Throughout history people have sought explanations for the events occurring around them. ‘Why’ is not just a question 3 year olds ask, but is, in fact, one of the most important questions all people ask. Why is this happening to me? Why is everything going wrong today?
Astrologers know that planetary transits, both to the individual chart and to the collective chart of now, serve as triggers.
So what’s up with Mercury? The god Mercury is known as the messenger of the gods. He is depicted as having wings on his shoes and hat and carrying a caduceus a staff of entwined snakes. The planet Mercury rules two signs: Gemini - messenger and Virgo - healer.
In Gemini, the main emphasis is on communication and taking in as
much information as possible. Virgo analyzes the mass of information deciding
what is useful and what is not, then organizing it. There is an emphasis on
efficiency.
Mercury goes retrograde (appears to stand still then go backwards) three times a year. In 2013 the three retrogrades are in water signs, usually associated with emotions. The one that started October 21, is in Scorpio, which just happens to be Pluto’s sign. In addition, Saturn is still in Scorpio as well and they will be conjunct on October 29. Merxury will turn direct on November 10.
So what can we expect from this Mercury retrograde? I think we have to pay close attention to what we are saying and how we are saying it. Words can curse or bless. Let us be mindful not to curse. But also, let us not look for the curse in the words of others. Let us realize that people are not out to get us (Scorpio – fear of betrayal), when they speak their truth. Let us try to listen and not react by stinging back (Scorpio) when something another says threatens us.
During this time our emotional buttons are easily pushed. While it is true that not everyone has our best interests at heart, sometimes they unwittingly hurt us, not meaning to. Rather than react, let us take the time to seek more information (Mercury) and act from wisdom and maturity (Saturn). Let us take the time (Saturn) to think about what has been said, gather more information, then act if necessary using reason as our guide. Let us work towards maturing our emotional body by gathering information and evaluating it, so that we can transform (Scorpio).
When someone pushes your buttons through words whether intentionally or accidentally, take a breath, stay silent and let it pass through you. Don’t let it stick anywhere.
We must all learn to speak our truth, Often we don’t because we fear the reaction of the other person. We want to keep the peace. But remember, their reaction is not your responsibility. When emotions are pent up they become explosive and toxic.
Pluto rules the colon, Virgo the digestive system. To remain healthy they must work together to keep things moving. After Virgo processes all the food and separates the nourishment from the waste, Pluto lets it pass through and be
eliminated.
Let us work to keep our communication clear so that our words are blessings.