Lately, I've been hearing a lot about people feeling like we are in Mercury retrograde. From miscommunication to internet disruption, meetings get delayed or canceled, emails disappear, and just an overall feeling of people "going through it". But Mercury is not in retrograde. However its in invisible “combustion” phase. This got me curious: can the invisible planet Mercury actually make us feel like we are in retrograde?
Okay, so the Mercury conjunction to the Sun occurs twice in one Solar-Mercury cycle. One is the Superior Conjunction, where Mercury is in direct motion and then conjunct with the Sun. The other is the Inferior Conjunction, where Mercury is in retrograde motion and then conjunct with the Sun. These conjunctions alternate. In both cases, Mercury will be in an invisible phase within 15º on either side of the Sun.
We often talk about the period of Mercury retrograde, where there may be challenges in communication, technology disruptions, delays, misunderstandings, and a general sense of things not going smoothly. But what if these things were actually related to Mercury being invisible, and not restricted to retrograde motion? In this sense, these invisible phases can feel the same from our perspective. Perhaps things could unfold differently though.
As I learned from the book "Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice" by Demetra George, Mercury moves very slowly when its in retrograde motion. Then, when Mercury makes a conjunction with the Sun, it transitions from being an evening star to a morning star. This transition can symbolize a process of death and rebirth. Additionally, with Mercury going retrograde, there may be a theme of "recovering", "reconsidering", and "removing" things or people. It could involve someone or something returning from the past. You may be asked to close one chapter in order to begin anew.
When in superior conjunction, Mercury is in direct motion and moves very fast. I’m picturing that Mercury driving his car at full speed, when suddenly he is surrounded by fog and can't see ahead. This unexpected turn of events may present in our lives as sudden obstacles, interruptions, and complications. However, rather than forcefully pushing through these struggles, it is advised to embrace a momentary pause, as it ultimately paves the way for continued growth. Instead of rushing forward, it is wise to patiently await the favorable turn of luck.
In order to observe and analyze the potential effects of Mercury combustion, I have taken the initiative to create a diagram for the Mercury transit. I kindly request everyone to actively participate in this experiment by noting down their personal experiences and emotions during this period. By doing so, we can collectively discern any discernible impacts that may arise from the phenomenon of Mercury combustion.
With the Morning Set at 15º from the Sun, Mercury becomes invisible in the sky. This phenomenon, described by ancient astrologers as "Fallen into a burning fire," occurs as Mercury gets closer to the Sun. It enters a state of extreme combustion, similar to a person engulfed in a burning fire. This intense phase begins on October 16 when Mercury reaches 3º, and lasts until October 25 within the range of 3º behind the Sun. During this period, we may face challenges in pursuing our goals, as Mercury struggles to rise while facing the scorching heat of the Sun.
However, within 1º on either side of the Sun, there is a fleeting moment known as the Cazimi. During this time, Mercury finds respite from the Sun's heat, offering a brief period of relief during the intense combustion phase. This conjunction signifies a crucial shift from the Morning Star to the Evening Star. This period is described by ancient astrologers as if Mercury is sitting on the Sun's throne. We may experience sudden insights during moments of clarity.
On October 22, as Mercury enters Scorpio, the Combustion Phase reaches its peak fever. This phase continues until October 25 when Mercury is 3º behind the Sun. During this time, Mercury seems to be lying in wait as the fever rages at its highest intensity, presenting intense struggles and challenges. However, a pivotal turning point occurs on November 4 when Mercury reaches 9º. This marks the Phase Transition, symbolizing the breaking of the fever and the beginning of recovery.
Entering the Evening Star Phase on November 9th with Mercury at 12º, we witness the reemergence of Mercury from its hidden state. Like emerging from the ashes of combustion, Mercury has now freed itself from its feverish state. The fever has subsided, and clarity begins to dawn. Finally, on November 15th, when Mercury reaches a separation of 15º from the Sun, it will become visible in our evening sky.
With great excitement, I invite you all to participate in this exploration of Mercury's phases and their potential impact on our lives. Let us embark on this journey together, observing and reflecting upon the effects of Mercury combustion with curiosity and open minds!
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