The Shadow Periods
With another Mercury Retrograde fast approaching us, this week’s blog looks at how to work with the unique energy of this period, and also what the shadow periods are. You can read my previous blog post about Mercury Retrograde here.
Let’s start with a quick astrology lesson. Here is today's astrological chart. You will notice that around the outside it is broken into 12 equal pieces, each one representing a different zodiac sign. In the inside is a circle broken into 12 unequal pieces representing the 12 houses. You will see that there is a thick black line marked ASC between the 12th and 1st house. From my current location, at around 4pm on the 31st of July, this is what space looks like around me. Everything above the ASC line (houses 7 to 12) is above the horizon. Everything below the line is below the horizon and therefore not visible in the sky above me.
In between the inner and outer circles are the planets, each one represented by a glyph. Everything in the chart moves in a clockwise direction. Apart from the planets marked with a tiny R which are currently in retrograde and so are moving anticlockwise. Of course, retrograde planets don’t actually change direction, they are orbiting the Sun, just like we are. But because astrology places the Earth at the centre of the chart, and not the Sun, there are times when the planets appear to be moving backwards.
Each zodiac sign is broken down into 30 degrees. Mercury is currently at 3° Virgo. When Mercury reaches 8° Virgo, it will enter its pre-shadow period. When Mercury reaches 21° Virgo it will go retrograde and travel back to 8° Virgo. The post-shadow period will last until Mercury reaches 21° Virgo again.
Confused? It’s like swimming laps at the pool. You do the first lap (pre-shadow), then swim back the way you came (retrograde), and then swim the same section of the pool again (post-shadow). Essentially, the pre-shadow phase is the space that Mercury will travel back through during the retrograde period, and the post-shadow phase is Mercury’s third pass through that space.
So how do we work with the energy of Mercury Retrograde and these shadow phases? Between the 4th of August and the 23rd of August, Mercury will travel through the pre-shadow phase. During this time be mindful of any issues that come up for you as these are the things that will need to be revisited during the retrograde period.
From the 23rd of August until the 15th of September, Mercury will be retrograde and this is when we review and reflect on any issues experienced during the pre-shadow phase. Mercury is essentially giving you a second chance here to re-do anything you need to.
The post-shadow phase will last from the 15th September until the 30th. Think of this as an echo. This is the third time Mercury has passed here so tread carefully.
The last Mercury Retrograde at the end of April took place in Taurus, an Earth sign. This retrograde will be in Virgo, which is also an Earth sign. This means that there will be a similar feel to this retrograde as they both took place in Earth signs but with differences.
When Mercury is retrograde in an Earth sign it is practical matters that come to mind. It’s a good time for looking at your goals, your routines and how organised you are. Take a walk in nature, and work with crystals or flowers. Make sure you are paying attention to the details.
Virgo is a very organised and structured sign. That makes this retrograde a good time for any research you need to do and for decluttering, reorganising and having a general tidy-up. It’s also good for looking at your daily habits and routines, your health and the health of those you care for. Watch out for delays, equipment breakdowns, grumpy co-workers and over analysing things.
It can also be helpful if you know which house (or houses) Mercury will be retrograde in, as this will give you an idea of which area of your life is most likely to be affected. And also if the retrograding Mercury will be talking to any of your natal planets.
If this is something you are interested in, then I’m offering Mercury Retrograde Chart Readings for just £33. You can book yours using the button below.
I hope you have found this week's blog post interesting and helpful. The most important thing to remember about Mercury Retrograde is to slow down, take a deep breath and have a bit more patience.
