Aquarium Age, Blogs

The Aquarium Age: Nov. 14-20

By Ralfee Finn

This is my astrological true confession: I love Mercury Retrograde. I know my adoration goes against the tide of all the things that go wrong during a retrograde phase – I’ve heard the war stories and experienced the problems. But I don’t care. I love the attention that a retrograde requires, the awareness, the precision, and, of course, the opportunity to blame all communication and travel problems on the stars. (I was thrilled not to pin Election Day snafus on Mercury, because that would have sullied my secret love.) Yes—a Mercury retrospective requires patience, but it also provides plenty of opportunities to take a deep breath as you reassess what’s been put in motion.

Mercury Retrograde, for those of you new to astrology, occurs three times a year (although for some it seems to last forever), when relative to Earth’s orbit around the Sun, Mercury appears to be moving backwards. And because Mercury represents intellectual processes of every dimension, as well as travel and commerce, when Mercury moves behind instead of ahead, all things related to its vast domain seem to do the same. Negotiations get stalled, papers get lost, text messages go to the wrong person, and email disappears as easily and frequently as socks vanish in the dryer. But that’s not all. Travel arrangements go awry, especially trips and plans made during the retrograde. The hard and fast rule is that Mercury Retrograde is not a good time to initiate new projects. It is – and this is the reason I love it – a great time to review, reflect and reconsider – it’s a great time to think about the details, to dot the “i’s” of life and to cross the “t’s.” That attention to detail could take the form of reviewing a schedule, taking stock of mechanical supplies, or cleaning the cupboard. Despite its recent urban reputation as the Uber Snafuer, Mercury Retrograde is not the devil.

The current Mercury Retrograde began on November 6 and continues until November 26. Mercury began its current review in a trine to Uranus, a positive combination that fosters innovation. It also simultaneously formed a square to Neptune, in Pisces, an interaction that could manifest as anxious sensitivity or the tendency to lie and deny rather than tell the truth. This week, the Mercury/Uranus trine is no longer in effect. But the Mercury/Neptune square continues. Try to notice where you think the truth won’t suffice.
By the end of the week, Mars begins to move into a conjunction with Pluto, as well as a square to Uranus, a volatile configuration that is certain to exacerbate normal retrograde frustration. Expect tempers to turn testy, yours and others.’ Mars symbolizes the ability to take a stand, which in certain situations is necessary and appropriate. The problem is that when the archetype of the warrior combines with the power of Pluto, the tendency to use force as a first resort can overwhelm common sense, especially when Uranus, the revolutionary, nudges the action toward rebellion.

As the week unfolds, rather than pushing against the river, practice patience, and accept the retrograde pace. It’s been an extraordinarily intense year, and Mercury’s invitation to reflect, review, and reconsider could help to put life in perspective. And as always, remember to be kind.

If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.

Aries March 21-April 19
Never mind if others seem to be dragging their feet. This retrograde provides an opportunity for you to reorganize and reassess several situations from a positive perspective.

Taurus April 20-May 20
While you have perceived certain relationships as dangerous, Mercury’s retrospective, especially its attention to detail, can facilitate a positive transformation – but only if you’re willing to grow.

Gemini May 21-June 21
Finding the balance between giving and receiving is never easy; some think giving is the powerful position, while others think receiving is. Either way, when a generous exchange occurs, an appreciation for both roles is essential.

Cancer June 22-July 22
Rather than “doing” for the sake of being busy, give yourself permission to relax into the retrograde pace. It’s not that you won’t accomplish what’s necessary – you will, but at a less frantic pace.

Leo July 23-August 22
As you know, you’re in the midst of deep personal transformation, and it is a process that cannot be hurried. Allow Mercury to make you mindful of the necessary steps, and you’ll eventually make beneficial progress.

Virgo August 23-September 22
If you want negotiations to go well, honor all concerned parties with empathy and respect. You don’t have to agree with their position; you simply need to allow for differences of opinion.

Libra September 23-October 22
Use the “limitation” of the retrograde to help you expand your position. I realize that sounds like an oxymoron – and it is – but sometimes a paradox can become a powerful tool for increased consciousness.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
Self-confidence is often hard-won, especially if you have a tendency to concentrate on what’s flawed. Use this retrograde as an opportunity to self-correct through positive observation, and your sense of personal power will increase.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Rely on your innate optimism, and let it help you to sidestep the retrograde Brainworm: Refuse to chew compulsively on what can’t change and focus instead on all the places where transformation is possible.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
Mercury Retrograde is sure to cause a stir in your immediate environment, but it doesn’t necessarily have a negative effect on you. Be patient as others attempt to adjust, and you’ll handle this review skillfully.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
The retrograde disruption is only temporary, and while it does affect schedules, particularly professional timetables, if you leave some wiggle room, you’ll build in the requisite flexibility to make it work.

Pisces February 19-March 20
There are hidden obstructions that have very little, if nothing, to do with you, but nonetheless could have a detrimental effect. Keep moving forward, but assemble a team of helpers you can call on if necessary.

Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-888-937-9264, write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit AquariumAge.com, or e-mail Ralfee@AquariumAge.com. Copyright © 2012 by Ralfee Finn

This article was originally published on November 14, 2012.