Mercury Retrograde Calendar - July and August 2012

Mercury Retrograde Calendar July / August 2012

Mercury goes retrograde conjunct the star cluster M67

         Once again, Mercury, the planet of communication, begins a retrograde period, this time in the zodiacal sign of Leo and in ecliptic conjunction with star cluster M67. While the entire retrograde period will last until August 8th, 2012, the fact that Mercury is stationary in the same zodiacal degree of M67 is highly significant. This combination shows the important issues to work on the days and weeks ahead. M67 is a very old star cluster in the constellation of Cancer: its age is about 3 billion years (!) and therefore represents past issues, probably unresolved relationships or unfulfilled desires. No wonder it can revive old passions or relationships in which something was pending, no matter how long ago. In fact, the relationships that become important again can bring many positive consequences.

     Even those relations in which there was a disturbing contact in the past may benefit at this time of dialogue and / or confrontations that will eventually work things out. We will be able to close cycles and start another chapter of our lives. The same is true of creative projects that were suspended, neglected, or postponed for various reasons, as it was not their time. But now it's time to dust off and reassess old projects, uncovering the great possibilities available in the present and immediate future. Hence, we don´t need to search very far for opportunities: we may have good resources and relationships available close to us. Bring them to the present time and put them to work within the three weeks to come!

     Here is the complete schedule of the different stages of Mercury retrograde in the months of July and August 2012. It is noteworthy that Mercury will retrograde in the zodiacal sign of Leo and the constellation Cancer. The constellations and zodiac signs are different things, although they carry the same names, which usually leads to confusion. The diagram below illustrates visually the difference between signs and constellations.

    The path of Mercury retrograde in July / August 2012 through the zodiacal sign of Leo, the constellation Cancer. The constellations are groups of stars, while the zodiacal signs are 30 degree sector of the Zodiac or Ecliptic, the Sun's apparent path around the celestial sphere during the year. Although they have the same names, are not the same and this is often confusing.

     In addition, the following diagram shows the positions of Mercury retrograde in relation to the different star clusters that will stimulate in its path. Compare the illustration with the interpretations that follow:

Mercury Retrograde Calendar July and August 2012

July 15th - Mercury retrograde station at 12° of the sign of Leo, conjunct the star cluster M67 - M67 is an old open cluster, with a large number of stars (over 550). Mercury station conjunct M67 suggests the possibility of reviving past relationships and resuming stagnant projects, perhaps those that were never carried out. The abundance of K-type giant stars in this cluster also indicates emotions, desire and sexuality intensifying around this time.

July 22nd - Mercury retrograde station in Declination. While the most popular retrogradation is horizontal, along the Zodiac, Mercury also changes direction as it moves downward, ie in declination (eventually all  planets do). These declination stations are generally also very significant but not so well known. This time, Mercury stops in its movement south, in the parallel 13° North, in parallel to the galaxy M90, a galaxy with many contrasts. This indicates the need of balance, as there may be excesses in some areas and shortages in others. It also suggests an excellent time to level, edit, correct, balance anything that is tilted or unjust. The most important thing to acknowledge at this time is that these imbalances can stem from rigid ideas, prejudices or obsessions on certain issues, neglecting other points of view.

July 27th - Mercury retrograde makes a conjunction to the star clusters M44 and M48. Both clusters have an abundance of stars of type A, indicating that it is an excellent time to communicate, express, manifest, in particular ideas, emotions or projects that had been hidden, repressed or forgotten. Whatever happens, we will relive the past and therefore it is good to use this impulse to make stalled energy flow. This may be used for the benefit of all, leaving room for the new. This moment also takes artistic creativity to the fullest, take advantage of it!

July 31st - Mercury retrograde makes a conjunction with open cluster M93: it is a moment to review our ideas and see the effect they have had on our reality. It stimulates a deep mental approach, visualization and introspection, and research on specific topics. This review will lead to a strong awareness of our present situation, in ways that we had not noticed before. The realization of this will most likely provoke a change of direction: it is a time to adjust our attitudes and projects.

August 8 - Mercury Direct Station, ending its retrograde period conjunct star cluster M46. This is a cluster that symbolizes great abundance, because it has a lot of stars. Therefore, it stimulates prosperity, sales, advertising, promotion, trade. If you have something to promote, do this around this date.  It also favors travel, creativity and communication. M46 represents also a small weak point in a strong, big structure, so it is important to check minor flaws that could potentially generate significant discomfort or disability, in projects, domestic life, appliances, cars, computers, etc... A good pretext for giving some maintenance to the house, office, garden, any space we use regularly and also to body parts that need it...

August 15th - Mercury conjunct M93 in direct motion: similar to July 31st, but focused on new ideas and projects.

August 17th - Direct Station in declination. Mercury retrograde in declination ends in parallel to Geminga, a pulsar or neutron star, the product of a supernova explosion in the constellation Gemini. This may coincide with breaks in communication, difficulties of understanding and lack of response by those who we expect to show support or be open to exchange. It is best to use this impulse for introspection or for focusing on major projects, avoiding interruptions and distractions. This concentration can have excellent results. Looking for encouragement and response from people will most likely be frustrating. This is deal for retreats, meditation, psychoanalysis, scientific research, literary or philosophical investigation, and generally for having a direct connection to the universe and infinity.

     This silence is relative, because the next day a completely opposite trend is activated, so it is a matter of deciding with which one we want to connect. According to our activities, we can choose the option that best suits us or our projects. We must also look carefully to see in which frequency others are connected and respect that.
                                                                                                                                   
August 18th - Mercury is conjunct again to star clusters M44 and M48. The trend is very similar to that of July 27th, but with an emphasis on expressing new things rather than past issues.

August 22nd: Mercury makes a conjunction with star cluster M67, whose effect is similar to that of July 15th. This completes Mercury's retrograde period, since it returns to the point at which it stopped at that time. Therefore, we can say that it is time to manifest the material propserity, creativity, intellectual or emotional abundance that began to take shape since then.




Make the best out of your Mercury retrograde experience!

Greetings

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer