In 2009, Mercury turns retrograde four times instead of its normal three. This year’s first three retrograde periods all begin in air signs and then turn back direct into earth signs, the last period however, stays within the earth sign of Capricorn building for us an earthen bridge into 2010.

Mercury turns retrograde January 11th, 2009 at 8 Aquarius – 12:39 pm EST
Mercury turns direct February 1st, 2009 at 21 Capricorn – 3:04 am EST

Mercury turns retrograde May 7th, 2009 at 2 Gemini- 12:55 am EST
Mercury turns direct May 30th, 2009 at 22 Taurus – 9:18 pm EST

Mercury turns retrograde September 7th, 2009 at 6 Libra – 12:39 am EST
Mercury turns direct September 29th, 2009 at 21 Virgo – 9:03 am

Mercury turns retrograde December 26th, 2009 at 21 Capricorn – 10:32 am EST
Mercury turns direct January 15th, 2010 at 5 Capricorn – 12:48 pm EST

When a planet appears to be moving backward through the zodiac, that planet is described as retrograde. Three to four times a year, Mercury appears to slow down, then stop, and then move slowly backwards for several weeks.  Mercury then appears to stop again and reverse its direction moving forward once again. Eventually Mercury appears to return to its normal orbital speed which is every 88 days. Mercury orbits around the Sun approximately 4 times for every Earth year.

Mercury travels faster than the Earth, and it periodically catches up and passes us by. When Mercury “goes retrograde” it only appears to slow down, stop and move backwards, it does not actually do so. This phenomenon that we call “Mercury Retrograde” occurs near Mercury’s inferior conjunction to the Sun which is when Mercury passes closest to the Earth, between the Earth and the Sun.

What Does Mercury Retrograde Mean?

As a rule, retrograde planets foretell a period of seemingly inevitable or fated events, which relate to their sphere of Astrological influence. Mercury, mythologically speaking, is the messenger of the Gods. Astrologically, Mercury as a planet is said to “rule” over activities relating to thinking and perception, processing and disseminating information and all means of communication, commerce, education and transportation.

Traditionally, periods of Mercury Retrograde are not ideal for engaging in the activities ruled by the Divine Messenger such as making important decisions, starting school or going on vacation. Other activities Astrologers commonly recommend to avoid are signing contracts, starting a new enterprise, initiating business deals and sending important correspondence or any type of message.

On the bright side, the retrograde period of Mercury is generally good for cleaning out the metaphorical closet, deeply considering ideas, reviewing and revising plans and catching up on old business. Also, firm decisions that have been previously made during a Mercury direct period, otherwise known as traveling normally through the zodiac, may be implemented and/or finalized during a Mercury retrograde period.

An Illuminated View.

The key issue here is one of focus. During the chaos of our daily lives often our hopes, dreams, desires and goals have a tendency of getting lost. For many, the period of time that Mercury remains retrograde is full of unforeseen changes and blockages. As Mercury sets out to restructure our thinking process, he reveals to us the flaws we have created both internally and externally. For some this can be a time full of aggravation and frustration.

Mercury retrograde gives us time to catch up with ourselves, to look back and is often looked at as a time for contemplation. This is the time to review old journals, to look over creative works, to contemplate spirit’s calling and of solidifying a sense of your personal story. Put into place the tools, structure and practices necessary for you to stay focused and to roll with the punches within your daily lives.

The best way to understand how Mercury Retrograde periods impact you is to track your own experience. However, like everything else in life, there are no steadfast rules and every individual’s experience of Mercury Retrograde will be different. Ultimately, nothing in life is inevitable, don’t give in to fate and never let the planets rule your life!