The planet Mercury symbolizes the rational mind and its communication and thinking functions. The Roman god Mercury is the Messenger God, Trickster and Psychopomp [conductor of souls to the underworld after death]. Three times each year Mercury goes retrograde - appears to move backwards- activating the Trickster and Psychopomp.

The normally rational and logical functioning of Mercury is temporarily re-focused towards the internal realms making it a powerful time for introspection, meditation and inner work of all descriptions. It is a time to RE FOCUS the awareness, a time for REVIEW, REFLECTION AND REVISION.

When we ignore this collective shift [and most of us to as we still have to function in the world] the Trickster aspect of Mercury appears, frustrating our attempts to move forwards and often forcing the process of REVIEW and REVISION on us. 

This can play out as:

  • Cancelled appointments and last minute changes of plans
  • Misunderstandings and communication breakdowns.
  • Problems with telephones, computers, faxes, printers and anything related to communications.
  • Problems with electrical equipment. 
  • Delays with mail, contracts, banking.

  • Travel and traffic delays, car problems.  

  • DOUBLE CHECK ALL COMMUNICATIONS, ALLOW FOR DELAYS AND LAST MINUTE CHANGES OF PLANS. [YOURS AND OTHERS!] TRY NOT TO SIGN ANY CONTRACTS AT THIS TIME.   AND - THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT- DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY!!

The house in your personal horoscope where the retrograde action takes place will be where you will feel the effects most strongly. Beware that the effects begin about  2 weeks before the actual dates below and often continue for two weeks after.  Try to co-operate with the energy and use the time for reflection and revision rather than trying to force an outcome. It's a great time to un-cover new information and go deeper into any area. 

 In 2012 Mercury's retrograde motion will move backwards from FIRE into WATER signs.  

THE  KEY TIMES FOR 2012 ARE:

  • March 12 to April 4: 6 Aries to 23 Pisces
  • July 15 to August 8: 12 Leo to 1 Leo
  • November 7 to November 27: 4 Sagittarius to 14 Scorpio