Oh, say it ain't so... again, already? Doesn't seem too long ago when Mercury was retrograde last in September.

This time around, Mercury retrogrades in Capricorn from December 26 until next year on January 15. He retraces his steps from 22 degrees and all the way back to 5 degrees of Capricorn. The complete shadow cycle for this retrograde period is December 9, 2009 to February 4, 2010.

Mercury represents our thought process, communication, transportation, commerce, and electronics/technology. Capricorn represents structure and foundation. In Capricorn, Mercury is willful and persistent, goal-oriented and a hard worker. Mercury retrograde in Capricorn affects governments and long-standing institutions; but on a personal level, our foundation may also be called to question. How we've done things, what we've believed in, and what have been our motivations may need to be reviewed and re-established or redefined. Our personal goals may change or shift to a different direction.

During this time, Mars is also retrograde while in the sign of Leo from December 20 until next year March 10. Our actions may be scattered or have no "legs" to stand on. It's best not to initiate action, especially to longer term goals, during a Mars retrograde ... and even more so now, with the added factor of a Mercury retrograde. This post from DailyOm.com ties in nicely with the message of insight through reflection for this retrograde period -- Knowing Better Now - The Past in Light of the Present.

As I posted earlier, during Mercury's first retrograde period this year:

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 December 26 & January 15]. 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.

For me, as a Virgo-Rising, this retrograde occurs in my 4th house of home and family; and as a Cancer-Sun occurs in my 7th house of partnerships. This might be an ideal time for me to reflect upon my plans of moving back home to San Francisco next year and/or review my options for business collaborations. No actions or final decisions, just mulling things over :)

How will Mercury's direction change influence your life? Look to the Capricorn-ruled house and match the sign and 5 to 22 degrees with house cusps on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the Capricorn zodiac sign on your birth chart then click here for a brief explanation of Mercury transiting those houses.


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For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for them below then click here for a brief explanation of Mercury's transit in those houses.

• Aries-Sun or Aries-Rising ~ 10th house
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 9th house
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 8th house
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 7th house
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 6th house
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 5th house
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 4th house
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 3rd house
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 2nd house
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 1st house
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 12th house
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 11th house

Unsure if you have natal planets/house planets at these degrees? Cast your own birth chart for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required. Schedule a session or request a quote for a personalized reading. Or cruise on over to the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to start or join a discussion.

Related articles:

• Transiting Mercury in Natal Houses
• Knowing Better Now - The Past in Light of the Present from DailyOM.com
• Mercury in Capricorn ~ December 5, 2009 to February 10, 2010
  
• Mars Retrograde ~ December 20, 2009 to March 10, 2010
• Sun in Capricorn ~ December 21, 2009 to January 18, 2010
• Venus in Capricorn ~ December 25, 2009 to January 19, 2010

*Learn more about the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum.

"Messenger's First Look at Mercury's Previously Unseen Side" - Credit and copyright to NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington.