Mercury is a highly important personal planet in Astrology, governing the mind, communication, logic, travel and technology. The planet provides great insight into how we think, our learning styles and how we interact with others. Mercury entered Pisces on 3rd February 2020, causing haze-like and sensitive energies to swirl in the air. Mercury in Pisces is in detriment. This means that Mercury is operating at a low potency, as it isn’t in an ideal position. During this transit, we are distracted and follow instinctual feelings rather than logic and reason. Our sensitivity is heightened, and we may be more likely to get our feelings hurt. We are gentle, refined, and deeply connected to our subconscious and innermost feelings.
The first retrograde period of 2020 has finally arrived. You certainly would’ve heard people talking about Mercury retrograde before. Here’s what’s in store for us in case you haven’t. During a planets retrograde period, it appears as if it’s moving backwards from Earth. All matters that are governed by the planet will start to operate slower, malfunction or even shut down. This is a great deal considering the significance of Mercury’s influence. But it’s not all doom and gloom, and we certainly shouldn’t lock ourselves away until the retrograde period has passed. All energies can be worked with, so long as we remain adaptable and optimistic.
Mercury will go retrograde on 17th February until 10th March at 0°-12°. We are currently in the pre shadow period, which is often felt a fortnight before the retrograde. During this time, things seem to come to a natural close or ending. There’s an urge to tie up loose ends, but a greater chance of miscommunications and misunderstandings. There may be a heightened chance of flooding, storms and other chaotic, climate and weather changes during this retrograde in Pisces. Here’s what this Mercury retrograde in Pisces will bring to all of the signs.
Apply your Sun sign and other natal placements and aspects that fall between 0°-12°.
ARIES
You may find that your quickness to react and impulsivity may bring along trouble during this shadow period. Your instincts are pushing you to launch forwards, but the energies surrounding you are hazy and dragging you backwards. This is likely to cause you great frustration. Be sure to take some time away to release your pent up energies, and blow off some steam. Your greatest obstacle during this period will be trying to resist these intense energies instead of utilising them to your favour.
Slow down. Charging forwards will provide you with very little benefit during this transit, and may lead you towards situations that only look good under the illusion of Pisces. Be wary of your assertive nature and directness. Your words may be constructive, but you’re likely to be misunderstood or viewed as insensitive. You are likely to feel restless and inactive during this period. Take some time to rest, relax and recuperate. Catch up on your sleep. Be more observant of your surroundings. Truly appreciate life and the little things that you tend to overlook on an average day.
TAURUS
Taureans, you may find that during this time you are moving in a slow, lazy manner. Be extra careful of scheduling and showing up late, booking things on the wrong days and just generally thinking slower than usual. You may find comfort in a ‘I’ll sort that out later’ mindset. However, procrastination will bring you problems later on. With Venus, the ruler of Taurus, also being in Pisces, now would be a great time to channel your creative nature. You may find a greater need to spend time with others during this time. Reconnecting with friends is the best way for you to get out and de-stress.
Things are looking a little distorted, brighter and rose-tinted during this transit. Your greatest obstacle during this period may be escapism. Retail therapy, sleeping and eating will certainly help with avoiding your problems, but provides no long term benefits. Instead of avoiding problems completely, take your time with pondering ideas before making decisions. Always get a second (and maybe third) opinion with matters concerning your finances and keep ahead of schedule. You may find yourself opening up to others in new ways during this period.
GEMINI
As a Mercurial native, you may struggle during this period. But don’t be afraid, there’s always ways that we can work with the surrounding energies to make things a little easier for ourselves. You are quick-minded, curious and a great communicator. However, during this period you may find yourself completely thrown off balance, struggling to get back on your feet. You may be focused on improving yourself and redefining your goals during this transit. Whilst this is a great, healthy thought process, it’s probably not the best time to be making life-altering decisions.
Instead of focusing on new goals and achievements, try revisiting and strengthening your past goals instead. Your articulation may seem a little off and you may be hard on yourself for not operating like you’re used to. Intuition is heightened with Mercury in Pisces, which is something you should take full advantage of. Allow your soul to guide you to where you should be. Be patient and trusting of yourself. Release your frustrations of things being unclear or uncertain.
CANCER
Dear Cancer, you’ll certainly be in your head a lot during this period, hiding in the shell that usually brings you comfort. However, it’s all distorted and this will only heighten moodiness. This is a great opportunity for you to bring your dreams to reality, but only if you can resist the fantasies. Your imagination will be your greatest tool for laying out creative plans for objectives and goals that you want to achieve.
You’ll face technological malfunctions, and miscommunication on social media platforms during this time. The problems you face may be domestically related, for example; misunderstandings in your home life or a broken computer. It is essential that you are working and not broadcasting your plans just yet. Your creativity will aid you well with putting the final touches on projects that need to be completed. Focus on tying up loose ends, adding final touches, and brainstorming new ideas.
