Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn - December 26, 2009

When Mercury is retrograde, everyone's thinking is more introspective; we tend to think about issues and concerns that relate to the sign involved. With Mercury retrograde in Capricorn, people with this sign prominent in their charts will be especially prone to such introspection. Capricorn is a Cardinal Sign, so the other Cardinal Signs, Aries, Cancer and Libra will also receive a touch of the lash!


Mercury turns retro at 21°46' Capricorn, conjunct the fortunate – and mercurial – Fixed Star Sulaphat, in the constellation Lyra, the Lyre. According to legend, "Mercury (in the form of the god, Hermes) found the body of a tortoise cast up by the Nile, and discovered that by striking the sinews after the flesh was consumed a musical note was obtained. He made a lyre of similar shape, having three strings, and gave it to Orpheus, the son of Calliope, who by its music enchanted the beasts, birds and rocks." It is said to give an harmonious, poetical and developed nature, fond of music and apt in science and art, but inclined to theft. Robson says it is associated with the Hebrew letter Daleth and the 4th Tarot Trump, The Emperor. The Emperor is a token of material wealth and power, bold and aggressive, signalling that bravery will win the day. Given the fact that Mars has just turned retrograde in Leo, the sign of the King, tyrannical rulers might do well to consider the alternative of abdicating...

Mercury retro in Capricorn, a Saturn-ruled sign, becomes critical, penetrating and somewhat suspicious, although, due to the saturnine nature of the sign, thoughtful and diplomatic. No doubt spying and information-gathering will come to the fore, as this placement gives the ability to foster out secrets. Those involved in science, particularly chemistry, need to restrain malicious tendencies. This phase awakens the inclination to be miserly, cruel, malicious and spiteful. Learning to relax and developing a sense of humor will be important for our emotional and physical health! The pragmatic, material world takes precedence, so hold on to your assets and always have something "saved for a rainy day". This phase can stimulate skin problems and psoriasis due to nervous tension and stress. Too much worry will upset your digestion. Chiropractic care and regular massage should ease the problem.

Mercury turns direct at on the day of the Capricorn New Moon on January 15th, which is itself conjunct the planet Venus, a benefic planet. This should be quite a good day all round, with some surprising benefits, especially for those who wish to make a new start. Merc stations on the fortunate Fixed Star, Kaus Borealis, which has the reputation of promoting of idealism and humanity, being endowed with bright ideas, enterprise and a sense of justice.

All areas of communication are affected by this phase, especially in matters related to teaching, healing, professional advice, workplace relationships (especially those with employees and subordinates), the military, and communications connected with such matters. Small animals may be important amidst the confusion. This period brings travel snafus, mail mishaps and missed appointments of all kinds. Documents can go astray. Be sure to carry a diary and refer to it often.

Yay! Retrograded for my birthday. This should be an interesting year.

Groans!

Happy Birthday!

Thanks!

I think some Mercury Retrograde periods are harder than others. I don't enough about astrology to say when those periods would be. I think it has something to do with other astrological factors when Mercury does go retrograde. But, this one has been particularly difficult from what I have seen and heard. I'm glad my friend and I decide to keep his flight out here until later this month and not try to do it this weekend.