Oh dear. Mercury retrogrades this month and right smack in the middle of holiday shopping! Keep receipts. Understand return/exchange policies thoroughly, especially for those expensive gifts. Include gift receipts when wrapping presents. Okay, enough of that :)

Mercury stations at 4:04 a.m. PST / 7:04 a.m. EST on December 10 to begin retrograde motion, which ends on December 29 at 11:21 p.m. PST / December 30 at 2:21 a.m. EST. The complete retrograde cycle, including the shadow period is November 22 to January 18, 2011. Mercury retraces his steps from 6 degrees of Capricorn, all the way back to 19 degrees of Sagittarius. His revisits Sagittarius starting December 18, then Mercury re-enters Capricorn on January 13, 2011 to stay until February 3.

Those with natal planets/house angles around 6 degrees of cardinal signs may especially feel the impact of Mercury's station (+/-3 days of December 10). Make huge allowances for delays or possible miscommunication.

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. Mercury's return to Sagittarius may signal reflection upon our ideals/goals, since Mercury in Sagittarius is typically a visionary with big dreams. As the year nears its end, how has it fared when compared to our aspirations at the start of the year? What have we learned? How have we grown? What has remained stagnant? What do we hope for in the coming year? Our personal goals may change or shift to a different direction during the course of Mercury's retrograde cycle in Capricorn and Sagittarius.

As mentioned on previous posts:

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 10 & December 29/30]. 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 require repair or replacement later. Consider buying the extra warranty offered, if the item is a costly one.
The shadow period began on November 22. Make note of events or issues beginning around that date. They may resurface around next month -- later in the month or early in the new year. Perhaps, to find resolutions for unresolved issues or to revisit situations simply for them to be reflected upon.

What astrological house/s will Mercury's retrograde motion revisit? Look to the Capricorn and Sagittarius-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 Capricorn and Sagittarius zodiac signs on your birth chart then click here to read a brief explanation.





Alternatively, you may cast your own birth chart -- birth date, time, and place required.

Are you celebrating a birthday? Schedule a session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Package Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months). Or give the gift of insight.

Have a question or need a quote for a more customized reading, ask me here. Or feel free to visit the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to start or join a discussion.

Related articles:

• Transiting Mercury in Natal Houses
• Mercury in Capricorn ~ November 30 to December 18, 2010
• Mercury in Sagittarius ~ November 8 to 30, 2010
• Mercury Returns to Sagittarius ~ December 18, 2010 to January 13, 2011
• Mercury Direct ~ December 29/30, 2010 (article forthcoming)
• Mercury Re-enters Capricorn ~ January 13 to February 3, 2011 (article forthcoming)