Mercury retrograde in Virgo:
August 12 – September 5
We may get lost in details, rehash old arguments and work towards cleaning up neglected business. Unanswered correspondence resurfaces and we may be challenged with deadlines. There is the potential to recognize the crippling effects of self-criticism and ease off harsh perfectionism.
“It starts by forgetting about perfect. The writer Rebecca Solnit puts it well: “So many of us believe in perfection, which ruins everything else because the perfect is not only the enemy of the good; it’s also the enemy of the realistic, the possible, and the fun… The most evil trick about perfectionism, though, is that it disguises itself as a virtue.” Elizabeth Gilbert
August 26, Mercury reaches inferior conjunction with the Sun. Mercury is closest to the Earth and mid-way through through the retrograde cycle. Meticulous, critical thought process is favored. Time to get our affairs in order.
Mercury moves back into Leo on 8/31 and joins with Mars the following days (9/1 -9/3) almost exact (within minutes) to the degree of the Solar Eclipse. Read about the Eclipse here and here. This is a powerful trigger for imaginative, creative, decisive action. Vibrant insights. Speaking without thinking, rash words, confusion, arguments. Volatile. A lively time for doing, not relaxing. Be mindful of hasty decisions. Drive defensively. A boost of self-confidence. What thoughtful and quick action needs to be taken at this time? Speak out and set the wheels in motion. Notice what unfolds – these planets are activating the eclipse point and indicates this as a significant time for change.
What do you think? I am curious about your observation and experiences as they arise or after the fact. I invite your comments below!
“Many people think of perfectionism as striving to be your best, but it is not about self-improvement; it’s about earning approval and acceptance.” Brené Brown
A fabulous quote from Brené Brown speaks towards a pertinent realization to be gained from the Mercury retrograde bridge between Virgo and Leo. When do we think we need to be more perfect when really it’s about self-confidence? One the other side of the coin, consider the opposite. An example would be someone who embodies the Leo shadow archetype: grandiose, extravagant, proud and boastful who faces the tidy, practical and modest facts that that Virgo brings. Virgo is an earth sign and can bring the blustery fire down to earth.
The alchemy of transmuting fire into earth and the pitfalls of perfectionism.
Overall, I am musing about Mercury’s retro from Virgo, back into Leo and then direct within a degree of the solar eclipse of August 21. What confident and strong, generous and creative gifts are we retrieving during this cycle that we can bring forward into the fields of Virgo service into the world? How may we be fueled by the fire of Leo passion and apply the inspiration and strength gained into diligent work?
“Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach. Any small, calm thing that one soul can do to help another soul, to assist some portion of this world, will help immensely. It is not given to us to know which acts or by whom will cause the critical mass to tip toward an enduring good.” Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Would you like to have a greater understanding of your life so that you can move forward? I am your ally. Astrology and Tarot can help and are mediums through which my gifts as a life-long intuitive are revealed. Contact me.
Copyright © 2017 Jacqueline Lasahn All rights reserved
Image: “A baby’s touch” by Jeff M for Short is licensed under CC BY 2.0 and modified by Jacqueline Lasahn
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