Mercury Retrograde
A Divine Experiment in Reflection
Mercury goes retrograde three times a year, and it often gets a bad rap. People worry that things will go wrong—computers crash, communication breaks down, we say the wrong things, or send that critical email to the wrong person. But what if we could reframe Mercury Retrograde as an opportunity? What if it’s a literal slowdown of time, showing us where we need to re-evaluate our mindset, communication style, and everything Mercury represents?
Mercury, often depicted as the winged messenger, is the Greek god Hermes and the Roman god Mercury. He governs wit, communication, and speed—fitting, given that Mercury is the fastest planet to orbit the sun. Where Mercury is placed in your natal chart dictates how you communicate, whether you’re more extroverted or prefer written expression, and even your worldview. It influences how you feel most comfortable expressing yourself, and the topics that captivate your mind.
Mercury represents the message you are here to bring to the world.
So, what does this have to do with Mercury Retrograde? First, check if Mercury was retrograde when you were born. If so, these periods may feel more like familiar territory. If not, you might find yourself "suffering" through them, just like the rest of the world.
Mercury Retrograde lasts about three weeks, with a “shadow” period a week before and after. How you experience it depends on where the retrograde is happening in your chart. If it occurs in a challenging area or aspects other important points in your natal chart, it may bring up more than you anticipated.
Steps to Navigate Mercury Retrograde:
Identify the Sign: Determine the sign where Mercury Rx is happening. For example, on August 5th, 2024, Mercury Rx occurs at 4 degrees, 6 minutes of Virgo.
Virgo, ruled by Mercury, is an earth sign dealing with tangible, physical issues. During this retrograde, Mercury will also move back into Leo, affecting the part of your chart governed by Leo.
Locate Mercury Rx in Your Chart: Find out where 4 degrees of Virgo falls in your natal chart. For instance, if it’s in your 10th house, which deals with public life, career, and legacy, this retrograde may prompt you to reassess how you're showing up in the world. Is your career aligned with your true self? Are there power dynamics that no longer serve you? Where do you need to bring order, and what needs a metaphorical spring cleaning?
Extra Credit: For deeper insights, do an oracle card spread to understand what this Mercury Rx is specifically here to teach you regarding its sign and house placement.
Example Exercise:
The Mercury Rx that began August 5th, 2024 is occurring from 4 degrees, 6 minutes of Virgo to 21 degrees, 24 minutes of Leo.
In the example chart below, the 10th house begins at 15 degrees of Leo and ends at 15 degrees, 21 minutes of Virgo. That is the line pointing north at the very top of the chart. Where is 4 degrees of Virgo? is firmly within the 10th house of career and public life. This retrograde might urge this person to revisit their career path, how they are perceived publicly, and whether their current life direction aligns with their true aspirations.
Your Turn:
Pull up your chart and locate where Mercury Retrograde is happening for you. It might straddle two houses, indicating multiple areas of life where you need to reflect. What sign is it in? Virgo and Leo suggest a focus on material matters, action, organization, and creativity. Which house is it in?
1st House: Persona, physical body, personal style—what needs changing or improving?
2nd House: Finances, personal possessions, values—are your actions aligned with your values?
3rd House: Inner social circle, communication style—how do others perceive you?
4th House: Home, safety, family relationships—do you need to make any changes?
5th House: Creativity, playfulness, children—are you nurturing these areas?
6th House: Daily routines, work—are they serving you? Could they be improved?
7th House: Committed relationships—what needs to be addressed or reassessed?
8th House: Shared resources, deep emotions—what’s in need of review?
9th House: Travel, education, expansion—what new horizons are calling?
10th House: Career, public life—are you showing up as your best self?
11th House: Social networks, friendships—do they align with who you are?
12th House: Secrets, inner freedom—what are you uncovering?
Conclusion:
Retrogrades can be a beautiful time for reflection and inner work. Approach this period as an experiment. Imagine the impact if everyone took three times a year to reflect on their behavior, patterns, and life direction, and created a plan of action for conscious change. This is the essence of Mystic Growth Lab.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and musings. If you want to dive deeper, let's schedule a session! Message me.