posted November 16, 2010 11:23 PM         

Some stuff below that talks about the transiting planet's shadow phases..

http://www.evolvingdoor.ca/miscarticles/rxstation.htm

The Shadow – Definition By Contrast

"The area of the zodiac where the planet goes through this loopy retrograde cycle is called the Shadow. The actual sign and degrees are different for each retrograde cycle. That is, it's not like a planet goes retrograde in the same area of the zodiac every time; it's different for each retrograde cycle. The pre-retrograde Shadow and post-retrograde Shadow can be just as important and transformative as the actual retrograde period.

When I refer in this article to the "retrograde cycle," it means all three phases: the pre-retrograde Shadow, the retrograde period, and the post-retrograde Shadow. The descriptions below apply to any planet, although the phases will be experienced a bit differently for each planet according to the themes, patterns and areas of life ruled by that planet.

Pre-Retrograde Shadow: This is the planet's first pass through the Shadow. In this phase, the planet is going in its usual "direct motion" (forward). This period typically brings up the issues that are on the cosmic agenda in your life for the coming retrograde cycle.

Events and situations that take place during this time will often unfold throughout the rest of the retrograde cycle. This might take the form of the same circumstances, or different ones which hinge on the same kind of underlying dynamics and issues. This phase begins when the planet passes the point of the zodiac where it will later make the direct station, and lasts until the retrograde station.

Retrograde Period: This is the second pass through the Shadow, when the planet appears to be going backwards in the sky. During this phase you might find you are reconsidering some actions or decisions you made during the first pass.

It is a time when you may have to confront the situations in your life that are not working well (which often correspond to the themes of that planet or the sign it's in). You might experience frustration, anger, fear, guilt or discouragement about having to take a detour away from your original or preferred path—or you might welcome this as a way of exploring new ideas and potentials.

Either way, the retrograde period is usually best travelled with some care and flexibility, being alert to the unexpected loose rocks and sinkholes that can cause you to trip and fall if you try to go over them too quickly. The retrograde period is typically a good time to pursue learning, research, reflection and re-evaluation. This phase starts with the retrograde station and lasts until the direct station.

Post-Retrograde Shadow: This is the third and final pass, when the planet is going forwards again after the direct station. During this phase you apply what you've learned during the retrograde period. In your exploration of new approaches to your issues and goals, it helps to reflect on what worked well and what didn't.

What do you know now that you didn't know before? How has this knowledge changed your perception of how to proceed? How can you change your direction (or your attitude) to take this new information into account? Or do you even need to change direction at all? Maybe you can resume the same course but with new knowledge and perceptions.

If you've been struggling with "inner demons" (uncomfortable feelings, impulses, fears, etc.), this phase is a good time to try out new ways to deal with them and express them. You often have opportunities to try out a new strategy to deal with the situations that trigger those feelings in you.

Sometimes those opportunities can seem more like you're "back at square one" and you're getting nowhere. But that doesn't mean you're backsliding or that you've failed! It IS a chance to try responding differently this time, based on what you've learned during the retrograde cycle.

You might still fall into the same "hole in the sidewalk," but you will have taken another step toward finding a way to avoid it. And you might actually change the outcome, or perhaps change your position within the situation.

Gather your courage, ground yourself in realism and clarity, and give it a try!"

http://www.astrologycom.com/mercret.html

Mercury Shadow Phases

"Many astrologers consider that the "Mercury Shadow" begins between two and three weeks before the actual retro station; so the "shadow phase" begins this time on August 1, when Mercury passes the point of direct station for the first time in this cycle (see the date for the beginning of each Shadow period in the table). Weird things often start to happen then, but the really noticeable peculiarities begin when Mercury slows significantly, a few days before the retro station. As it happens, in 2010, the beginning of the August shadow phase coincides with the ancient First Fruits Festival of Lammas, or Lughnassadh, so share a freshly baked loaf and enjoy the taste of community spirit!

The period of "Mercury Shadow" extends to the Return date, something under three weeks after the direct station. Bear this in mind, because experience shows that the effects of the retro period are still marked during the shadow phase. Some of the most characteristic annoyances often occur just after Mercury makes the direct station, while he is crawling forward before picking up speed."