Mercury
Retrograde and the Winter Solstice 2002
Victoria Bearden
P.O. Box 1415
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(760) 634-1028
Victoria
Bearden
12/2/02
It’s holiday time again and 2003 is coming to an end. Mercury is getting ready to go retrograde again, so let’s take a look at what it means to you. Let’s go over a few principles about Mercury Retrograde, just to refresh your memory. Mercury is the planet that rules communication, transportation, and all things electrical or mechanical. Mercury’s orbit goes through a slowing down period about three times each year. From our vantage point here on earth, it is almost as if Mercury were actually going backwards. It you picture the energy flow from Mercury like current in the ocean, when it goes retrograde it is as if the current changes and flows in the opposite direction. For this reason what we normally experience as “normal” for Mercury’s energy flow seems to be very different or even “abnormal” from what we are used to.
There is always a preview period before the actual retrograde occurs. Some astrologers call this part of the event “the Shadow”. Then there is the actual retrograde period, followed by a cool down, which is also called “the Shadow”. The really intense days right around the beginning and the end of the actual retrograde period when Mercury is at it’s slowest are called “the Storm”. We went into “the Shadow” of this retrograde cycle on November 30th, 2003 when Mercury was at 26 degrees Sagittarius. Mercury goes retrograde on the morning of December 17th at 12 degrees Capricorn. It goes direct on January 6th at 26 degrees Sagittarius. We leave “the Shadow” on January 25th when Mercury passes the 12th degree of Capricorn. “The Storm” days run from December 12th through December 23rd, and again from January 1rst through January 13th. Be especially mindful of your driving and other activities during “the Storm” days. That’s when the energy is at its peak. Remember, this is nothing to be paranoid about. It’s just kind of a comic weather report. So don’t be scared, just be aware. If you have Sagittarius or Capricorn prominent in your natal chart it may be a bit more intense for you.
There are some key areas that tend to unravel when Mercury is retrograde. Communication becomes more complex and it is easier to get scrambled in our thinking. For this reason it is often important to carefully consider any important communication we are participating in during these periods. This is true for both professional and personal communications. Think before you open your mouth. You are likely to change your mind later, so silence is golden when Mercury is retrograde. Listen carefully to what others are saying. Are you really hearing them? Do you understand what they are saying? Do they understand what they are saying? Check and double-check your facts before moving forward. Be prepared for the possibility of misunderstandings or reversals. It is best to delay important contracts or new ventures in business until after the Retrograde cycle is completed. If you can’t delay, be especially conscientious about all that you do. It is certainly possible to achieve success during these periods, but caution is advised. If things fall through don’t despair. Just bide your time for a couple of weeks and try again.
Computers, telephones, cars, washing machines, and just about everything else we rely on in our complicated lives tend to foul up more during Mercury Retrograde. It seems bizarre that this should happen, but anyone who has been tracking Mercury’s cycles knows that is does happen. It isn’t that everything is always working perfectly when Mercury is direct; it’s just that things seem to foul up a lot more when it’s Retrograde. For this reason, it’s a good idea to back up all your files, get the car tuned up, and take care of any other equipment or machinery ahead of time. You might want to hide an extra set of car and house keys somewhere, as losing keys seems to be a very Retrograde occurrence. Strangely, you might find something that was lost during this time. Things still might go wacky, but at least we can try to trouble shoot the areas that are most likely to fail.
Travel can get really complicated during Mercury Retrograde. If you must travel, be prepared for delays and mix-ups. Give yourself additional time at crowded airports. Check your tickets and reservations a few extra times, just to be sure. Most of all, be patient and understanding. Remember, other people are scrambled and they don’t know why. At least you have an excuse. But since you know about Mercury you should be the one who is kind, generous, and understanding. Of course, that’s always a good idea, but right now, it’s an even better one.
Mercury Retrograde stimulates issues from the past. It’s a great time to reflect on our lives. Often, people or situations from the past resurface during these periods. Pay attention to the spiritual messages that arise about the past. You may get some closure or insight about things that have been on your mind for a long time.
