Astrologer Felissa Rose offers her views on the upcoming Mercury Retrograde.
The planet Mercury is retrograde three times every year. Sometimes the retrograde begins at the end of one year and ends in the next, but regardless of when it begins and ends it totals three times. This year it starts on Thursday February 26th at 1:49 am EST when Mercury is at 22 degrees and 33 minutes of Pisces. It turns direct and ends on Friday March 20th at 3:34 pm EDT with Mercury at 8 degrees 31 minutes in Pisces .
Whatever planetary body is retrograde it tends to slow down its effects, for retrograde energy tends to be internalized. Mercury rules thoughts and communications, seeking to express them with clarity. During the time it is retrograde there is an increased inclination to think before speaking. Many authors are born with this position, going over what they have written before expressing it outwardly. Although it might not always be easy to do this, generally thinking first and expressing what one has been thinking about seems like a generally good idea.
As mentioned, Mercury deals with communications and ideas, seeking to express them clearly. Pisces is a sensitive and emotional sign, often imaginative and dreamy. When placed together when it is needed to be decisive, it’s easier to get distracted. The sign Pisces is ruled by the planet Neptune one of mists and fogs. It is the higher octave of the planet Venus, one of beauty and personal love. Neptune seeks a more spiritual form of love. When Mercury is moving through the sign one can be attracted to the spiritual side of their being, as well as the creative through music and art.
While Mercury is retrograde it’s important to be careful with worldly things like important documents and contracts, as details are more likely to be overlooked. Astrologically opposite signs are grounding and Virgo, ruler of details and nuances is the opposite one to Pisces. It would be grounding as well as stabilizing to go over things carefully, especially with paperwork.
Mercury rules mechanical parts, especially wires, circuits and tubes. Mechanical and technological issues are more common during Mercury retrograde periods. It would be better to be cautious when purchasing items such as cars, technology , electrical appliances or any kind of electronics. If you must make a purchase, be sure you will be able to return it and get your money back.
Mercury retrograde periods are generally not the best time for medical exams or procedures as things can get overlooked. Often issues arise with the parts of the body associated with the sign Mercury is moving through. Pisces rules the feet, so bunions, corns, or discomfit with a new pair of shoes can manifest or be more noticeable. Mercury also rules the nervous system. Aches and pains in the nerves can also be more apparent during the time Mercury is retrograde. It’s helpful to find ways to express any discomfit, whether through exercise, massage, chiropractic or acupuncture treatment or even talking or writing about what is bothering you. Hopefully you have connected to a practitioner of the treatments mentioned before the retrograde.
So, spend time looking inward and being more introspective. It’s favorable to go over past issues and events and if needed let them go. The next Mercury retrogrades this year will be from June 29th to July 23rd and October 24th to November 13th.
