Mercury—messenger, communicator, negotiator, traveler and trickster extraordinaire—continues to dominate the routines of daily life this week. We’re at the midpoint of the first Mercury Retrograde phase of 2013, which began on February 23 and ends on March 17. While Mercury Retrograde always spells “trouble” with a capital “T” in all areas related to travel and communication, this retrograde hasn’t been nearly as devilish as previous phases.
What’s more, this week and next, you might come to love (okay—a slight exaggeration) the precision of this retrograde, given Mercury’s positive relationship to both Saturn and Pluto, a planetary combination that tethers this otherwise irascible retrograde signature to practical matters, as it simultaneously encourages a detailed exploration of the deep. Expect to be pulled along by undercurrents you never knew existed in waters equally unexplored. But also anticipate a fruitful journey.
Most of us know the Mercury Retrograde “you must go over the details more than thrice” ancient astrological command, especially those of us who’ve previously ignored the warning and lost a hard drive, printer, transmission, camera, passport or any other artifact related to travel and communication. Mercury Retrograde is notorious for snafus, because as it seemingly retraces its path, here on Earth, moving forward often feels thwarted by a constant series of interruptions – the battery dies, the fax fritzes (Do we still use faxes?), and all sorts of other obstacles inhibit an easy flow. And even though Mercury Retrograde is an invitation to slow down and take stock of what’s already in motion, few of us actually enjoy the benefits of this mandatory retrospective, probably because we’re too busy complaining about what’s going wrong. But this retrograde has a decidedly different feel.
Mercury is retrograde in Pisces, the Sign of imagination, and as mentioned in last week’s column, home to the vast waters of the unconscious, personal and collective. Mercury represents all intellectual activities, and when it’s transiting Pisces, fantasy easily overrides reality. This capacity to envision is not so much about “be careful what you wish for” as it is about recognizing the power of the mind – you can’t create what you can’t envision (second rule of practical magic). And the pieces of the sky puzzle with the potential to transform Mercury’s flights of fancy are due to the presence of Saturn and Pluto.
Saturn, currently retrograde in Scorpio until July 8, trines Mercury for the next several weeks, and that positive relationship has the power to not only ground Mercury’s imaginative Piscean journey but also to turn some of its dreams into reality through applied discipline. Pluto, currently in Capricorn, sextiles Mercury, not only deepening Mercury’s intuitive capacity, but also sharpening the ability to think critically about those mercurial musings. As an extra component, Jupiter squares Mercury, inflating some of those visions, but Saturn and Pluto easily contain those exaggerations.
On March 12, Mars moves into Aries, its Home Sign, where its fiery disposition burns brightly, and that heat is likely to cause some of the fluid fantasies of Mercury Retrograde, in Pisces, to evaporate. Consider that Martian fire an organizing tool that can help to identify what dreams to make real.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Gather your loose threads, and you will gather your inner strength. Then, resolve to move out and into action with a positive frame of mind that provides the agility to handle any situation.
Taurus April 20-May 20
You’re in the process of realigning several positive alliances, current and past, as well as personal and professional. Use a discerning intelligence to delineate the relationships that will be most beneficial.
Gemini May 21-June 21
The focus is still on assessing what you want to be recognized for. Whether it’s your talent, generosity, intellectual acuity, aesthetics, or ambition, you have an opportunity to refine those aspirations.
Cancer June 22-July 22
It’s almost impossible for you to completely forget the practical considerations of any creative endeavor, so rather than waste time trying to let go, weave them into the plan – it’ll just be easier that way.
Leo July 23-August 22
Yes, it is a lot of work, but you are perfectly capable of handling the workload, especially if you are able to ask for help from qualified assistants who understand the scope of what you’re trying to accomplish.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Conversations with significant others, personal as well as professional continue to reveal important information previously held back or denied. Listen carefully to what’s being said, and you’ll find the appropriate response.
Libra September 23-October 22
Breathe, deeply. You’re plumbing several depths simultaneously, and because this journey could include physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual waters, you’ll need to establish and maintain clear boundaries.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Don’t look now, but you’re acting like a Leo – all those Pisces planets are still encouraging the potential for imaginative, creative, and even romantic encounters with yourself. So go ahead, and leap into life heart first.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Part of the challenge is figuring out how to get your needs met without relinquishing your personal freedom. Not to get sappy on you, but it might help to fill in this blank: Freedom’s just another wordŠ.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Please write poetry. And please write it like a cool jazz saxophone solo or a witty Cole Porter love song. Then, read Scorpio, above, and follow the very same advice.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Is it still about the m-o-n-e-y? Or have you realized that this situation is about you realistically assessing your intrinsic worth, and then having the courage to stand firmly on your principles?
Pisces February 19-March 20
Continue to say everything that needs to be said until there is nothing more to say. And then notice how you feel: Lighter? Happier? Exhausted? Hopeful about what lies ahead?
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 © 2013 by Ralfee Finn