Mercury Retrograde Transit Meaning + Mercury in Signs and Houses in Birth Charts
Mercury retrograde… ๐
The dreaded backwards seeming movements of our little Mercury. ๐ It’s not a bad movement so no stress! ๐ก๐ก๐ก It’s just a bit annoying to be honest. ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ
Usually people will report lost phone calls, even lost keys or other items, traffic jams, in the worst case scenario car crashes and other trouble related to communication and transport like mail and travel. For some people old love interests and even friends or behavioural patterns may resurface.
This transit can be frustrating for those who have less patience and aren’t used to slowing down and internalising some of their process, but rather used to externalising and expressing things very outwardly. Let’s be real – most people are conditioned to constantly ACT on things, rather than BE in them. Most of us default to action and active ways of expression rather than taking our sweet time to reflect and review some processes from the past few months or so.
Times are changing , however. This post is for anyone who might struggle more or less, with Mercury going retrograde. It’s here to help you, just like the transit itself is, deep down.
Planets assist us – never forget that.
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โโโ There’s ways to work around this energy so listen up! I’ve got tips for you!โฌโฌโฌโฌโฌโฌโฌโฌโฌโฌโฌโฌโฌโฌโฌโฌโฌโ
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โชโชโช 1. The word RETROGRADE.
โช RETRO-GRADE โช
Going backwards is one the best things to do under a retrograde season.
With mercury, It’s writing, speaking, texting, sending. ๐ก๐ฃ๐ฅ๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฉ๐๐ฉ Anything related to technology and communicating, often commercialism and media too. Going back to some recent ideas can ignite some much needed freshness at this time. Reviewing processes can be very helpful as well.
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2. Mercury = mind -> MINDFULNESS.
โโBe mindful! โโ
Speak, write and receive with intention. Ask and provide clarification. Check the details before buying something. Slow down. ๐ญ๐ข๐ข๐ข๐๐๐
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3. Your placement – below these pointers I’ll share with you the houses and signs so you can blend the meanings… I have Mercury in Cancer ๐ฆ in my 11th house. My sun is in Gemini โ 11th house and Mercury is there too so my self expression is quite strong. Being in โ Cancer, it becomes poetic and emotionally charged โ๐งโก. I speak to release my emotions, get in touch with the world and making sense of the bigger picture on an emotional level. I seek to understand people in deeper ways than just on the surface, and the sign of Cancer may tend to wonder what’s brought people to their current situations and what has happened in the past. In my chart this contributes largely on how I view the bigger picture and how I express myself. ๐โ๐๐ฎ๐จ๐ฏ๐ซโจโจโจโ You want to look at what Mercury rules in your chart as well, and that is the house cusp of Virgo and Gemini. These houses feed your Mercury and will be most impacted by the retrograde phases of Mercury.
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MEANINGS OF MERCURY IN EACH ZODIAC SIGN AND HOUSE PLACEMENT
Mercury in Aries: Impulsive and fiery speech in the sign of Aries wants to have the first word in every conversation. The mind of this individual can be restless and inspiring. The energy is just ready to jump and start the things. It is very challenging to pin down or stop this energy, so don’t try, but rather let it roam free. Keep in mind though, this is the type of energy that needs to mature as it has everything ahead of itself. This energy is very courageous and bold, but it might be a bit intense and rash sometimes. This Mercury sign is learning how to think before they speak, as sometimes these quick words can hurt others. It’s very youthful and fun energy though.
Mercury in Taurus: Slow building of a new ground has started, and these individuals can be quite soft spoken, even quiet. The mind has become patient and diligent. This energy on the other hand, contrary to Aries, cannot be rushed. The words will come out when they’re supposed to. This energy is taking its time to express itself and find the logical solutions to its ways. Grounded and practical thinking provided with a sense centered approach – Taurus Mercury knows how to make things sound pleasant and comfortable. This energy may have a hard time moving on and going to the next phase, new things and new standards in its thoughts, as it gets comfortable very easily. The thoughts and conversations may feel stuck at times so they should be aware of the need for growth.
