Mercury Retrograde In Pisces and Aquarius, February 6th to February 28th – “Slipping Into the Shadows”

We are currently in what astrologer’s refer to as the ‘shadow

#17, The Star is Aquarius' tarot card
from "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"© by
Ciro Marchetti

period’ of a Mercury Retrograde cycle. The shadow period for a retrograde is computed by looking at the actual retrograde dates.  In this case, Mercury turns retrograde at three degrees Pisces.  After the retrograde period ends, Mercury doesn’t return to three degrees Pisces until March 20th.  Mercury turns direct on February 28th at eighteen degrees of Aquarius.  The last time Mercury was at eighteen degrees Aquarius prior to retrograde was January 22nd. Therefore the shadow period for this month’s Mercury Retrograde (MR) is January 22nd to March 20th.  

Why do astrologers calculate shadow periods?  Perhaps it’s a cosmic early warning system.  I’ve never been a purest about anything and I don’t have that much time to devote to smudging.  I consider a week before MR and a week after it to be enough of a cleansing period unless the signs involved with Mercury make things particularly crazy.  If you have Mercury in Pisces, or Mercury in Aquarius in your birth chart chances are you’ll feel this MR more than the rest of us.

#18, The Moon, Pisces card, reminds
us about the power of illusion and
imagination RWCS by US Games©

Starting tomorrow we have MR in Pisces.  Pisces is a highly intuitive sign and Mercury in Pisces is an intuitive mind.  During MR we may find that our intuition is slightly off kilter, or that we have more of a tendency to let our imaginations run away with us.  Our communications, while heartfelt, will be based in emotion, not logic and emotional expressions are the most susceptible to being misunderstood.  After all, miscommunication is the hallmark of Mercury in Retrograde.  Pisces have trouble forming strong opinions on their own on a good day.  We may experience feeling wishy-washy about matters that normally ignite our interest.  However, Pisces are also dreamers.  We can all use this MR to redesign and revise our dreams.

On February 12th Mercury slip slides back into Aquarius

Mercury's card, #1, The Magician
RWCS US Games©

along with our communications and intellectual attitudes.  Mercury in Aquarius is both a scientific and an inventive mind. Puzzle pieces fall into place easier and we can connect the dots more quickly.  Emotions rarely influence decisions under Mercury in Aquarius.  What does MR look like in Aquarius?  Missing the connections.  What appears glaringly obvious while Mercury is direct in the Water Bearer, now feels obscured.  Where we would normally leap to conclusions with gazelle-like accuracy, we find yourselves missing the mark.  We also risk sounding totally off base.  Remember that hallmark of miscommunication?  Repeat these ‘r’ words: Review, reconnoiter, reinvent.  After the 12th it becomes important not to rush into things without being 100 percent certain of where you’ll end up.  Thinking we know and going with your gut simply aren’t good enough strategies during MR.

Check out how to cope with basic Mercury Retrograde irritation in my blog, “Mercury Retrograde, Tarot and You.” 

Relax, remember to breath and put MR to work for you.

LADY ORACLE

Mars in Virgo, October 15th to December 7th 2013 – “Keeping an Eye on the Prize”

Mars' card, #16, The Tower
at so much destructive here, as high-energy
from Ciro Marchetti's "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

This October we receive a burst to both our ambition and our organizational drive known as Mars in Virgo.  Virgos, and those of us with Mars in Virgo in our birth chart, will be cruising at wrap speed from mid October into early December.  The rest of us will also enjoy the benefits, as well as suffer some of the drawbacks this energy provides.

Under Mars in Virgo you can expect an uptick in your aggression.  No, that doesn’t mean that every bouncer in the city is going to know your name.  It means that you will pursue your goals more aggressively.  This is a good thing. You will also stubbornly cling to your methodology as if your life depends on it.  Not necessarily so great. Still, this is terrific energy to focus on last quarter strategies, or new year projections.  You can also use Mars in Virgo to clear out your living space prior to the frenzy of the holiday season.  However, avoid becoming overly critical and dogmatic to those who don’t share your vision.  Mars in Virgo energy puts the “P” in perfectionist.  No one wants to be around people who over-analyze the simple, i.e., nitpick, or judge their every action.

Mars in Virgo accomplishes tasks and problem solves like

Virgo's card, #9, The Hermit
from Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
beloved, "Steampunk Tarot" ©

none other.  There’s a natural detachment that comes with this energy.  This detachment allows all of us to more easily discount our emotions and analyze the subject as whole before reaching a decision.  Again, this trait is particularly strong in Virgos and birth chart people.  Business people, investors, negotiators and attorneys take note.

There’s nothing very romantic about Mars in Virgo.  That’s why we’re fortunate to have Venus in Sagittarius at the same time (see blog: Venus in Sagittarius ) Mars in Virgo is not a demonstrative creature.  It’s that compartmentalizing, detached energy this configuration carries.  Unfortunately, this energy unchecked can lend itself to playing head games during arguments.  Avoid statements that manipulate people, or situations.  Employ the rules of fair fighting and don’t belittle other people by chipping away at their confidence.  Don’t nitpick.

We all have a chance to prosper and gain ground under the influence of Mars in Virgo.  Just stay active and involved to avoid feeling fidgety and you’ll be able to rest on your laurels in December.  Well, at least you can take a breather.  Enjoy!

LADY ORACLE