Oh yes, we are coming up to that pesky time again where Mercury the planet of communication turns retrograde... There is a real need to slow down at this time, recharge your batteries and refuel, go with the rhythm of the Earth, take a break. You would of started to notice a slowing down from a few weeks ago when Mercury started slowing down and from the 10th it entered its stormy period, it turns retrograde on the 14th January and turns direct on the 3rd February. Be aware that the energy will linger until Mercury moves out of its storm until the 9th Feb.
What does retrograde mean? retrograde literally means backward, although this does not mean that mercury is going backwards...from our perspective on Earth however, there are times where we move slower or faster than the "retrograde" planet.
Mercury is the planet that rules communication, so what tends to happen during this period is a communication breakdown between people, contracts, computers, electrics, travel etc.............so be aware that during this period that people cancel appointments, there are long delays with transport, letters do not arrive, you cannot get hold of someone, people can say things without thinking or act out of character, people from the past often reappear, but may disappear just as quickly when mercury turns forwards. This period doesn't have to be negative though. It’s a great time to do anything re! Repair.....relationships, your car, objects..... Rest.... it's perfectly ok to take some time out at this time. Revisit that project you never finished. Repeat is always a theme of mercury retrograde, there is no harm in going over things again, as you may spot that mistake or have a breakthrough.
Mercury retrograde can also affect the weather, retrograde in an air sign yet again ( every retrograde last year was in an air sign and was in Aquarius last January), and moves back into Capricorn on the 26th Jan, which means until the 26th it may be windy/foggy and turning colder heading towards the move back in Capricorn. there is a strong possibility of snow chaos as will be retrograde in an Earth sign, and tends to bring unusually cold spells.....
Mercury retrograde in the sign of Aquarius, is connected to your goals and expectations. Instead of pushing forward at full speed, Mercury will be asking you to slow down and will be a welcome time of rest and reflection from everything that may have been building up over the last few months. However, look out for disruption within your community or within friendships groups. Some people may have something to say that you may not want to hear, or there could be some rebellion. There will be some news about the travel industry or technology. Make sure that you back up all your work, as the internet may play up or there could be outages. Laws may be changed and its important to double check any paperwork.
When it slides back into Capricorn on the 26th, energy and focus will turn to your career, communication between colleagues may be difficult, you may find work rather taxing and find yourself having to redo paperwork. it is possible that there are miscommunications and cancelled appointments. Make sure you find some times for some fun too! Try not to get caught up in work politics. You may hear back from a previous employer.
Get that tax return in now, rather than leaving to the last minute.
How is it going to affect you personally? Depending which house mercury is in can affect us all slightly differently. Read your sun sign below to find out more about what could be in store for you, for a more accurate description it is best to read your ascendant sign (find out more on my Astro birth chart page). This retrograde moves through 2 signs, so below the 2nd sign is how it may affect you 14/01-25/01 and the the 1st will be how it will affect you from the 26/01-03/02
CAPRICORN/AQUARIUS-1st house
Mercury retrograde in this house can affect your individuality. You may be finding it hard to get your point of view across to others and they may see your actions as selfish. Your mind can be very jumpy right now and you find it hard to concentrate on one thing. You may also be feeling a little anxious at this time, as you feel yourself being drawn into other's problems. make sure you relax and try breathing exercises.
AQUARIUS/PISCES-12th house
Mercury retrograde in this house can affect your emotions and sleep. You will feel the need to be retreating and doing things by yourself, people may think that you are being offish, but you need time to recharge your batteries, the last thing you will want is any confrontation, but you may get some. You may also hear a secret or let one out of the bag! You will feel defensive at this time and may react unfairly towards another. Be aware that being open and honest will have a better reaction then hiding away and avoiding your emotion.
PISCES/ARIES-11th house
Mercury retrograde in this house can affect friendships and the community. Be careful that your goals and aspirations are in line with what you truly want to do and not what others are expecting of you, or think you should be doing. You may find some changes within your friendship group at this time. You may need to talk over some issues that you may have.
ARIES/TAURUS- 10th house
Mercury retrograde in this house can affect your work and outer environment. There may be some drama going on with your colleagues. You may find that your working environment can go a little crazy at this time, there can be lots of phone calls, e mails and miscommunication, or you may feel like you are taking on too much work. You could find that you have your head so buried in the paperwork that you miss an important detail. Try to take a step back.
TAURUS/GEMINI- 9th house
Mercury retrograde in this house can affect travel, study and education. Although a good time to travel, make sure that you have everything you need in advance, check you have enough petrol in the car, set off early, double check where you flying, catching a train from etc..... disruptions are likely. If you are studying, make sure you read things through properly, take your time, you might even find during this time you are having to re do an assignment.
GEMINI/CANCER- 8th house
Mercury retrograde in this house can affect your joint finances, negotiations and property. Make sure that you check small print on anything that you have to sign. Be aware there may be delays if you are buying a joint property, or investment. Just go with the flow. Make sure you check money that is due to be paid to you as you may not get paid enough or people may forget. Sometimes you can get gains however from cashiers making silly mistakes, and receive money owed to you.
CANCER/LEO- 7th house
Mercury retrograde can affect your relationships with others, you will need to deal with any difficulties within close relationships right now, although you may find it difficult to communicate your true feelings, and things might not come across the way that you intended them too. Try to avoid any type of negotiations with anybody you do not know or aren't 100% sure about. You may find yourself getting involved in arguments.
LEO/VIRGO- 6th house
Mercury in this house can affect your health and work. It is time for you to take a step back and rest at this time, as you may be feeling tired, anxious run down or drained. You may make a decision with regard to your health/work balance. It is likely you have been burning the candle a little, try not to take on more work than you can handle. say no! Try not to be overly critical of others especially in the work place, you may do this without knowing so be careful of your words
VIRGO/LIBRA- 5th house
Mercury retrograde in this house can affect your creativity and thoughts. You may be feeling like you want to play pranks on others, but with mercury retrograde at this time, others will not find it funny at all, so be warned! Your mind will work quickly but think before you speak and avoid laughing in situations that are serious! Try to be sensitive to others needs. It is also a time that you may bump into someone from your past, do not get caught up in their words, instead watch their actions.
LIBRA/SCORPIO- 4th house
Mercury retrograde in this house can affect your home life. You may have a lot going on in the home, whether its building works, a washing machine or oven that needs replacing, lights blowing. It is also possible that you have a lot of things going on within your family, could be your parents or your children going through a transition that you need to help them with. Take time for you to relax.
SCORPIO/SAGITTARIUS- 3rd house
Mercury in this house can affect your communication with others, you may be struggling to say what you really mean or others may be saying things that confuse you. You may find that you are not receiving e mails, phone calls or people are cancelling on you. You may be having an issue with neighbours or a sibling. Make sure that you discuss any issues with others and make your position as clear as possible.
SAGITTARIUS/CAPRICORN- 2nd house
Mercury retrograde in this house can affect your personal possessions and security. You may be feeling frustrated as you may find a hiccup to do with personal finances or you are waiting to hear news about moving house and it just isn't happening as quickly as what you would like.
There may be someone around you whom you need to define your sense of values too so they know where they stand. Make sure any paperwork regarding a new car, finance or property that you read the small print before signing.