Here are some “RE” words that can help you make Mercury Retrograde lemonade out of lemons. Review, restructure, revamp, renovate, rejuvenate, retrace, retract, review, rethink, retire, redo, rejoin, reshape, reinvent, resist, reinstate, rectify, renew, recover, retrieve, rehabilitate, and rejoice.
There is a Full Moon in Cancer on December 8th, right before “the Storm” of Mercury Retrograde begins. This could be a dilly. Full Moons often amplify or exaggerate underlying emotional energies that have been brewing. Use the strong psychic influence of the Full Moon for something positive. Healing Mother/Father and family issues during a Full Moon in Cancer is a good project. Think about what you would like to bring to fruition on the days leading up the Full Moon. The three days leading up to December 8th will be a potent time to do ritual, pray, or focus your intention for specific goals. Keep your cool under the lunar influence and be kind and compassionate to others. They might not have as much insight about what’s going on and could use your help.
President Bush and VP Cheney have some peculiar aspects to their astrological charts around the Full Moon on December 8th. One of my teachers, Jim Shawvan, suggested there would quite possibly be a big shake-up in the White House around that time. It does look ominous, but I hesitate to predict anything specific. Earlier this year I had predicted that Cheney would have to step down from his position for health reasons. Frankly, we never see him, so who knows whether we really even have a Vice President at this point. I’m surprised he’s still hanging in there, if indeed he is. As far as Bush is concerned, his chart is under considerable duress at this time. Somehow, he seems to be able to right himself even under the stormiest astrological influences. We shall see. Look for my political predictions for 2004 in upcoming newsletters.
The Winter Solstice will occur on Sunday, December 21st, at 11:04pm PST. This is the first day of winter, when the Sun goes to 0 degrees Capricorn. The Winter Solstice is the time of year when we reflect and go within, preparing for new growth in the spring. It is a time to celebrate our accomplishments as the year comes to an end. Sharing our abundance with others is a time-honored tradition of the Yule season. Holiday gift giving is a remnant of many ancient traditions of the winter cycle. Of course, it’s become commercialized beyond recognition, so coming up with a way to share with others who are less fortunate is a nice way to honor the season and stop the madness. I say this, but I won’t reject any Christmas presents that come my way!
The Winter Solstice chart looks like a fairly reasonable one. The chart for the Winter Solstice tends to frame the New Year. The one bugaboo that I notice had to do with Mercury Retrograde at 10 degrees Capricorn in opposition to Saturn at 10 degrees Cancer. This signifies difficulties with communication, blocked expression, or the suppression of information. This symbol may show up strongly in the world, and in our own lives in the year 2004. It could also symbolize problems with transportation. I must also note that the Solstice Sun is square to Mars in Aries, denoting hostility and frustration. Jupiter in Virgo will square Pluto in Sagittarius, which could indicate conflict concerning religious ideology and resulting power struggles. On a lighter note: the Moon in Sagittarius is sextile to Neptune in Aquarius, which will stimulate spiritual and creative growth. Venus in Aquarius is sextile to Mars in Aries, denoting a harmonious blend to feminine concepts and masculine action. The Sun in Capricorn will sextile Uranus in late Aquarius, which sets up a model for constructive and innovative change. Jupiter in Virgo will trine Chiron in Capricorn, indicated healing through knowledge and the practical application of spiritual wisdom.
You may want to do a ritual or meditation for the Solstice. It’s a great time to pick a theme word for the New Year, or write about your goals. On Saturday, December 20th, I will be co-hosting a Winter Solstice Celebration at Well Within Healing Center in Encinitas. It will start at 6 pm and last for about an hour and a half. I’ll be emailing a flyer about it soon, but put it on your calendar now if you have no plans. It’s early enough for you to go to other holiday parties afterwards. Well Within is on 2nd Street in Encinitas. If you want more info, email me or look for my flyer in the next week.
The New Year is a great time to look ahead, so call me and let’s make an appointment to look at your chart! It’s always good to have a strategy for the New Year.
You can
email me to make an appointment or call my office at
760-634-1028. As most of you know, I am both and astrologer and a
psychic. Happy Holidays to all of you. Love V
|
