The lanet of Communication Steps Back-Mercury Goes Retrograde

The planet of communication goes retrograde on March 30, 2010 at 24 degrees of Aries. It retrogrades in the natural first house of the zodiac representing the ego and the self. Aries ruler is Mars, the ‘God of War, and the planet of action,’ thus we will certainly be aware of it’s effects in this cardinal sign where energy and events happen quickly and Mercury in Aries will make it’s energy felt, especially in those born under the sign of the Ram, and other Cardinal signs: Cancer, Capricorn and Libra.

This is generally a thrice yearly occurrence that sends communication, travel and mail into the land of glitches and delays. During this three week period expect delays in projects, communication mishaps and glitches that can affect just about any area of your life. And expect anything that is broken (including relationships), machinery, cars and electronic equipment to go on the blink. Sometimes our mind even slows down and it can become difficult to think clearly, as it can affect our ability to process and disseminate information. This is all the realm of retrograde Mercury and it is generally best to prepare and be aware.

What to Avoid

Retrograde Mercury is the wrong time to start new projects, get married, or buy high ticket items as in the end, you may not be happy with your decision. I have tested this theory many times over, and if you start any of the above you do so at your own peril. The exception seems to be those who were born with retrograde Mercury, but many of the people you will deal with were not born with Mercury retrograde in their natal chart. It is a period of correction. This is part of the natural cycle of life and my advice is not to sweat the small stuff!

Best Use of retrograde Mercury Energy

A retrograde Mercury is, in fact a time for re-doing, re-thinking and re-working projects and issues. In a perfect world we would rest, rethink, and re-evaluate. Of course, the world is not perfect and we generally have to keep moving, but if you can view it as a period of re-doing and re-evaluating your life and situations as opposed to starting new projects you are using the energy in the best possible way. We become more reflective, thus thinking can become deeper.

Fated Events and Situations


Retrograde planets often coincide with events that seem fated: that is events or situations occur that seem to be thrust on us or out of our sphere of ability to control. Business deals and projects fall through, people break up or get back together and we have seem to have no power over what is happening. Issues that have not been previously resolved come back to haunt is. Retrograde Mercury relates to the past and sometimes we reconnect with those from our past.

Retrograde Mercury is a Cycle Not a Date


While Mercury officially goes retrograde March 30-April 23, it is actually a much longer cycle and events and energy will be altered at different levels during this cycle. The shadow period is when Mercurial energy actually starts to change and we become more retrospective. This period began March 17. The stationary retrograde period begin occurs March 28-April 1. Mercury reaches 23 degrees of Aries, at which point it ceases moving forward and prepares to retrograde back through the previous degrees, retracing it’s previous steps. The stationary retrograde period is usually when events and situations occur, letting us know the ‘communicator, and the trickster,’ is preparing to weave it’s magic and we are going into a period of altered mercurial energy that will play out for the next number of weeks. The stationary retrograde period will be especially significant if it is transiting a personal planet in your chart. Astrologer/Author Carol Rushman writes, “when Mercury stations in Aries or the First house, verbal assertion is assertive and occasionally combatant, because the mental energy is fast and aggressive in Aries. Decisions are made without due diligence and regretted at a later date. While new concepts are quickly grasped they can be easily abandoned.’

Mercury starts it’s three week retrograde backward April 2-17, going stationary direct at 12 degrees on April 22-April 24. The stationary direct period is important, and like the stationary retrograde period we become more aware of the potent energy of Mercury in the sign of the Ram, especially if it is hitting a significant point in your chart. It will not move forward at a normal rate until May 10 when it reaches the degree at which it retrograded, thus the cycle will in totality last until this date. This is the period to move ahead and start new projects.

Other important dates to be aware of are March 15 when Mercury first opposed Saturn at 15 degrees of Aries. It opposes Saturn again in it’s retrograde on April 15, and a third time on April 22-25 at 12 degrees of Aries-Libra. This is a negative, tiring transit, indicative of negative news and situations, and it is restrictive in nature. World events will play out and if you had a significant event occur on March 15, it is likely you will have related situations and events occur on the other two dates.

