Image: Rob Schouten, Liberation

Mercury Retrograde in Cancer, 26 June to 20 July

Welcome to another Mercury Retrograde, and have no fear! The approach to the second Mercury Retrograde passage of 2013 begins 09 June, as our Messenger planet is spending time at home within the sensitivities of The Crab, where he now resides since 31 May in our Zodiac skies until 08 August. This will be a long-term opportunity to find nurturing ways to communicate our feelings well into summer as the second Mercury Retrograde (MRx) request for reflection of 2013 begins 26 June.

What is Mercury Retrograde?
Retrograde: Any planet’s reverse movement which results in an opposite direction to that of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, or of the Moon around the Earth.

“Now Mercury really isn’t going backwards. It’s just an optical illusion based on the relative speeds and orbits of the Earth and Mercury around the Sun.

Here’s an easy example. Think of riding in a fast car on an expressway, which is passing a slower-moving car. The slower moving car appears to be moving backward, but it isn’t really. It’s just the relative speed and direction of the two cars gives that illusion. Retrograde Mercury is similar to that.

The apparent backward motion of Mercury is called retrograde, and it has been known and studied in western astrology for thousands of years.” ~Linda-Goodman.com

Retrograde planets are times in our Zodiac skies when reassessments verses forward motion become highly favored. In such a case as Mercury, because it is the closest planet to the earth, its’ affects as it goes “backwards” from above are well-known to cause flux, change, confusion in anything that thinks, moves or communicates. The best choice our free-will can do at times like these is embrace this offering for pause and reflection to find resolve.

This upcoming passage marks a susceptible time when it will be all the more critical to be in full awareness of choosing emotional responses verses emotional reactions pertaining to the changes it presents to handle. Being Mercury will back-track through the very sign that relates to emotion –(who is governed by our Lunar Lady herself) when those typical MRx rerouting of plans arise- these will relate to how much we can learn about the ways our free-will chooses to feel in the NOW. Many profound lessons ask for us to take a SILENT LISTEN, requesting the recognition of being in the moment to OWN our NOW, will allow us to see how much we will have WON.

Messages of a Cancer Retrograde
The collective’s perceptions are wise to find channels of thought through open, inherent, and reflective energies; offering up colorful expressions when worry is avoided. Tying into the first calling of 2013 for review with MRx in Pisces back in February and March- this second Mercury request of the year equally has a powerful punch to allow any soul to tap into the difference between what our imagination can run away with. Shifting this non-serving energy to healthy concern, engages a calmer, more peaceful outcome for successful results.

Cancer energy enjoys whatever can be “chicken soup for the soul.” A maternal force surrounds The Crab, and the theme of this MRx unveils some serious review of what The Mother figure represents for all mankind, and what nurturing choices are we all are called to return to, which result in optimizing our lives. With our Sun, Venus and Jupiter all in Cancer as the passage begins 26 June, the means to find inspiring, harmonizing, and optimistic forms of finding our way here will be available, as Mercury carries these messages with extreme depths of perception to be able to reach them.

When Mercury stations to return to Direct Motion 20 July, our Sun, Jupiter, and Mars are all nearby journeying with The Crab as well. We find by this time, an intensity surrounds how we associate with all the water energy Cancer governs over in our lives, connecting further to how we do this within our natal charts. From our collective history, homes, families, food, abilities to nurture, intimate environments, and yes, those emotions: the calling to tap into our gut instinct demands our attention.

On the trining frequency the planets can channel, Neptune in Pisces and Saturn in Scorpio also come into play to grant advice from our other water signs. Currently from above, our mystical and spiritual planet is reviewing and redoing in the early degrees of Pisces, in the constant asking for us to take that SILENT LISTEN and do not be caught in delusions. The final seal the deal for all outer planets having a major say is of course from our karmic Saturn, who -while in his current Rx- hangs to a close trine to Neptune at 05 degrees Scorpio, sternly sending home the message: stay ever responsible to knowing permanent change is imperative, and do not become deceived by the transformations you see.

