Is it really that time again?! Mercury was last retrograde in May. Next month, the fastest moving planet in the zodiac will once again be retrograde for 3 weeks from September 7 to 29; the complete retrograde cycle, including the shadow period is August 17 to October 14.

Unlike his movements back in May, next month Mercury joins five other celestial bodies which are currently in retrograde (Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune, Uranus, Pluto). This makes it all the more easier, perhaps inevitable, for us to turn our focus inward. Added to that energy is Pluto's return at Aries Point in Capricorn, who will undoubtedly rehash what remains unanswered ... unsettled.

As I posted a few months ago during Mercury's last retrograde period:

Following the standard with any retrograde planet, this Mercury retrograde period is a time for the prefix "re" -- reflect, rethink, re-plan, review, retool, reorganize, redefine, re-examine, rewrite, reread, repair. So reassess, as necessary and as much as you want, but avoid starting new projects, signing any contracts, or entering into any major agreements or commitments. It's easy to overlook details or neglect to include information pertinent to the terms. A change of mind is also common. If you must enter into an agreement during the retrograde period, it is important to re-read all fine print, have another set of eyes go over it, and get all your questions answered before completing the transaction.

This period does not need to be daunting and feared or cause you to suspend living your life in any way. Simply make allowances and/or preemptive actions to minimize the unavoidable retrograde effects. Do not underestimate the frustration, inconvenience, and havoc a Mercury retrograde can produce, however.

Mercury rules mental processes, communication, commerce, trade and affects all of these plus travel and electronics. Allow for delays, especially on the station days [which, for this current period, are September 7 & September 29]. Expect miscommunication so, ensure that all details are understood. Ask detailed questions to prevent misunderstandings. Wait until the retrograde period is over before buying a new computer, mp3 player, cell phone, or any other electronic items. If this is unavoidable, make sure the return/exchange/refund policy coverage is extensive enough that the purchased item can be returned/exchanged should it requires repair or replacement later. Consider buying the extra warranty offered, if the item is a costly one.

With the shadow period beginning today, August 17, pay attention to events and issues during these next weeks. They may resurface around the end of September/early October. Perhaps, to find resolutions for unresolved issues or to revisit situations simply for them to be reflected upon.

Mercury retraces his steps beginning from 6 degrees and 13 minutes of Libra all the way back to 21 degrees and 38 minutes of Virgo.

As a Virgo-rising, a portion of this retrograde period will occur in my 1st house (self/vitality) then the 12th house (subconscious/hidden matter). While he is revisiting my 12th house, I am given the opportunity to sort through and understand the part of myself that holds secrets/answers that may be unknown or unclear to my conscious mind. This will also be a period of low energy for me so, I will make sure to listen to my body and rest when I need to and not overextend/overtire myself.

What house/s will Mercury's retrograde motion revisit? Look to the Virgo and Libra ruled house/s in your birth chart. Match the signs AND degrees on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the Virgo and Libra zodiac signs on your birth chart then click here to read a brief explanation.





Related articles:

• Transiting Mercury in Natal Houses
• Mercury in Virgo ~ August 2 to 25, 2009
• Mercury in Libra ~ August 25 to September 17, 2009
• Mercury-rx Returns to Aries Point ~ September 16 & 17, 2009
• Mercury Re-enters Virgo ~ September 17 to October 9, 2009
• Mercury Direct ~ September 29, 2009
  
• Sun in Virgo ~ August 22 to September 22, 2009
• Pluto in Capricorn Returns to Aries Point ~ August 8 to October 17, 2009
• Jupiter Retrograde in Aquarius ~ June 15 to October 13, 2009
• Neptune Retrograde in Aquarius ~ May 29 to November 4, 2009
• Chiron Retrograde in Aquarius ~ May 30 to October 31, 2009
• Uranus Retrograde in Pisces ~ July 1 to December 1, 2009

Mercury courtesy of NASA.