posted December 15, 2004 02:16 AM            

Mercury Rx
(Bil Tierney)

Natal Mercury retrograde can indicate a mind that is innately introspective and prone towards various levels of contemplation. The individual appears less driven to outwardly communicaate in a direct, to-the-point manner (especially when it strictly concerns himself). These individuals may start off in life appearing reserved in speech, apparently slower or more deliberate in response, and even a bit dull or non-expressive by common social standards. On the other hand, I have known people with natal retrograde Mercury who were quite fluent and quick in speech when discussing impersonal subject matter or universal, abstract concepts. However, the more personalized their thoughts became, the more they tended to become almost tongue-tied and hesitant, seldom elaborating or volunteering detailed information. Perhaps here, what is initially experienced upon mental levels is not always easily related back at the next moment upon outward levels (and this seems very much the case when Mercury is in stress aspect with either Saturn, Neptune, or Pluto - all ponderous planets). Thus, it can be safely assumed that this person perceives and inwardly evaluates or reflects upon more, at all times, than he is outwardly willing or able to tell (at least until a later date, after some mulling over matters). He is not likely to reveal his thoughts about many personal issues unless directly asked. And even then, his natural mental reserve inclines him to give minimal response. Yet for some, such response can be concise and succinct.

Because retrograde planets normally do not put as much emphasis on external development, they sometimes seem handicapped when forced to deal with strictly mundane circumstances... especially on the social-interaction level. In this instance, one with Mercury natally retrograde is prone to think and analyze problems differently that would one with Mercury direct. Here, this person's solutions to both major and minor predicaments are more individualistic, since logic and reasoning abilities are often more readily directed towards the observation of subtleties and less obvious factors that others normally would overlook or ignore. Such an internal focus of the mind-force makes this an occult mental position, in which the deeper workings of the thought process are given more stimulation. The rational mind establishes a closer connection with the unconscious and all its powerful contents. Yet from a strictly practical viewpoint, this condition may also be a sign of mental obscurity in which the private thoughts of the individual are unable to clearly structure themselves or be well understood by others.

There is usually less ability of the Ego (shown by the Sun) to direct and control the expression of the mind (since Mercury retrograde is symbolically turning away from the direction toward which the conscious mind is advancing). Thus, this person may be less confident in activating his mental energy toward his main objectives or central goals (as the unconscious here holds greater power over the concrete, rational mind). This individual tends to absorb information without being as consciously aware of doing so. He absorbs more data from the environment than is apparent. Yet on the surface, he may appear to learn things at a slower pace than others. This could be because attempts at knowledge-gathering stir deeper levels of inner awareness, and thus data has to be analyzed, re-analyzed, and thoroughly reflected upon before this individual is able to effectively apply such knowledge in the external world.

Mercury retrograde is often found in the charts of highly self-critical individuals, as the selective and discriminating facets of Mercury easily turn inward. Subjective self-examination is accented. It seems harder for these people to make quick, on-the-spot decisions or think in terms of absolutes (since the retrograde condition keeeps them in internal flux, constantly preoccupied with modifying plans, revising former thoughts, or continuously adapting to outer changes that are often unforeseen). Normally, this individual has to work harder at paying attantion to immediate details in the environment. Especially in regard to written material. There is a strange absent-mindedness observed here, mingled with incredible recall of subtle matters most other people neglect or fail to spot. Although the mind may seem harder to stabilize on the worldly level (since it is less apt to pay full attention), it can become more aligned with the dictates of the Higher Self (especially when Mercury is well-aspected). The abstract components of the conscious mind are more readily stimulated in this respect. What this mind fails to receive in terms of direct communication, it makes up for in terms if indirect, subtle, non-verbal response. The depth of understanding potentially found here should not be underestimated because of this individual's tendency to appear awkward and uncertain about demonstrating his mental abilities upon the surface.

Mercury in the 12th house

posted December 15, 2004 03:35 PM              

Sun Aquarius 27°07'01 12 direct
Moon Aquarius 11°46'15 12 direct
Mercury Aquarius 15°47'43 12 retrograde
Venus Aries 08°18'57 01 direct
Mars Sagittarius 26°04'00 10 direct
Jupiter Aries 25°55'26 02 direct
Saturn Capricorn 00°12'53 10 direct
Uranus Capricorn 00°03'47 10 direct
Neptune Capricorn 09°23'14 10 direct
Pluto Scorpio 12°35'01 08 stationary (R)
True Node Pisces 23°14'42 01 retrograde