Mercury in Gemini: This is Mercury’s home. Quick and mentally stimulated Gemini energy is very agile in its movements, so Mercury finds a fast paced and versatile home in here. This is a very adaptable mind and speech – it can be anything it wants and easily find its honest approach, but sometimes the ability to see multiple perspectives and the desire to understand everyone can make them seem fake. Understand though, that this Mercury is seeking to vocalise and verbalise what’s so deeply natural to itself. The struggle for this Mercury sign is to focus and find its own lane. Sticking to one’s word is another challenge, as this sign moves quickly and might just forget what was said 2 weeks ago so a notepad will become handy for them.
Mercury in Cancer: Compassionate, empathetic and poetic, loving expression of thoughts comes through this Mercury sign. Cancer Mercury can be very nurturing in its communication and caring about other people’s feelings. Speech is very soft and the words spread love everywhere. These individuals can have an amazing memory – especially when it comes to remembering how people have made them feel. Lots of things these people think will only be shared to their closest circle. This sign may have troubles letting things go and moving on from the past as well as getting overly emotionally attached to things where it’s not even suggested. They may take things very personally and cause emotional drama if this isn’t addressed maturely.
Mercury in Leo: It’s loud and passionate because it knows what it wants. The energy of Mercury in Leo is luxurious, flamboyant and big. It shines and demands attention. They can also have a brilliant sense of humour and linguistics of a drama class. These people can have a positive mindset most of the time and they will speak their minds through it. Their mental patterns want to see the positives in everything and enlighten people to recognise them. Sometimes this energy can make things feel bigger than they are though, and you guessed it – stir up some drama around. Another issue for this Mercury sign can be self-centered talk or being too loud and not letting others talk.
Mercury in Virgo: This is Mercury’s second home, although more practical and analytical Virgo. Mercury grounds and roots here beautifully, organising everything in its sight and cleaning up the mess of the brain waves. Mental analysis is big for this Mercurial placement. This can also be a very health conscious energy – health conscious in all of its’ forms, but due to Mercury’s mental nature the biggest emphasis goes to mental health and with the earthiness of Virgo, physical health and how these two overlap. Virgo Mercury might be over-analytical and micro-managing at times, so stress management is important for this Mercury Sign to master.
Mercury in Libra: The speech of Libra Mercury is very beautiful, it can be similarly poetic to Cancer but not as emotionally charged. Here the words are just pretty, and the thoughts very balanced, just and fair. Objective thinking is very significant to this energy, because how can we be balanced if we don’t see all sides equally? Similar to Cancer, this energy considers others and how everyone will be affected due to its relational nature. Libra Mercury connects people through mental connections, beautiful talk and balanced bonding. Mercury in Libra might have a challenge with fighting for their own rights or their own desires as they’re highly partnership oriented.
Mercury in Scorpio: A dip to deeper waters is due with Scorpio Mercury. Mysterious depths unravel when we descend to Scorpio’s energy, and the mind just won’t stop digging and feeling. This deep dive can feel endless and at times quite dark. The Scorpio energy has no fear in regards to this. Some intense thoughts and words can be typical to this energy with a flair of a serious outlook to the world. Therefore there may be more quietness and lurking rather than speaking. Scorpio wants to only talk when it means something and when it has weight to the conversation. Otherwise, the mind of a Scorpio will just observe in solitude. There can be some darker thoughts and pressing secrets to this Mercury sign.
Mercury in Sagittarius: Broad talk is the theme of Mercury in Sagittarius. Speaking of big things, philosophical and versatile. These people might be interested in talking in many languages – not just 2 or 3, but MANY. From depths we rise to the vast talk, still highly spiritual, but more intellectual and motivation driven – inSPIRED talk. The mind of Mercury in Sagittarius can be rather restless, quick and similarly to other fire signs, hard to pin down as it bursts in big flames. Sagittarian flames spread very far and wide though – they will be seen, as the bold and jovial energy fires through the mouths of Sagittarian Mercurials. These Mercurials may struggle with focusing on things and finishing their train of thought, because they are quick to move onto other things their mind sets on.
