RETROGRADE
MERCURY, 2012
By now, the signals of Mercury’s changes in direction are familiarly frustrating
slowdowns and misfirings when it comes to machinery, travel, communications,
or paper trails. There is a deeper purpose to this change in direction; Mercury is the cosmic messenger, delivering a message
of the Sun.
The Sun is an integral player in the retrograde
dynamic. Technically, retrograde motion is the apparent backward movement of a planet as it circles the Sun, the center of
our solar system. Since the Earth is also moving (rotating on its axis and revolving around the Sun), and since each planet
travels at a different speed, the planets regularly appear to slow down, station (stop), and reverse direction. Mercury orbits
between the Earth and the Sun, as an inner planet, along with Venus. It is never
more than 28 degrees from the Sun in its revolution. Wondrously, Mercury’s retrograde motion seems to regulate this
28 degree boundary, so that it never gets too far ahead of or behind the Sun. Moving
in relation to the Earth and the Sun, Mercury swings like a pendulum, balancing its movement to stay in rhythm. Mercury’s
cycle occurs three or four times per year, extending in completion over two months, providing time for reflection, recalibration,
revision, and resolution. The complete cycle often emphasizes a particular zodiacal
position; this position is the clue to the message of the Sun.
There
are four specific steps to each complete cycle, involving astronomy and psychological process.
Step
1: Reflection
When Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation or
swing (which can be up to 27 degrees ahead of the Sun), it slows down, stops (Stations) and turns Retrograde (Rx). The Rx point marks the initial investigation, during which there can be high anxiety, a sense of being overworked
and overwhelmed. There may be some unresolved issue that requires a reflection,
particularly if the degree of Rx makes a natal contact. At this point, things seem to come to a screeching halt.
Step
2: Recalibration
This Rx motion allows the Sun to catch up. Rx, Mercury is now interior, between the Earth and the Sun, and closest to Earth. This second step is an
illumination phase. Here, the mental
circuits are active, and as recalibration occurs, there is efficiency and clarity.
Step
3: Revision
As they dance, Mercury begins to fall behind the Sun. Within 2 weeks, it reaches its greatest western elongation,
stations again, and turns Direct (D). This third step offers some discrimination,
analysis, review, or revision.
Step
4: Resolution
The last step in the complete cycle occurs when Mercury is at its Exterior Conjunction with the Sun,
moving fast again. At this phase, resolutions
occur and efforts are rewarded. Mercury is farthest from Earth, and speeds up to rise ahead of the Sun.
Details
on the 2012 cycles are listed below, along with Rudhyar’s Sabian Symbol description for the Rx degree. Taken at various
levels of meaning (literal, allegorical/symbolic, metaphysical, mystical), this symbol can offer clues for decoding the message
Mercury carries, especially if there is resonance with a specific natal point. (The times and dates listed are calculated for
Noon GMT and adjusted for Eastern Time.)
Cycle
#1 March 12-April 4 Rx
at 6 + Aries 3:49 am; D 6:11 am
Sabian Symbol: 6 + Aries
A man expresses himself at once in two realms.
Complete
Process:
1. Outward swing (reflection)
Mercury Rx:
March 12 6 + Aries Mercury
21 + Pisces Sun
2. Rx and in interior conjunction with Sun (recalibration): March 22 1+ Aries Mercury & Sun
3. D (revision): April 4 23 + Pisces Mercury;
14 + Aries Sun
4. D and in exterior conjunction with Sun (resolution): May 28 7
+ Gemini Mercury & Sun
Significance:
The Sun gives to Mercury at 21-23 Pisces.
Cycle
#2 July 14 – August 7 Rx at 12 + Leo 10:16 pm D 1:40 am
Sabian Symbol: 12 + Leo
Old sea captain rests in a neat little cottage by the sea.
Complete Process:
1. Outward swing (reflection) Mercury Rx:
July 14 12 + Leo Mercury
21 + Cancer Sun
2. Rx and in interior conjunction with Sun (recalibration): July 29 6 + Leo Mercury & Sun
3. D (revision): August 7 1+ Leo
Mercury
14
+ Leo Sun
4. D and in exterior conjunction with Sun (resolution): Sept. 10 17 + Virgo Mercury
& Sun
Significance:
Mercury gives to the Sun the energy of mid-Leo.
Cycle
#3 Nov. 6- Nov. 26 Rx
4 + Sagittarius 6:04 pm D at
5:48 pm
Sabian Symbol: 4 + Sagittarius
High on an old tree, a solitary owl is gently perched.
Complete
Process:
1. Outward swing (reflection)
Mercury Rx:
Nov. 6
4 + Sagittarius Mercury
13 + Scorpio Sun
2. Rx and in interior conjunction with Sun (recalibration): Nov. 17-18
25-26 + Scorpio Mercury & Sun
3. D (revision): Nov. 26
18 + Sagittarius Mercury
4 + Sagittarius Sun
4. D and in exterior conjunction with Sun (resolution): Jan. 19 29+
Capricorn Mercury & Sun
Significance:
Mercury gives to the Sun at 4 + Sagittarius.
Mercury and the Sun have a strong relationship
in the planetary line-up. Flying fast on winged foot, Mercury carries messages to and from the Sun, as noted in the degrees
they exchange during each cycle. Perhaps the messages are prescriptive (Rx), offering a healing balm, as mythologically, Mercury
also carries the caduceus.
