Mercury Retrograde Calendar for 2020

Using the 2020 Mercury Retrograde Calendar

The 5 Significant phases and Stations of Mercury Retrograde.

The Mercury Retrograde phenomenon occurs as we observe the movement of Mercury from the vantage point of the earth.

Since Mercury is closest to the Sun, it moves much faster relative to the earth. While it is on this side of the Sun, it appears to move forward in the sky. When its orbit takes it to the other side of the Sun from our perspective, it begins to go backward against the sky.

As Mercury's orbit is about to change from being in front of or behind the sun, it appears stationary in the sky, because from our vantage point we are looking tangentially along the ellipse of its orbit.

The Pre-Shadow Phase

The two weeks or so that Mercury traces its path in the sky that it will later traverse during the retrograde is referred to as the Pre-Shadow phase. Often, this phase, through errors, avoidances or false assumptions sets up the retrograde phase that follows. In the calendar, it is blue. As Mercury slows down as it approaches its Retrograde Station, the effect strengthens. This part of the Pre-Shadow is in violet in the calendar.

The Retrograde Phase

As Mercury is about to change direction and move from behind the sun, it seems to hang in the sky. That is the Mercury Retrograde Station. During the next two and a half weeks or so Mercury appears to be moving backward against the sky. Closer to the Retrograde Station and later when it nears the Direct Station, it is moving much more slowly, and therefore these times will be more intense. In the calendar, this is shown with a darker color.

It is the Retrograde Phase that is famous for the errors, omissions and misunderstandings that tend to show up.

The Post Shadow Phase

The Post-Shadow Phase occurs as Mercury enters that part of its orbit that takes it in front o the sun from our point of view. During the Post-Shadow, Mercury is passing over that part of the sky where it had earlier been retrograde. It is indicated in brown.

In the Post-Shadow, errors, false assumptions we or others may have made earlier can also be revealed at this time. During the first few days, Mercury is still moving slowly, adding intensity to this phase. In the calendar, this is a darker shade of brown.

Working Through the Retrograde Process

The Mercury Retrograde process affects us on many levels. There is little we can do as a result of the cumulative actions of others, except to use our discrimination and avoid getting caught up in it.

However, at the personal level, there is much we can do. It is an opportune time to finish those things that we left undone previously. It is wise to back up important files and to tie up loose ends.

The retrograde is excellent for introspection, creative writing, and contemplation. It is also a beneficial time to address how we individually contribute to the phenomenon by acting from our own shadow, where we are reactive, and where our actions come out of need or out of unresolved past issues.

If you seek to take advantage of this time, I healthfully recommend this book. It will clarify the practical steps you can take to reclaim the integrity with your core. Being Centered

A more detailed description of the Mercury Retrograde Cycle

There is more information on Mercury Retrograde from our sister site, www.astrologyhoroscopereadings.com