LEO
Mercury’s retrograde in Pisces will allow you to dive deep into your subconscious, addressing your darkest fears and insecurities. You may feel a deep need to do some soul-searching during this period. Exploring your identity and addressing who you truly are at soul level will be greatly beneficial to you in the long run. Express praise, pride and gratitude towards yourself rather than seeking such attention from others. Use this time to understand and communicate with yourself, rather than expressing these feelings outwardly. Expose your naked soul to those that you care about. Share your secrets and open up your heart. You are likely to experience problems with money during this period. Refrain from making significant financial decisions and overindulging in materialism. Be careful to not misplace your wallet, phone or other items which hold valuable information.
VIRGO
Virgo, your need to be prepared and in control will be challenged, causing delays that you weren’t prepared for. Be sure to get a second opinion on the finer details of the work that you do and decisions that you make during this period. The retrograde energies are likely to cause a sense of disorder within you. Order, detail and perfection will be thrown off balance. Keep an open mind and slow yourself down. If you aren’t cautious, you may find yourself jumping to conclusions and being hasty with decision making. Under the fogginess of Pisces, you’ll constantly be chasing an idea of perfection. An idea which you may not even be sure of a moment later. Remain adaptable and be cautions of break downs and malfunctions in your work place.
LIBRA
With Mercury and Venus in Pisces, your intuitive mind and body will be deeply connected. You’re likely to have deep thoughts about the appearance of yourself and your surroundings. However, now isn’t the time to rotate all of your furniture or get a risky haircut. Learn to take care of yourself and those around you and appreciate your surroundings without feeling a deep need to change and replace.
Your indecisiveness may cause you to feel stuck in situations. People from your past are likely to show their faces once again and this will cause you great difficulty with how to handle such situations. Reconnecting with people from your past may push you away from those in your life at present. If you aren’t acting carefully and consciously during this period, you may find yourself feeling lonely and isolated from others. Be prepared for your phone to die in the worst moments, or for your apps to glitch or shut off.
SCORPIO
Don’t allow your emotions to take charge of reason and rationality during this period. Not everything requires a reaction, particularly when you’re often prone to overreacting. During this transit you may be reacting out of habit with very little thought behind your actions. Channel the Piscean energies to unlock a deeper understanding of your subconscious. When utilising these energies correctly, you may be able to unlock a true, deep understanding of yourself during this transit.
Your handle on control may loosen during this period, causing secrets to come out. Whilst you are resilient and can certainly roll with the punches of life, this isn’t great if you’re spilling other people’s secrets. Release and channel your raging passion through healthy means such as art, movement and writing, to avoid unhealthy forms of expression. The consequences of your actions may seem blurry, but you’re going to have to face reality once the retrograde period has passed.
SAGITTARIUS
Expect delays and misdirection that will definitely grind your gears during this period. Losing time will probably be what frustrates you the most during this retrograde period. Time spent waiting around for delayed transport, delayed phone calls, delayed opportunities and delayed people can be avoided through simply letting go. Sit back and let whatever happens, happen. Give yourself more time to avoid traffic and other last-minute obstacles. Please, please, please have a back up plan and don’t invest so much into things going right straight away. Your optimism and high expectations may not fit well with the unpredictable retrograde. Remain patient and open-minded during this period. Your connection and relationships with others may be challenged during this time. Don’t hold back from reaffirming your boundaries, loyalty and emotions.
CAPRICORN
Capricorn, be sure to have a back up plan and don’t be so hard on yourself when things don’t go right. Refrain from confining yourself to a schedule, as things will certainly de-rail during this period. Your prepared for anything attitude may not lend a hand here. Sitting around and letting whatever happens, happen is certainly not your forte, but planning and getting ahead will likely not go to plan. Avoid serious financial decisions during this time, particularly matters concerning buying and selling costly items. You’re likely to experience a few out of character mind-blanks in which you misplace important items, or forget to tell someone something vital. Additionally, it may frustrate you to have to rely on others during this retrograde period, for example; technicians and electricians. You’ll feel as though you’re being held back by poor communication and technological failures.
AQUARIUS
It’s imperative that you channel your intuition during this retrograde period. There is a high chance that your gadgets will fail you, pushing you to think outside of the box. You’ll uncover resources that you didn’t even know were useful and embrace your innovative nature. Listening to your soul and intuition will guide you away from poor decision making and towards problem solving and quick thinking instead. During it’s retrograde, Mercury will move from Pisces into Aquarius, putting your relationships with others at risk. Remember who you truly are and who your friends are when you get annoyed with misunderstandings and petty arguments. Use your innovative mind to adapt and foreward-think. Network with others and develop new skills that will enable you to excel in future endeavours. This is a time to work on yourself and maintain your close relationships.
PISCES
Pisces, Mercury’s first retrograde of the new decade will begin in your sign before retreating back into Aquarius. These energies are likely to hit you hard. With your mind in the clouds and your vision hazy, you’re likely to completely miss important information that someone has told you. You may at one point wish you’d kept your mouth shut as you will be prone to miscommunication. Be articulate and really spend time thinking about how you feel and what you want to say before opening up. Better yet, write it down and see how you feel later on.
Under the illusion of Pisces things that aren’t actually as great as they may appear. You’re bound to have your head in the clouds, daydreaming and finding little ways to escape the busyness of life. This may not be the best time to rely on your intuitive thoughts as you may be so in your head that you create something out go nothing. Remember; convincing yourself of something, is not the same as a gut feeling.