Mercury in Capricorn: Then we settle down in a bit more serious mentalities, grounded and organised, practical and ambitious. Capricorn Mercury is wisened through all of the hard work and lessons it has grown through. It has mastered the heights and sits on top of a mountain speaking in its glory. These achievements are expressed through a “matter of fact” way while not letting any harsh realities dull down the desires for more. This can be workaholic energy that can affect the mind and mental health of the person, but the work that these people do often feeds their mental stimulation and sparks most of their conversations. Sometimes these people can become pessimistic or too serious, so they benefit from their goal setting probably more than other signs.
Mercury in Aquarius: Another curious air Mercury, with a broader lense for perception. Mercury in Aquarius can be idealistic and open minded, with the whole of society and the world in mind. They think very deeply and rather endlessly, similar to Scorpio Mercury, but this is more intellectual and social. Many social issues and philosophies can linger in the mind of the Mercury in Aquarius. They may speak in very intriguing, unique ways – their perspective is definitely one of a kind and true to them. These people will happily connect with people who have different perspectives and mentalities, opinions and thoughts, because Aquarius truly wants to see the world and beyond. Often these thoughts about the wide world may weigh on their minds, however, so at times they need to just work with their friend circles in smaller ways to remain in their unique flow while not burdening.
Mercury in Pisces: Artistic Pisces Mercury dives into infinity and beyond. The energy here is cosmic and spiritually connected to undercurrents of our lives, intuitively aware of every emotion that lies in each moment. So poetic and vast, these people speak in spiritually aware ways in order to navigate these energetic currents and pathways in front of us. They can sound very mystical, and their minds can wander in the mysteries of the Universe at ease. Their thoughts are often informed and connected, even directed by their emotions and dreams. Their dreamworld can be influential to the things they speak of and think of. There’s a direct connection between their minds and the Source – or at least this connection is very easy to tap into. Sometimes this Mercury sign can wander off so much, that they lose their touch with their current reality. Emotions can also become over consuming to their minds. They may reveal too much in their conversations at times.
Mercury in 1st House: In this house, the communication and thought processes become an important part of how the person expresses themselves. They may present as flexible or slim built, jumping around and moving around fairly quickly. Almost like a squirrel. The challenge for this Mercury placement is to know when to stop for a break and let other people’s words in, openly listen to opinions on how they run their lives, especially when it deeply affects others.
Mercury in 2nd House: Communication and thought processes are an important part in how this person makes their money. This person might be a multitalent or a person with many professional skills, very capable of handling multiple tasks in the same job or having multiple simultaneous jobs or income streams. Agility in making money is important. Money may come in and go away quickly. Other issues could be the ability to use these skills in a cohesive way and making sure that their thoughts align into wealth creation.
Mercury in 3rd House: Communication in its element! These people can be involved with local news and have multiple siblings. They may make many promises and somehow balance all of it and keep it together. Their talk can be very versatile and fluctuating. On the challenging side, the mind may be scattered and buzzing so quickly that it’s hard to calm down. They can be brilliant marketers so it’s important to make sure that all of those promises are kept.
Mercury in 4th House: The Mercurial themes of communication and thought processes come up in the matters of home, family and inner world, private matters. The home can be a place to calm one’s mind and to figure those things out or on the contrary, a very busy and lively place. The inner world is rather lively. It could be that they may change their ideas on what family is, even move often, change homes. It’s important for this Mercury placement to speak the heart out and express their deepest feelings and thoughts, that may move around a lot on a day to day basis, which can also be a challenge.
Mercury in 5th House: Creative communication with a flair of passion, drama and romance is in the air with this Mercury placement. Romantic interests can be either quick to come and go or just Mercurial in their personalities. The creative passions of this person can be quite linguistic; writing and spoken word come as strong examples. The challenge is to appreciate the burst of colour in this placement while remembering to make use of positive drama (i.e. theatrical expression) and clear communication with romantic partners.
