mercury retrograde
Mercury Goes Retrograde Today
Mercury goes retrograde today. This astrological phenomenon occurs three to four times per year, when the planet Mercury appears to move backwards through space. Energetically, it can be a period of frustration, error, confusion, and delay, and each cycle lasts about two to three weeks. Mercury retrograde begins again today and will last until September 14th.
In ancient Roman mythology, Mercury is a prominent god who rules business and finance, communication, travel, luck, swindlers, and thieves. He also serves as the guide of souls to the underworld and as a messenger of the gods. He is also known for his ability to take things apart and put them back together again. In astrology, the planet Mercury is therefore associated with communication, intellect, technology, and travel, so all of these aspects of life can be affected when it goes retrograde.
During Mercury retrograde, all aspects of communication, logic and reason can become more difficult and dysfunctional. Misunderstandings and mix-ups are more likely, and we are sometimes less able to think and express ourselves clearly. This can cause problems in our personal and professional relationships. We are also more prone to making mistakes or overlooking important details, leading to frustration and confusion.
Communication systems and technology are also affected by a Mercury retrograde. Digital communication devices and electronics may malfunction or break down, and internet and phone connections may be disrupted, making it more difficult to stay in touch. Travel may also become more challenging during this time, with delays, cancellations, and other unexpected obstacles.
Astrology Forecast August 21 – 27, 2023
Increased awareness, focus and attention to detail are at the forefront this week. First, the Moon transits Scorpio today through Wednesday. To top it off, the Sun enters Virgo on Wednesday, followed by Mercury (its ruler) going retrograde.
This cosmic cluster will result in an energetic emphasis on paying attention, practicing caution, and not getting stuck in the minutiae of daily life. Flexibility and compromise will be essential to getting through the first three days of the week.
Be especially careful with financial matters and business dealings tomorrow, for a Venus in Leo square to Jupiter in Taurus tomorrow morning, followed by Mars in Virgo opposing Neptune in Pisces in the afternoon, could cause all kinds of trouble, including financial losses, poor money decisions, overspending, and even fraud. Do not book any events or trips, do not sign up for or order anything, and especially do not sign any contracts. Also, avoid discussing finances with your spouse, partner, business associates, or clients, as conflicts and disagreements are likely to arise.
A more light-hearted energy will bring some balance on Thursday and Friday under a Sagittarius Moon, allowing us to regroup after a trying few days. Make it a point to relax, play, have some fun, and leave the next batch of heavy lifting for another day.
This weekend the Capricorn Moon gives us a chance to re-ground ourselves, look at things from a more logical and practical angle, and work on our self-care. The week also ends with Mars moving into Libra, marking the beginning of a two-month cycle of more balanced movement and improved interpersonal relationships.
Astrology Forecast May 8 – 14, 2023
The main astrological event to look forward to this week is Mercury turning direct on Sunday! However, keep in mind that the effects of Mercury retrograde energy can become more profound as the planet prepares to change direction, so electronic glitches, miscommunication and travel issues could be more distinct through this week.
Today’s Sagittarius Moon casts a happy-go-lucky vibe, and though we may not get much done, we can make up for lost time tomorrow and Wednesday, when the Moon marches through Capricorn.
In fact, tomorrow promises to be an exceptional day for professional success, business prowess and getting important things done. A Capricorn Moon sextile with Saturn in Pisces, as well as a trine with Mercury in Taurus will imbue us Tuesday morning with an increased sense of responsiblity, goal-setting, organization and even effective communication, despite the retrograde return. It will therefore be a good time to schedule that important staff meeting or group zoom call.
Beware however Tuesday afternoon’s Taurus Sun conjunction with Uranus, as it may cause us to be highly individualistic, self-absorbed and rebellious. As tempting as it may feel in the moment, this will not be the best time to pick a fight with your employer, or challenge the authority of your team leader.
Thursday and Friday’s Aquarius Moon will prematurely get us in the mood for a fun, social weekend, so it may take some effort to stay focused on work responsibilities, instead of cutting loose and doing something crazy. The energy over these two days will however benefit creatives, as this lunar aspect inspires imagination and our flair for design.
The weekend unfolds under an easygoing, cheerful Pisces Moon. Remember however that desite Mercury turning direct Sunday night, retrograde energy tends to linger for another week or two during the aftermath known as the retrograde ‘shadow.’
Astrology Forecast April 17 – 23, 2023
An interesting astrological week lies ahead as the Sun moves into Taurus on Thursday, followed by an Aries New Moon Solar Eclipse. If you have placements in any of the cardinal signs, namely in Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn, this first solar eclipse of the year will affect you more.
Tomorrow afternoon the Pisces Moon conjunction with Neptune may cause us to be distracted and immersed in daydreams, as well as overly sensitive, emotional and even anxious. Keep calm and try to stay focused until the Moon transits into Aries tonight to restore our mental clarity, energy levels and confidence to take on life’s challenges.
