Mercury Retrograde in Leo and Cancer in July 2006 - How It Will Affect Everyone, Pt.1

by Robert Wilkinson

This Mercury retrograde period starts July 4 (July 5 for east Asia) and ends July 28 (July 29 in Europe and points east) . This retrograde moves from 2 Leo back to 22 Cancer, with the inferior conjunction between Mercury and the Sun occurring July 18 at 26 Cancer. This degree is one of "Guests Are Reading In A Library of A Luxurious Home, " symbolizing a point of conscious fruition and "Emergence of consciousness on higher levels of being, once life has been fulfilled at normal levels." It also tells us of "the need to conform to the requirements of one's social status."

The inferior conjunction is when Mercury (mind) conjuncts the Sun (life) while retrograde, indicating that signals, messages, and ideas from either outer sources or subconscious sources will fuse with the life principle, setting the tone for the lessons involving how our minds are relating to our lives during the next four months. Since Mercury is retrograde, the degree of the inferior conjunction shows how our lives will merge with our perceptions and bring forth a new understanding of our light.

During the 11 days before the inferior conjunction (fusion) of mind and life, take a new look at how you can bring out your inner wisdom by adjusting to a future vision or broader perspective that's opening for you, and get a new point of view regarding what your imagination is willing to consider and how to coordinate your life to reorganize it productively. It's great for intuitive flashes, insights into the larger collective consciousness and unconsciousness, and you should find a new ease and sophistication among those you're with.

We are also told by Dr. Marc Edmund Jones that the degree of the inferior conjunction symbolizes "... a pure mastery of experience... and of a full capitalization on the potentials of all being in a personal and ultimately immortal realization... (it) is a warning against idle self-indulgence, and ... any lessening of practical responsibility is ... a call to self-strengthening and a prelude to some greater outreaching." The keyword is REPOSE. He writes that "the degree is a relaxation valuable for the momentary sustainment of human aspiration whenever it is strained beyond its powers of self-regeneration."

This retrograde beginning at 2 Leo retraces ground we covered June 17-July 3, and is a degree of "The School, Closed by an Epidemic (of Mumps), Children Play Together," showing the "constructive result of inconveniences of life in developing communal values," and I have found that with this degree there is gain through subtraction, or benefit through forms of quarantine, whether of self from others or situations, or exiling, if temporarily, those who are "dis-eased" so that one can play or create in healthy fashion. We have the ability to become sensitive to how individual crises affect the collective, and how a single person who is dysfunctional can blow the deal for an entire group.

There may be outbursts and spontaneous demonstrations due to it falling in the first 5 degrees of Leo, and the best way to deal with this energy is to isolate what is not working, or threatens the health, wealth, or peace of mind in one's life and relationships. Do not retreat to "self-deficiencies" to avoid what must be confronted, and find healthy ways of self-dramatization that you may participate more whole-heartedly in current affairs.

The entire retrograde Mercury is favorable to Mars and Jupiter, which will assist our social functioning and offer unique interactive circumstances where we will feel connected to others after the fact, or after we do something together. This will offer special circumstances assisting our harmony wherever we have Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces, thus resolving some of the oppositional energy inherent in these parts of our life. We should be able to see what we need, as well as how our habits either move us into degeneration or regeneration. Our way of expressing the Jupiter in Scorpio in our charts and lives will certainly become specialized appropriate to our gifts.

The big news about this retrograde is that as it approaches its stationary direct point on July 28 at 21 Cancer, it begins to configure with Neptune and Pluto in The Grand Irrationality, forming a double triseptile to those planets from their inverse midpoint. This will affect us for months to come, just as did the Jupiter stationary point in early Virgo in the Grand Irrationality of May 2004. Upon reflection you will no doubt see how some "fateful" events took place in the months after that, with some people's obsessive-compulsive behaviors busted and paths taken that led you away from irrational people and circumstances. It certainly happened to me in a big way.

This Mercury configuration in the Grand Irrationality will create forks in the road of our life that will help us coordinate the material, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of our lives if we are sensitive to our needs, habits, and which direction we want to go in order to consolidate certain recent important decisions on the emotional, social, and cultural level of our existence. You will find that it relates directly to the Mars transit of that point in the third week of May, and promises some dramatic events to come when Venus transits that point August 5-6 with Moon conjunct Pluto.

The intensity of the configuration will continue when Mars enters the Grand Irrationality pattern August 7-15 and the Moon is conjunct Neptune. That 10 day period, especially around August 11 where 5 points of the 7 pointed Star are activated by the Moon in early Aries, will be extremely important in determining the direction of critical developments in late August and early September. In any case, this coming retrograde will be a major turning point in the lives of Gemini and Virgo Sun and rising sign people.

