Personal Magik

---

What does it mean when Mercury goes retrograde? and what does it mean for you?

Mercury retrograde is the period when the planet Mercury appears to move backwards in the sky. Mercury retrograde occurs in three phases:

• Pre-shadow, this is when Mercury looks like it is slowing down in the sky but still moving forward
• Retrograde, this is when Mercury appears to move backwards in the sky
• Post-shadow, this is when Mercury starts to move forward again and gains speed over time. Any blockers or problems that came up during the retrograde will start to clear up.

The planet Mercury represents the way that people think and communicate, and when it’s in retrograde it’s generally considered problematic. This is because retrograde planets can bring back old things that you may want to be done with.

Mercury retrograde is most commonly associated with confusion, disagreement, technology breakdowns, delays (especially with travel), and lost items. Business negotiations are influx and key details may be missed or withheld.

In a more positive light, Mercury retrograde can bring back fond memories, and people from your past.

---

July 16th | Pre-shadow

Mercury begins to slow down at 21 degrees of Leo. On this day mercury will be squaring (90 degrees of separation) Mars and Uranus in Taurus.

The Mars Uranus conjunction and it’s impact to Mercury retrograde.

When two planets meet in the same place in the sky (same degree and sign) they form a conjunction. Planetary conjunctions will blend the energy of two planets together. In this case we have Mars blending it’s energy with Uranus. These energies together can create a strong desire for strange things, or an eagerness diverge from the way that things have always been done. It can also bring about events that abruptly break you from a pattern, belief, or commitment that isn’t useful anymore.

With the influence of Mars there can be a desire to act spontaneously or erratically in response to new information or communication. It is important to keep in mind that there is a fine line between recklessness and missed opportunity.

With Mercury squaring this aspect it is especially important to measure your words and give extra thought to communications. Typically Mercury square Mars leads to destructive or inflammatory words or thoughts when the message is given from a lower vibration like anger, frustration, and/or anxiety.

The most productive way to direct Mars’ energy is to focus on something that you’ve already been working on so you don’t get caught up in the heat of the moment and do something that you cannot take back. This aspect is great for channeling energy toward long term ideas as opposed to something you feel in the moment.

---

August 5th | Mercury retrograde

Mercury stations retrograde (does not appear to move, then begins to move backwards) in the sign of Virgo at 4 degrees. As Mercury stations retrograde it will square Mars and Jupiter.

The energy of Mercury Retrograde

When mercury to stations retrograde it will be squaring Mars and Jupiter in Gemini, this can increase the amount of information being shared as well as our desire to act on it.

It is important with mercury retrograde that we are extra thoughtful and diligent around the information we consume, our own thoughts, and what we say to others.

Mercury retrograde in Virgo is a great time to reassess, and correct things that we want to work better for ourselves. Focusing on how to make things more grounded, simple, and practical which allow us to integrate new and meaningful lessons throughout mercury retrograde and beyond.

Now is a good time to clean out parts of your life that are causing anxiety and distress. Take breaks from things that we are doing to excess and be critical of how those behaviors are serving us (or not serving us).

Mercury retrograde in Virgo shows us the clarity and liberation that come from breaking the bonds that hold us back from growing and allow more aligned opportunities in.

---

Mercury Retrograde conjunct Venus

Venus brings a pleasant and soothing energy on August 7th when it conjuncts Mercury.
Venus’ energy will brings support, cooperation, and appreciation. If you are working through disputes, or negotiations Venus’ energy will support you in the pursuit of peaceful settlements and dissolve barriers for progress.

---

Sun Mercury cazimi

The term “cazimi” derives from the Arabic word “kaṣmīmī,” meaning “in the heart” or “in the center.” Mercury cazimi is considered a special conjunction that supports sudden positive insights related to Mercury retrograde. The Mercury cazimi will happen on August 18th and September 30th.

The Sun conjunct Mercury brings mental alertness, quick thinking, adaptability, and curiosity. Expect increased personal interaction that will bring needed insight into the lessons from Mercury retrograde.

---

Mercury retrograde phase chart, and astrological charts