Astro-logical Forecast for Friday 7/13 – Monday 7/16/2012: How to Handle Mercury Retrograde
A subtle shift this morning: freedom-loving Uranus turns retrograde 5:49AM ET, not to turn direct until December 14th. When a planet is retrograde, the energy it represents is best expressed by turning inward, instead of outward. When direct, Uranus tends to rebel against the status quo set by others. When retrograde, Uranus needs to set itself free from limits that are self-imposed. That is your subtle mission over the next few months, guided by the Sabian Symbol for 8 degrees of Aries: “a crystal gazer”.
Someone who looks into a crystal ball is intending to see a vision of the future. So what limits do you need to release internally in order to see that vision clearly — and have a real shot at making that vision come true? Those born with planets between 3 and 10 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn will be feeling the need for freedom more than most. Don’t know where your planets are? Consider booking a consultation with your local astrologer.
Friday is relatively quiet. The weekend begins early when Moon goes void of course at 3:46PM…not to enter Gemini until 8:26 AM ET on Saturday. Friday should be another great night for music and other charms to soothe a savage…beast, including a pair of rose-colored glasses.
That rosy outlook continues into Saturday, as Mercury and Venus make an idealistic connection at 6:42PM ET. That suggests a need to confirm what you hear, given that mental Mercury turns retrograde at 10:16PM ET. It turns direct on August 8th. What can we expect?
Mercury retrograde gets such a bad rap because we are geared, in this crazy modern age, to always be thinking, doing, moving FORWARD. Ya know what that gets you? BURN OUT. We need our down times, and Mercury retrogrades are a perfect time to sloooooooow down. We see this reflected in the curious increase in gizmo crashes (computers and phones), communication and transportation delays and other snafus. We may also find ourselves having to repeat what we’ve just said, running into people we haven’t seen in years and having to repeat what we’ve just said.
Getting through Mercury retrograde periods requires FOCUS and PATIENCE. During this time, avoid signing contracts, double check details a zillion times, avoid making major purchases (especially mechanical ones) and don’t believe everything you see in the headlines. With Mercury retrograde, chances are high that there’s more to the story. Gossip is to be avoided, too.
Do plan on RElaxing, REviewing, REsearching, REorganizing, REgenerating, REconnecting and REcreating. Clean out those closets. Organize those files. Get back in touch with people. Turn off your cell phone — or your computer — for a while. Take a trip — yes, really — or any break from your normal routine. Is that why we so often see people going on strike during Mercury retrograde? When in doubt, practice the art of SILENCE.
This Mercury retrograde kicks off at 12 degrees of Leo. The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “a old sea captain rocking”…and it’s a nice complement to “a crystal gazer”. Of the sea captain, my go-to Sabian Symbol guru Blain Bovee writes that we should keep in mind “maintaining poise while reading how the tides change; knowing what is coming by sensing the prevailing mood. Watch for forecasting trends…” in all areas of life. Hmmm…sounds like a time for FOCUS.
In Leo, Mercury retrograde suggests REviewing or REconnecting with our sense of play, passion and noble honor. Potential pitfalls are stubborn pride and/or delusions of grandeur. Watch the headlines. And look to see where 1 to 12 degrees of Leo falls in your horoscope, as that is the area where the influence of Mercury retrograde will be experienced in your own personal world.
Also influencing the weekend: stern Saturn challenging the Sun, exact at 12:14AM ET on Sunday. Watch the headlines as fearless leaders may need to make tough choices. The rest of Sunday is light and gabby…and if you’re taking a long weekend, lucky you. Because on Monday, Moon will be void of course from 6:56AM ET until 8:31PM ET — perfect for a day off.
Yesterday I shared a few headlines expressing the symbolism of Neptune in Pisces: drugs, deception, infections, oil, oceans. Not the most upbeat of topics, I know. So to make it up to you — here is Neptune referring to music, spirit and blissful communion. I guarantee it will make you smile — put on your rose-colored glasses, your dancing shoes and enjoy!