Mercury retrograde: Crossed signals in communication.

Smooth ways to speak, feelings enthusiastically expressed and ideas that materialize through words. The urge to express ourselves can be attributed to the planet Mercury. Commander of communication, Mercury influences us to think through our thoughts, gather up our wise wit and speak accordingly. Energizing indeed! With Mercury in retrograde, though, we may find this communicative energy scattering about with little rhyme or reason. What does retrograde mean anyway? Mercury, like all of the other planets, moves around the Sun in a forward motion. There are points in time when Mercury is moving so slowly that from our perspective on Earth it appears to be moving backward. This is a retrograde period. As Mercury appears to be backtracking, watch out because its influence also takes a turn. Mercury retrograde means greater potential for mixed messages, misunderstanding and crossed signals. Our individual perspectives and interpretations put our words to the test. Our message board this week explores it further by asking "What words would you take back if you could?" Something said to a former partner, a co-worker, a best friend...gets me thinking indeed. Other astrological occurrences: Venus moves into Virgo Venus is to pleasure what Mercury is to communication, and this week it moves into Virgo It is usually pleasure in the context of a partnership, so love and romance move to the forefront. Beauty and harmony meet details and practicality for quite an interesting blind date. Virgo sets out to achieve perfection in a relationship which is essentially unobtainable. Reaching for the pinnacle, though, means that even if you fall short of the mark, you still are sitting high. It's a matter of quenching your thirst in the quest. On my women's site you can explore the influences further by finding your Venus sign. New Moon in Cancer A New Moon in Cancer this week means the coziness of home kicks in. The Moon represents emotions so we all may be craving the comfort of familiar surroundings. The hard shell that protects the Crab makes them tough, but underneath there is tenderness that exists. Cancers have been known to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Sound like any Cancers you know? I can think of a few myself. The effects will be greater the more Cancer that you have in your birthchart. The Moon moves around the Earth at a fast rate, so get your quiet cozy moments in while you can! Enjoy all of the astrological influences of this week. In order to keep my communication clear and concise in this Mercury retrograde, I'll now close!