Mercury Retrograde in Taurus
April 28.2016
1:20 p.m.
Mercury stationed Retrograde this afternoon and adds its energy to a retrograde hit list of 4 other planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Pluto. Five is the number of change and abrupt transformation. It is also the space of creation; having envisioned the point of newness that pushes through a 4-sided wall of foundation and becomes something more than a static base.
My Mars Retrograde post was entitled “Stand Down”. Now, with the addition of a Mercury retrograde, the need for observation, non-resistance and being patient takes on more meaning. Any retrograde intensifies the baseline energy of that planet’s gifts. Mercury is one we are most familiar with, since its frequency is generally 2-3 times per year. The stereotypical Mercury Retrograde involves failed communication, technology glitches, tongue stumbling and the attempts at expressing oneself, being misunderstood, misconstrued and generally frustrating.
However, the plus side to these inconveniences is the opportunity to check and double-check what you say, how you proceed and generally slow down the frantic communication strategies we have come accustomed to in this highly “connected” age.
The Mars Retrograde on Apr. 18th amplified the need to step back from the natural push of this planet in asserting its willful action. Saturn’s retrograde is holding in check the exuberance of Mar’s energy; both being in the fiery sign of Sagittarius. And, Pluto stationing Retrograde the day after Mars in the earthy sign of Capricorn required slow and careful footing as travels into the great “beyond” of what we perceive as the most distant of planet’s energy.
The stage is now set, the microphone readied and communication that is deliberate and clear is asked to be the star of the show. The intensity of Mercury will play out in a very physical and concrete way. Taurus is a sign of the Earth element. This is the strength of the bull that establishes his territory and holds firm in protecting. Mercury in Taurus means that the intellect and style of communication will be very deliberate and abundantly clear in its purpose. Again, think of the bull and the “no mistaking” active communication when you venture into its territory and perceived a threat. Additionally, Taurus as a sign of the Fixed modality applies structure and synthesis. Now, add the complexity of this stalwart approach as a focus of intensified application to Mercury, the quintessential sign of communication and you will soon understand the need to speak slowly and clearly into the amplifying mic.
Staying with the stage analogy, the Sun is currently in its Solar month of Taurus! Spotlight (Sun) on the communicative star (Mercury) on opening day of a highly theatrical run that will engage its cosmic audience through May 22nd.
“Fire in the Hole”
Mars and Saturn in Sagittarius – Fire
Jupiter in Virgo – Earth
Mercury in Taurus – Earth
Pluto in Capricorn – Earth
An interesting occurrence is that 3 of the 5 Retrograde planets are in Earth signs; and together represent the trinity of modalities Cardinal – Fixed and Mutable. We began this trinity in the space of Mutable Virgo acting as the vehicle for Jupiter. Mutability is flexibility; the flexibility that allows for endings to flow into new beginnings. Pluto in Cardinal Capricorn, laid the ground work for those new reachings to take hold and the Cardinal intentions of new growth to bubble up. Mercury in Fixed Taurus, provides the container that draws from the Cardinal outpourings; mixes and refines the product as it stabilizes in preparation for the next cycle of Mutable action to begin. All the while, this action is taking place with the intentions of manifestation and palpable effect in the physical realms.
Mars and Saturn add Fire to the mix. Not just any fire, but that of the Mutable kind; hoping to spread its seeds of will to action and making full use of its catalytic nature. Here we find the friction of Mars, wanting to charge full speed ahead and Saturn, demanding that everything be ordered and structured in a lasting and durable way. These are the volatile fires that if not carefully balanced detonate in a blinding burst of chaos and upheaval.
So, think of all the efforts towards manifestation having aptly applied expansion (Jupiter), and the seeding of the unknown (Pluto) into a carefully constructed vessel that clearly communicates its intention (Mercury). The fires have settled in and if not handled with the utmost of care, attention, observation and proceeding with caution, the sparks will fly and what foundations may have been laid will soon be blown apart, only to have to rebuild again.
Go Gently Into These Times…
The words, “be gentle with yourself”, are those to follow this year. Take time for yourself. Take time to be with those you love. Use the energy of this year’s astrology to find out more about who you are. What things are your passion and what things will you willingly release in finding the path back to “you”. Think of these (and the others that occur later in the year) as times to slow down and to sit with all the gifts of humanity that allow you to experience the changes, challenges and joys of having the “time” to be fully present in the moment.
Temple of the Cosmic Spheres 