Mercury & Venus Retrograde

Mercury Goes Retrograde in 2 signs, and overlaps the Venus Retrograde?!

Overview:

• Venus Has been in retrograde since December 19th 2021, and goes until January 29th 2022 
• Mercury will be in Retrograde from January 14th - February 3rd 2022
• From January 14th - January 25th, Mercury will be in Aquarius
• From January 25th - February 3rd,  for the rest of the retrograde, Mercury will be in Capricorn  
• However, Mercury will again return to Aquarius on February 14th

What is a Retrograde?

The term retrograde comes from the Latin word “retrogradus”, which means “to take a backward step.” Retrogrades happen as Earth is passing, or being passed by other planets in what appears to be a backward or slowed down motion. A planet seemingly moving backward is an illusion though, as planets always revolve around the sun in the same direction. The appearance of retrograde motion occurs because of the relative difference in speed the planets orbit at. 

Just as each planet appears to stop and move backwards on its cosmic path during a retrograde, we're being asked to do the same thing within our own lives. It's a time to press "pause" on our lives, as many of us are way too caught up in busy schedules. Each retrograding planet's jurisdiction of influence, will cause us to slowly review the path we've been on to re-evaluate and find better solutions. Often this is done through bringing up the issues we’ve been trying to suppress / avoid. 

Retrogrades are also connected with karmic events in life, so we may find that the universe does a little bit of redirecting and adjustments for us on our current paths. This is why we have a tendency to experience blockages on our plans, run into issues within relationships, or face personal crises and confusion during these periods. You can think of these struggles as the planets' way of reminding you toward doing the necessary retrograde work, rather than continue to wander around lost without properly taking in these cosmic lessons to guide you.

Mercury Retrograde meaning:

Mercury represents the mind and intellect, and rules Gemini, and also Virgo (the signs/placements most affected by this retrograde). Mercury is an airy planet, associated with all forms of communication and the in-flow and out-flow of intelligence and communication, which relates to technology and our use of it as well. 

Mercury retrograde, which occurs three times a year for about three weeks each time, is interpreted particularly strongly. Mental pursuits and connections break down. The Mercury retrograde period is best used as a time for inner reflection. It is not a good time for making new decisions or new business plans, but it is ideal for reflecting on your current situation. It is best to quietly observe your inner process during Mercury retrograde, and to carry forward with your pre existing plans. Ask yourself: Where am I heading in my life at this particular time? Then try to move forward with new directions only after Mercury has gone direct.

Venus Retrograde meaning:

Venus is the planet that represents love, relationships, beauty, values, pleasure, creative expression, business and finances, and self-worth. Rules the signs Taurus and Libra, the signs/placements most affected by this retrograde. 

During a Venus Retrograde, these themes in our lives are heightened and brought to our awareness for reflection and revision. This is also when Venus herself is undergoing a symbolic, transformative, renewal and rebirth process.

We are being asked at this time to re-evaluate and transform our personal beliefs and values, our relationship to ourselves and others, our self-worth, self-love, self-image, our creative expressions, and our relationship to our finances and businesses. 

Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius:

The themes for revision are: the technology in our lives, and its impact on us. Where we are headed in the future, as a collective, and individually. Where we are seeking breakthroughs, and freedom in our lives. Where do we feel stuck, what do we feel is restricting our freedom and individuality? Using the innovative and unconventional energies of Aquarius in Mercury to revise how we value and approach communication, and expanding our thinking processes. Aquarius is also a big humanitarian sign, how can we be of more service to the collective?

Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn:

After revising the opening themes of the retrograde in the sign of Aquarius, Capricorn comes in to ask us how we will be accountable and hold ourselves responsible for implementing the necessary changes that have begun.

Mercury in Capricorn gets us thinking about the structures in our lives and if they need more maintenance, or complete renewal with an even stronger foundation. We are also revising our beliefs towards authority figures in our lives, and if they represent what we believe healthy definitions of power and leadership should be.

Venus Retrograde in Capricorn:

We are being asked at this time to re-evaluate and transform our personal beliefs and values, our relationship to ourselves and others, our self-worth, self-love, self-image, our creative expressions, and our relationship to our finances and businesses. Especially with Venus being in the sign of Capricorn during this transit, we are wanting to go within to ensure we are building the strongest possible foundations for each of these areas in our life. To ensure our ongoing evolution and success.

Summary:

During the Aquarius period of the Mercury Retrograde, we are being asked to revise the themes of freedom from expectations, and our beliefs of the past. Then, in the Capricorn period, we are being asked to organize our lives in alignment with what truly matters to us, especially with the Venus in Capricorn Retrograde as well. We are being encouraged to set ourselves free, in order to truly step into our power, and finding the solutions in order to do so. 

With the combination of the two Retrogrades, we are being asked to essentially connect our feelings with our minds, to reflect and act on what needs to change. Using this time to set intentions within our minds and hearts, to begin a new path aligned with our highest selves in 2022. We are also being asked to use this time to reserve our energy more, by choosing less to respond to what isn’t our responsibility, nor what we don’t truly resonate with.

Suggested Activities:

• Mercury Retrograde tends to bring up technological issues, be sure to back up all your important digital information!
• Practice more mindful communication: with Mercury + Venus both in Retrograde, arguments and misunderstandings in relationships tend to be more common. Pause and reflect before you speak, think about the intention and impact of your words on others. Also double checking for spelling errors, and being ESPECIALLY careful before signing any contracts!
• Careful planning: leave plenty of time ahead to prepare for any important deadlines or appointments. It’s easy to feel scattered and overwhelmed during this time.
•  Avoid drama, reserve your energy by choosing which Interactions and situations are truly worth responding to. Focus on relationships that nurture you, and nurture the relationship with yourself most importantly through lots of introspective and reclusive time. 

 

- Alexandra Blaauw, Astrologer. 

 

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