Graveyard Dirt: Two Worlds and In-between

Mercury normally turns retrograde three times a year, but this year he turns tail four times, which is unusual.

Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius
When Mercury is retrograde, everyone's thinking is more introspective and we tend to think about issues and concerns which relate to the sign involved. With Mercury retrograde in Aquarius, people with this sign prominent in their charts will be especially prone to such introspection. There is little choice but to reconsider our personal views and opinions about life. We receive, however, an opportunity to gain insight into our own ego.

Mercury retro in Aquarius generates an undue focus on originality and independence, love of intellectual freedom and the inclination to repudiate social conventions. Idealistic concepts however, will be under pressure during this Fixed Sign phase, as people will be inclined to be very stubborn and opinionated, while at the same time attempting to pressure others into sharing their attitudes. Unusual or unorthodox ideas will have difficulty melding with traditional positions, as people with new ideas will be unlikely to consider the feelings and opinions of the so-called "old wave", who will vigorously resist proposed changes. The Full Moon in Cancer occurs on January 11th, just hours before Mercury turns retrograde. This is a very emotional Full Moon, with much potential for conflict (head versus heart; family versus career etc) and breaks in communication (Mercury being stationary prior to turning). This position can indicate nerve-related ailments and muscle cramping.

Mercury remains in Aquarius until January 21st, when he rolls back to Capricorn, creating havoc with political and administrative concerns, government, career and public positions, along with the desire to rise in life! He returns to Aquarius on February 14th, but read on for more on Mercury's stay in Capricorn.

Since Ceres represents nurturing ability, unconditional love, and family attachments, this is a time when your nurturing will need to be turned inward. Find your ability to unconditionally love yourself if you want to be able to love others better. Instead of being a fountain of sympathy and understanding for everyone else, focus on fulfilling your own needs. This is the best way to encourage others to do the same and you'll still be helping them by decreasing their dependent tendencies.

When the Great Mother Ceres turns retrograde on us, the entire notion of mothering and nurturance is up for grabs in our lives. This goes far beyond "just children", since Ceres describes the ways we give to and receive loving support from others. You're being forced to reconsider what you really care about. Some of our "babies" must be allowed to grow up and fly the coop if our attachments are holding them back. It's also important to recognize whether you are rejecting or filtering out the love others are extending to you during these cycles. Sometimes, the most cruel person in your life is yourself. It's time to reconnect with the web of life and loving.