A Simple Plan to Manage the Upcoming Mercury Retrograde

MERCURY turns Retrograde (14 degrees Cancer) on Thursday, June 18 at 12:59 AM Eastern time.

Everywhere I turn someone is asking me (with trepidation and a touch of fear in their eyes) is Mercury turning retrograde AGAIN??There is so much unnecessary fear and misinformation around Mercury’s retrograde cycles. Let’s keep this very simple.

  • Don’t be afraid, worried, or concerned
    Yes, that is easier said than done, but please forget all the terrible things you have ever heard about Mercury retrograde. There are no astrological conditions that we need to block ourselves from in fear. Simply learn how to make the best use of the planetary cycles as we encounter them. I have come to LOVE Mercury’s retrograde cycle. This is a great time to catch up on what has been left undone. These times are a true gift if we know how to use them.
  • Get a notebook and a pen and make a list of everything that you have begun but NOT completed since March 9, 2020.
    Start with a clean sheet of paper, quiet your mind, and think back over the past few months. On March 9, Mercury turned direct at 28 degrees Aquarius. Since then, Mercury has zipped through Pisces, Aries, Taurus, and Gemini. Now Mercury turns retrograde at 14 degrees of Cancer. Think about what you have been doing since the 9th of March. Look through calendars and notebooks to find reminders of what you have been thinking about and working on since then.
  • Now, make a list of all the things that you have begun but not completed. Dig deep; there are probably more things than you are aware of. What about that appointment you have been meaning to make? And how about the project that you finally tucked into a drawer because you couldn’t find the time to complete? I am certain that we all have communications that have fallen through the cracks.
  • Get to work
    Once you have this list, it is easy to prepare the perfect plan for the next three+ weeks (Mercury turns direct on July 12). Get to work completing the things on this list. Nothing more, nothing less. Our lives are so busy; we zip from one project to another, from one communication to another. We never seem to have the time to slow down and carefully complete the tasks that we have begun. Mercury retrograde brings us the gift of time to wrap up loose ends.
  • Don’t be tempted to start new projects, begin new commitments, new relationships, or new jobs
    This is the time for clean up only. Don’t move forward until Mercury turns direct on July 12. If you follow these simple steps, you will be amazed at how much you can accomplish during this 3 week period. Good Luck!

PS. These are guidelines; not Rules. There are things that can not be put off. Please be practical and do what must be done.

Keep in mind that transits to your natal planets can override these more universal ones. A personal consultation offers deep understanding.


FIND THE ACTION TO TAKE – Monday, June 15, 2020

The week begins with the Moon in Aries forming an early morning square to Pluto. With the Moon in this cardinal fire sign, you will find your emotions pushing to fact action. With the intensity of Pluto’s involvement, you may find yourself ready to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Take a deep breath and count to 10.

Consider where in your life you can use this hot powerful energy to make a difference you can be proud of. There is a ferociousness in the Aries Moon that allows you to face your fears and take courageous action.

Do your very best to make the right choices today and you will end the day pleased with the important actions you took.

***The Aries Moon is void-of-course from 8:50 PM EDT until she enters Taurus early tomorrow morning. This suggests that what occurs during this time will not have much impact.


SLOW DOWN – Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Today’s brings with it a very different quality than yesterday. With the Moon now in the fixed earth sign of Taurus, the need for action is replaced with a desire for stability and calm.

Whereas yesterday you were hot under the collar, today you want to dig in your heels and slow down in your search for security.

At 7:29 AM EDT, the Moon forms a tough square aspect to Saturn bringing a challenge to the early hours of the day. You may feel confined by responsibilities or restrictions that are out of your control. This is a passing influence that will not linger if you allow it to simply wash over you.

For the remainder of the day, you will do well to create comfort and beauty in your environment. Be sure to make your bed, tidy your bedroom, and put flowers by the bedside. Pleasure and contentment will come with attractive surroundings and a peaceful setting.

***The Aries Moon is void-of-course until she enters Taurus at 5:36 AM EDT. This suggests that what occurs during this time will not have much impact.


A SANCTUARY FROM CHAOS – Wednesday, June 17, 2020

With the Moon in sensual slow-moving Taurus, this is a day to experience life through your senses. Slow down and take time to be quiet and still. There is no need to push yourself in the service of any accomplishment.

Your senses seek arousal. Indulge yourself with good food, good sex, good music, and a massage. Get outdoors in nature, weed your garden, and walk barefoot on the earth. Listen to the trees sing and pay attention to the messages of our beautiful earth.

When the Moon is in Taurus you will find yourself motivated by the desire for loyalty, security, peace, and comfort.

Your instincts tell you to resist change, slow down, and relax. Create a sanctuary from the chaos that seems to be a constant it the outer world.


REEVALUATE YOUR THINKING; MERCURY RETROGRADE – Thursday, June 18, 2020

With the multitude of challenges surrounding us, it may be difficult to maintain perspective. Venus has been retrograde since May 13th, demanding that each of us examine our personal values. If you are paying attention you are learning a great deal about yourself.

