Mercury Retrograde
Pisces/Aries/Taurus/Aries
Pre-Progression: Mar 6-18, 2018 (Begins in Pisces)
Pre-Progression Intensity: March 19-21, 2018 (Pisces/Aries)
Mercury Station Retrograde: March 21-23, 2018 (Aries)
Mercury Station Regression: March 24-26, 2018
Mercury Retrograde Juncture: March 27-April 09, 2018
Mercury Direct Regression: April 10-14, 2018
Mercury Direct: April 15, 2018 (4° Aries)
Post-Regression Juncture: April 16-19, 2018 (Aries/Taurus)
Post-Juncture: April 20-May 06, 2018 (Taurus)
The eclipses in Leo and Aquarius are behind us and now we will see the results of our own manifestations and lack of responsibilities in our faces. The super new moon and super full moon woke us up and the blue moon brought what was to be the most beautiful cosmic event in our skies.
Each event brought transformations to every one of us as it hit home and shocked the world. As I stated in my predictive blog of 2018, this year will consist of forced change, whether we like it or not. Many of the events which I predicted have already come to fruition, and many more are yet to come. We can either choose to fear or we stand up and be strong against the tides of change. The choice is ours and the time is now. The universe will now slow us down once again, to recapture, rethink, reconsider, and recognize what needs to be done and make plans with backup plans to bring forth a transformation unlike any other.
We can already see that our leaders are contradictory and nations are baffled by the chaos of the world. But how many chaotic experiences must humanity endure before it comes together with one mission in mind… Peace.
Many thinkers, astrologers and those that follow planetary fluctuations, claim that Mercury is an omen, or a period when everything goes wrong. VPAT (Vedic Philosophical Ayurvedic Theories), depict Mercury retrograde as bliss; a time to consider our actions and how they impact humanity. Mercury retrograde only causes problems if there are other orbital inferences that bring havoc to one’s life.
March 6, 2018, marked the second Mercury retrograde, rather transit, of 2018. This time, however, Mercury will enter its “Pre-Progression” phase in Pisces from March 06, 2018 through March 18, 2018. The “Pre-Progression” phase can manifest as preparation for a journey, but no destination has been determined. The “Pre- Progression” period to many of us is just minor confusion such as dialing a wrong number or typing “there” instead of “their”, but nothing major. This is not a bad thing as we are warned to pay careful attention to things and not to take anything for granted. It may be a possibility that people are taking you for granted or there are conditions in which one may feel deceived.
However, the reset button is near as the lunar calendar for most Hindus will begin when there is a New Moon in Pisces. The spring equinox is also around the corner, bringing the time when birds chirp and flowers bloom. Perhaps this is exactly what we need as the chaos of politics and the sadness of the world continues to wander in our minds and hearts.
Mercury retrograde in Pisces creates spiritual and emotional confusion, with inexplicable dreams or other cerebral experiences. Spiritual processes being entangled with emotions, we find it hard to separate feelings and views from enthusiasm and confidence. Our balanced direction can be tottering, wavering, and overly-spiritual, but it also rises to exhaustion and upsurges in the desire to consume alcohol. Nervousness and strain, even groundless fears and mistrust, are stimulated; this is especially true when working or living in hostile environments which inclines one to a piercing, cynical tongue. Uphold solitude and poise in the working environment and do not try to read between the lines when there is really nothing to find.
The search many exhaust the energy environment when logic and reasoning are off during the “Pre-Progression Intensity” period March 19-21, 2018. Hence, don’t get too caught up in the Progression period as the Spring Equinox is for us to enjoy. During this time recollection of our own communication skills and relationships may come to mind. Think about what happened in the world, as well as for yourself, around March 12, 2012. It is the same feeling and association that can be felt during this “Pre-Progression Intensity.”
The fire and water mixture can cause commotion in relationships, work, and the way we communicate with one another. Mercury is the ruler of Gemini which is a planet of communication and a mutable sign. Mercury usually affects mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Pisces and Sagittarius); even if Mercury retrograde does not fall in mutable sign these people will feel the discomfort of this period. But remember what I said, it is not a time to be frustrated, rather, it is a time to take things slow and not take anyone or anything for granted.
The intensity of Mercury retrograde will be a very chaotic energy for some, yet blissful for others, as it “stations” in Aries on March 22, 2018 at appx 7:00 pm in 16 degrees Aries. When Mercury moves backwards into Aries it will be conflicting and more powerful. Aries is a fire sign and it is notorious for its carelessness; often hurting people who seek justification instead of owning their responsibility, therefore, vigilant communications is necessary. Some words will cut people like a knife and hurt people we don’t mean to hurt. In the work environment there may be times where being too forward may be more harmful than helpful. Knowing the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness would be recommended.
Mercury retrograde gives escalation to personal misinterpretations, unreliability, interrupted or deferred communication, discussions and trade; malfunctions and failures with phones, computers, cars, buses, and trains are possible. One or more of these issues occur when some vital piece of data, or component, has gone off track, or awry.
Planets never essentially move backward or remain motionless, they just seem that way due to a human visual illusion. Regressive periods, though frequently problematic for humans, are not unusual. Each planet retrogrades, except the Sun and Moon. When Mercury goes retrograde (the illusion of traveling backward), it will impact many things, including how we interconnect and how we respond, ultimately testing our communication. Because Mercury rules messages and passage, these two areas are most influenced during a Mercury Retrograde. Discussions might be complicated as blurred meanings perplex normally straightforward discussions. Still, with a little attentiveness and observation, you’ll get your point across. Similarly, be ready with a backup plan when you’re traveling. Use this time to do activities that start with “re”: reestablish, refurbishment, reconsider, renegotiate, and explore.
When Mercury is in Aries, there is a tendency to make hasty decisions. The energy may be impetuous at times due to Mars’ (ruling planet of Aries) stimulus, leading to disastrous situations. There is a predisposition to jump at inferences. This will be especially true for those that have Aries in their VPAT (Vedic Philosophical Ayurvedic Theory) chart including all fire signs, Leo, and Sagittarius.
The most intense period could last 1-2 days, March 22-23, 2018. Thereafter, the “Mercury Retrograde Regression” period will begin and continue cause chaos in many people’s lives from March 24 through 26, 2018.
In general, Mercury rules rational and conscious thought, exemption, and distributing information, and all means of communication, trade, and transport. By extension, Mercury rules people who work in these areas; especially people who work with tools of the mind: writers and speakers, performers and critics, gossips, or con men.
Mercury sets out to restructure our methods of thought and for many of us this is raw and annoying. Furthermore, these identifications reveal mistakes in our inner thinking as well as our peripheral planning which can make us feel impulsive and inadequate. It brings travel snafus and missed appointments of all kinds. Documents can go off track. Be sure to carry a journal and refer to it often. “Added to that, we are to be gifted even more when Venus enters Taurus, where she belongs, and it will be all about principles of pleasure.” – Read more about my predictions of 2018.
As Mercury remains in Aries and continues its path through Retrograde Juncture from March 27 – April 09, 2018 many will feel that they are being pulled toward and nostalgic of the past; remember, this is a phase and it too will pass. But for Aries, and those that have fire sign planets, I would suggest you reconsider the last 8 years of your life and look to see how changes in your life are needed. This is especially needed in communication and how it leads to unexpected results.
VPAT prospective and viewpoints consider every unexpected event as a part of the learning process. There are several aspects that will be affecting fire signs, especially now that Mars has already entered Sagittarius (per VPAT). There will be several months of pressure in the world. The ongoing issues of Saturn and Mars in Sagittarius will affect how we attend to our responsibilities. We must all abstain from group think and act methods; there may be many that are not on the same wavelength or somehow the philosophical thinking has become askew, thus our defense mechanisms will be to criticize them.
Perhaps a new relationship, new home, or a new way of communicating would be just the thing we need during this frustrating period; but not now, and not just yet. “Mercury Direct Juncture” will continue to make things clear for many of us from April 10 through 14, 2018. It could even mean things get worse before they get better; therefore, making decisions during this time is not beneficial.
Finally, “Mercury will be Stationed direct” at 4 degrees in Aries on the 15th of April and we can only wonder what’s next. From April 16 through 19 information, frustrations, animosity, and stubbornness may reappear for some of us as the “post regression juncture” begins to move away from Aries, going into Taurus. It will be a plus when Mercury moves into Taurus as relationships may take a turn for the better and we may all pay more attention to our money.
In the middle of the energy lifting, Saturn, which is currently in Sagittarius (VPAT), will begin to retrograde. Topping the cake will be the New Moon in Aries April 16/17. This can be a good thing overall, depending on how much one has learned through the transits. Adding to that, Uranus, a planet of the unexpected, will also retrograde, helping all of us to reconsider unexpected events of the past making sure they do not happen again.
