MERCURY RETROGRADE IN JYEṢṬHĀ
Artwork: Painting; gouache on watermarked paper. Indra, cheif of the gods and the gauardian of the east, on his elephant Airavata, Trichinopoly. ca 1825 | Unknown
Mercury comes to a standstill and retrogrades in the constellation of Jyeṣṭhā (ज्येष्ठा), the Elder Star, on November 25/26th. This constellation, situated at the pinnacle of material success, is symbolized by a protective amulet. Jyeṣṭhā awakens the power to conquer the subconscious, urging us to claim our seat and reflect on our commitments and relationship with responsibility.
Mercury embodies rajoguṇa (the mode of passion) and pṛthvī tattva (the earth element). Revered as the radiant son of the Moon (Chandra), Mercury is the bestower of discernment and the karaka (significator) of intellect, eloquent speech, the nervous system, communication, the student, skill, neutrality, and balance.
During this retrograde, Mercury will traverse the gaṇḍānta point (the karmic knot between water and fire) three times over the next month. There can be moments of feeling like you’re drowning or as if you’re experiencing a washing machine effect. This position holds immense power. Use this cycle with courage and wisdom, as the window for reflection, reassessment, renewal, and reimagination is brief yet potent.
This current lunation cycle has brought forth the need to preserve energy and purify that which has become stagnant or no longer contributes to growth. Since November 15th, we have been distilling the powerful teachings awakened during Saturn’s four-and-a-half-month retrograde. Now, we are invited to tend even more deeply to the inward path.
There’s a calling towards an ascension — to claim and become stationed in the seat of oneself. We’re being asked to tend to the renewal and protection of our nervous system and of our spinal region, a rejuvenation and energizing of our vital fluids in order to attain favor and align with the ineffable force that nourishes a seed to sprout and eventually blossom. We’re asking this intelligence, the one that decides fate, to protect us from distraction through the 9 gates (of the body) and to aid in the maintenance of our seat. Slow down. Step onto the inward path.
Jyeṣṭhā prospers through the right use of natural law and invites us to embrace spiritual practices, mindful movement (yoga, martial arts, tai chi, qi gong), occult knowledge, intuition, and prayer (mantra). These tools ground us and provide stability amidst change. Growth may feel uncomfortable, and emotions may run high. Observe the unfolding story with patience, neither resisting nor clinging to what is moving through.
Mercury begins its retrograde journey at the potent gaṇḍānta point, retraces its steps through Anurādhā, the Star of Success, and turns direct on December 15th. This retrograde invites us to unravel the threads of misalignment, allowing purification to ripple through the mind and heart. It is a call to peel back layers of distraction, over-commitment, or misdirection that cloud clarity. As Mercury traverses the karmic knots of gaṇḍānta, it beckons us to refine inner and outer dialogues, clearing pathways for deeper discernment.
What truths are ready to emerge as you revisit old commitments? What sacred boundaries must be reclaimed or fortified to nurture your highest aspirations? This is a moment to align intention with action, to clarify where your devotion lies, and to ensure your choices reflect the grounded responsibility of Jyeṣṭhā’s wisdom.
Be mindful of potential communication challenges, misunderstandings, and delays in creative projects. Revisit past decisions and reevaluate your relationship with responsibility with patience and care. Allow extra time while traveling, be thorough, and triple-check information to prevent errors or misinterpretations. Above all, be kind and gentle with yourself and others during this reflective period.
All My Relations
ॐ नमो नारायणाय | Om Namo Nārāyanāya
“The desire to know your own soul will end all other desires.” - Rūmī رومی