Susanlevitt.com: Tarot, Astrology East West, and Feng Shui consultations.

MERCURY RETROGRADE on MEMORIAL DAY

The planet Mercury goes retrograde on Monday May 26, Memorial Day, and stays retrograde for three weeks until June 19. Mercury retrograde is a time to rethink, research, redo, renovate, regroup, and revise. Tie up loose ends to pave the way for when Mercury is no longer in retrograde. Mercury retrograde is not considered an auspicious time for travel, starting new endeavors, purchasing electronics, making big plans, initiating partnerships, or signing contracts.

This Mercury is retrograde in the air sign Gemini. This can be very good because Mercury rules the sign of Gemini, meaning that Gemini's versatility, adaptability, mental quickness, and natural talent with the spoken and written word are more easily expressed during these three weeks. Just don't become too scattered or over extend beyond your grasp. See the point and go right to it. The Mercury retrograde influence will be complete by the new Moon in Cancer on July 2.

This retrograde cycle can be fortunate for the air signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius and those born in Horse, Dog, and Tiger years to finally resolve difficulties and have breakthroughs, but only if they stay focused, embrace details, and follow through. No one else will do it for you.

Tuesday June 3 is the new Moon in the mercurial, quick, and inquisitive air sign of Gemini. Gemini's strengths are the ability to communicate and multi-task. But due to the current Mercury retrograde that began on May 26 and ends on June 19, it's easy to become overwhelmed and scattered. Strive to stay organized and attend to details. Now is not the time to venture out with grand plans or wild schemes.

This new Moon begins Horse month in Rat year. Horse and Rat are opposites because Horse's actions are strong and swift whereas Rat likes to break everything down into small digestible bits. Be like the Rat and focus on the small. Focus is most important for the air signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius and those born in Horse, Dog, and Tiger years.

Wednesday June 18 is the full Moon in the freedom-loving and creative fire sign of Sagittarius. Sagittarius's strengths are the ability to see the point and go right to it. But due to the Mercury retrograde, mercurial chaos could reach its peak with the full Moon. So avoid making commitments or plans that cannot be revised at a later time. Think before you speak and be understanding if others blurt out blunt statements. This is not the best full Moon to have a heart-to-heart conversation with loved ones.

Should the frustrations of this Mercury retrograde culminate at this full Moon, channel that energy into sports or some type pf physical activity. If tempers flare, go out of your way to not hurt anyone's feelings. Kind communication and not indulging in anger is most important for the fire signs Sagittarius, Aries, and Leo and those born in Rat, Dragon, and Monkey years.

Friday June 20 is summer solstice, the longest day in the northern hemisphere that marks the beginning of summer. Also on summer solstice, the Sun leaves the sign of Gemini and enters the sign of Cancer, the sensitive water sign of the healer and nurturer. Be open to trusting your intuition; write down your mid-summer night's dream that could reveal a personal symbolic message. Spend some time near a body of water, or bathe in the midsummer herbs of lavender and chamomile for self healing. Tarot students -- time to do a woven spread. The spiritual insights of solstice can most strongly effect the water signs Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces and those born in Sheep, Pig, and Hare years.

MERCURY RETROGRADES in 2008

The planet Mercury goes retrograde for three weeks three times each year. Mercury retrograde is a time to rethink, research, redo, renovate, regroup, and revise. Tie up loose ends to pave the way for when Mercury is no longer in retrograde. Mercury retrograde is not considered an auspicious time for travel, starting new endeavors, purchasing electronics, making big plans, initiating partnerships, or signing contracts.

Fortunately, all three Mercury retrogrades in 2008 are in the air signs Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra. Make your plans with the following dates in mind:

January 28 - February 18: Mercury retrograde in Aquarius.
This can be a positive influence because Mercury is exalted in the sign of Aquarius, meaning that Mercury's quick mental capabilities are best expressed in Aquarius, the sign of the humanitarian and scholar. Opportunities for much originality, and access to the intuitional faculties of the mind are indicated. Communication with all types of people is highlighted, and inventive concepts are strengthened by the thought process. This retrograde influence was complete on the new Moon in Pisces on March 7.

May 26 - June 19: Mercury retrograde in Gemini.
Again, this can be very good because Mercury rules the sign of Gemini, meaning that Gemini's versatility, adaptability, mental quickness, and natural talent with the spoken and written word are more easily expressed during these three weeks. Just don't become too scattered or ever extend your projects. See the point and go right to it. This Mercury retrograde influence will be complete by the new Moon in Cancer on July 2.

September 24 - October 15: Mercury retrograde in Libra.
Libra is the sign of partnership so most of the communication during this retrograde will center around relationship issues. Time to review, restore, and heal partnerships. Settle misunderstandings with justice, fair play, and honesty. This retrograde influence will be complete by the new Moon in Scorpio on October 28.