Mercury in 6th House: Mind tends to wander in mundane, daily things with this placement. Mercury can get things busy, flexible and even a bit scattered in this placement when it comes to daily routine, service and work force. In some cases the person may have trouble with attention span or problems with their hands, or the opposite may be true. Other problems that may arise are constantly changing services and work places and environments. This person may be the spokesperson of the work force, crafty and even benefit from stretching. The person with Mercury in the 6th house may be the organiser in their work team or provide a sort of assortment service.
Mercury in 7th House: Flexibility in partnerships become central with Mercury in the 7th house. Ease of communication in one-on-one connections is crucial for this placement. This person can be very thoughtful over these close people in their life, especially with Mercury in Water and Earth signs. They will most likely look for a companion to chit chat with, a person who’s quick and lively and sparks their mind into all kinds of ideas and inspiration. This person can easily adapt from one stage to the next whether this is a friendship, romantic partnership or a legal contract. The person with Mercury in the 7th house may struggle with having these partnerships and contracts last – they may fluctuate and move so quickly that they might slip away. They may also have a hard time being silent with their companions or at times of lack of communication.
Mercury in 8th House: This talk is deep and penetrating, mysterious and psychologically analytical. Mercury in the 8th house brings about a deep thinker and communicator, someone who won’t stay on the surface, but their thoughts can also be morbid and dark – this person may even have lots of mental pressure on their shoulders. This person’s psychology may feel overloaded or lacking stability – therefore mental health may be a concern to take care of. On the positive side, this person will tell it like it is, especially when it comes to the harder things and harder truths. They will adjust in times of crisis at ease. The person with Mercury in the 8th house may have a dark and dirty sense of humour and gladly talk about taboo topics.
Mercury in 9th House: Broad talk and philosophical contemplation brings about this placement. There may even be many quick trips abroad and thoughts about escaping somewhere far away. Lots of daydreaming; the wandering mind. Communication is versatile and skills in language are rich culturally and theoretically. The challenge for Mercury in the 9th house can be going deep versus going wide and so it detail oriented thinking. They could easily miss detailed as their thoughts follow broader brush strokes and reach. It can also be harder for them to appreciate the small things since the thoughts tend to be in the bigger subjects and big life questions. Similarly, they can easily get bored of their location and neighbourhood.
Mercury in 10th House: Main goals and ambitions of this person could be agility and expression of thought, expression of mind via talks, public speaking and writing. It may be hard for this person to make up their mind with the path they wish to be on, especially with a retrograde Mercury. The person with Mercury in the 10th house has to be able to use their intellect in their chosen path – career or just life. Usually these people will choose active and definitely not boring career paths. It may change a lot or keep its freshness consistently. In fact, consistency is the least describing word for this person’s path and goals.
Mercury in 11th House: This person may be in many groups, but not belong to many, as they will enjoy the flexibility to come and go as they please. These people will often be spokes people for groups, especially with strongly emphasised Mercury placements (i.e. the chart ruler, dominant planet etc). This person is more likely to have many friend groups rather than a small circle especially with empty 7th house. Their wishes for the future and their life may fluctuate between various interests. The problem may come when their mind is too much wrapped up in these ideals and group involvements, causing them to live in the future rather than in the now, or live in what could be better, always yearning for more.
Mercury in 12th House: This mind is deeply hidden behind closed doors, in between dimensions. This person may have a wild imagination and wilder dreamscapes at night. They could also hold lots of words unspoken and thoughts repressed. The mind may be a mystery and demeanour quiet, especially with someone ruled by this Mercury. The mind may be floating around in the subliminal, often afraid to speak up, not knowing what to say. On the positive side, Mercury in the 12th gives strong clairsenses, or clairs, as you could guess. They may be easily in tune with telepathy, super-accurate intuitive hits and just having the answers. Their claircognizance is spectacular.
I hope you enjoyed this article. I know it’s lengthy, but it’s worth the minute. Let me know what you think in the comments!
-Alvia (he/him)
INSPIRING ALIEN 