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

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

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

Mercury zips through the zodiac about every 3 weeks. He has been transiting Taurus, where he is thoughtful, careful, practical, thorough, and persistent. In Gemini, he is social, good-humored, witty, quick-thinking, and curious. At best, intelligent, charming, a great conversationalist, friendly, relaxed, secure and expansive. At worst, unfocused, not serious enough, quick to become disinterested, and can be non-committal.

Mercury governs all manners of mental activity, communication, writing/publishing and short travels. He rules the zodiac signs Gemini and Virgo. The planet Mercury is the fastest moving planet in the zodiac. He represents how we think, how we process information, and how we communicate the information we've processed. He also rules commerce and trade.

Mercury is at home in Gemini -- quick thinking, quick-witted, curious, friendly, and versatile with varied intellectual interests. With my natal Mercury in Gemini, I'm a bit partial to this sign placement for Mercury. Gemini is the first Air sign -- cool, detached, logical, objective. Conversations fluid; ideas flowing; interactions friendly. However, despite Gemini-Mercury's vast curiosity, hunger for learning, and active intellectual pursuits, his knowledge can be superficial and at times fleeting; so make sure to write down any brilliant ideas conceptualized during this period.

Mercury in Gemini encourages us to entertain our curiosities; run with small ideas and see where they take us or what they evolve into; collaborate and brainstorm with others because more minds working together is better than one; meet and greet with new people so we can learn from them; get captivated in engaging conversations; and generally, become a sponge for information gathering. As human beings, we are wired to make connections with others. Even an introvert can find comfort and joy in meaningful contact.

This year, Mercury transits Gemini from June 2 at 1:02 p.m. PDT / 4:02 p.m. EDT to June 16 and quickly squares Neptune as she prepares to retrograde on June 3rd, then he moves to sextile Uranus and Jupiter by June 4th -- making his first few days in Gemini exciting and possibly action-packed! While Mercury visits Gemini, the Sun also transits Gemini until June 20th, and Venus joins them both on June 9th.

Related articles:

• Transiting Mercury in Natal Houses
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Schedule an appointment
• Client reviews

About an hour after Venus begins her visit in Taurus, Mercury follows suit. He leaves fiery Aries for earthy Taurus.

Mercury governs all manners of thinking, communicating, transportation and commerce. In Aries, Mercury is quick-thinking, impulsive, creative, can be rash when making decisions and pushy to get their way. In Taurus, Mercury is practical, thorough, considerate, slower to decide, can be stubborn if change is necessary and lazy if things aren't progressing as they desire.

At best, Mercury in Taurus is reliable, determined, persistent, patient, purposeful with a clear, and exhaustive mind. At worst, unyielding, frustrated, unmotivated, possessive, and greedy.

While Mercury is in Taurus, we are encouraged to take our raw ideas and develop a plan to implement them, think beyond the now, and secure future goals. Make some commitments or do right by existing commitments. There is no reason to rush when Taurean energy is at the helm. What matters, however, is that each step taken is measured and decisions made are well thought out. In our interactions, Mercury in Taurus will require tangible proof -- some or all of the five senses will need to be satisfied before something can be declared fact or real.

Don't get too pushy while Mercury is in Taurus. Things need to marinate. There's a level of comfort required before Taurean energy can make concessions. Patience. Recognize the benefits of thinking things through and respect the process necessary to accomplish goals with determined actions.

On the day Mercury and Venus (relationships/finances) enter Taurus, both immediately form a harmonious, opportunistic alignment with Neptune (compassion/insight). This energy might be reminiscent of the previous week, when Mercury and Venus were inches from each other and both were also commingling with Jupiter (ideals/opportunities) in Aries.

Mercury enters Taurus on May 15 at 4:18 p.m. PDT / 7:18 p.m. EDT and will stay through June 2. While in Taurus, Mercury will align with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America Pacific time zone; allow +/-2 days for life span of influence):

• May 16 ~ Mercury conjunct Venus and both sextile Neptune. covered above
• May 19 to 22 ~ Mercury conjunct Mars, both sextile Chiron and trine Pluto-rx, while Mercury also quincunx Saturn-rx. Let heart, mind and soul reflect our thoughts, words, actions within our relationships and in our interactions. Be aware of where our thoughts and actions are rooted from. We can heal the self, help others heal, or get stuck in reliving painful experiences/memories or be the cause of someone else's sorrow. Mental blockages or communication breakdown may be additional challenges due to Saturn's influence. Also on May 21st, Sun enters Gemini.

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

Mercury stations on April 23rd at 3:07 a.m. PDT / 6:07 a.m. EDT and prepares for direct motion. He's been retrograde for about three weeks since March 30th. Aries-Suns/Risings or those with natal planets/house angles in Aries or cardinal signs may have found this retrograde period extra challenging. The complete retrograde cycle, including the shadow period, is March 16 to May 12. Mercury's transit in Aries continues until May 15th.

Mercury represents how we think, talk, interact and react; and also governs transportation, commerce and trade. As he retraces his steps for a third and final time, issues regarding autonomy/exercising individuality; situations involving new ventures/creative ideas; or events surrounding the launch of a new product/idea/business/collaboration or next phase of something existing may be revisited or completed or resolved.

The 3 days approaching and after Mercury's station day (April 23) may result in continued delays, frustration, miscommunication, misunderstanding, etc. So, make allowances for these things. Opt for more tolerance. Give someone the benefit of a doubt, especially if events/issues arising presently may be out of character for them. Leave extra early for appointments. Reread important documents/agreements and ask yourself questions to ensure you understand every point or line item within the document. Preparation is key; and in situations where there's no time to prepare, then being more understanding will go a long way within interactions, as well as maintaining one's personal inner peace.

Mercury's retrograde in Aries has surprisingly been 'quieter' than his previous retrograde cycle in Capricorn. Although, I must say I was more 'reactive' than usual during this Mercury retrograde in Aries, more so than my usual self. I'm typically more even-tempered (Virgo-rising/Cancer-Sun with Gemini-Mercury) and do not get riled up easily (Cancer-Mars). However, I noticed I was more easily irritated/frustrated and reactive/vocal about being annoyed. This retrograde in Aries, plus all the other celestial bodies transiting in Aries, really brought out my Aries-Moon which is typically quieter (mutual reception with my Cancer-Mars & 'others' oriented in the 7th house). The wrath of Jan was pretty evident for some of March through this month so far ... oopsies >;-)

How was Mercury's retrograde period in Aries been for you?

Unsure if you have natal planets or house angles in Aries? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com -- birth date, time, and place required.

I am also available for personal consultations. Are you celebrating a birthday soon? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Related articles:

• Transiting Mercury in Natal Houses
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Mercury in Aries ~ March 9 to May 15, 2011
• Mercury Retrograde ~ March 30 to April 23, 2011
• Venus in Aries ~ April 20/21 to May 15, 2011
• Mars in Aries ~ April 1/2 to May 11, 2011
• Uranus in Aries ~ 2010/2011 to 2018/2019

Mercury's extra long stay in Aries (March 9 to May 15) is due to his retrograde motion which starts on March 30 and lasts until April 23. The complete retrograde cycle, including the shadow period is March 16 to May 12.

In Aries, Mercury can be rash, brash, pushy, insensitive, impatient, and bossy. I highlight these less positive traits because they tend to come out more often during a retrograde, especially on within 2-3 days of station days (March 30 & April 23). As mentioned on previous posts:

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

So, it's about that time when Mercury's stay in sensitive, mellow Pisces ends and his visit in action-oriented Aries begins. On March 9, Mercury begins his extra long transit in Aries, staying until May 15! I can't even imagine what kinds of trouble we could get in to, especially with Jupiter (expansion; already in Aries), Uranus (in Aries on March 11), Mars (in Aries on April 1), and Venus (in Aries on April 20) joining Mercury for all or part of his visit in the sign of the warrior. Did I say 'trouble'? I meant I can't even imagine what kinds of exciting ventures/new situations we could get started or find ourselves in during Mercury's visit in Aries :)

Mercury's extended stay is due to his retrograde motion which begins on March 30 until April 23. Including the shadow period, Mercury's complete retrograde cycle is from March 17 to May 12 which is just a few days before his transit in Taurus begins.

Mercury governs thinking, communication, and writing. In Pisces, he is introspective, understanding and conscientious. In Aries, Mercury is pioneering, independent, ardent, instinctive, rash, brash and impatient.

At best, Mercury in Aries is a leader, accomplished, direct, decisive, and doesn't take 'no' for an answer. At worst, selfish, arrogant, quick-tempered, territorial, aggressive, and super competitive.

While Mercury transits Aries, let our minds be enterprising, our words be impassioned, and our decisions be confident. With Jupiter (expansion/opportunities), Uranus (revolutionary/radical change), Mars (action/assertion), and Venus (relationships/finances) also in Aries for all or part of Mercury's transit in Aries, being level-headed enough to be driven by our true intentions that are, hopefully, rooted in light and love will be challenging but not impossible.

