Mercury, the Cosmic Messenger, goes retrograde three times a year for a brief period of about three weeks, but this year there are four of these phases to deal with. During these periods, hiccups are likely to occur with communication, travel and transport. Misunderstandings, lack of information, phone problems, breakdowns with appliances, machinery and component failure are also in the frame. This can happen thanks to 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 ihas it 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, 2nd/1st house.
This is the remainder of the Mercury retrograde phase that began last year on December 19th, in your 2nd house of personal earnings, values and possessions. Mercury is revisiting conditions from December 2016, when past money matters, negotiations and discussions need your serious attention. On January 4th, Mercury re-enters Sagittarius, so issues concerning the finer points of agreements and negotiations in relationships come forward again, this time for final decisions to be made. In the process, take another look at your patterns of spending and saving. Revise your approach and your methods. Mercury turns direct on January 8th, then heads back into Capricorn on January 12th after which you will resume the finer points of finances. You will be back on track with budget plans from January 28th, once Mercury is out of his shadow phase.
April 9th – 20th, Mercury Retrograde in Taurus, 6th/5th house.
It’s that time of the year when you must take a step back into workplace discussions, disagreements and changes. If irritations have gotten the better of you, then think of ways to improve your efficiency, analyse your work structure, and review ways of organising your routine. With Mercury retrograde you might find yourself clearing a backlog of paperwork, attending to overdue administration and being faced with delays. Outline your messages clearly so there is no room for error. Follow through with health, dental and medical appointments.
On April 20th the Cosmic Prankster re-enters Aries, your 5th house of romance, creativity and speculation. Your mental energy will require more input, especially if your thoughts need an avenue for creative expression. Pay closer attention to messages you send to loved ones, as information can easily be misconstrued. With Venus also retrograde, your concerns will revolve around relationships. . Check your timetable for entertainment venues and don’t forget to make notes regarding important events. However, the Sun beams into your 5th house now, giving you the opportunity to be tenacious and plough away at finding resolutions to your dilemmas. Talks that surfaced at the end of February or between March 23rd and the 28th, will be raised once more from April 27th to the 30th. Mercury turns direct on May 3rd in Aries, then moves forward to re-enter Taurus, your 6th house, on May 16th. Mercury remains in a shadow phase until May 19th.
August 13th – 31st, Mercury Retrogrades in Virgo, 10th/9th house
On August 13th, the Cosmic Prankster turns retrograde in your 10th house of career and ambitions. Your mental activities, thoughts, and ideas will focus on long-range plans, and career moves. There’s likely to be indecision about plans on the domestic scene, real estate and property, but you may have to curtail any decisive moves for the moment. You may be waiting for potential employers to get back to you, or others who would be instrumental in advancing your career. Take time to listen to other people’s opinions before voicing your own, which could be open to criticism. You might find it difficult to concentrate and so you’ll feel hampered in some way. Avoid procrastination and being caught up in minor details, or neglecting important information and facts.
On the 31st, Mercury briefly re-enters Leo, your 9th house of the higher mind. You’ll be rather vocal about expressing your beliefs, and ideals. Try not to display anger, or indulge in impulsive behaviour and blunt remarks to others. Be careful while travelling or taking adventure tours — and make sure your bookings are accurate. On September 5th, Mercury turns direct in Leo before re-entering Virgo on the 10th, when you will redirect your attention to career matters. Mercury will be out of the shadow phase on September 20th, just as Venus enters your 10th house. From September 19th to the 21st, you will return to issues on the domestic scene, but ensure the information you receive is absolutely accurate.
December 3 – 23rd, 2017, Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius, 1st house
This will be the last Mercury retrograde phase for the year, beginning on December 3rd in your 1st house of personality. At the start, Mercury conjuncts stern Saturn from December 1st to the 8th when you are unlikely to be a happy chappie. A serious approach to most things is recommended, and you could take advantage of this transit by concentrating on information that requires greater persistence. That said, you may be suffering from guilt after a confrontation with a friend, in a group situation, or within a love relationship. Much to your advantage, joyous Venus will be dancing in your 1st house, smoothing over disagreements with your charm and persuasive manner. Problems that arise from November 25th to the 30th will be in the picture once more. 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 December 18th in your 1st house of personality. Although Mercury will remain retrograde in your sign at the start, you will be in for a great time! Sensual Venus is uplifting your mood and emotional needs, which will benefit your relationships. You may take up an exciting love interest, or just enjoy fun, entertainment and recreational activities. This is the time to open up with a new style and self-image, which is sure to attract admirers. Start a new course with your personal needs and plans for the next twelve months. Stern Saturn leaves Sagittarius on the 20th, which will please you no end, except now you will have to take a more prudent view of finances.
Your personal Full Moon occurs on June 9th. This Full Moon will be a culmination of events that took place at the end of November 2016. At this time, you will be in the thick of discussing relationship issues, agreements, commitments and legalities. Contain your restless urges in relationships, and take a realistic view of your needs. Arguments could arise over joint account expenditure, possessions, and investments. Your mood may be low key, while you make adjustments to your personal earnings. This will be a splendid time for a harmonious relationship with work colleagues, improvements in working conditions and in health. Your private relationships, or a new attraction, will fare well with your sensuality bursting at the seams.