Just as Mercury goes direct in late July it begins to form a week-long semisquare to Mars, so decrease agitation, impulsiveness, and needless worry, and learn to relax about some things while being efficient in doing what is needed. Use your imagination and practice your skills in late July, and be willing to use waiting periods to demonstrate some emerging form of skill that could lead down the road to a form of mastery.

Just after Mercury goes retrograde Jupiter goes stationary direct on a degree of repairing damage done through socialized living and behaviors. During early July we will be confronted by the need to make certain types of "leaps of faith" to overcome a duality, and in taking those leaps we will attain a form of mastering duality in the future. Jupiter going direct will bring forth blessings and opportunities for what we have learned and how we have concentrated and/or regenerated since it went retrograde back in  early March, though of course it is still square Saturn through November.

Remember that nothing turns out as expected during a Mercury retrograde, and that things take strange twists and turns and there are curious returns of people, ideas, and experiences in new forms that resemble old forms. Be open to useful but overlooked angles of viewing things, learn and teach through a sense of perspective of how past and present relate in unusual ways, and be alert to roundabout or indirect communications that show things going on below the surface.

Given the irrationality of mid-July when the Sun transits the Grand Irrationality that is immediately followed by Mercury's station, expect things to get somewhat weird. During the retrograde, while there are always strange twists and turns and returns, if it's not a return of something you should have taken care of before then, remember that whatever happens, it probably won't turn out the way it seems at the time.

Mercury going stationary direct at 22 Cancer on July 28-29 shows that through late October 2006 we will confront the "compelling power of all sustained desire" based in our dream imagery, and many will open to "a longing to live life as a great adventure." All will open to the possibility of a transcendent happiness, however that can come forth in a life, so follow any dissatisfaction with what is into a more concrete image of what you want. Monitor your expectancies, find a "creative poise" and a perspective that leads to a constructive attitude toward potentials. See how ideas are being brought to consumation, and find an equanimity that can give "a sure insight into the meaning of chance events" and circumstances as they unfold.

Mercury retrograde periods reveal their own unique rhythm in offering us a new look at things. Every period in some way echoes the messages of prior retrograde periods, and affects those to come. That's why it's important to observe what has been revealed during other periods in the recent months and years past, so that you can see how Mercury, or Hermes, the "Guide of Souls," is leading you to your authentic self. Regardless of appearances, or how difficult or easy, Mercury retrograde periods show us the path to our Soul. Part 2 of this article will explain how this recurring phenomenon affects each of us individually.

Comments

[aya]

"The intensity of the configuration will continue when Mars enters the Grand Irrationality pattern August 7-15 and the Moon is conjunct Neptune. That 10 day period, especially around August 11 where 5 points of the 7 pointed Star are activated by the Moon in early Aries, will be extremely important in determining the direction of critical developments in late August and early September. In any case, this coming retrograde will be a major turning point in the lives of Gemini and Virgo Sun and rising sign people."

HI ROBERT CAN U PLS EXPLAIN WHY AND IN WHAT WAY THIS RETROGRADE WILL BE A MAJOR TURNING POINT IN THE LIVES OF GEMINI & VIRGO. & RISING SIGN PEOPLE. MUCH OBLIGED aya

[Robert]

Hi aya - Because Mercury rules those signs; Mercury's stationary direct point affects Gemini and Virgo energies after that for months to come; Mercury's stationary direct point sets a hot spot in the Grand Irrationality that will be triggered every time there's a significant transit to any of the 7 points; and with Venus "capturing" the 22 Cancer point, entering the Grand Irrationality with the other planets, it triggers the Mercury stationary point in a big way. The Venus transit of that point will set many things into motion for Gemini and Virgo people, who will also be affected in the future by other transits to any of the 7 points due to "echoing" the 22 Cancer stationary point.

Of course, with the early August configuration, where 5 of the 7 points are activated by Moon, Venus, Mars, Neptune and Pluto, much will be set into motion that affect a lot of signs. I should have made that clear.

[ayanamsha]

Robert,

Thank you, again, for an insightful article. I've been wondering about this retrograde cycle... You certainly detailed it well! I was not aware of the alignment with the grand septile. Didn't notice...

The last few [rx cycles] have hit me hard, and this one looks like another grand slam: the inferior conjunction is in exact sextile (orb of a single arc-minute!) to my chart ruler... score!

A funny bit about my last two mercury retrograde cycles: during the 11/2005 cycle, various events gave me no choice but to move (switch residences, that is) under the retrograde cycle. I was aware that the timing was not exactly optimal, but hey, I didn't have much say in the matter! So the next mercury retrograde rolls around, 3/2006, and the previous retrograde move falls apart. No supprise I suppose :) In true retrograde fashion, I end up moving back to the original apartment complex. But this is so RX its funny: the unit I ended up with is in the same building, has the same floorplan, but is on the opposite side of the building so everything is flipped around: the rooms face the opposite direction, hall goes the other way, etc etc... It's like my residence itself retrograded!

