Mercury Retrograde 2020

Mercury retrograde occurs as we follow the movement of Mercury from Earth, a celestial period of time where the planet Mercury seems to be going in the opposite direction of its usual course; In fact, it is simply slowing down and moving at a tilt going through it’s Mercury retrograde phase process, seemingly making its way behind the Sun. During this process Mercury undergoes a 5-Stage phase. The five stages are in order, Pre-Shadow Phase, Mercury Retrograde Station, Mercury Retrograde Phase, Mercury Direct Station and Post-Shadow Phase. While they are all part of the process three of these stages are important to understand while dealing with mercury retrograde, Mercury Pre-Shadow Phase, Mercury Retrograde Phase and Mercury Post-Shadow Phase.

Mercury’s Pre-Shadow Phase is approx. two weeks prior to retrograde point. This is a time where mercury begins to slow down and prepares to settle into its retrograde phase. Many consider this time to be far more intense or unreliable for communication and affairs of expression or compromise due to it’s unsettled nature.

Mercury Retrograde Phase occurs for approx. Three weeks at a time considering that Mercury completes its orbit around the Sun in simply 88 Earth days. During Mercury Retrograde Phase is when it is said that it is best to avoid making strong decisions, deals or follow through on feelings of nebulousness or miscommunication. There is some animosity among the collective about Mercury Retrograde being a time of chaos or communicative detriment but this is far from what is possible within progressive perspective and approach although misunderstandings may still occur. Mercury Retrograde, (especially for those who hold the retrograde in their personal natal chart) is a great time for personal reflection, creative endeavors and communication with self before externalizing.

Mercury Post-Shadow Phase occurs the entire time it is traveling back to its original point at the time retrograde phase occurred, taking approx. two weeks . During this time way may be called or pulled to integrate what we have learned, thought or reflected within the mercury retrograde phase. We can initiate these thoughts into action, treading lightly with caution to address any recognized conflicts. This is still a learning period where we can still find it difficult to integrate what we have learned or know is to be resolved. This is a time of fine tuning ourselves or if needed "rebooting" our systems and the way we communicate and our perspectives, continuously evolving alongside time and space.

Now in 2020 being the beginning of the new decade, while having seen the movement of the great Pluto/Saturn conjunction, Neptune in its natural sign Pisces and Chiron travelling from Pisces to Aries, this Mercury in Retrograde beginning in Pisces really sets a tone for the decade as to what we think, feel, manifest, sympathize and do as individuals reflecting into our collective and what we may face together. This first Mercury Retrograde will help us reflect on all that has occurred within the past few years, intense few months, and what is to come; Recognizing both our own and others' personal power and impact through intuition and insatiable pursuit of clarity and consciousness that will pave the way set us free and allow us to both internally and externally evolve.

Mercury Retrograde Phase 2020

(Dates and degrees are approx. varying location)

Begins in Mercury in Pisces 12°: February 18 – March 09

Begins in Mercury in Cancer 14°: June 19 – July 11

Begins in Mercury in Scorpio 11° : October 15 - November 2