A lot can be accomplished, initiated, created, or conceptualized during Mercury's time in Aries if the higher/positive energy of Aries is what we project/utilize. This is equally true if Arien's lower/negative traits are what we choose to use in our approach. Jupiter expands. Uranus rebels from conformity/tradition. Mars acts, regardless of thought or consequence. Venus desires, regardless of need or situation. What will Jupiter expand upon? What will Uranus break away from? What will Mars' movements be driven by? How will Venus' demands be met? A big part of the answer lies within our intentions, our thought process. Jupiter will blow up a negative thought just as much as a positive one. The same goes for Uranus, Mars and Venus.

During Mercury's retrograde period, it will be most important to keep a check on our own willfulness and thought processes since misunderstandings, miscommunication and delays are common during retrogrades. Our patience may be called more often throughout the day and within many situations we encounter daily.

Mercury enters Aries on March 9 at 9:47 p.m. PST / March 10 at 12:47 a.m. EST and remains until May 15th. While in Aries, Mercury will align with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America Pacific time zone; allow +/-2 days for life span of influence):

• March 13 ~ Mercury square Pluto. Penetrating mind. Strong ability to focus. Watch tempers and impatience. With the Moon in Cancer today, sentimentality and emotions vacillate. Careful not to aim anger or harsh words to a bystander. Direct with the intent to listen and work together is a good approach.
• March 15 ~ Mercury conjunct Jupiter. What could possibly go wrong?! THAT could possibly go wrong. Easy to be overly optimistic or over estimate a situation, especially something involving finances. Be hopeful and bold but also keep yourself grounded to what's real. Then, you're sure to succeed! This meeting between Mercury and Jupiter happens a total of three times this year (April 11 & May 11), so there is no reason to rush or give in to the fear of losing out on something.
• March 18 ~ Mercury oppose Saturn-rx. Watch those thoughts. Negative begets negative. "Energy flows where attention goes" -- focus attention on how you want situations to manifest, instead of putting energy on the worries or concerns.
• March 30 ~ Mercury Retrograde until April 23 and remains in Aries the entire retrograde period.
• April 9 ~ Mercury-rx conjunct the Sun. Quick thinking. Fast talking. Flashes of brilliant ideas. Impatience. Irritability. Impulsiveness. Careful not to say anything you'll regret later or might come back to haunt you later. Also today, Pluto Retrograde.
• April 11 ~ Mercury-rx conjunct Jupiter. Happy, happy, joy, joy. Easy to overdo, overthink, overestimate, or be overly optimistic about a situation. The last time Mercury and Jupiter met in this manner was March 15. Events/issues/situations may be linked or reminiscent of the few days prior or after March 15.
• April 19 ~ Mercury-rx conjunct Mars. Look before leaping or you might find yourself taking a fall. Impulsiveness can cause a mistake with long term implications. However, a well-planned action could reap lasting rewards.
• April 23 ~ Mercury Direct.
• May 9 ~ Mercury conjunct Venus. May it be in relationships or finances, this is the time to make your move, let your intentions be known. Find a voice to whatever may be on your mind. Self-expression with confidence. Those who are celebrating a birthday between May 7 and May 11 may benefit from this triple conjunction throughout their Solar Return year.
• May 11 ~ Stellium in Aries as Mercury conjuncts Venus and both conjunct Jupiter. Super energized days between May 9 and May 12. This is the last occurrence of Mercury and Jupiter blending energies in Aries for a long while. The two previous instances were on March 15 and April 11. Venus joining in on the fun gives this day an extra dose of playfulness and pleasure. Those who are celebrating a birthday between May 7 and May 11 may benefit from this triple conjunction throughout their Solar Return year or have natal planets/house angels around 15-19 degrees in cardinal signs may also find this energy boost a nice perk. Also today, Mars enters Taurus.

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

Mercury joins the Sun and Chiron in Pisces on February 21, where he remains until March 9. Mercury governs all manners of thinking, communication, schooling, commerce, short travel, and siblings. In the humanitarian sign of Aquarius, Mercury is engaging, intellectual, innovative, unique, uninhibited, excitable, eclectic and electric. In the insightful sign of Pisces, Mercury mellows out a bit with a focus on the internal goings on and how that connects with life in the outside world for us as individuals and as living beings walking our individual paths, together within the same world.

