In mythology, Mercury was the Messenger of the Gods, and in astrology Mercury represents thinking and communications. In your natal chart, your personal Mercury by sign and placement will show what information is important to you, what you think about, how you process, learn and what topics interest you. As Mercury transits the zodiac, it is bringing to light the topics of the sign it is in and the area of your chart it is moving through.
Illusions and Confusion
Since Mercury oversees communications, a retrograde will cast a shadow over all forms of information, communications, and thinking. With Mercury in the watery sign of Pisces, there is an emphasis on emotions, sensitivity, intuition, and tuning into the subliminal messages. It’s all about those subtle gut instincts. Yet, the retrograde can illuminate where there might be illusions or some form of information that is hidden, distorted or sidelined. For now, you just might find yourself temporarily confused trying to assimilate what you are learning and doing. Remember Pisces is nebulous, and as Mercury retrogrades here it brings fog, deception, or clouded thinking. A positive manifestation is to go with the creativity, daydreams, insights, and intuitive nudges your receive.
Originality and Humanitarianism
For a few days, Mercury will retrograde into the late degrees of Aquarius (28-29). The Universe is highlighting unfinished business that it needs to bring to your awareness. Aquarius has a unique cosmic energy that I find hard to define. It is the humanitarian sign of the zodiac representing groups not group think. While Mercury moves back into Aquarius it is highlighting a need to breakaway from a data dump or an intellectual overload. Your mind is most likely full of information from multiple friends and sources. Aquarius likes freedom and is an air sign associated with the mind. This occurs at the tail end of the retrograde as Mercury stations direct on March 10th in Aquarius. Whatever you are processing mentally, be cautious not to go into overload.
The Road Ahead
Keep in mind that with a retrograde the energies are not always visible or transparent. There are always missing elements. Perhaps, others are bending the truth but because of the retrograde you don’t have all of the information you need. When Mercury does direct the energies will settle down and the fog clears more and you will begin to get more reliable information.
What’s Next?
Mercury Retrograde will occur in different areas of people’s charts. So the overall theme of the energies applies; yet, how it plays out depends on each individual’s chart, planets, and aspects. With this retrograde, look at what house(s) Pisces and Aquarius rule in your chart. This is the area of your life where the retrogrades energies will manifest.
MERCURY RETROGRADE DATES
- Mercury Retrograde: February 17, 2020 – March 10, 2020
- Mercury’s Shadow Period Begins: February 2nd, then will emerge from the shadow on March 30th
- For more on Planetary Retrogrades and their symbolism, check out the retrogrades part of the blog.
