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Retrogrades
In Astronomical terms a retrograde is the seeming backward motion of a
planet in relation to the earth (and other planets if one happens to
reside elsewhere in our solar system) in its orbit around the Sun. The
Moon and Sun, however, never go retrograde.
Astrologically
speaking a planet in retrograde is thought to be weak and to have a
negative influence on a native’s birth chart. However, other astrologers
believe retrograde planets to be a positive influence. Some even believe
that a number of retrograde natal planets are an indication of latent
genius that manifests in later life.
Although all the planets (except the Sun and Moon) turn retrograde, there
are two which can cause some havoc if not acknowledged. Those planets are
Mercury and Venus.
 Mercury Retrograde
Each Mercury
Retrograde, however, is slightly different, depending on the zodiac sign
in which it manifests. A Mercury retrograde in Gemini, for instance, will
affect you differently than, say, a Mercury retrograde in Scorpio.
Additionally, each of us will be affected differently based on the aspects
made by the current Mercury retrograde transit to the planets in our
particular natal chart.
Mercury, the
planet of communication, goes into retrograde three times per year, for
approximately three weeks per cycle. During this period anything that
Mercury rules can be adversely affected. Mercury rules such things as:
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correspondence:
postal service, email, couriers
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communications
equipment: radios, telephones, computers
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education:
schools, anything to do with classes
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contracts,
agreements
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travel, and
related vehicles used for travel: planes, bicycles, motorcycles, trains
and cars
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the Internet
Generally, a
Mercury retrograde is not the best time to initiate anything in any of the
following areas:
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signing
contracts or making verbal agreements
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buying any kind
of communications equipment such as computers, telephones, radios,
pagers, etc
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sending any
type of important message, emails or letters
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making any kind
of important decision
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travel
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placing any
type of advertisement
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the undertaking
of business deals
-
beginning
school/classes
However, a
Mercury retrograde is perfect for:
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going over old
business
-
the reviewing
and revision of plans
-
in-depth
self-analytical observations
-
letting go of
old issues and relationships
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Mercury Retrograde Tables |
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Retrograde Motion |
Direct Motion |
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Jan 28 2008 12:31 23°Aq53' |
Feb 18 2008 18:58 08°Aq20' |
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May 26 2008 07:48 21°Ge32' |
Jun 19 2008 06:32 12°Ge59' |
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Sep 23 2008 23:17 22°Li49' |
Oct 15 2008 12:06 07°Li34' |
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Jan 11 2009 08:44 07°Aq45' |
Jan 31 2009 23:11 21°Cp46' |
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May 6 2009 21:01 01°Ge44' |
May 30 2009 17:22 22°Ta52' |
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Sep 6 2009 20:45 06°Li13' |
Sep 29 2009 05:14 21°Vi38' |
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Dec 26 2009 06:39 21°Cp47' |
Jan 15 2010 08:52 05°Cp34' |
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Apr 17 2010 20:07 12°Ta37' |
May 11 2010 14:27 02°Ta40' |
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Aug 20 2010 11:59 19°Vi04' |
Sep 12 2010 15:09 05°Vi22' |
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Dec 10 2010 04:05 05°Cp55' |
Dec 29 2010 23:21 19°Sg39' |
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Mar 30 2011 12:48 24°Ar21' |
Apr 23 2011 02:05 12°Ar54' |
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Aug 2 2011 19:51 01°Vi12' |
Aug 26 2011 14:04 18°Le42' |
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Nov 23 2011 23:20 20°Sg06' |
Dec 13 2011 17:43 03°Sg52' |
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2012 23:50 06°Ar48'
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Apr 4 2012 02:12 23°Pi52' |
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Jul 14 2012 18:17 12°Le32' |
Aug 7 2012 21:41 01°Le26' |
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Nov 6 2012 15:04 04°Sg18' |
Nov 26 2012 14:48 18°Sc11' |
 Venus Retrograde
As with a Mercury Retrograde, Venus
Retrogrades can be quite disruptive. Unlike Mercury Retrogrades, however,
Venus Retrogrades are less frequent, occurring once every 18 months and
lasting approximately six weeks. Because Venus rules money, values,
attractions, tastes and love, you can imagine what kinds of havoc this
retrograde can cause. Further, it can be even more devastating, depending
on the sign in which it appears.
Venus
Transit
Another aspect of a VR – and one that is very rare – is a Venus
Transit. When Venus Transits occur, they generally occur in pairs, eight
years apart. The last full Venus Transit occurred in December 1874 and
December 1882 in the sign of Sagittarius. The most recent first instance
of the Venus Transit began on June 8, 2004 through June 30, 2004. The next
half of the transit will begin June 6, 2012.
It is also said that Venus Transits
always precede great breakthroughs in human consciousness and have played
a significant role in the Mayan calendar. It is also believed that this
particular transit will be the beginning of the Golden Age
- see
http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Venus_Transit_Astrology/id/4326 .
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