Lynn Koiner - Astrological Research

May 26-June 19 (24 days – a longie); September 24-October 15 (21 days); January 11-February 1 (21 days) 2009

The traditional statement about Mercury retrograde is that it favors anything that begins with the prefix “re-”— re-negotiate, re-vamp, re-new, re-vise, return, re-issue, re-visit, re-finance because the word retrograde itself means “to go back and retrace one’s steps.”

Many people call me about how to handle the decision-making process while Mercury is retrograde. Always, decisions should only be made on contingency! With the element of flexibility added to any change or decision, there seems to be some guarantee of success. This period also favors finishing up work or returning to complete a project. This motion can provide new insights into the material. It favors re-considering prior decisions and getting others to change their minds about a previously-made decision. Precision is always disrupted by a retrograde Mercury. Going with the flow, keeping options open, using contingency methods and intuitively processing as you go along seem to give the flexibility needed to avoid Retrograde Mishaps.

Most of the time, Mercury retrograde is about as welcome as a tax audit! The left hemisphere of the brain is out to lunch, nothing works when you want it to, and nothing turns out as planned. Generally speaking, this is not a time to make any major commitments or sign any contracts or papers because you will change your mind. It is not a time to place any importance in the decisions or commitments of others since they, too, will change their minds. Sign agreements only on contingency! All changes are subject to delays, last-minute postponements or mix-ups.

This is a bad time to obtain a medical diagnosis or visit a doctor for the first time. You may not be able to obtain an accurate diagnosis until Mercury turns direct. It is better for a later diagnosis. In 2004, I was quite ill and no diagnosis during Mercury retrograde was accurate.

General repairs are not favored when Mercury is retrograde and these frequently have to be done over again. Never purchase anything associated with transportation or communication – such as a car, a bicycle, tape recorder, TV or even shoes. Such purchases will not last long or they will be plagued with malfunctions – if they work at all!

When Mercury is retrograde and afflicting another transiting planet, this causes major communication and decision-making errors in judgment. It is not a time to travel and, when driving yourself, exercise great caution. People are more inclined to be accident prone. . Difficult times occur: October 30, November 1 and 8 as Mercury hits the transiting T-square Pattern (Saturn opposing Neptune with Jupiter in Scorpio forming a 90 degree angle to both).

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT MERCURY RETROGRADE:

Did you ever notice that some Mercury retrogrades are more horrifying than others? Did you notice that this June-July retrograde was truly the Retrograde-from-hell? I learned why some are worse than others from Robert Blaschke— it is due to the length of time that Mercury is Retrograde. Mercury can be moving so slow that it will be retrograde for 25 days! This is called a LONGIE. I am including the length or duration of the Retrograde motions. In May-June 2008, Mercury is Retrograde for 24 days and I will call this a Longie.