The ahhh’s will not really come to fruitfulness until April 20th as Mercury enters Taurus and it is passing through its last phase of the “Post Juncture” period April 20, 2018 (Uranus retrograde) until May 06, 2018. After this, we can go back to our normal routine…but can we?
Mercury turns retrograde three times a year, as a rule, but this year we will have four retrogrades this year. The properties of each period are diverse, depending upon which signs it falls on. This retrograde period begins in Aries at 16 degrees plus or minus a few degrees and ends in Aries/Taurus at 4 degrees.
What I am about to present to you are VPAT predispositions of tendencies during the Mercury retrograde period March 8 through May 06, 2018. This is not a representation of Vedic or Western Astrology, rather, each characteristic is named the same to associate with that time period. If you are looking for a Western Astrologer you may find my recommendations here. If you are looking for a Vedic Astrologer please message me and I can recommend some.
I will begin my predictions with mutable signs (Pisces, Gemini, Sagittarius & Virgo) as they will be affected first and the most.
Moving on to Cardinal Signs (Aries, Libra, Capricorn and Cancer) and finally to Fixed Signs (Leo, Aquarius, Taurus and Scorpio).
Mutable Signs
Though the intensity of Mercury Retrograde always causes crazy chaotic energy for most, all of you must remember do things slowly and this won’t cause too much of a problem. Except for the crazy energy of retrograde Pisces, Gemini’s and Virgos are sitting back and watching everything happen. However, Sagittarius needs to be a little bit mindful as Saturn continues to transform ; and with unexpected energy with Mars, Saturn, and Mercury, this could be a very transformative time.
Pisces: The next few weeks can be a little difficult or you can take an advantage of the opportunities. You may have issues with family, work, health, and your children. The best course of action is to expand your network and be cautious with resource management.
Gemini: I believe you love this time, don’t you? There may be problems with finances and health issues, but your romantic life does not look too bad. However, caution must be taken when it comes to communication and hidden enemies as they may be jealous of your recognition.
Sagittarius: I realize that Saturn may not have been your best friend lately, however, trust me when I say that everything has its reason. No matter how much you are loved, there may be something lacking in your relationship or you may not want to be in one. You must caution against aggressiveness, assertiveness, and especially, unnecessary arguments. Instead, focus on your work as hard work will pay off.
Virgo: I believe you are used to slowing down. However, you have absolutely no patience at times, or you may be selective in what area needs your patience. This is not a time to wander in places you don’t know and pick unnecessary arguments just because someone does not see things in your way. Instead, concentrate on work as your work and professional life will stroke your ego a bit.
Cardinal Signs
Dear Aries, this is the most transformative year for you; not only is Mercury Retrograde in your sign, but you are dealing with a double-edged sword. Uranus is leaving your sign so unexpected things may not happen as frequently as before. But I will remind you again, for 6 months many things that you may have had a hand in and caused you chaos will be in your face. Of course, there is the backlash of Saturn which is teaching things too. Then again, your brother Libra is learning a few things as Jupiter, a planet of luck, is going backwards assisting Libra with learning from the past. But I think Libras just need lessons from Capricorn as they have been going through a deep, dark period for some time. This time though, their eyes may be open but maybe not, as Pluto in Capricorn goes retrograde too. So, who is sitting pretty? I say Cancers until the summer, then time will tell.
Aries: Sometimes in life when we say nothing, we say everything. This should be your motto for the next 6-8 weeks, dear Aries. You may still feel dissatisfied with your work, and you may not be able to focus. There may be a part of you that could become argumentative with friends for no reason. This may be because you are not sleeping well. Why not put this energy to use and go on a trip as it will go well for you; and if you are in business for yourself, you may find new places to drum up business.
Libra: You have been sitting pretty with Jupiter in your sign even though it may not seem so. Your relationships, business, partnerships, and even family will be good, and any projects you take on will have ample time for completion. However, work life may be non satisfactory or not living up to your expectations. Instead of over reacting stay tuned, things are about to turn around. Try not to go anywhere too far as it may not be advantages for you.
Capricorn: Life has been about darkness for you for a little while. People may say it’s because of Saturn, but they don’t know Saturn is your friend. Be cautious, as you may have family related issues and financial challenges. Sometimes one can go further with candy than vinegar; be careful with an assertive personality as it may affect your health. But if one was just to take the time away from worrying, more exercise may help.
Cancer: You are probably smiling right now with a pina colada in your hands. Well, there is no need to gloat (smiling). You know Mercury is just a pest to you; you may have some minor disagreements in a relationship. Do what you can to be a nurturing person towards children as you may be very concerned about their health, and the health of elderly people in your family. Do not invest money and avoid all legal issues. But finally, your health should be getting better and if you decide you want to travel for pleasure, go ahead have fun.
Fixed Signs
Dearest Aquarius and Leo, your transformations have been incredible. You have helped us build and bring forth innovation. The best thing is Aquarius’ time will soon be over and perhaps Leos can teach us a thing or two about loving unconditionally. This can be a little difficult for Taurus’ as Mercury has pounded them for the last year. But now unexpected things (Uranus) will soon go into Taurus and money matters may be the focus. Then there are Scorpios, who are still licking their wounds from almost five years of Saturn; the next two years should be easy, but transformation will continue, which is not a bad thing.
Aquarius: Mercury retrograde is not as bad to you as you may think. Just be careful signing legal documents and investing in property. Why not also take this energy and focus on family and friends? You will see that you will receive a lot of support there. Not only that, but there could be incidences where you will be recognized at work, perhaps a promotion or an increase in salary. There could also be tendency to hold a religious function in your home. Make sure you get enough rest because headaches may cause some disturbances.
Leo: Saturn and the eclipses have transformed you and made you even more mature than ever. But it can be a tough situation. You may have some dissatisfaction with family relationships and health issues. This is all brought on because you may have some unexpected expenses that could cause stress. Instead be patient, meditate, and go for long walks.
Taurus: Mercury can be tough but last year you saw the full wrath. This year is a different surprise as transformation won’t come when it is expected. You will notice your family is supportive of you, and if you have children they will do well, allowing you to be less worried. However, be careful of accusation and your tongue as it may spoil things for you. You may want instant results in areas of work or promotions, but delays may happen.
Scorpio: I would say, for the first time, you are the last. But remember that you are still going through the residue of Saturn. You may still have some issues with family members. Be careful of your attitude and take care of your health. You may also feel as though you are not getting the rapport you want from your co-workers or at your pace of business, and health may fluctuate due to money, education, or travel matters.
The tendencies which I have elaborated are strictly based on VPAT and not to be mistaken for Western Astrology or Vedic ideas. Please remember that these are wide-ranging tendencies. I am not an astrologer, rather, I use the instrumentality of astrology as the symphony of Vedic readings.
Since Mercury is a very slow-moving planet and it effect almost all planetary signs, it is my suggestion that you purchase a yellow candle and carve your name through to the wick.
Anoint the candle with Inspiration oil or Eucalyptus oil and chant the Psalm 70 every single night. This period will last for 6 weeks and it will be hard on all of us.
Doing this will allow friendly communication as well as understanding in situations. You may also choose to recite a mantra every morning until May 06, 2018.
Remember that with all applications of psalms and mantras achieving the desired result is dependent upon the quality of intention. When it comes to finding satisfying relationships, it is of the greatest importance to begin with a clear understanding of what your goal should be.
The mantras may be hard to pronounce for many but it is a powerful source of energy I have chosen four mantras this year as many of you are now becoming experts in pronunciations. Therefore, the more difficult the mantra, the more powerful it becomes.
Easy
Om bram breem broum sah budhaya namah
(om Braam Briim Broom Sahh Bud ha ya Nam ah)
Difficult
Om Man Padme Hum
Advance:
OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA
Expert
Oṃ muni muni mahāmuni śākyamuni svāhā Om muni muni mahamuni shakyamuni svaha
“Om and salutations to Buddha, presiding spirit of planet Mercury”
Those who are going through a Saturn transit please refer to the Saturn Mantra and those with Jupiter transit please utilize the Guru mantra which is the best.
This will be a very trying time for many of us. Give yourself extra time in travel have a backup plan. But most of all bite your tongue as words can cut like a knife.
Even though this is not the best time to have a reading done, keep in mind nothing is etched in stone until May 06, 2018. Therefore, I suggest that any readings you have done during March 06 through May 06, 2018 that you keep an open mind not to be 100% correct.
Additionally, be vigilant of legal documents, driving, speaking, investments, moving, and changing jobs. But be extra cautious in relationships as they could break up, if they do during this time they will sort themselves out after the retrograde period. So be sensitive and do not do anything that could undermine anything that could bring a blissful beginning. However, if there is a reconnection from the past, note that you may have old wounds and break ups are possible next retrograde. So, be good to your self and others
Namaste
Maharani
Maharani Rutan 