The USA and Mercury Retrograde in Cancer
As our Messenger takes a rest and review in Cancer, this has a profound affect upon what the world witnesses occurring within the United States, who is under the MRx microscope for this passage. Stationing close to the USA’s natal Mercury at 24-degrees Cancer to start the Retrograde 26 June -by 20 July- guess where Mercury stations before going Direct? Right on top of America’s natal 13-degree Cancer Sun, which is karmically guided by the Chaldeans numerological understanding of Regeneration – Change. This 13 mathematical degree point strongly advises the digging up of the old dirt to make room for the new and more innovative seeds soon to be planted, in the most unexpected of ways.

By the time this MRx completes 20 July, Mars will have joined in Cancer to motivate the genuine fight to truly change the approaches of America like never before. The shadow passage that ends upon 03 August, has the Moon back in Cancer to stir up emotions here all the more. From the country’s natal chart perspective, the potent regeneration this MRx transit creates allows death and rebirth to dynamically emerge on multitude of levels. Make sure you always take care of you, for the return to nurturing for especially for Americans will become an amazing mantra this summer and beyond.  As the changes unfold, remembering what you wish to stand for verses fighting against will equally bring reward as Putting Power in Perspective wishes to prevail.

Mind you, the USA’s 24-degree Mercury is Retrograde in the natal chart from 04 July 1776. Typically, those born under a natal Mercury Rx have an easier time with the regular routine of MRx than others, but when this sits in the 8th house of transformation: you can bet your bottom dollar something heavy is going to regenerate and change within the USA from the depths of its core. The weighty surge this Mercury Retrograde unfolds will probably go down in history, as changes for the entire nation are powerfully witnessed. Miscommunications continue to fly like never before within the fights against the food industry, especially those relating to the FDA and Monsanto. All information that transfers around the upcoming the MRx in the USA will be interesting to observe- watch what you choose to believe from those “they sayers” and the media’s chatter.

For the true history buffs, if you are in Gettysburg over the 4th of July holiday, there will be an appropriate MRx “RE” reenactment of the very battle that marks 150 years since it occurred. The United States also celebrates the entrance into their 17/8 Personal Year of the harvest, recognition and reward of what has transpired in the previous 7 since 2004 upon 04 July- bringing forth a year that will be fueled with learning from the experience, as adaptation to patience practices will aide to achieve stability. When anyone rings in a birthday under the transit of Mercury Rx, that entire year is marked with tremendous permanent change ahead. As Saturn guides this collective 8 year for the USA, the toughest lessons taught will be seen by those resisting the choice of responsibility.

Furthering on the USA scene, one will find they truly can no longer remain in confrontation to what the ongoing Pluto-Uranus Square Dance is looking to recreate and reinvent within the life. While it may seem painful to face the changes within existing structures- the old and tired foundation is asking to be rebuild here- especially the collective USA one that is crumbling. Toss in MRx in Cancer and the square/opposition it will be in strong conversation with. Mercury’s movement will closely aspect this current outer planet square three times: under the approach, during retrograde, and once more under the shadow within these 09 to 12 degree points- as Pluto currently retrogrades back to 9 degrees and Uranus reaching 12 degrees before he joins in the outer planet Rx reflection in mid July. The rebuilding passage undoubtedly will be on in full.

Mercury Retrograde and YOU!
Where Cancer affects your life up close and personal in your natal chart will be of special importance to note, to prepare now for the review here that is requested 26 June to 20 July. As the approach begins at 13 degrees Cancer 09 June, you’ll want to examine what area of the life these points rest in until 23 degrees Cancer in your natal chart. As the shadow completes 03 August, the reassessing work here will be complete, and you’ll know change has come. From the collective perspective, as it can be seen from the simplicity of knowing your natal sun sign, you can also take a glimpse at what you can equally expect to be strongly associated with action requesting reflection. Those who know the true math of their specific ASC/Rising Sign, can also take a peak at what else will call upon your review.

