Mercury Retrograde in Aries ~> 12th March 2012

Strength often shines through in the most extraordinary circumstances during hard times. It’s as though the will to act and create comes directly from the source. In astrology we look to Aries for such bravery and the cosmic urge that powers and propels.

We are now in the run-up to Spring Equinox, at 0 degrees Aries; and Mercury, planet of the mind, went retrograde yesterday (12th March) in the sign of the Warrior. At the solar marker of equal-day equal-night Mercury will conjoin the Equinox Sun. Mercury rules the mind, and Aries individual assertion. In the coming weeks impetus and volition are subject to razor-sharp analysis - with potentially brilliant insight.

Note that throughout this retrograde period, when Mercury even leaves the sign of the Ram and goes back into Pisces (March 24th), to contemplate the end of certain matters, Mercury’s dominant healing challenge is actually in relation to the group-oriented Uranus, planet of dramatic change as well as humanitarian altruism. Both planets are airy and intellectual, combining to initiate unusual change, making contact three times. The first was only a few days ago (on 5th March); the second conjunction is on the 18th March, just before equinox; and again a month later on the 22nd April.

From the point of view of esoteric astrology this is an important series of conjunctions. Mercury is the esoteric ruler of Aries, suggesting the hot-headed Ram needs to be smart to make right action; and Uranus is the hierarchical ruler of Aries, accenting how one distinctively operates within the crowd. Recognising the value of each unique individual's heroic contribution in the process of collective evolution is the optimum way to ensure all talents are bravely actualised and accomplished.

Also worth baring in mind is that the Aries Mercury and Virgo Mars are not only both retrograde, but they are currently in 'mutual reception', i.e. Mars rules Aries and Mercury rules Virgo; so that the hero's 'right action' and 'right understanding' work well together, particularly with self-introspection. Mercury goes forward on the 4th April. And Mars goes forward on the 14th April; until which date we are advised to exercise patience and not be too rash or aggressive - in Buddhist thinking this is actually a good reminder that anger wipes out karmic merit in one fell swoop.  

“The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred”. ~ His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama