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
All My Relations
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.”