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Stages of Mercury Retrograde: Understanding Its Purpose

Introduction

In my view, one of the most misunderstood transits in astrology is Mercury retrograde. On one hand, more people may be aware of it than any other astrological transit, but on the other hand, it is frequently regarded as mostly negative. One thinks that one should not make any plans during this 3-week period, which includes not traveling or signing contracts, etc. This black-and-white attitude presumes that Mercury retrograde is at best inconvenient, and possibly outright bad.

A Necessary Process: Embracing Mercury Retrograde

In my view, this period has an important and necessary purpose, thus contradicting the prevailing negative view. Instead, it is possible to see it in terms of an 8-fold process that repeats every 4 months and which can be a useful period for all of us.

The First Four Stages of Mercury Retrograde

In this article, I will describe the first 4 stages of this process:

Stage 1: The Shadow Period

The Shadow period, which began on November 7, 2024, at 6° Sagittarius, introduces us to the zodiacal territory that will be reviewed over the next 55 days. Whatever we are concerned with at this time will be under scrutiny. This doesn’t mean that everything that occurs will fail, but suggests that something significant is likely to change. It also tends to create an upsurge of emotion and feelings that will need to be processed during the retrograde cycle. It is best to be aware of this tendency so we don’t project our own internal feelings and conflicts onto others.

Stage 2: The Stationary Moment

The next period occurred on November 26, 2024, at 22° Sagittarius. This particular day is likely to be odd in that there can be confusions, misunderstandings, etc., that need to be corrected or clarified. Patience is required at this time so that we don’t get upset when suddenly our schedules need to adjust. This is the “pain-in-the-butt phase” of the cycle.

Stage 3: Acceleration of Mercury Retrograde

The third period is when Mercury retrograde begins to accelerate in its backward movement. This period is odd in that one might want to slow things down so that one can process whatever is coming up for them, but oftentimes the opposite happens. This can be when we become very busy in order to handle or complete unfinished cycles of action that can clean the decks for us prior to the Inferior conjunction when a new “seed idea” emerges.

Stage 4: The Inferior Conjunction

The midpoint of the Mercury retrograde period is when the Sun and Mercury conjunct. This occurs on December 5, 2024, at 14° Sagittarius. Although it is referred to as the Inferior conjunction, it is a very significant moment as a new seed idea is planted in our deepest subconscious or psyche. This may not be consciously recognized at first, but we will gain awareness of this as the final phase of the Mercury retrograde phase is completed over the next 10 days. It is helpful to pay close attention to any new thoughts and feelings emerging within us during this 24-48 hour period, even if these are vague and unformed.

The Value of Mercury Retrograde

I hope this article will help the reader become open to seeing the value of this Mercury retrograde cycle as it can bring about deep and profound changes in our life.

Next week, I will cover the rest of the cycle.

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Symbolism of Pisces

By Kimberly Maxwell

Our archetypal journey through the Zodiac ends with the mutable water sign Pisces. It’s symbol, traditionally depicted as two fish swimming in opposite directions, dates to ancient times. Fish first swam in primordial seas a half billion years ago before mutating into land dwellers. Archetypally, the fish’s habitat, the ocean, represents the origin of consciousness, whereas the fish represents manifest spiritual wisdom. The glyph for Pisces is a stylized representation of the opposing fish bound together by a tether to the material world.

Pisces is the symbol of all creation, embracing everything that has been experienced and learned and universally connects us. Ruled by Neptune, it is associated with the mystical, boundlessness and unconditional love. It is the sign of poets and the vast realm of the imagination. Pisces is also associated with negative states of delusion and not facing the truth of one’s life. The powerful sensitivity and psychic nature of Pisces can become overwhelmed by clinging to the pain of failures or faded past glories and unrealized dreams, resulting in escapism and being disconnected from reality.

As the last stage in the cycle of individual development, Pisces is where we are called to reach spiritual maturity, yet it is also the threshold of new beginnings. The deeper meaning to the counteracting fish is key to what holds us back from successfully completing cycles of development. While one fish flows towards peak conscious awareness, the other dives deep into unconscious memories and traditions that condition our imagined identity. Our imperative therefore is to sever attachment to all memories while taking with us only the essence of what was learned in the experiences. Becoming aware of memories that unconsciously dictate negative behavior patterns allows us to consciously let go of what is not working.

It takes tremendous courage and trust to responsibly face what is happening in the present. It takes faith, imagination and a clear connection with cosmic forces to liberate our creative spirit and consciously participate in the powerful act of renewal, cycle after cycle, and manifest our highest potential. To Pisces, this is the reality to be lived.

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