Uranus in Aries/ Supermoon in Virgo/Neptune in Aquarius-Pisces -Dramatic Actions and Events/March 2011

Uranus made a dramatic entrance into the sign Aries March 11, as earthquakes and a tsunami wrecked havoc on Japan and Hawaii, leaving thousands homeless and dead. Uranus entered Aries officially March 11 at 7:52PM EST. Uranus acts swiftly; squaring Pluto, the planet ruling nuclear weapons and facilities, as well as oil. The planet is at risk of nuclear incidents as well as weapons and several nuclear power plants have been damaged by the earthquake in Japan. This (Pluto-Uranus) energy will continue all year, reaching a peak June-August, as the two planets are within a one degree orb of each other. But, planets do not have to be exact to cause events. Uranus and Pluto will actually continue to square each other until 2016. Thus, we are at risk for many years to come of unexpected events and explosions around the world, wars, nuclear incidents and events, and catastrophic earth related disasters that will include water. The world is about to change is some very big ways, and it will simply take another powerful planetary line up to set it off (Pluto/Uranus square) again.

Uranus is at the 0 degree known as the Aries point. This much awaited event in the astrological world has more than lived up to it’s name thus far. Celeste Teal published the most widly quoted explanation of Uranus in Aries at the Aries point, also known as the ‘world point.’ ’A sudden outpouring of energies, indicative of involvement with the world at large.’

The energy of the upcoming full moon in Virgo has played a role in Japan’s tragedy, as well. This full moon has been described as an ‘extreme supermoon' because on March 19 the moon will swing more closely to the earth than it has in the past 18 years. March’s full moon occurs on Saturday March 19th at 2:10 P.M. EST at 28 degrees Virgo 48 minutes. Full moon energy can be felt before the peak occurs as well as after. The 29th degree is a significant one and every full moon since October has been at that significant degree. The 29th degree is about change. This full moon causes conflicts with several planets, including Uranus, the planet/agent of disruption. As the full moon approaches we will see more events fitting this description.

Neptune, known as the water-bearer is currently in the 29th degree of Aquarius. Author/Astrologer Helen Adams Garrett, wrote about the 29th degree of Neptune in Aquarius, ’World Peace will be sought and those born with this degree will be active in the process, by agreement or by opposition to the cause May be caught in the batter and become a victim.’

The ground is littered with victims in the Middle East. As the victim toll in Japan reaches 10,000 at the time of this publication, all eyes are off Libya where a crazed dictator cleans up the streets and tells the world he never massacred civilians while the UN debates the legalities of intervention. The Arab League ministers voted to ask the UN to impose a no fly zone over Libya, but to the civilians under siege in that civil war torn country this may seem to be too little, too late. Author Celeste Teal states the 29th degree is the weakest point of the sign it is occupying and often complicates decision making matters.

On March 18-19, Mercury opposes Saturn. This is a transit indicative of arguments, power struggles in the world, and accidents. It is oriented toward very serious issues and we will see this play out on a world level with debates, arguments and more negative news. We will hear news from governments around the world.

As the full moon peaks on the 19th it opposes Uranus within one degree. This will create sudden, unexpected situations that may involve weather and water related occurrences. Mercury-Saturn plays into the picture as well, creating dangerous situations around the world that occur at the last minute. March 21-22 the Sun conjuncts Uranus, a transit indicative of sudden, explosive situations, accidents and explosions that could involve fire. At the 0 degree Aries point, events will likely involve the world in a big way, with certain individuals or entities that will make their desires known. No doubt, the tragedy in Japan will play a big part of this full moon, and we will continue to hear disturbing reports. But it is not limited to the news from Japan. This is a complex full moon, and indeed is a ‘supermoon,’ for many reasons. We can expect the unexpected with this one.

March 28-29 the Sun squares Pluto. Pluto is a ruthless planet and describes the ‘status quo, as well as oil. Pluto also rules nuclear weapons and substances. We will hear more at this time about Japan’s nuclear plant crisis, and oil. Prices may go up, and oil will become a major issue throughout 2011. Sun/Pluto is explosive and relates to power struggles of all types, as well as struggles against the current power structure. Pluto rules the media as well, and no doubt reporters will be at the forefront during this time.

Jupiter opposes Saturn the last two weeks of March. This transit is indicative of restriction, delays, obstacles, negative movement in financial markets and gridlock among governments, especially the US. Decisions will be difficult to make and movement may come to a virtual standstill.