Leading up to the Solar Eclipse and Sun sign transition on Thursday, tomorrow and Wednesday’s Aries Moon will cast excitement in the air. We’ll feel a signigicant change is coming, even if we don’t know what it is yet.
Thursday’s hybrid solar eclipse in Aries is a rare and beautiful phenomenon, as it is both a total and an annular eclipse. During an annular eclipse the edge of the Sun remains visible, creating a lovely bright ring of light around the shadow of the Moon.
This solar eclipse is a powerful time to review our dreams and goals, set clear intentions, and embrace new possibilities. If you need a significant breakthrough in your career, business or romance, then make the most of this potentially life-changing energy with a prayer, meditation, affirmations, or visualization. This is also the second Aries New Moon in just three weeks, so it reaffirms the energy of the previous, encouraging us to put ourselves out there and create new magic and miracles!
Control Is The Opposite of Love
I have learned that communication glitches and other side-effects of a Mercury retrograde can actually offer us valuable life lessons if we choose to pay attention.
For example, during the recent retrograde my daughter suffered a migraine on a day she was supposed to visit me. I decided not to pick her up, because she said she was not feeling strong enough. She is prediabetic and I pray and light candles for her daily.
So, I texted her a get-well soon message along with an animated chicken soup meme. Feeling worried about her, I checked in periodically throughout the day see if she had received her ‘virtual chicken soup.’ But the message read receipt only showed ‘delivered.’ No read receipt.
The next day, the text message suddenly showed it had been ‘read,’ but it had the previous afternoon’s timestamp? I noticed a similar phenomenon when co-parenting communication with my daughter’s father also suddenly failed repeatedly and produced delayed read receipts.
Instead of becoming frustrated about it, I contemplated the matter and came to an enlightening conclusion. Spirit clearly said to me, “The need for control is the opposite of love’s vibration.”
This is so very true. Controlling energy is toxic energy. It was a gentle reminder that I need to keep working on releasing my desire to try and be in perfect control of everything in my life at all times.
When we constantly feel the need to control every aspect of our day, rather than letting the energies of universal love, joy and abundance flow freely in our life, we block our blessings and personal growth.
Astrology Forecast January 16 – 22, 2023
This week there is a cosmic ‘musical chairs’ occuring with various planets shifting as the heavens align for the beginning of the Chinese New Year this weekend.
Today, the Scorpio Moon will carry an intense vibration, enabling us to get a lot of things taken care of that have been on the back burner since last year.
A lighter energy prevails tomorrow and Wednesday, as the Moon dances through Sagittarius, but we’ll have to watch out for overly sensitive people and potential emotional outbursts. This may partly be due also to Mercury turning direct in Capricorn on Wednesday. This return can cause miscommunication and technical glitches that are sure to try some folks’ last nerve!
The Sun will move into Aquarius on Friday and meet up with Pluto, giving us a sense of destiny and karma to guide our way forward.
On Saturday the Aquarius New Moon will announce the dawn of the Chinese New Year. To add to the drama, Uranus will also turn direct this weekend, after four months of backward motion. This aspect will cement the fact that new beginnings are upon us! With the rare trio of the Sun moving into Aquarius, as well as the New Moon in Aquarius, and Aquarius as the ruling planet of Uranus going direct (as well as Mercury), plus the Chinese New Year all happening within a matter of days, the writing is certainly on the wall: major change for the better is on the horizon.
Astrology Forecast December 26, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Mercury turning retrograde on Thursday, this week should unfold easily and smoothly.
Today’s Aquarius Moon could cause some electronic or communication glitches as it joins forces with a receding Mercury, but keep in mind this is designed to get our attention and alert us to where change might be needed. For example, if you received a new iPhone for Christmas and it’s not working as it should, it might be a good idea to return it to the store for an exchange.
In fact, if you do have any gifts you are looking to exchange, this is the week to take care of that, as Mercury prepares to go backward. This should ideally be done this Thursday or Friday under the Aries Moon.
Also, beware the Aquarius Moon conjunction with Saturn in Aquarius this afternoon, as it has a penchant for invoking feelings of unease, melancholy and even depression. Do not give in to self-pity or negative thinking the day after Christmas. Instead, make that phone call to a lonely relative or friend, or visit that struggling neigbor with a small gift or sweet treat to brighten their day! Many folks will feel lonely and abandoned under this lunar aspect today.
New Year’s Eve on Saturday and the first day of 2023 on Sunday unfold under a Taurus Moon, offering us a grounded and loving position from which to kick start a prosperous and peaceful New Year. Setting sensible new year’s resolutions should be a snap under this very determined aspect, as we prepare to greet 2023 with better health, more financial security, and tangible progress towards our goals and dreams for the coming year.