What is Mercury retrograde?

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun, taking about 88 days to complete its orbit. About 3 times a year, Mercury turns retrograde, or appears to move backwards from our vantage point on Earth. Mercury is not actually moving backwards, but it is the apparent movement we observe against the backdrop of fixed stars that creates this visual illusion.

Mercury rules things that move quickly- technology, travel, and communication. Mercury is also a symbol of the mind. As this fast-moving planet slows down and appears to move backwards, it is a time to reprocess and review the emotional content and landscape of the last few weeks. Repeating, reassessing, reevaluating, redoing…are all things that may surface during any Mercury retrograde.

From July 7 to 31, Mercury will appear to move from 4º28’ Leo to 23º57’ Cancer. During this part of Mercury’s orbit, it will be at its closest to Earth until the next retrograde cycle in October. When a planet moves closer to Earth, and therefore farther away from the sun, its energy can become louder and more intense.

Mercury in the signs:

Mercury will be retracing its steps in the signs of Leo and Cancer. Mercury in Leo is charismatic, charming and performative. In Leo, Mercury expresses itself creatively, passionately and courageously. Mercury in Cancer is reserved, intuitive, and cautious. In Cancer, Mercury is sensitive, emotionally intelligent, and expresses itself subjectively.

Mercury’s journey in the sky:

Mercury will appear to stop at 4º28’ Leo this Sunday, July 7. It will move backwards through the first degrees of Leo until it reaches Cancer on July 19. From July 19 through 31, Mercury will back up all the way to 23º57’ Cancer, where it will then begin to move forward again. It isn’t until August 14 that Mercury returns to 4º28’ Leo- where it is stationing to go retrograde in 2 days.

What does this mean?

Anytime a planet turns retrograde, its energy moves inward. As a symbol of the mind, when Mercury turns retrograde, so do our mental processes. This is not a time to fear, but instead a time to practice patience, awareness and intention. To remember that not taking action is a form of action. To remember that our reality is based on our limited and biased perception. And to remember that we can only control our attitude and response to others.

We are in between eclipses, and as the energy builds to the total lunar eclipse taking place on July 16, give yourself permission to slow down, and practice radical self-love!

The Axis of Transformation: Full Moon in Scorpio

This Saturday, the entire face of the moon will be illuminated by the light of the sun. The sun has been moving through the sign of Taurus since April 20. The sun is a symbol of pure consciousness. As the sun has been in Taurus, our attention has been on growth, the fertility of mother Earth, and increased sunlight. Taurus is the sign of abundance, wealth, and values. Its desire is to accumulate material possessions, as it fears lack of security and scarcity.

The moon changes signs every 2 and a half days or so. It will move into Scorpio Thursday evening, where it will remain until Saturday afternoon. The full moon goes exact at 2:11pm, with the sun at the 27th degree of Taurus, and the moon at the 27th degree of Scorpio. Full moons are oppositions: the sun and moon exactly 180º away from one another.

Scorpio is the sign of death, emotional attachments, and transformation. Scorpio season occurs in the middle of fall, when leaves are falling and the Earth is beginning to contract. Daylight is decreasing and the instinct is to preserve. Scorpio is an energy of power, intuition, and rebirth. Light cannot exist without darkness, just as life cannot exist without death. Full moons remind us that life is cyclical, not linear.

This full moon may bring deep emotions to the surface, some of which we may have turned away from or refused to fully acknowledge. Emotions demand to be felt fully. Allow them to surface, and feel them in your body.

This is a time to ask yourself what you truly value. Is it your wealth, your money, and your material possessions? The moment you fear losing something, realize it does not belong to you. We own nothing in this world, other than what is contained in our hearts. Hold onto love. Hold onto your self-worth. But release the rest. Let go of the old stories and patterns that are holding you down and keeping you from growing spiritually. Let go of the relationships that make you feel disempowered and unworthy.

The energy of this full moon requires deep courage: to embrace change and to step into the unknown. Change brings transformation and growth.

We are all broken, we all have darkness, and we all have fear. Love the part of yourself that feels broken and fearful of change. Love the part of yourself that is dark, shameful and feels unworthy. Step into the shadow, and remember that you are worthy of deep, unconditional love.