As Mercury retrogrades in Aries on March 30, it does so in the sign ruling the individual (as well as collective) ego. At this time, we will have an opportunity to re-evaluate the actions of the recent past. Actions will be slowed, but in positive light decisions can be rethought. On the other hand, hasty decisions can be made without thought of consequences, and thinking may not be clear.


On a Personal Level


On March 19 will will experience  a volatile full moon and to some degree we will all feel the influence for a few hours or days, but for some it will be more intense than others, depending what it is aspecting in your chart. Those most affected during the few days before and after the full moon will be born June 19-21, December 19-25, March 16-21, and September 20-25. It will be significant if you were born April 6-8, July 8-10, October 9-11, or January 6-8. You may feel edgy, discouraged and negative or prone to an argument. Let the energy pass, and by mid-week if not sooner, energies-situations will lighten up.

(Countdown to) The Degree that Will Change the World

March 13, Uranus enters Aries at 0 degrees, known as the Aries point, or the world point. Uranus at 0 degree of Aries is significant, and Author, Astrologer Celeste Teal writes, “Sometimes it represents a "spectacular out rush of energies... and involvement with the world at large"


In recent days we have seen spectacular acts of bravery as citizens throughout the Middle East, in particular Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, fight for their freedom against long standing dictators and oppressive regimes. This is fueled by the energy of Uranus on the brink of entering the sign of the individual and the individual ego which must assert itself in creative change one way or another.

Uranus entering Aires relates to the self, and will pertain to the will of the individual both on a personal basis and on the world stage. Collectively, groups and organizations will make their will known in the world. As Uranus moves forward in Aries it will square Pluto, the planet which represents ‘the powers that be,’ that include oil producers/governments, and individuals/entities in business such as banks and large corporations.

June/July 2011 Uranus will be part of a ‘Cardinal grand square/cross,’ involving 2 major outer planets: Pluto and Saturn. The Cardinal square first occurred summer of 2010, at which time it was exact (the planets were within 3 degrees of each other. This time they are within 6 degrees of each other, -planets do not have to be exact to create events) and we saw many changes in the world, and tension began to escalate. As a result of the reoccurrence of this square we can expect to see many changes in the world involving politics, business, oil, the financial markets and tensions and explosions will occur in the hotspots around the globe and we are at risk of natural and manmade disasters. Many of these events will be unexpected.

New York Astrologer/Author Mitch Lewis writes, “With the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter, and Uranus in Aries this month there will be a lot of aggressiveness in the world. The Middle East revolution will continue and a shift of power that began when Saturn opposed Uranus will change the world forever. This is a period of assertive transition, and the balance of power is up for grabs. The Saturn – Uranus opposition that we experienced the past 18 months always results in a reversal of influence throughout the world. The last time we had this was 1965-7, and that era certainly saw a major change in influence. Now that that opposition has passed we will be dealing with Uranus in square to Pluto for the next few years, which will further erode the stability of the status quo and open us up to more unusual and unexpected power struggles. Within our country we have already seen this energy begin its influence on the political front. The Tea Party is an example of Uranus’ unexpected events, coupled with Pluto’s desire for raw power. As this square comes closer to completion we will see many more examples of its force. Although it doesn’t exactly complete until June 2012, these two planets will be dancing together all year. Uranus rules things that are revolutionary and explosive. Pluto rules power struggles, hidden agendas, and plutonium. They will be in orb until 2016. That’s a long time to hold our breath.



This month will see the beginning of a new 84 year cycle as Uranus enters Aries. It briefly poked its head in this sign last year only to retrograde back into Pisces, now it is completing its entry. This is a very important event in human history. It represents innovation in technological things, and lord knows we have seen more than our share of that lately. But it also represents a shift in direction in collective consciousness. Aries is self-involved and doesn’t always see the other guy. Our society is on the verge of turning its back on many things that have been implemented to aid the collective in the past 80 years. With Uranus entering Aries and the recent deplanetization of Pluto we will continue to see an assault on our group activities.”



I will soon be putting out a piece about the deplanetization of Pluto and what that means to our society. The assault on the unions is only the beginning. We can expect more pensions to be raided, attacks on social security, unemployment benefits and anything held jointly by the collective. Humanity is devolving at the same time that our innovations and inventions are evolving.”--Mitch Lewis