Mercury Retrograde in Māgha

Mercury Retrograde

वक्री बुध

Artwork: Goddess Saraswti enthroned India, Pahari First half - 19th century 

August 4/5 - August 28

As Mercury stations retrograde (vakrī) tonight in the mystical and majestic Vedic Lunar Mansion of Māgha (Leo), the Star of Power, we enter a time of reflection and transformation. 

Buddha (Mercury), the fourth among the navagrahas (9 planets), embodies rajoguṇa (mode of passion) and pṛthvī tattva (earth element), is revered as the radiant son of the Moon (Chandra), known for his golden eyes, and being eternally energetic. He bestows discernment and is the karaka (significator) of intellect, eloquent speech, the nervous system, storytelling, the student, skill, neutrality, and balance.

This is a time to remember our ancestors and reflect on our interdependency with all things — to shine light on our inherited habits, cycles, and reactions as well as the legacy we’re leaving behind with the imprint of our thoughts, speech, and actions — whether conscious or unconscious.

There is intergenerational work to be done. For some of you, this may look like a baptism by fire that is requesting you to take a deeper look into healing your ancestral line and genetic code. We’re being requested to take responsibility for the cycles and habits that may have been left on repeat. 

Mercury will traverse the gaṇḍānta point (the karmic knot between water and fire) three times over the next month. This position holds immense power. Have the courage to use this cycle wisely, as the window to reflect, redo, and revise is open only for a limited time.

When we look at the origin of the word courage, it stems from the Latin word cor, meaning heart, and the original definition is to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart.

Be mindful of potential communication challenges, misunderstandings, and delays in creative projects. Revisit past decisions and reevaluate leadership styles with patience and care. It's essential to be thorough, allow extra time while traveling, and double-check information to prevent errors or misinterpretations.

Reflect on your relationship with stationing yourself in a seat of authority or perhaps with the responsibility that comes with claiming that seat. Rise above the collective narrative, put into practice the wisdom you’ve been cultivating that has now circled around — step fully into your individuality. 

For personalized guidance during this shift, book a private consultation here. Know that I am here to support you.

I’m also excited to announce that I’ll be offering a Masterclass on Jyotish Astrology on August 13th, online with Sacred Dynamics. Join us for a deep dive into Astrology 101, more info here: Vedic Astrology 101: Weaving the Golden Thread

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David Loy // “One meaning of freedom is the opportunity to act out the story I identify with. Another freedom is the ability to change stories and my role within them.”

Mercury Retrograde in Uttara Phālgunī

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury Retrograde in Uttara Phālgunī

August 23 - September 14

In the current celestial landscape, Mercury, the harbinger of communication and intelligence, enters a retrograde phase that takes place within the nurturing boundaries of Uttara Phālgunī (sidereal Leo). This alignment imbues our quicksilver mental faculties with a slowed cadence, beckoning us into a state of refined contemplation.

Uttara Phālgunī is known as the 'Star of Patronage,' a celestial body deeply associated with benevolence, guardianship, and mutual care. These retrograde periods are less an obstacle course and more an invitation to reflection and action. Under its auspices, Mercury's retrograde provides an opportune frame for re-evaluating the dimensions of our commitments and responsibilities.

Within this cosmic environment, the rapid-fire faculties governed by Mercury—communication, trade, intellectual pursuits—take a measured pace. It's a temporal sphere where haste is less regarded than the quality of deliberation, giving us pause to think not just about the messages we send, but also the underlying ethics of our intentions and actions.

This period calls for a nuanced understanding of interdependence, a foundational principle and core tenet associated with the influence of Uttara Phālgunī. It encourages us to recalibrate the scales of give and take, to assess whether our personal and professional patronages are aligned with our deepest convictions. Through this churning, Mercury subtly instructs us in the virtues of a balanced, neutral perspective.

Given the reflective mood set by this celestial alignment, now would also be a propitious time to dust off old projects and rekindle efforts that align with these patronly virtues, revisiting them with a newly balanced perspective.

During this retrograde phase, one would do well to engage in a focused introspection to refine one's roles and responsibilities as both benefactor and beneficiary. The goal is to emerge with a matured sense of stewardship, capable of navigating life's complexities with equanimity and grace.

David Loy // “One meaning of freedom is the opportunity to act out the story I identify with. Another freedom is the ability to change stories and my role within them.”