Today Mercury turns retrograde (12:59 AM EDT) as well, challenging you to understand how to articulate and process all that you are learning. It is best to slow down and remain steady in the face of these difficult lessons. This Mercury retrograde is in the sign of Cancer, look to the house that holds Cancer in your chart to see where you must carefully evaluate your thinking.

While Mercury is retrograde don’t begin new projects and make sure your communications are crystal clear. This is a powerful time to get caught up on projects that have been languishing on a back burner since early March.

With both Mercury and Venus retrograde (Venus turns direct on June 25th), seek clarity on your values and how best to articulate them. Resolve to do better in supporting those who have less of a voice than your own.

What TO DO during Mercury retrograde:

  • Finish projects
  • Clean out closets, drawers, email inboxes, basements, etc.
  • Do anything that involves repair, redo, reassess, redesign
  • Look for what is lost or missing

What NOT TO DO during Mercury retrograde

  • Don’t sign contracts
  • Don’t launch new projects
  • Don’t make significant agreements
  • Don’t buy electronics, cars, or anything that involves technology

Make and follow a plan of slowing down, clearing up the past, then patiently wait to begin anything new. Mercury will turn direct on July 12th. Don’t listen to the negative spin often put on Mercury retrograde.

At 7:08 PM EDT Mars sextile, Pluto offers a powerful surge of energy to reach for your goals and desires. You will bring endurance and stamina to anything you engage in this evening.

***The Taurus Moon is void-of-course from 8:03 AM EDT until she enters Gemini at 5:00 PM EDT. This suggests that what occurs during this time will not have much impact.


AUTHENTIC UNDERSTANDING – Friday, June 19, 2020

Today is a rather simple day lead us ever closer to the New Moon in the early hours of Sunday morning. As the lunar cycle nears its close, bringing the Moon ever closer to the Sun, it is good to spend time in solitary contemplation.

With all that is going on in the world and your personal life, there is much to contemplate. With the Moon in Gemini, your thinking focuses on gathering new perspectives with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Bring pen to paper and find a more authentic understanding of your thinking and the stories you’d like to share with others. Bring forward old stories you may have forgotten. From your renewed perspective you can reach a renewed self-understanding.


THE SUN ENTERS CANCER (SUMMER SOLSTICE) FIND YOUR TRIBE – Saturday, June 20, 2020

Today begins with Mars sextile Jupiter blessing us with a powerful sense of strength and courage. Many tasks that might otherwise seem difficult will be pulled off without a hitch today.

The Gemini Moon contributes to the positive vibe as well. You are curious about others and interested in a variety of connections and conversations throughout the day.

At 5:43 PM EDT, the Sun enters Cancer. This brings us to the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, and marks the first day of summer here in the Northern Hemisphere. The Sun will remain in Cancer until July 22nd.

You can expect yourself and those around you to be more sensitive and sentimental while the Sun is in Cancer. We are more interested in finding our tribe and connecting with others on a deep emotional level.

Remember that Cancer is ruled by the Moon which represents emotional needs and deep inner feelings. During this time it is important to learn to listen to your intuition.

It is good at this time of the year to make intentional and frequent contact with your mom or other matriarchs in your family.

***The Gemini Moon is void-of-course from 5:48 PM EDT until she enters Cancer early tomorrow morning. This suggests that what occurs during this time will not have much impact.


CANCER NEW MOON/ LUNAR ECLIPSE – SENSITIVITY AND LOVE – Sunday, June 21, 2020

Very shortly after entering sensitive comfort-seeking Cancer, the Moon reaches her New Moon phase at 2:42 AM EDT. The New Moon occurs when the Sun and Moon appear to hold the same space in the sky.

If you have never done a New Moon ritual before, do it this month. The Eclipse increases the strength and importance of this New Moon. We all need to stand together to bring more love and sensitivity to the world.

CANCER NEW MOON RITUAL

First, write down what you would like to develop in the next month and see grow over the next 6 months.

The Cancer New Moon suggests an appropriate time to plant a seed of protection, love, and affection. These qualities are so important as we seek ways to protect each other and our own tender hearts. We must step up and face our lives head-on as we support others.

Plant a seed that resonates with your heart and your current experience. Look to the house that holds Cancer for further understanding.

Have two candles available. Light the first to represent yourself, and where you find yourself right now. Light the second candle as inspiration for the change you want to build during this cycle.

Take a moment to focus as you light each candle. Imagine drawing fearlessness and fortitude to you as you physically bring the two candles closer together. Do this each day for two weeks.

On July 5, (the Capricorn Full Moon) bring the candles fully together. Acknowledge how much more protective and understanding of others you have become. Notice where your heart connections are growing.

The energy you infuse into this cycle will continue to grow over the next six months, up to the Cancer Full Moon on December 29, 2020

***The Gemini Moon is void-of-course until she enters Cancer at 2:01 AM EDT. This suggests that what occurs during this time will not have much impact.


* In these weekly reports, I explore the major aspects formed by transit between the planets. I do not consider every aspect that the Moon makes each day as they can be numerous and give rise to fleeting moods. I will consider the final major aspect formed by the Moon prior to its VOC* time, as that aspect holds its influence throughout the VOC*.

The aspects under consideration: conjunctions, sextiles, squares, trines, and oppositions.

The planets I work with: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.