Another Mercury Retrograde Factor To Consider in October 2008 - What is the Difference between the Superior and Inferior Conjunction?

by Robert Wilkinson

Though the topic may seem somewhat technical and obscure, the Inferior and Superior Conjunctions between the Sun and Mercury mark important points in how our life evolves relative to our minds, which are always racing either forward or backward, evaluating and processing our experiences past, present, and future.

For those who may not know much about this recurring astronomical phenomenon, today we re-explore some basics so that we can understand better how the coming Inferior Conjunction at 14 Libra on October 6 will affect all of us. For your consideration,

Astrology Class - Mercury retrograde and the Superior and Inferior Conjunction

Tomorrow we will explore more of the specifics about the coming October 2008 Libra Inferior Conjunction.

© Copyright 2008 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[Annette]

Robert,

I'm a little lost on the Superior/Inferior/Retrograde thing, although I read your article twice. Better to ask you now before you go on tomorrow and elaborate.

Is an inferior conjunction the same as (does it have the same effect as) Mercury retrograde? And then a superior conjunction occurs afterward to digest and integrate the information into life?

It sounds as though an inferior conjunction is a specific event (October 6) within a period of Mercury retrograde, so this can't be right.

Or is the inferior conjunction the essence of the retrograde? Or is it a moment of collective experience?

Thank you,
Annette

[Robert]

Hi Annette - As I pointed out in the associated article, the inferior conjunction can only happen while Mercury is RX, whereas the superior conjunction can only happen while Mercury is direct. Mercury direct is where we move forward in experience, while the RX period is where we digest and integrate through contrast and perspective. So yes, the inferior conjunction is a specific event within a Mercury retrograde.

It's not so much "the essence" of a RX, as the point at which Mercury (mind) meets the Sun (life) at a point of illumination of mind (Sun-Mercury) and coordination of life (Mercury-Sun) offering each a mutual point of reference. It could mean anything from a light on subconscious or past factors, or insight into prior life or integration experiences. It's usually more personal or even interpersonal than collective, since the collective realms are symbolized by the planets from Mars out. In essence, the inferior conjunction is a phase shift.

While the Stationary RX and direct points have their specific significance, showing the lessons of the RX period and the platform from which we re-launch our mind relative to life, the inferior and superior conjunctions are where the two planetary principles actually meet each affecting the other to some extent. With the inferior, the Sun appears to be moving faster than Mercury; with the superior, Mercury outraces the Sun. In these relative motions many things can be inferred. You can find more in the recent article Astrology Class - Does the Speed of A Planet Matter?

[Popplagid]

I would call the attention of everyone.
Robert, I think we are just entering the first series of dramatic events of the 2010 cardinal alignment.
I think the economic chaos will grow much more during these next two months and We will be in a state of high unemployment, shortages and military-moods by next spring. It's important to address our life situation and preparations.

The webbot guys and plenty other people have been alerting recently everyone to the possibility of very important events surrounding the period of 7 to 15 October 2008. It is just a few days ahead. Keep positive but with precautions like having a prepared state of mind. But not wanting to create fear in anyone!!! Peace and Light for everyone,

[Robert]

Hi Popplagid - Well, I've been trying my best to get people paddling their boards before the 100 foot tsunami swell comes upon us. What's happening right now is Saturn opposition Uranus, "...There's battle lines being drawn..." Remember though that over the next two weeks we have Sun favorable to Neptune and Pluto, even if the Grand Irrationality is triggered by between 3 and 5 planets during the time span you speak of, specifically Oct 5-14, mentioned in this article. Those are usually the points when radical things happen.

[Valerie]

Hi Robert,

Thank you for that clarification about the conjunctions. I have always had a healthy respect for the Mercury RX periods, but it seems lately I've been getting a lot more out of them with each passing one. I have great dreams, or insights or some kind of cleaning out of my mental closets, depending on where it happens in my chart. This time, for the past week, I've been looking at the fall colors, studying my sketchbook and doing a lot of new painting- my muse woke up finally, I think. I got really motivated. So tomorrow is an inferior conjunction to the Sun... I think my progressed Venus is there, 8th house, isn't that interesting?

[Felita]

Hi Popplagid, thankyou , You are right. I can only say this is aN intuitive response to the advice you give above.

Sharing this with you all, simple as it is.

Consciousness, shift change align
Meld as one in spirit of contentment
Hope is faith in all i'ts joining
Then future is mind now of knowing Freedom
See a world in Love beleiving.

13th Sept 2008

Thankyou again Robert,,have read refered article.
I am grateful for your brilliant analysing.
Gee! lucky for me I am here anyway,,feeling clearer already, Aum.

[Robert]

Hi Valerie - We can all make these periods work to our advantage if we know what to do and don't mind a time lag. In my case, I've been able to reconfigure my computer network and printers so they work better than they used to, even though there are some small things that will have to be corrected in the future. There are other things that have worked out well in other areas of my life.

Hi Felita - Great verse. It does seem as though we're on the threshold of a great change.