Mercury Retrogrades in 2016

Every year to year and a half, Mercury retrogrades occur in a single element. In 2015, Mercury retrograded in air signs. In 2016, Mercury retrogrades shift to earth signs. Mercury retrogrades are not, in themselves, inherently bad. The most difficult days tend to occur about five days before a retrograde begins, and a few days before and after the retrograde ends. Every Mercury retrograde is a distinctive event accompanied by aspects to other planets and lunations (full or new moons). Often it repeats aspects three times. Each one has to be judged on its own merits. Sometimes they can be tremendously advantageous, creating opportunities and possibilities that aren’t available when Mercury is moving in direct motion.

Mercury Rx #1: January 5 to January 25, 2016. Aquarius to Capricorn. Mercury begins the retrograde at 1 Aquarius conjunct the fixed star Altair, the Eagle’s Nest. This is a star of risks and adventures. Mercury backs into Capricorn on January 8. It is conjunct the Sun and trine Jupiter on January 14, a potentially fortunate combination. It squares Uranus (1-20) and conjuncts Pluto (1-22), offering a time of enhanced awareness and opportunities to transform stubborn situations. Mercury turns direct at 15 Capricorn and repeats these aspects through late January and early February.

Mercury Rx #2: April 28 to May 22, 2016. Taurus. Mercury retrogrades at 23 Taurus with the stars of Perseus. This can signify aggressive or violent activity as the retrograde begins. Mercury is conjunct the Sun (May 9), trine Pluto (5-12) and conjunct Venus (5-13). The conjunction to Venus in her own sign is highly fortunate. It favors excellence in the arts and any creative endeavors, opportunities for socializing, and meeting new people. Mercury turns direct at 14 Taurus.

Mercury catches up and makes another conjunction with Venus on July 16 in Leo while making favorable trines to Saturn and Uranus. This is a good combination for travel and exceptional performances and demonstrations of skill.

Mercury enters Virgo on July 30, and makes conjunctions to Jupiter (8-22) and Venus (8-29). This is a very powerful triple line-up. It signals abundance, mental and intellectual fertility, and favorable circumstances generally. This is a brief but unusually fortunate window of opportunity during 2016.

Mercury Rx #3: August 30 to September 22. Virgo. Mercury retrogrades in his own sign, which oddly enough is likely to make this one of the year’s most difficult retrogrades. It coincides with the time period when people and children are shifting into their autumn activities. The retrograde begins at 29 Virgo, the final degree of the sign. Expected aid may not be available. Mercury is in close proximity to Jupiter, and conjuncts this planet again on September 2. There may be some big humps to get past as the month begins! Mercury squares Mars and conjuncts the Sun (9-12), a difficult combination. It trines Pluto (9-20) and goes direct at 14 Virgo on September 22, Autumn Equinox. Attention to detail and precision will be necessary during this retrograde. Double check paperwork, travel arrangements, and schedules for school and work. Plans may have to be revised by the seat-of-the-pants at the last minute as September begins. When you’re making Plan A at the end of summer, consider options for Plan B at the same time. A handy fall-back position will save a lot of time and anxiety.

Mercury makes his third conjunction to Jupiter on October 11 in the early degrees of Libra, and squares Mars on October 13. This suggests major projects getting started and high levels of action and energy needed to proceed with them. The planets align with placements in the United States national chart, and it’s a month before the US general election and presidential election. Overblown political rhetoric may exceed most people’s tolerance levels.