadow when it moves into the portion of the zodiac that will have its tracks retraced once it goes retrograde. Similarly, it leaves its shadow once it has completed retracing that same path in its forward motion.
When Mercury enters its shadow, this is considered to be the precursor period, during which we might begin to actually feel the impending effects of the retrograde cycle. In fact, some people seem to have more difficulty with this shadow period than the actual retrograde cycle itself.
Once Mercury moves direct, but before leaving the shadow, we might feel some of the fallout from the retrograde cycle. For example, if you mailed something during the retrograde cycle and it never arrived, it might take until Mercury has moved forward beyond the shadow before it is actually delivered to the intended recipient.
Timetables
Below are the Merc' Retro dates as well as the sign(s) of the zodiac in which it will be retrograde. Its influences are often felt as it enters its shadow, approximately three weeks ahead of the actual retro. Similarly, some of the fallout can be felt until it leaves the shadow. So be alert once Mercury enters its shadow.
Pay attention to people born under the sign of the zodiac in which Mercury is moving retrograde, as well as those people born under the signs on either side of that sign. These people may be more likely to experience the problems associated with Merc' Retro. (If you know other planetary positions in your own chart, consider them as well.)
2008
Enters shadow: Jan. 13
Goes retrograde: Jan. 28 in Aquarius
Goes direct: Feb. 19 in Aquarius
Leaves shadow: March 10Enters shadow: May 12
Goes retrograde: May 26 in Gemini
Goes direct: June 19 in Gemini
Leaves shadow: July 4Enters shadow: Sept. 4
Goes retrograde: Sept. 24 in Libra
Goes direct: Oct. 15 in Libra
Leaves shadow Oct. 31
Kathryn L. Silverton
Lilburn, Georgia
770-931-2577
