Mercury, the Cosmic Messenger, goes retrograde three times a year for a brief period of about three weeks. During this phase, hiccups are likely to occur with communication, travel, transport, misunderstandings, lack of information, phone problems, breakdowns with certain appliances, machinery and component failure. This can happen because of inattention to detail, messages being unclear, or overlooking the fine print in documents. Fine-tune areas that need your attention; other people may be holding back on information that you are after, or it has simply been misplaced even lost in the mail.
Ideas and plans that begin at the onset of a retrograde period usually get delayed or put on the backburner for another time. While Mercury is retrograde, a process of review can effectively resolve problems, more so when Mercury goes back into direct motion through the zodiac. Not everyone is badly affected by a retrograde phase, due to Mercury’s condition in the natal chart; for instance, should the Messenger be retrograde at the time of birth, a retro phase in the heavens can give you the flow of tidying up loose ends, clearing paperwork, or looking at areas that need your attention.
It’s important to double-check all arrangements for possible mistakes; listen to what others have to say and make yourself clearly understood. If possible, hold off on major decisions, major purchases, verbal and written agreement and the signing of crucial documents. The year’s Mercury retrograde phases are outlined below, giving an insight into the year ahead.
December 19, 2016 – January 8th, 2017, Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn, 10th house
This is the remainder of the Mercury retrograde phase that began last year on December 19th, in your 10th house of career and ambitions. Your mental activity will be focussed on achievements at year’s end and plans into 2017. It’s a time spent connecting with versatile people, and those at the top of the ladder in your profession. Mercury re-enters Sagittarius on January 4th briefly, before turning direct on January 8th, then back into Capricorn on January 12th. If you have planned a lengthy holiday, be prepared for some sort of travel delay or problem connecting up with people from overseas. From January 28th, start re-establishing your plans and outline your aims.
April 9th – 20th, Mercury Retrograde in Taurus, 2nd house
On April 9th, Mercury turns retrograde in your 2nd house of personal earnings, values and possessions. This is that time of year when negotiations on your finances needs further work. With Venus also undergoing a retrograde phase, you might find yourself discontented over career and relationship agreements. Clear any misunderstandings that occurred from March 23rd to 25th, that have resurfaced for further discussion. Try to avoid any major purchases, joint partnership investments, financial commitments, and loans. There may be trouble accessing money, changes to your earnings, or legal differences and relationship concerns. The Cosmic Prankster then re-enters Aries, your 1st house of personality, on April 20th. Your personal ideas and plans for the future will need to be revisited. Check all paperwork, information and facts. Don’t be surprised if you are somewhat irritable and prone to arguing from April 27th to the 30th.
Mercury turns direct on May 3rd in Aries, then moving forward to re-enter Taurus, your 2nd house on May 16th, but remaining in a shadow phase until May 21st. Then you can pick up the pieces, resume negotiations and make progress with finances.
August 13th to 31st, Mercury Retrograde in Virgo, 6th house
On August 13th, the Cosmic Prankster turns retrograde in your 6th house of work, health and routine. It will be a hectic time on the work front, when your mental agility will be stretched to the limit. Try to be accurate and concise with details, messages that you send and communication you receive. If things are going to go wrong they will go wrong now, not only with your co-workers, but also with managers and bosses. Your routine may be in disarray due to other pressing schedules. Computers may break down, and internet and phone difficulties abound. Make a note of all important details; keep your diary up to date and record all information that you receive. This is the time to think about health matters by not overdoing your limitations. Follow up doctor and dental appointments, and watch for nervous conditions and mental fatigue.
On the 31st, Mercury re-enters Leo, your 5th house of romance, creativity and speculation so you may have rethink past communications with a lover, relationship, children, or a project that was undertaken. On September 5th, Mercury turns direct in Leo before re-entering Virgo on the 10th. There should be smoother sailing after September 20th.
December 3 – 23rd, 2017, Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn, 9th house
This will mark the last Mercury retrograde phase for the year, beginning on December 3rd in your 9th house of the higher mind. If you have travel plans, make sure that you have the correct details, as delays are likely. It may take longer to receive exam or study results, communication from overseas, and in making transport arrangements. Make sure you get your mail to overseas destinations on time, and receiving mail or parcels could be delayed. The rush will be on to complete legal matters, marketing, and written publications, which are likely to be held over till the New Year.
Mercury returns to direct motion on December 23rd, but will remain in a shadow phase until January 11th, 2018.
Lunar Life with Lady Moon
Your personal New Moon occurs on March 28th in Aries, your first house of personality. You’ll be feeling bright and bushy-tailed, with your self-confidence, motivation and charm at an all-time high. Take a new direction with personal growth and expansion, as you’ll want to look your best; create a new style with your appearance, and indulge a little in social activity. There’ll be plenty of things you want to talk about; express your emotions and ideas about your future plans. Your mood however, could be topsy-turvy, being loving and pleasant in relationships or being totally wrapped up in yourself. This is also the time when you may experience problems with the law, people of authority, and power struggles within your career. Make sure everything is above board, and take care not to exploit others for your own benefit.
Your Full Moon occurs on October 5th, representing a culmination of actions that began at the end of March and early April. This Full Moon will aid in expressing your strong emotions within relationships and partnerships, as well as satisfying your own needs. It’s time to clear the air of misunderstandings, concerns and problems. Agreements may head discussions, together with legal contracts, and making important commitments. Read all the fine print and analyse documents carefully before signing or making decisions. Show your self-confidence, intellectual capabilities, and versatility. At the same time, your area of work and relationships with fellow workers and your health is highlighted. Some Rams could find themselves open to an office romance.
