Mercury Retrograde October 2014

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The third and final Mercury retrograde of 2014 begins on October 4 and lasts until the 25th. Mercury retrograde will occur in Libra and Virgo in Vedic astrology, or Jyotish. While many people dread the period when Mercury is retrograde, Vedic astrology offers a somewhat varying perspective than Western astrology. In Vedic astrology, Mercury retrograde makes the planet even stronger.  This time, Mercury retrograde October 2014 has some unusual aspects to it.

With Mercury retrograde October 2014, it will be impacted by the October 23 partial solar eclipse in North America.  At that time, Mercury will be very close to North node Rahu. While this makes for innovative communication, people may also be confused by what is said or written. Our ability to reason properly may be hindered by the eclipse.

Mercury will be doubly strong when it goes retrograde into Virgo.  This is its sign of exaltation. When a planet is retrograde, people feel its presence more powerfully than usual.  With retrogression comes the notion of repetition, renewal, and revisiting of situations.

What is most problematic is when a planet goes from being direct (forward motion) to retrograde or from being retrograde to being direct.  For any planet to change direction, it first has to slow down, then stop moving, and slowly regain momentum. Liken this to wanting to make a U-turn but being stuck with traffic from both sides, so you can’t move for a long time.

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Presently, Mercury is at a virtual standstill. Mercury retrograde begins at 10 AM Pacific time on October 4, 2014. This is problematic for Mercury more so than other planets. As the second fastest moving planet after the Moon, Mercury is quick, impulsive, and changeable.  Mercury is back to its normal speed (while retrograde) on the 12th.

Mercury indicates communication, both oral and written.  It is also connoted with technology. Libra is associated with partnerships – both personal and professional.  With Mercury just inching along, there is the potential for communication to be stalled or for disruptions in communication. It may take multiple conversations or emails to convey a particular point.  There can also be misunderstandings with a significant other. Mercury retrograde in Libra can create ambivalence regarding commitments and relationships. Since Mercury will be with an exalted Saturn in Libra, it is important not to get into arguments with your partners.

As the indicator for commerce, Mercury is powerfully able to use its versatility and intellect to create opportunities for itself. Yet, with Mercury retrograde in Libra, there can be the refining and rewording of contracts with business partners.  There is emphasis on the thinking mind in communication, but the thoughts may be repetitive.

On October 16, 2014 at 1 AM Pacific,  Mercury reenters its exaltation sign of Virgo. joining a debilitated Venus and Rahu. The intellect may be over-analyzing what it desires, without making any concrete progress.

Mercury’s proximity to the Sun creates a phenomenon known as combustion, when a planet may feel stifled in expressing its true nature. Combust begins on October 12.  The worst combustion will be on October 16, when Mercury is back in Virgo.  So this makes a mixed bag for Mercury. It is strong by being retrograde and exalted, but the ability to express itself is diminished by its proximity to the Sun.  Then on the 17th, Mercury and Venus engage in a planetary war.  Intellect battles with desire. This damages both planets.  Mercury is no longer combust on the October 21st.

Mercury retrograde October 2014 can still delver powerful results when Mercury is in Virgo. It can provide the opportunity to analyze one’s health regimens and create new routines for oneself. If you are mapping out a plan for yourself, this is a good time to put it in writing.

In Ayurveda, Mercury is our majja dhatu or our nervous system. Mercury’s retrogression can make us even more sensitized, so that people or situations can “get on our nerves” more than usual.  When Mercury is combust we can literally “feel fried”.  Be careful not to overtax yourself during these days.  Mercury likes to move swiftly; when it slows down, we get frustrated and our nervous system is more taxed.  Ayurveda offers herbal tablets, Ayurvedic tinctures, and herbal powders to help deal with stress and anxiety.

There is a partial solar eclipse on October 23 in North America. Mercury will be very close to North node Rahu during the eclipse. This can make for aberrant communications and unusual intellectual pursuits.

Mercury goes direct on October 25, 2014 at 12:15 PM Pacific.  It returns to its regular movement on November 1, 2014.

The specific influence of Mercury retrograde October 2014 will depend on the placement of planets in your personal chart.  Planetary cycles also have to be factored in to determine how you can utilize this time to your advantage, and what cautions may be warranted, especially with the eclipse. A personalized Vedic astrology reading will take all these details into consideration.