Sunday, July 31, 2011

Mercury Retrograde in Leo - The Lazy Days of Summer 2011

August 2nd through August 26th, 2011

It's Mercury retrograde time again! 3 or 4 times every year Mercury turns retrograde for about 3 weeks. Mercury is the ruler of communications and travel, so when he turns retrograde, delays and interruptions can occur. This retrograde may start off a little crazy, but it should end without any extra ammunition.

When a planet turns retrograde, it appears to be moving backward against the sky. This happens because it is passing the Earth or the Earth is passing it on the solar "race track." You can see the same optical illusion when you pass a car on the highway. All of the planets in the zodiac, except the Sun and Moon, will turn retrograde periodically, and the slow outer planets are in retrograde almost as much as they are moving direct. Astrologers pay more attention to Mercury's retrograde than the other planets, because Mercury is a very fast planet orbiting the Sun every 88 days, resulting in a retrograde about every 3 1/2 months.

Mercury is the messenger, and he can influence transportation, conversations, internet transactions, and even our automobiles. Mercury's retrograde itself is not usually difficult, but the stations (when a planet is changing directions) are usually when the problems erupt. In general, when Mercury is in retrograde, its a time to look to the past. We are more likely to reconnect with old friends, and often ghost hunting is more successful. Its also an excellent time to review files and records, and even clean out the closet, attic, or storage area. Personally, I've found that people or pets who are old and tired are also more likely to pass over during Mercury's retrograde.

This Mercury retrograde will begin in Virgo, but it will only take about 5 days for Mercury to regress back to fun loving Leo. During those first few days of Mercury switching from a forward to a reverse motion, Neptune will be at an opposition to Mercury. Gossip could be a big problem, and stupidity may also play a part in the confusion. Be sure to backup important computer files ahead of time, and if you are traveling be ready for delays. There could also be problems with addictions with Neptune involved, so be sure to watch out for the drunk driver during these first few days.

Once Mercury gets backed into Leo and out of Neptune's influence, it should be a rather typical retrograde. Mercury will cross Venus and the Sun (which he always does) and then turn around with no discord. Many astrologers say not to sign contracts or initiate any writing projects while Mercury is in retrograde, but we really can't stop living just because the astrologer says to. I wouldn't say not to sign any contracts, but put off those major life changing decisions until next month. It will be a great time for family and class reunions, and maybe just take a trip back to the house where you grew up. Leo loves drama, so Mercury retrograde in Leo would also be an excellent time for a vacation. Just make sure you are not in any hurry, because the delays could be quite entertaining.

Janet (Sparrow) Moon is a professional psychic and astrologer. You can visit her web site for more articles about upcoming events in astrology, and to read her daily astrology general tendencies forecast. (This article can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and this bio is included.) http://www.sparrowmoon.com/


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