Mercury Retrograde: January 28 - February 18

Mercury the planet of details, transportation, trips, and communication, appears to stop on Monday January 28 at 24 degrees Aquarius. The planet then appears to move backwards through the constellation of Aquarius, stopping again on February 18 at 8 degrees Aquarius and appearing to resume its direct motion.

The Meaning

A retrograde planet is generally considered more introverted than when it is in the normal direct motion mode. Classic astronomers and astrologers deem Mercury retrograde to be a time of difficulty in Mercurial endeavors like transportation/travel, situations requiring use of detail, and communication.

Mercury retrograde is also a good time to complete projects and finalize (write, sign) contracts whose details have already been determined, to reconnect with people from the past, to have mechanical and electronic repairs done, to conduct reviews, and to do personal reflection. Be sure to pay great attention to the signing of newly formed contracts and the start of new projects, or use this time to review the details and then sign them when the retrograde has ended – so wait until February 20 in this case.

Mercury retrograde occurs three times per year, spending a bit more than three weeks in "reverse" each time. The retrograde cycle appears as such because we see the planets from the perspective of a moving stage, specifically, the Earth. The planets, in fact, do not change direction. This geocentric, or earth-centered, point of view is the basis for astrological measurements.

In 2008, the retrograde will all be in Air signs – Aquarius, Gemini and Libra.

Some good advice to get you through the retrograde is

• Take the time to be introspective.
• Pay attention to how you gather information and communicate.
• Be open to new awareness and effectiveness at work, home and play.
• Look at the details in your life more carefully.
  
  

Who is Affected?

The retrograde affects us all to some degree. People born with Sun or other strong placements in Gemini or Virgo (the two Mercury-ruled signs) in their charts are more attuned to this astrological phenomenon. About 15 percent of the world’s population is born during a Mercury retrograde period. Empirical data shows that many of these people excel during Mercury retrogrades, but some struggle more than usual. Each case is unique.

For this current retrograde, individuals with planets close to 8 and 24 degrees of Aquarius are more likely to notice the current Mercury retrograde. Also, because we all have these degrees somewhere in our charts, the house(s) where these fall will likely reveal areas of life in which transportation/travel and communication issues are most likely to arise during the retrograde.

The Length?

The retrograde is felt most strongly during the backward phase, which in this case is January 28 through February 18. There is a “shadow” period two weeks before and two weeks after the retrograde that has a lighter influence: the front shadow is from January 13 when Mercury arrived at 8 Aquarius until the backwards phase begins on January 28 and the back shadow is from January 18 until March 10 when Mercury returns to on February 18, the last day of the retrograde, and ends on March 10, when Mercury returns to 24 Aquarius, where the retrograde began. Issues begun, or decisions made during the front shadow and retrograde may not be able to come to fruition or conclusion until March 10. Sometimes this can work in your favor: for example, if a legal decision is made between January 13 and February 18, it is highly likely to reverse and be made in your favor by March 10 (since I cannot give you a guarantee, I will not, but I will say I am 99% sure).

If you want to view the retrograde as one period, then it is January 13, 2008 through March 10, 2008.