At best, Mercury in Pisces is compassionate, understanding, and enlightened with truth and wisdom that goes far beyond what's tangible or conceivable by the logical mind. At worst, confused, deluded, blinded by faith and unable to function with the realities of living in the external world.

While Mercury is in Pisces, we are reminded to seek out truth beyond the realm of intellect and the tangible world. As humans, we are physical, mental and spiritual beings. We live in a physical world with material needs and wants. We reason, communicate and make decisions using our mental skills. Our spirituality, however, may not be something we connect with daily because its main interaction is within the self. Practice communing with the self more often during the weeks that Mercury transits Pisces. Find a quiet space inside yourself, honor that which gives you life, shows you the way and truly grounds you. Connecting with one's deeper self keeps us in sync so, that the motivation/drives behind our decisions and actions originate within the true desires of the self. Some people call it prayer; others meditation. Whether you call on God or another Deity of your choice or seek connection/counsel with your Divine self, make it a honored practice while Mercury is in Pisces (although, a lifelong practice is more beneficial).

This year, while Mercury transits Pisces, Mars also visits Pisces from February 22 to April 1. Mercury, Chiron (wounds/healing), Mars (action/motivation) and the Sun (conscious will) will all be involved in a stellium (cluster) from February 22 to 25 while they all transit Pisces. Mercury will also sextile Pluto (purging/transformation) on February 25th.

Although we can all benefit/experience the energy of this stellium and Mercury's link to Pluto, those with Pisces-Suns/Risings or those with Pisces governing their 10th house of career/future goals (like Gemini-Suns/Risings) might find this an excellent time to push through whatever blockages there may be, especially those rooted deep within the psyche. In general, this brief period could also be used to strengthen/rediscover our intuitive/spiritual side, release the past/old wounds as plans/actions toward the future begins in motion, or get more actively involved in humanitarian efforts/charitable causes.

This stellium and Mercury-Pluto sextile occur with Jupiter (expansion) square Pluto in the backdrop. Jupiter and Pluto will also perfect their square on February 25th.

Mercury enters Pisces at 12:53 p.m. PST / 3:53 p.m. EST and stays until March 9th. While in Pisces, Mercury will align with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America Pacific time zone; allow +/-2 days for life span of influence):

• February 22 to 25 ~ Mercury conjunct Chiron, Mars, and the Sun. covered above
  
• February 25 ~ Mercury sextile Pluto. also mentioned above

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

A day after the New Moon in Aquarius, Mercury leaves the practical thinking sign of Capricorn for the freer thinking sign of Aquarius. Mercury governs our mental activities, ways of communicating, and short travels.

In Capricorn, Mercury is determined, focused, conservative and purposeful. In Aquarius, Mercury is friendly, quirky, progressive, independent and with strong humanitarian ideals. At best, Mercury in Aquarius is inventive, intellectual, experimental, caring while remaining detached. At worst, scattered, opinionated, chaotic, too idealistic, promotes change at any and all cost.

During his stay in Aquarius, we are encouraged to expand our minds, breaking through metaphorical walls, and expand our social circle to venture beyond our typical hangouts or preferred crowd/situation. Try seeing existing situations from a different set of eyes with a different set of rules or perhaps no rules. Brainstorm unique solutions to common but lingering problems. Discuss or ponder upon alternative ways of doing something ordinary.

Elsewhere in the sky today, Venus will also change signs later in the evening and begin her transit in Capricorn.

Mercury enters Aquarius on February 3rd at 2:19 p.m. PST / 5:19 p.m. EST and will stay through February 21st. While in Aquarius, Mercury will align with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America Pacific time zone; allow +/-2 days for life span of influence):

• February 5 ~ Mercury sextile Jupiter. Big ideas. Meeting of the minds. On a personal level, philosophical thoughts and knowledge/wisdom seeking. Also today, the Sun trine Saturn-rx.
• February 14 ~ Mercury trine Saturn-rx. Oh just in time for Valentine's day :) Saturn in Libra's influence may have us thinking about the relationships we have in our lives -- marriage, intimate relationship, business partnership, etc.
• February 20 ~ Stellium between Mercury, Mars and Neptune. Ideal for helping others and humanitarian efforts. Compassion. Understanding.

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

From November 30 to December 18, 2010, Mercury cruised through the first 6 degrees of Capricorn, then stationed to retrograde on December 10, at which time he returned to Sagittarius on December 18th, and finally became direct again on December 29/30. Now, Mercury revisits Capricorn from January 13 to February 3 and finishes what he started back in November.