Anyways, I figured some of you might get a laugh out of that. I certainly chuckled when I realized what had happened, and thanked the cosmos and its gracious creator for putting everything back together with an amusing little reminder of "as above, so below" -- so if things go a little haywire for you during this retrograde, remember that everything works itself out and be thankful for the experiences you have: they all grow your soul in some special unique way. Myself, I was needed in another place to complete some special tasks... and they are done.

[Robert]

What a great Mercury retrograde story! I am always interested to hear of other bass-ackward retrograde events. I have numerous anecdotes in my now out of print "A New Look At Mercury Retrograde."

I know I've been promising to re-release it as an ebook on this site but in typical retrograde fashion it was pointed out that I probably need to make sure the original chapter files conform to the final edited version! If they don't, I'll probably leave the original material in, and add some spiritual material my original publisher pitched a fit about. That's my Summer 2006 retrograde project - re-editing a book from the past coordinating print and non-print versions and re-inserting material omitted from the print version. Talk about retrograde!

[ayanamsha]

Awesome! Sounds like a plan! :) I'm hoping to pick back up where I left off on my lunar nodal studies which fell by the wayside during the last retrograde, as well as pick back up on some musical adventures.

Do you presently have any eBooks? I've been hoping to find more, and would love to read some of your work. Paper books are nice, but I have more time to read eBooks; I can stare at a screen in many situations I can not open a paper book... like when i'm stuck in the 10th house and saturn looms for a third of the day!

[sonja]

Thanks Robert! Everytime I begin to think the world is getting a little crazier, you mention the Grand Irrationality and I realize everything is only a leela or play. It makes me laugh and lighten up. I will watch this retrograde as I am a Scorpio Gemini rising that had a major turning point in April/May 2004. At this point, it appears that I am mopping up the deitrus and beginning a new adventure which dovetails with your insights. Thanks to you, it is easier understand that "what is, is; no more no less".

Aum and blessings, sonja

[Robert]

Hi Sonja - Thanks for your encouraging words. It's true this place gets a little crazy and we all need something to remember to keep us centered. Glad what I've written parallels favorable patterns in your life. Enjoy the adventure, as no doubt Jupiter is showing you a larger life and Saturn giving you lots of ways to cast off the chains of old untruths.

Pay close attention to the past week and the next two, since Mars' movement through this span of Leo should offer hints of what to expect relative to your Scorpio this Autumn and Winter when Saturn tracks this span of Leo.

[MJ]

Robert,

Thank you for your extensive reports, but I am a bit lost as to what this whole period (which seems to require alot of decision making in my life) means to an Aries (17th of April) with Moon and Rising in Aquarius.

[Robert]

Hi MJ - It will affect your Aquarius rising by dancing around the 6th house, a preparation sector for whatever surfaces at the 7th. Your Aries is re-evaluating past issues, foundations, root structures. Your Aquarius has Gemini on the 5th, Virgo on the 8th. These areas will be under review, or your will experience some returns, or signals from your subconsciousness. I believe the decision making is more the result of Saturn opposing your Aquarius. Go slow, do research, take a new look at useful but overlooked details, and rework your view of what to do and how to do it. By December everything will make much more sense.

[MJ]

Ah! Thank you always!

[Lidy]

Hi Robert,
I am a virgo and am having a tough time at the moment.
We are trying to sell our home and build a new one but the home we are in now seems to come to a standstill in regards to people being interested in it. Do you think it is regarding the retrograde?

[Robert]

Hi Lidy - Remember your ruler is retrograde, so you may need to re-think some assumptions. Aries-Libra govern your buying and selling sectors, and Jupiter rules your house of property. It's just gone direct, but will be square Saturn for some months to come. There are some important points made regarding the housing problem, short term and long term, in this article.

While Mercury is retrograde, allow the process to slow down, and research info you may have overlooked before now. Either rethink your timeline, or your approach, or where and how you are listing the property, or you may have to do something retrograde, like pull it off the market and then re-list it at the perfect price at a more favorable time astrologically. These kinds of questions are complex astrological horary/inceptional chart issues.

[lidy]

thank you robert, in your opinion what would be the best time to put the property on the market? Not only to sell but to get the most profitable outcome? When will be the best time to re-list the property?
thank you

[Robert]

Hi lidy - What you're asking for is way too complex to answer in a comment stream, as this is one of the most difficult of horary subjects to learn. Much depends on the rulers of your 2nd, 4th, and 8th houses, and timing also depends on where you live. August 9, 19, and 24 are good days for some, not for others. Still, with all the conjunctions to Saturn, oppositions to Neptune and squares to Jupiter, August is overall a time of conflict, and favors buyers not sellers. September 1 begins a better run of days. Still, it's a very complex subject and entirely dependent on your chart. It would seem to me that pulling it off the market if it's not selling is not a bad idea, since if there's no interest, it shouldn't matter. Again, though, everything depends on your own timeline, what decisions you make re: price and so forth, since astrology cannot override "real world" factors, i.e., if no house in your neighborhood has sold for the price you're asking, you probably won't get it. In this world, sometimes it's enough just not to get clobbered.