Aries:  I Nurture Home/Family/Environments

Taurus: I Communicate Thinking/Mentality/Communications

Gemini: I Have Values/Earning Power/Possessions

Cancer: I Am Approaches/Mask to the World/First Impressions

Leo: I Process Inner Psyche/Clearing of the Past

Virgo: I Socialize Friendships/Organizations/Hopes/Dreams/Wishes

Libra: I Structure Career/Public Life/Authority

Scorpio: I Believe Philosophies/Foreign Travel/Education

Sagittarius: I Transform Death & Rebirth/Sexuality/Wealth

Capricorn: I Relate Partnerships/Marriage/Balance with Others

Aquarius: I Serve Health/Being of Service/Employees/Pets

Pisces: I Create Creativity/Children/Love Affairs

The Approach and The Shadow
Mercury Retrograde passages advise we are wisest within our free-will to hold off on moving forward in our lives as the normal RE’s of the Rx apply. You’ll find the approach and shadow of this transit to equally be weeks where those changes and things associated with what directly wishes to be under reflection and review will emerge to say hello.

The Approach sets up the stage for us all to have a bit of a preview for what kinds of things will ask for their natural period of renew and redo. The Shadow will then finish up those things that, if you had to make decisions of any kind of importance under the Retrograde for ultimate forward motion, you’ll have these weeks to iron out the kinks that will have been ironed into the fabric.

To Do and Not To Do Under MRx
Remain in the eye of any possible storm around you. These handy tips assist in bringing ease to any soul over this upcoming period to allow you to reap personal success!

DO:
*Expect CHANGE: in travel, routines, communications, environments & schedules to occur suddenly
*Give yourself extra time to get where you’re going
*Spend time in any word starting with RE: Relax, Revisit, Reflect, Redo, Recharge, Release…
*Recognize things already in motion can be Reviewed, Replaced, Reorganized & Redone
*Remember human error is highest under this transit, cross T’s & dot all I’s accordingly
*Have Plan B (and Plan C, D or E if necessary) ready to go
*Choose to Respond vs. React!

DON’T:
*“Freak out” when changes come up
*Rush: speaking, driving, doing anything!
*Sign important documents
*Initiate or buy anything new that you wish to have long-term success with.

Keep in Mind…

Avoid questioning the changes at this time.  If you do, reflect in the actions and thoughts leading up to your DOUBT, and tell it please DO BUT OUT BUD. Because Mercury is our thinking and communicating planet, the “tricks” he can play most certainly will be on your mind, when the collective human error is highest than any other time the year. Remaining in the response verses the reaction will always manifest the positive energy to attract back to your free-will at any time. The more we are flexible, the better results we see. Taking that pause for a SILENT LISTEN can completely save us from getting caught up in the domino affect.

Lexigrams and Mercury Retrograde
You just can’t leave out the wisdom of Lexigrams at a time like this to know how to sail through your upcoming Mercury Retrograde. From this very title –as seen in Chapter Three of It’s All in the Name– as Lexigrams reveal the hidden truth about it from the poetic phrasing of the anagrams it derives- see how you will find you move more smoothly under MRx by taking up action in the very words below.

MERCURY RETROGRADE

DAY TO DAY, GREET YOUR URGE TODAY:
GOT TO REDO, GOT TO RETRACE
GOT TO REROUTE YOUR GAME
GOT TO RECREATE TO REORDER
GOT TO RE-EDUCATE
GOT TO GO TO A GREAT ART, GO TO A GREAT COMEDY
GO REDECORATE, GO READ, TRY A REREAD
GO DO YOGA
GO EMERGE, RECORD A RARE DREAM
GO MEET A TAME COURAGE
GOT TO REDUCE OUR TERROR TO REDUCE A RUMOR
GO TO REGARD TO REDUCE A REGRET
GO! TRY TO AGREE- GO TO A TRUCE
GO MEET A TRUE EGO CURE: TRADE OUTRAGE TO GRACE
TRADE OUTRAGE TO A COURAGE REMEDY TO CURE A GREEDY EGO
GO TO A MERCY TO GREET A MORE MATURE AREA
GOT TO A REMOTE AREA TO MEET A GREAT REMEDY CURE

GO TO A GOD- ADORE YOU, ADORE YOUR CORE!

Sooooooo are NOW you REady to OWN your REtrograde and have WON?!?!
Happy Returning to Nurturing, Dear Stars.
With LOVE to EVOLVE,
Namaste, Sharita