Mercury Retrograde in Libra

Hi! We are now looking towards the end of the year. This is an exciting time in astrology. We have one final retrograde to experience before the outer planets start to turn direct, it is Mercury retrograde. The shadow for Mercury retrograde has already begun. If you're unfamiliar with this event, basically from our perspective on Earth, we see Mercury in the sky in its orbit around the Sun. As it goes to a part of the sky in orbit three times a year, generally, it will appear to go backwards in orbit because it's coming around the Sun. When it does that's considered retrograde, a term that means to move backwards. During the retrograde, a planet moves from the degree it starts the retrograde at (1 on the chart), to the end degree of the retrograde. Once it hits the end degree it appears to change direction again and moves in a forward direction (2 on the chart). This is a second shadow period, when the planet moves through the degrees it already covered. The final, or second, shadow period, is the degree with which the retrograde goes back to is the degree of the first shadow period (3 on the chart).

This retrograde is particularly focused on relationships. This Mercury retrograde is from 25° 28 minutes Libra until 10° and 23 minutes of Libra. This Mercury retrograde has a Cancer ascendant and Capricorn on the descendent. This adds to the cardinal energy of it. Cardinal signs being Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. Cardinal signs are very potent because they are initiating energy. This affects us in home, identity, partnerships and marriage, and career. So if it's to the heart of what we want from other people. At the time of the retrograde, we also have the sign about to move into the sign of Libra. Mars is in Libra, creating more assertive energy around the desire for diplomacy. While Mars is the opposite energy to Libra, as he rules Aries, and Libra it brings out some of that self interest. Mars will help us advocate for our particular needs within a partnership. Because Pluto is in late Capricorn, there is a trine (120° aspect) to him. Traditionally seen as a positive sign, it can also bring in unexpected events that aren't always seen as happy. They entice us to make changes within our lives and our belief systems.

Mercury, being the ruler of communications, education, broadcasting as well as small pets, teachers, neighbors, siblings… All of these are themes that can interact with the energy of the retrograde. It can, also, mean that we hear from long lost lives. You may hear from someone you haven't heard from him what seems like forever. Personally, I have heard from someone I dated over 10 years ago. Does this mean that this is your forever mate? Not necessarily. It does mean that there may be something you can glean from that relationship, or loose ends you need to wrap up.

During this time you can buy new material goods, such as a computer… ruled by Mercury, a car, a neighbor, or a new pet may come into your life. This retrograde energy also means you can find something you thought was lost for a long time. The themes, or events of the first shadow period can give clues to the full range of the retrograde period. I have noticed lots of dating happening. I have seen car accidents for a couple weeks now, up to 4 or 5 recently, and my father has noticed mistakes pronouncing or remembering words. All fair game in a Mercury retrograde. I got a new computer, my daughter got a new laptop ~ in the same week. And my son got a new iPhone, upgraded from the iPhone 6! Long overdue.

When does it end? First let me say that we are introduced to the them, or problem on the first shadow period. We alter, or consider changes during the retrograde, maybe even take the action. On the second shadow period, we finish, wrap up, or culminate the theme. I, personally, do my best to not initiate at the first shadow, or the retrograded. I know it is a good time to "redo". But you may end up re-redoing it on the second shadow period.

For individual events, meaning what will happen to you in your life, look at your chart. Other planetary positions interact with your natal Mercury, and transiting Mercury. If you have interactions with transiting Mercury, those planets add information and flavor to the issues you will experience.

For the retrograde period, October 12th is a particularly strong day for changes, as Mercury squares the other, higher octave vibrationally, planet Uranus in Taurus at 13°. Look for even more storms, lightning, upheaval around money, possessions and merchandise. The following is a list of Mercury retrograde influences:

• Lost phone

• Miscommunications

• Computer problems

• Accidents of all sorts

• Misunderstandings leading to fights

• Anamolies with electronics or electricity

• Because electricity is the conductor of Mercury energy, along with synapses in our brains,

confusion can happen during these periods.

Recently, I have been having light phenomena happening to me, and my daughter. I have seen parking lot lights flashing on and off at the town center. 4 lights in total flickering like fireflies. My neighborhood street lights go out when I walk past. First only one, the same one, over and over. When I pass by. Now it is two. Also, the other night, my nightlight seemed to be brightening when I looked away. When I looked at it, nothing happened. Turns out it was the automatic motion-detected light outside the door going on AND OFF. It is supposed to turn off after a bit, usually an animal turns it on. This time, it went on and off, in a friendly manner. It was normal by the time I went back to bed. This happened two nights in a row.

So when will it end? The retrograde lessens its effects when it goes direct October 16th (PT), and October 17th (ET). This is the same day Jupiter goes direct, 10 hours earlier. It is likely we will still have finishing events to wrap up, feeling like it is still retrograde. With Jupiter changing direction, too, you know blunt or poor timing words will fly.

I wish you a safe Mercury retrograde. Don't beat yourself up if things don't go as planned. Plan on it.

If you would like to schedule a reading with me, you can email me at so@angeliczodiac.com, or go to the Readings page.