[Don]

Robert,
my mother has one of the most surprising/interesting (insofar as I've studied astrology for about 7 months) charts I've ever seen. I'm a 'Cap' ascendent, my sister is Aquarius, my youngest sister Gemini. Her chart interpretation from a free sight is like the synapse of her life!

She is one of the "special" Leo's born in 1955. Her DOB 8/12/55 @4:20A.M. in the philadelphia area. If you get a chance, check it out, it is blowing my mind!

I am extremely worried about her health (my grandmother cultivating fear from the mercury RX in Leo making aspect to this and that...past my astrological understanding at this stage.) Could you give me some basic advice concerning my madre?...perhaps 'do this, don't do this, watch out for this/that?'

Much abliged either way.
Don.

[Don]

correction on 'synapse' to 'synopsis'
Don.

[Robert]

Hi Don - Again, more than can be answered in a comment stream. In any case, fear is a bigger problem than whatever health dharma unfolds in an individual life. Either we can or cannot do something about our own or another's health, and each has to deal with it the best they're able. Meditation and affirmations probably are the best thing you can do. And of course, take a wide view that challenges often bring forth creative changes for the better.

[S]

Was wondering how this mercury retrograde would affect a couple where she is Gemini/Aquarius/Leo and he is Aries and I believe Libra. He is feeling stuck, not sure if his feelings will continue to grow. Could this all change once mercury goes direct? Thanks!

[Robert]

Hi S - Usually feeling stuck around certain feelings is more a Moon/Saturn issue, as are problems of growth, maturity, and clarity about what you can and cannot do. Given what you've said about your sign influences, both of you should do well when Jupiter goes into Sagittarius, which can expand that which is concentrated on in Scorpio.

What you're asking is probably easily dealt with, once the true issue is targeted. Being stuck is usually not the true problem. Willingness to get unstuck, along with consistently practicing the appropriate techniques, is the relevant focus.

[S]

Thanks Robert, could you please tell me when Jupiter goes in Sagittarius? Thanks so much!

[Robert]

Hi S - It enters in late November, and Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Mars also all conjunct Jupiter and each other in late Nov and through Dec.

[S]

Thanks again, Robert, would you have any suggestions on the appropriate techniques for getting 'unstuck' in a relationship??

[Robert]

Hi again S - Well, examine your individual and mutual attachments, goals, intentions, priorities, what you're avoiding, what agreements you think you've made and where you see it going in a year, in three years, and in five years.

One technique I learned in therapy is for each of you to make a list of your top ten priorities in life, and then compare lists. That should jump start a lot of discussion. I also suggest you each make a list of 5 things you admire or like about the other, and 5 areas you are ocncerned about and would like to begin a dialogue (which should not become accusation and defense sessions!) Remember that you need to treat each other as friends, and the dialogue as a journey of exploration about self and other in the relational dance. I guarantee each of these exercises will clarify a lot about who you are and what you want.

[Joy Terry]

I want to retire, but can't seem to do it because of money restraints. When would be a good time?

[Joy Terry]

How personal? I live in HOT Texas and wish I lived in Colorado. Have an ex-husband who is about to have a back operation. He and I are still an item.

[Robert]

Hi Joy - I believe we never really retire, we just change functions, some of which we're better paid for than others. So figure out what you might like to do in the future, and find a situation where you can afford to do that. I used to live in Texas, so my sympathies on the heat and humidity that probably won't break till late September or early October, depending on where you live.

What is keeping you from Colorado? I know the state well, it's a Leo, and I really love it. Many nuances between northern, southern, southwestern, and so forth, but if it's a possibility, explore the options.

[Fienie van der Westhuizen]

Love your site Very eye opening

[Robert]

Hi Fienie - Thanks. Glad you found the site. I try to make it interesting and informative for both the public and astrologers alike. Keep checking in, and if you go back through the archives, I'm sure you'll find some articles that are still important in offering information about what's going on. See you on the front page!

[Fienie van der Westhuizen]

Wonderful The Best i've come across You have very good insight

[Robert]

Hi again Fienie - My pleasure. Thanks for your kind words of encouragement. Am trying to give a sense of what's happening, and why, and what we can do to anticipate what's coming and deal with what is. Glad I hit the mark and open doors of perception, to put it one way.