Expect frustration this week as we embark upon the second Mercury Retrograde phase of 2014: It begins the morning of June 7 and lasts until the morning of July 1. And while I usually like to promote Mercury Retrograde as the perfect astral moment to step back and review what is already set in motion, this retrograde already feels like one too many and it’s only just begun.
(I don’t know about you but I’m kinda done with the snail’s pace of 2014 and one more moment of deliberation over the details of anything feels like it will only exacerbate my retrograde exhaustion.) Unfortunately Mercury’s “slowdown” collides with the acceleration of Mars Direct, and the result is several weeks of inconsistent rhythms that inhibit any kind of solid pace. Many of us will need patience infusions to keep from falling off the edge of exasperation. Embrace your angst, and then, do whatever it is you do to keep yourself on track. Or, at the opposite extreme, don’t bother with even trying to wrestle down the retrograde and just breathe your way from day to day, reviewing the details, once again, confident in the knowledge that progress will eventually be possible.
Last year I decided it was appropriate to deem Mercury Retrograde a modern sky myth. It happens three times a year (with an occasional fourth phase) when, as a result of our orbital path around the Sun, Mercury seemingly appears to be moving backwards. We know it isn’t, but despite that knowledge, all the areas of life experience symbolized by Mercury do seem to go askew; phones, mail, travel and traffic, to name but a few. Recently, someone questioned my position that the planets are not causal. She said, “You say the planets don’t make things happen, but your advice about Mercury Retrograde is to avoid its influence by following specific instructions. ‘Don’t buy a computer or printer or install new software, etc.'” I said, “Yes, you’re right. And it is one of the great paradoxes of life. But there are certain things I would never do under Mercury Retrograde, like buy a printer, because I know I will only regret it—because I have.” As seasoned astrological travelers know, Mercury Retrograde is a great time to review, reflect, and reconsider plans and projects already in motion, with the hope of finding any details in need of refinement.
But the real problem continues to be Mars, in Libra, steadily coming up to speed after its long retrograde, and as it gains momentum, many of us stirred to action by its intensity are going to feel thwarted in our efforts to get things done; and then angry—very angry—at the delays and detours Mercury Retrograde throws in the path of our forward motion.
But the inability to move from third into overdrive isn’t the only Martian complication. The real issue is a Mars/Pluto square that is in effect now, and is exact and separating on June 14, with the Moon exactly conjunct Pluto. Anticipate a flood of feelings to cause emotional waters to rise, and expect the deluge to be felt most keenly in relationships of every denomination that suffer from inequality. And that’s not all. Fairly soon after that—approximately June 16—Mars begins an opposition with Uranus that is exact and separating on Jun 25. This is a volatile interaction that lends itself to meltdowns, yours or others’. Expect this opposition to have militant overtones as Mars declares itself the leader and Uranus responds with a not so fast attitude that puts Mars on alert, which is certain to inflame already too high levels of discontent. And as this entire bundles collides with Mercury F**king Retrograde, as they say in New Jersey, “Forget about it.”
Just don’t forget about the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. And never think there can be too much kindness in the world.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Mercury goes retrograde at the very bottom of your chart, stirring the deep waters of safety and security. Remember, Mercury is a Trickster, with an infamous ability to confuse and/or distract you from the real issue: knowing yourself to be enough—from the inside out—and to have enough to handle whatever needs to be done to create the solid ground of safety, again, inside and out.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Mercury “turns around” in your Solar House of communication, so don’t be surprised if you are repeating yourself more than a few times. You can complain about this review if you like, but truly that would only be a waste of your precious time and energy. So rather than whine, make the most of it, by engaging in conversation with a compassionate attitude that is interested in creating greater clarity and understanding for all the participants in your current situation.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Mercury Retrograde is all about your true value, and whether that manifests as a thorough examination of your finances or a truthful look at issues of self-esteem—or both—you have the potential to emerge from these next several weeks with a greater awareness of how to experience greater abundance. As you move through this phase try not to focus solely on negative themes. When you accentuate the positive, the positive increases.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Mercury goes retrograde in your Sign, in your Solar House of personality, and as it retraces its path, you’re likely to experience an identity crisis. Keep in mind, that this crisis doesn’t have to be negative or difficult. It can simply be a matter of reconsidering what you would like your persona to be and then, figuring out how to make the desired shifts. Or…you might be quite happy with yourself, exactly as you are, and if so, you can use this as an opportunity for self-appreciation.
Leo July 23-August 22
You’re mulling—a lot—over all the details of the recent past with the hope to finding any clues you might have missed that would tweak your situation toward a more positive view. And because of that review, you are also mulling over future plans with the hope of isolating specific pieces, really key elements, of the mosaic you are creating for the next phase of your life. There’s no need to hurry this process and every reason to enjoy it.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Your Mercury Retrograde is about social contacts and connections so don’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling more gregarious than usual. Rather than deny your convivial urges, respect them, and even if you feel you’re too busy for frivolous events, give yourself permission to take a break from the heavy lifting and just have fun. That’s right…allow yourself to experience the pure, unadulterated joy of a shared community. Then, allow that joy to heal any old wounds you’re holding onto.
Libra September 23-October 22
Mercury Retrograde reviews career issues, and whether that translates into recent choices or past preferences, a wide range of alliances can be examined to see where new awareness and understanding can heal and mend old disagreements. Of course, putting pride aside won’t be easy, especially if your efforts to make peace are assessed by a committee of participants. But never mind; this is a good time to make peace with the past.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Mercury Retrograde creates a crisis of doubt, which could make you extremely uncomfortable, but only if you give into a stubborn insistence to have it “your way.” Questioning is always a healthy endeavor, but only if the questions get to the heart of the matter, and only if you’re willing to find the truest answer, which often requires relinquishing a tried and true position. Rather than resist, build those brain muscles and see what honest inquiry will reveal.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Mercury facilitates a personal transformational process, and while I know you’re kinda tired of all the emphasis on reviewing the details, this phase could yield beneficial results. All you are required to do is be willing to grow—and by that I mean to show up, be and stay present, and allow the situation to continue to unfold. I don’t mean to make this sound so easy—there will be challenging moments. But those trials and tribulations are all part of a much bigger puzzle that you will eventually solve.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Mercury Retrograde focuses on partnership patterns, both personal and professional. Rather than worry about what will be revealed or how much more work you’ll have to do to refine your current habits, surrender to the idea that there’s always room for improvement. Again, this is not about finding the flaw; it’s about allowing yourself to flow with certain shifts that are occurring all around you, shifts that could be beneficial.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Mercury retrogrades through your Solar House of healing, and as it reviews recent commitments to helping others to heal, it also asks you to reflect on how you are taking care of yourself. Use this phase to notice where you slack off on self-care. For example, do you let meditation slide when you’re in a hurry? Do you skip the gym or your yoga in the morning to make that early meeting or to make sure someone else is on time? I’m not suggesting selfishness as a cure, but respecting your needs could be a remedy.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Consider Mercury Retrograde a creative opportunity to review recent choices of self-expression. This retrospective could be as simple as culling through your catalogue and identifying key projects and plans in need of attention. Or, the retrograde could manifest as several realizations about what needs to shift in your perspective to generate a new, more positive attitude. However you experience it, be sure to remember the first rule of magic: Whatever you focus your attention on will become your reality.
Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-888-937-9264, write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit AquariumAge.com, or e-mail ralfee@aquariumage.com.
Copyright © 2014 by Ralfee Finn