September 9 – October 2, 2022
Mercury turns retrograde in the element of air and pushes for a reassessment of your priorities. It will dip back into earth at some point to tie the issues that arise to security, practical concerns, and changes in areas that affect resources. The goal is to bring closure to outstanding matters and unfinished business from the last retrograde cycle in order to focus on future long-range goals. The natal house of regress will offer clues about the life affairs currently under review.
While Mercury is traveling through the sign of Libra, this also means looking at the means by which you habitually manage relationships as well. With its connection to Chiron, this period will bring opportunities to discuss or plan changes through situations where conversations or ideas are used as a way of refusing to comply with expectations, to reject siblings because of differences, or to have changes in thinking. Its conjunction to asteroid Psyche underscores the pain or trauma attached to early childhood and the power words hold in the psyche.
A positive Mercury under the auspices of Libra will grant a well-balanced mind given to a love of art and music with the exceptional ability of harmonious expression. This suggests success as a public speaker or perhaps a singer. However, the afflicted Mercury indicates trouble through lawsuits, partnerships, or an unfaithful marriage partner. Interestingly, the Part of Fortune sits in Libra in the retro chart and links opportunity to the appreciation for beauty, balance, fairness, and justice and highlights the chance for happiness and success found through relationships such as marriage and partnership.
Naturally, this retrograde will bring people from the past back into your life, but in the pursuit of happiness, you may be particularly drawn to unions that feel destined or fated in some way. This can be ephemeral or long-lasting, but the connection is unforgettably one that touches you on a soul level. Although the differences between you may be vast, the relationship offers a fresh perspective in your world view. Even a business or working partner can open new doors for you. These alliances will drive and motivate you to follow your dreams.
This period may demand all kinds of mental activity and paperwork that could make your job more tedious and detail-oriented. You’ll be especially interested in using the best techniques or mode of operation available, but this can stimulate a focus on perfection that causes you to be hypersensitive or critical of coworkers or colleagues. You’re exploring ways in which to improve daily operations, and if you hold a position of authority, may be able to reorganize the office or hours for greater efficiency.
Personally, the point is self-improvement and self-discipline to the degree that allows for less attention on the daily details of life in order to focus on bigger things that improve the lives of others. This may be in service to those confined to hospitals or prisons, animal rights, environmental concerns, or as leader of a labor union. In fact, there can be more value placed on ideas than materialism or money. Regardless of position, you’ll be required to make decisions concerning your job and work environment, although you may not have a lot of freedom regarding these choices.
This transit can also push your mental processes into overdrive due to extreme ambition that causes you to over-tax yourself to the detriment of your health, especially when you become too overwhelmed with details. In some cases, excessive worry can lead to hypochondria. Additionally, you can be overly sensitive about the conditions of others which may bring trouble and worry in dealing with subordinates. The physical effects can manifest through the nervous system and digestive disorders. As you begin to realize that changes are necessary in order to establish better health, the response may be to study hygiene, diet, and exercise which may include learning about the relationship between the mind and the body. Wellness can also be a focus in community welfare including natural healing methods, physiotherapy, chiropractic, and dentistry.
Matters that fall under the domain of Libra–beauty, grace, charm, and diplomacy–could be out of balance during this time. As indecision reigns, the standard advice is to refrain from attempting a physical makeover and limit your purchases or risk the desire to return them. It stands to reason that you should also avoid law and disputes and endeavor with all your power to keep the scales even.