Mercury governs all manners of thinking, communicating, transportation, and commerce. In Capricorn, Mercury is ambitious; our minds are decisive, and we're persistent in our conversations. This period gives us the opportunity to build upon ideas formed and dreams created while Mercury was in Sagittarius. Let Mercury in Capricorn help you make that happen. Outline goals. Research. Plan steps. Develop the how, when, and with whom. Be focused and well-intentioned.

On the day Mercury re-enters Capricorn, Mars, who is also in Capricorn, will sextile Jupiter which can really help get things moving or happening. Quick decision making may be necessary to capitalize on the energy of this sextile. We remain under the promising energy of the conjunction between Jupiter and Uranus. Keep in mind that actions/decisions now may not necessarily have immediate results. Results or full impact of actions/decisions may take months to unfold. Perhaps the more important thing for now is to make the decision/commitment or take the first step.

While Capricorn, Mercury will make connections with the following celestial bodies on (all dates reflect North America Pacific time zone; allow +/-2 days for life span of influence):

Mercury has been retrograde since December 10. At that time, he was transiting transiting the early degrees of Capricorn. But more recently on December 18, he returned to Sagittarius where he remains until January 13, 2011. Mercury represents how we think, talk, interact and react; and also governs transportation, commerce and trade. Now as we close out the year, Mercury stations to begin moving direct again on December 29 at 11:21 p.m. PST / December 30 at 2:21 a.m. EST.

The 3 days approaching and after Mercury's station days (December 29 & 30) may result in continued delays, frustration, miscommunication, misunderstanding, etc. So, make allowances for these things. Opt for more tolerance. Give someone the benefit of a doubt, especially if events/issues arising presently may be out of character for them. Leave extra early for appointments. Reread important documents/agreements and ask yourself questions to ensure you understand every point or line item within the document. Preparation is key; and in situations where there's no time to prepare, then being more understanding will go a long way in interactions, as well as maintaining one's personal inner peace. Mars (aggression/assertion) and Saturn (stern/disciplinarian) are also at odds during the last days in December and could very add fuel whatever challenges Mercury may already be going through as he gets acclimated to his change of direction and speed.

Until approximately January 16, we may be reliving much of might have occurred as far back as late November, while Mercury revisits 19 degrees of Sagittarius up to 6 degrees of Capricorn. Obstacles removed. Misunderstandings clarified and relationships mended/mending. No more delays. Things, slowly but surely, starting to come together. Opportunities arising when none could be found just weeks prior. However the first few weeks of the new year might play out in your life, this is a period where you can take control of your thoughts and how you choose to communicate what's on your mind or how you interact with others. Although there may seem many things in your world now that are beyond your control, you always have the ability of what you thoughts you feed your mind and what attitude you choose to express yourself with. And that more of a difference than you might realize :)

With a New Moon Solar Eclipse occurring just days after we ring in the new year, events/situations in each of our personal world may seem to be speeding up, especially since we're coming out of the lull of Mercury's retrograde cycle. This eclipsed new moon also happens on the same day Jupiter and Uranus perfect their conjunction (blending of energies). Try to keep your mind and concentration focused on your objectives. It's easy to get swept away with what may be happening around you, and perhaps, even within your inner sanctum ... an impatience, the need to fulfill something right now or an overoptimism/overestimation of your actual reality. It's important to realize that success in achieving goals (may they be big or small, personal or professional) will require a solid plan with decisive and determined steps. Mars in Capricorn should help with keeping our actions conservative for in pragmatic Capricorn, Mars understands that rushing in or acting/deciding because there may be a fear of loss (loss of time, opportunity or faith, etc.) might end up giving you more work than necessary or taking a longer route instead of a more direct one or result in mistakes that could have been avoided.

Those with natal planets or house angles around 19 degrees of mutable signs may experience the frustration of Mercury's station days more strongly than others. Unsure if you have any natal planets/house angles around 19 degrees of mutable signs or where 19 degrees of Sagittarius to 6 degrees of Capricorn falls in your birth chart, cast your own birth chart to find out -- birth date, time, and place required.

Alternatively, I am also available for personal consultations. Schedule a session or give a loved one the gift of insight.

Have a question or need an estimate for a customized reading, ask me here. Feel free to visit the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to start or join a discussion.

Related articles:

• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Mercury Retrograde ~ December 10 to 29/30, 2010
• Mercury Returns to Sagittarius ~ December 18, 2010 to January 13, 2011
• New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Capricorn ~ January 4, 2011
• Jupiter Conjunct Uranus ~ January 4, 2011