Transits, retrogrades, eclipses, and other infrequent universal factors are modifiers only, and possess minimal symbolism compared to your comprehensive astrology (and numerology) personal natal and timing configurations.
Still, it’s a good idea to recognize such episodes, especially how they transpire in conjunction with your unique charts because they offer a sufficient introduction to the cyclical nature of life, and can even assist in helping you to avoid some of life’s complications.
Just as with other universal factors, Mercury retrograde never holds the same exact representative impact for everyone. This blog post addresses the phenomenon of Mercury retrograde, as does this blog post.
Mercury retrograde July 2012—August 2012 details:
1. Mercury goes retrograde 7-14-2012 at 7:16 p.m. PDT, 12 degrees 32 minutes Leo.
2. Mercury goes direct 8-7-2012 at 10:40 p.m. PDT, 01 degree 25 minutes Leo.
3. The pre-retrograde period, outlined in the first Mercury retrograde blog post linked above, lasting 17-28 days before Mercury goes retrograde, started approximately mid to late June 2012. All in all, I’ve found this pre-period to be more challenging than the actual retrograde period.
4. The first half of Mercury retrograde (the “collapse phase,” phrased in the blog post linked above) runs from about 7-14-2012 to 7-26-2012.
5. The second half of Mercury retrograde runs from about 7-26-2012 to 8-7-2012.
6. Mercury remains in the sign of Leo throughout this retrograde. Although Mercury is not dignified (empowered) in the sign of Leo (a fixed, masculine, fire sign), it is not in detriment (debilitated) either. Thus, it is peregrine. Refer to Mercury’s ruler, in this case the Sun, for more information.
7. The Sun rules Leo; it is dignified in the sign of Leo. The Sun enters the sign of Leo 7-22-2012 at 3:01 a.m. PDT, and remains there until 8-22-2012. During this time, Mercury’s health is improved despite the affliction of retrograde, since the Sun is its ruler while in the sign of Leo, and the Sun in Leo is dignity (potency) of rulership by sign.
Basic things to keep in mind about Mercury retrograde: Since the planet Mercury symbolizes perception, interaction with others, travel of all kinds, buying and selling (commerce), and more, associated disruptions, delays and miscommunications are to be expected during Mercury retrograde. Reviewing the past, dismissing previously valued concepts and ideals, and realizing new solutions are common occurrences.
The best way to take into consideration a retrograde planet (or any other indicator) is to weigh it as a single sign, one of many, then look for patterns of corroborating indicators in your personal comprehensive charts.
Although the same exact things don’t happen under each universal phenomenon, general recurring themes are perceptible.
Universal factors, especially the challenging phases, routinely show the regular tempo and cyclical nature of life and they can be identified well in advance.
It’s easier to track celestial goings-on through visual graphs, such as with this bar graph.
In addition to witnessing the cyclical nature of life, an awareness of select universal factors and how they associate with your personal comprehensive charts allows you to enhance your life and reduce your risk.
Copyright © 2012 Scott Petullo