A QUICK MERCURY RETROGRADE GUIDE for December 2017.
I BLAME RETROGRADE.
MERCURY RETROGRADE IS HERE ONCE AGAIN.
Mercury Retrograde begins on the day of the Full Moon, December 3rd and ends on December 22nd.
WHAT IS IT? A retrograde occurs when a planet seems to be moving backwards in the sky, from our vantage point on Earth. Planets don’t actually move backwards, but this optical illusion does have mysterious and powerful effects here on Earth. Mercury turns retrograde more often than any other planet, usually about 3-4 times per year, and lasts for several weeks. When a planet retrogrades, the things that the planet rules tend to go awry and be thrown off, as well as whatever is ruled by the sign that it is retrograding within. We also tend to revisit the past and have people, events, and unresolved situations from before return to present themselves for closure or to begin anew. When retrogrades occur, we must REVIEW, REVISIT, and REFLECT.
A SHADOW AND A STORM APPROACHES.
Mercury Retrograde comes in phases and has both a “shadow period” and a “storm period.” The shadow period starts when Mercury hits the point in the zodiac that it’ll turn direct at, and it ends when it last hits the point in the zodiac it will turn retrograde at. People don’t tend to feel the effects of Mercury Retrograde until it enters the storm period though. The storm period of Mercury Retrograde is when Mercury is moving at its slowest, and this creates havoc because Mercury moves the fastest of all the planets and is thrown off when he is moving slowly. We always have two storm periods -- one around the time Mercury turns retrograde, and one when it turns direct once again.
WHAT DOES MERCURY RULE?
In general, Mercury Retrograde tends to cause problems in all sorts of communication or technology. Mercury rules the mind, business, and communication of all sorts. It is crucial not to sign paperwork, make agreements, or start new relationships (in business or love), because if you do, when Mercury returns to normal orbit, it is going to become clear that whatever foundation the agreement was made upon, it wasn’t what you (or the other person) thought it was. For instance, I once started a job that I thought was going to be a major step up for me and provide me huge opportunities and amplify my finances. I accepted the job during Mercury Retrograde. I then started, and it was immediately clear that this was a job from hell! Sadly, I was trapped in the job for months and every single thing I had originally hoped for with the job fell through. Another example would be that I once met someone I instantly connected with romantically – we even talked about being soul mates and everything was completely in sync. How on Earth had I found true love out of the blue and so purely? We had met during Mercury Retrograde and began dating in a whirlwind romance. However, when the retrograde ended, it became clear that we weren’t on the same page – we wanted different things and couldn’t come to terms. These are two horror stories I hope keep you from making the same mistakes I did.
OH NO! WHAT IS “SAFE” DURING MERCURY RETROGRADE?
If you are returning to a project, event, or relationship from the past, this is a good time to do so. Reach out to old contacts, old lovers, old friends, old business associates, old bosses, and people you may have lost touch with if there is something to salvage. This rare window of time allows truths from the past to be unearthed so we can bring them into the present or find a way to fully resolve them and let them go. We cannot move into the future if the past is holding us back, so use this time to review and reflect. If the timing is right, it is also a good time to RE-START. Spend this time turning within to examine your subconscious and lie low. This is also an excellent time for meditation and spirituality of all kinds. If you absolutely MUST start a new job or relationship, take it slowly or read the fine print. If you can wait until after the retrograde is done, do so.
MERCURY RETROGRADE IN SAGITTARIUS ENERGY FORECAST.
This December, Mercury Retrograde takes place in Sagittarius. Sagittarius is a sign of exploration, expansion, new horizons, travel, and higher learning/spirituality. These areas may see problems for people. For instance, we may be prone to be overly optimistic, impulsive, or fiery, or the exact opposite: pessimistic, cold, and melancholy. It is likely people are going to be overly fiery and regret it. Travel is also going to be very difficult this period, as Sagittarius rules travel, so make sure that if you are traveling for the holidays, take extra time to arrive or transit and triple check all of your details.
The energy forecast for this coming period is going to also be mingled with the Full Moon in Gemini (the day it begins) and the Winter Solstice (right when it ends). This is also an excellent time to shed and release past wounds, clear mental blocks, and reset your plans for the coming year. We will be focusing a great deal on communication and having truths come out suddenly – and while we may feel like we are taking two steps forward, we’re going to have to take one step back. Because of this, we may feel a bit stuck or stagnant, but we must honor this energy and take time to allow the world (and our inner worlds) to shift. Be patient and allow things to reveal themselves naturally, rather than being too abrasive or fast in communication or action. Think about what you’re going to say before you do it. Speak from a truthful place and a heartfelt place – but do not let anything you say be twisted or turned against you. By the time the Winter Solstice has come, the 21st, we are nearing the end of the retrograde and we are ushering in a whole new season. This retrograde is the trigger to better understanding where we have been, how we communicate, and what we must do for our own higher good.
PC: @henn_kim
Kyle Thomas is a writer, producer, and lyricist living in Los Angeles. Astrology has always inspired him and he is a great believer in using the Universe to manifest the life you've always dreamt of. Follow Kyle Thomas on Instagram (@MrKyleThomas), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/kylethomasulatowski), or Twitter (@Mr_KyleThomas). More info: www.kylethomascreative.com
