It’s retrograde season again, and we’ve got a couple of planets making this chaotic transit. Personal planets Venus and Mercury came at us fast at the start of the year. Fortunately for us, both planets are due to station direct within the next week or so. Personal planets are placed closer to the sun and move a lot faster when making their rotation. These planets’ energy is said to affect us on a level that touches our lives on a more conscious, and immediate level — as quickly as the planets move. Mercury turns retrograde three or four times in a calendar year. This year we get four of these retrogrades in both the air and earth elements. This time around Mercury turned retrograde on January 14th at 10 degrees of Aquarius. Mercury will station direct on February 3rd at 24 degrees of Capricorn. The main areas that Mercury governs in our lives are communication, companionship, mental energy, and short-term travel; these are the themes that will be the most prominent during this retrograde period.
Mercury retrograde in Aquarius and Capricorn
When we hear the word “retrograde” it can put a little fear in our hearts but — it’s important to remember not to give your power over to the retrograde. Astrology is a tool, and understanding these transits can be looked at as a way to navigate our paths with our own personal maps. So, even though the retrograde might shake a few things up, keep in mind — there’s a reason. When looking at the way a planet moves when in is in retrograde, you’ll notice it seems to stop, and then pass back over an area of space that it previously chartered. Therefore, retrograde energy can be attributed to the act of reflecting and correcting. Mercury retrograde in Aquarius and Capricorn is all about reflecting and correcting in the areas mentioned earlier, and adding a little air and earth essence to our process.
Aquarius is the 11th sign in the zodiac, forming a constellation in the shape of a man carrying a vessel of water, more commonly referred to as the water bearer. Aquarius is a fixed air sign that typically exhibits independent, innovative, and progressive qualities. With Mercury retrograde transiting through this sign we’ll see these Aquarian qualities lent to our process of reflecting and correcting in the areas that the planet governs. Expect to feel encouraged to tap into a somewhat creative energy for a few weeks, while using your time to come up with new ways to achieve the success that you have envisioned for yourself. You can also expect for this energy to expand into some consideration of your friendships — you may start to reconsider some of the people you have around you while starting to seek out new friends and acquaintances that gel with your current energies. perhaps, the number one goal pertaining to the Aquarius energy of this transit could be taking some time to muster up the courage to move ahead independently in pursuit of our goals once the planet stations direct (and the energy is easier to maneuver).
Capricorn is the 10th sign in the zodiac, forming a constellation in the shape of a goat. Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign that typically exhibits focused, diligent, and entrepreneurial qualities. With Mercury retrograde transiting through this sign we’ll see these Capricorn qualities lent to our process of reflecting and correcting in the areas that the planet governs. Expect to feel encouraged to tap into a no-nonsense energy for a few weeks, while using your time to cut away anything you deem unnecessary to your progression toward success. You can also expect for this energy to expand into your own life — getting our sh*t together will feel like the number one goal as the planet completes this transit. Setting everything straight in our lives also includes incorporating some sort of routine in regard to our projected goals with the intention of charging forward with great diligence once Mercury stations direct in this sign.
Take a breath, it’s almost over
The most peculiar side-effect of Mercury retrograde energy is perhaps the way it messes with our electronic devices and travel plans. While Mercury does not govern technology, it does govern communication. We are living in a technology era and many means of communication include some sort of electronic device (telephones, computers for email, etc.). Even though it is strongly suggested that you don’t give your power over to the retrograde(s), it is suggested that you back up and insure all electronic devices and work during this time. It’s also important to think before you speak, reread messages before you send them out, and double check any written work as miscommunication is common during these Mercurial transits.
And even though Mercury is not the love planet, it isn’t uncommon for old lovers and friends to try and spin the block. Typically, anybody popping up from your past will strictly be around to either teach or remind you about a lesson in our personal relationships. Before you jump to create space to rekindle these old connections, take a moment to reflect on the situation. Travel problems tend to occur quite frequently while Mercury is in retrograde as well. Car problems, cancellations, and even getting lost are a few of the common ways Mercury jacks up our plans. It’s silly to change your whole life because of a retrograde however, having a (or maybe two) back-up plan(s) in place for all travel plans might be a good way to prepare and conquer Mercury should you find yourself the victim at any point.
Kickin’ it in the cosmos
There are a few aspects that enhance and alter the energy of this quick retrograde including some mixing and mingling with outer planets Saturn and Uranus. Mercury will be in conjunction with Saturn (also in Aquarius). Saturn is the planet associated with the energy of karma and foundations, and will encourage us to make changes in areas concerning family, finances, and physical dwelling. Mercury also makes a square aspect to Uranus (in Taurus). Uranus energy is closely associated with surprises, change, and progression. The square is a bit of a tougher aspect, and may bring in some unexpected news that we may not necessarily care to hear. The square could possibly even initiate some changes that force us to step out of our comfort zones. Mercury will also make a conjunction to fixed star Icarus. Icarus is a little more well-known amongst the astrological bodies, more specifically as a rebellious and impulsive energy. As Mercury retrograde is also of this nature, it is doubly important to take time to reflect and correct before making any major (or even minor) moves during the retrograde period.
Make the most of this retrograde
Mercury stations direct on February 3rd at 24 degrees of Capricorn. The planet will be passing back over its’ retrograde degrees in a direct motion for a few weeks. This is considered the post-shadow period, which will end on February 24th (pre-shadow: Dec. 29,2021-Jan. 14, 2022). While Mercury will no longer be in retrograde, a little bit of residual energy will be lingering around. This will be the best time to tie up loose ends on any projects that were prominent over the retrograde period and use what you’ve learned to help yourself tap into the success you’ve envisioned. Once we make it to the end of February, Mercury will officially be completely out of the retrograde phase until May of this year.
