Begins: Jan. 28, 12:31 PM PST . . . Ends: Feb. 18, 6:57 PM PST

Begins: May 26, 8:48 AM PDT . . . Ends: June 19, 7:31 AM PDT

Begins: Sep. 24, 0:17 AM PDT . . . Ends: Oct. 15, 1:06 PM PDT

In Western tropical astrology, Mercury retrograde takes on some degree of importance in the decision-making process. In Eastern or Hindu astrology, Mercury (whether retrograde or not) is only taken as one factor out of many and what counts is the location of Mercury by transit and whether Mercury is friendly or unfriendly planet with regard to your ascendant. The following information is presented on the Western/Tropical zodiac approach.

A retrograde planet is one that appears to be moving backward in the heavens from the viewpoint of earth, but this is apparent motion only and not actual.

Because the spoken word is associated with Mercury energy, some of our communications can become confused or entangled for about a three week period three times a year, leading to potential misunderstands with others. When Mercury moves forward in motion again, these misunderstands tend to clear up.

By tracking when Mercury is retrograde, you'll know when to be more flexible in planning your daily schedule, especially if you live a very busy life. Avoid overbooking, be patient with those who change their minds unexpectedly, watch for "no-shows," allow extra time to meet deadlines, and realize that you may be better off not making long-term commitments so you can avoid obligating yourself under less than desirable contractual circumstances. Mercury retro is also an excellent time to make sure your legal documents are in order. Do you know where your birth certificate is? How about the legal papers on your car? etc., etc. If travelling during this period double-check reservations to be extra sure.

The basic rule of thumb is that, if possible, you should use this three week period as a catch-up time to handle the unfinished business or the loose ends of the previous 90 days. (Allow about a two week period after Mercury goes direct in motion if you still need to play catch up: it takes Mercury approximately two weeks to reach the same degree in which it initially went retrograde.) Sometimes Mercury retro seems particularly upsetting to your usual plans or expectations of life. But the advantage is that Mercury retro gives you a chance to re-vise, re-do, and re-create for greater quality of production and depth of living, plus it's a time to reassess your overall direction in life. Mercury retrograde is also a reminder that your perceptions of certain outer life situations can play tricks on your mind and you can be fooled by surface appearances.

While Mercury retrograde can indicate unexpected disruptions in daily life, its cycle recurs regularly in nature and should be viewed as part of the natural rhythm of life, not as a period of useless or purely inconvenient experiences designed to sabotage your existence. Astrology is about mastering these constantly shifting energies rather than being in reaction to what takes place around you.

haizen@haizen.com