An apparent backward motion of the planets is called a "retrograde" motion. It occurs in several stages. At first the planet seems to stand still, then it backs up through the signs, stands still again, and then resumes its forward motion. The amount of time that a planet spends in retrograde motion depends on the planet's orbit, varying from about twenty-two days for nearby Mercury to about 160 days for distant Pluto.
A popular misconception is that a retrograde planet signifies something unpleasant. A retrograde planet prolongs the influence of that planet in its sign and house of a horoscope. If that influence happens to be an unpleasant one, the prolonged unpleasantness will be blamed on that retrograde condition.
When Mercury is retrograde, it is considered to be a time of problems with interaction, travel and even the simple basic workings of things. It is also thought that the general averse aspects of a retrograde planetary motion carry over into the lives of the people born under them as a part of their lifetime astrological chart.
The Sun and Moon are never in retrograde motion.
Retrograde and Direct Motion Wikipedia
Mercury begins the year already retrograde from December 26, 2009 at 21 Capricorn
Mercury turns direct January 15, 2010 at 5 Capricorn
Mercury turns retrograde April 18 at 12 Taurus
Mercury turns direct May 11 at 2 Taurus
Mercury turns retrograde August 20 at 19 Virgo
Mercury turns direct September 12 at 5 Virgo
Mercury turns retrograde December 10 at 5 Capricorn
Mercury turns direct December 30 at 19 Sagittarius
Three or four times a year, never on the same dates, Mercury loops Earthward (to our eye) in a retrograde cycle back over zodiacal territory. During this passage 3 and a half week transit, our attention moves towards unfinished business. Since all backward movement symbolizes a return to source, we can use these times to attend to our inner perceptions, and reconnect with the spiritual source of our thoughts. This introversion can bring about a critical purification process that can help us gain new insights based on prior knowledge.
It's important to figure out how this transit affects the patterns in your life as they will repeat. I know some readers are not into retrograde, but it has its pitfalls whether you believe it nor not. With shifting reality, much doesn't work in general, but this transit can make things a bit more confusing, indecisive and difficult. To me Mercury Retrograde means Repetitions and Delays. Pay attention to details now, especially linked to transportation and communication. We also find mixed or missed messages. Plans change. Things are lost or forgotten. Decisions will be made and revisited. Don't forget that Mercury is the Trickster who brings messages and learning lessons in round-about ways that we attract by synchronicity.
The cycle of the wing-footed messenger, Mercury, represents our mental and communicative life processes. This companion dancer to the Sun (never traveling more than 28 degrees away) inspires mobility and adaptability within our environment. Through Mercury, we express ourselves with language, writing, speaking and reasoning.
The God Mercury was Thoth, Hermes, Hermes Trismegistus, the progenitor of the Emerald Tablets connected with the Hall of Records. Hermes is also the Trickster, so do be careful.
Caduceus, Balance Scales
Rod of Hermes
Medical or Dental: Diagnosis made could be wrong, appointments cancelled.
Business: Problems with contracts, meetings, merges, paper work, etc.
Telecommunication: Phones, satellites, computer systems and related
Travel: Lost luggage, flight delays, vehicle problems, getting lost even with a GPS system
Decisions: Change or you feel indecisive
Relationships, friendships and partnerships: Changes made and reviewed
Creative ideas won't flow!
If you start a diet, you'll quit when retrograde is over.
It will be hard to 'keep it together'.
You'll return whatever you bought.
It may be broken or you'll decide you don't like it!
Many things simply won't add up!
If you play a trick on someone
it will backfire on you.
Life may be a struggle, but don't give up!
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