Astrologically Speaking

Mercury

This year Mercury spends extended period in Earth and Fire, not simply Earth as in 2003

Mercury Stations:

Mercury into Capricorn December 2, 2003
Retrograde December 17, 03 at 8:02 PST - 12° Capricorn 33'
Mercury in Sagittarius December 30, 03 - January 14, 04
Direct January 6, 2004 at 5:44 PST - 26° Sagittarius 17'
Mercury in Capricorn January 14 - February 6, 04

Mercury into Taurus March 31, 04
Retrograde April 6, 2004 at 14:28 PDT - 1° Taurus 53'
Mercury in Aries April 12-May 15, 04
Direct April 30, 2004 at 7:05 PDT - 21° Aries 07'
Mercury in Taurus May 15-June 5, 04

Mercury into Virgo July 25
Retrograde August 9, 2004 at 18:32 PDT - 8° Virgo 46'
Mercury in Leo August 24 - September 10
Direct September 2, 2004 at 7:09 PDT - 25° Leo 45'
Mercury in Virgo September 10-25

Mercury in Sagittarius November 4, 04 - January 9, 05
Retrograde November 30, 2004 at 4:17 PST - 26° Sagittarius 43'
Direct December 19, 2004 at 22:28 PST - 10° Sagittarius 27'
Note the eclipse at 25° Scorpio May 15, 2003

The Antics of Mercury

I wrote an article last year about Mercury that still applies this year. Mercury has distinct travel plans and I also have a listing of the retrograde periods on this site. In a nutshell Mercury typically spends three weeks breezing through a sign. He is the information gatherer, broadcaster and our travel agent. Every year, however, Mercury spends approx. 60 days travelling through three signs in the same element. In 2003 the element was Earth as it is this year. This year during the retrograde period Mercury travels back into the previous sign in the element of Fire. So a secondary element is added to our analysis of this phenomena. Let's keep in mind that in 2005 and 2006 Mercury will spend 400 days in the Element of Fire our of 730 days. That is quite impressive. Click here for the dates and time lines for 2004.

What to Avoid

In a nutshell: Signing contracts, entering into partnerships, and buying equipment with wiring

Quick Advise: So think twice and say once and even then stick to tones and words that cannot be misconstrued.

Time-lines:

December 17, 03 at 8:02 PST - January 6, 2004 at 5:44 PST

April 6, 2004 at 14:28 PDT - April 30, 2004 at 7:05 PDT

August 9, 2004 at 18:32 PDT - September 2, 2004 at 7:09 PDT

November 30, 2004 at 4:17 PST - December 19, 2004 at 22:28 PST

Mercury is the planet of communication, merchandising and travel. Misunderstandings are the big theme during the retrograde periods (listed above). We don't explain things properly or use a poor choice of words. Things are blown out of proportion, and little details are analyzed for flaws. Little casual comments such as "Where did you get your haircut?" travel through the air and the other party hears "Why did you let them ruin your hair?". A few other choice comments are exchanged and before we know it, we have a long-standing friendship on the verge of falling apart. The statements: "the cheque is in the mail", "I didn't get your message" and "I put it on your desk" echo hollow when there is no visible proof. So think twice and say once and even then stick to tones and words that cannot be misconstrued. Travel plans are subject to change, disruptions and the direct flights become hop scotch across the country or globe.

The retrograde periods (from retrograde to direct - see complete listing) are time periods when we experience communication, travel and information break downs. We get ahead of ourselves just prior to the period and then get to play catch up and explain what we really meant with our words.

During these time we should avoid signing contracts, purchasing any equipment with wiring and think twice say it once. If you do purchase equipment, vehicles, computers, etc. then do get the extended warranty, you'll be glad you did. Incidentally, I stock up with fuses for our old-fashioned power panel - save having to run to the store when the fuse blows.

So we avoid the things and actions that do not fair that well when Mercury is retrograde - about 10 weeks a year. During these periods make sure that you:

- Make a copy of your data - paper or disk
- Keep receipts together somewhere safe
- Opt for extended warranty for purchases which come with wiring
- Be prepared for delays with payments, correspondence
- Keep Virus Protection current - they seem to increase in quantity during retrograde periods
- Be prepared to clarify your words more than once
- Don't trust rumours and do not feed them

What this period is great for ...

The key prefix for Mercury retrograde periods listed above is RE. That is redo, revise, revamp, and reconnect as well as all action words that can have the prefix added plus of course, my favourite, REPAIR. Mercury is also paperwork thus it is a great time to haul out that manuscript, proposal, the Last Will you have been meaning to deal with, and other documents and go over them with a fine toothed comb and polish the these up. Naturally these should not be signed until Mercury is acting normal again. After the last date for each period.

The two month stay of Mercury in each sign has a stronger influence on our lives. (dates in MercuryNotes.htm) This concept is introduced in a separate article - click here to read it. In a nutshell - 2003-04 are about rolling up our sleeves and taking care of practical issues in our lives. Sorting these things out so that we are ready to embrace the two Mercury in Fire years, when we have the opportunity to become inspired to pursue our dreams and higher goals.