Mercury Retrograde
April 27, 2003 - May 21, 2003

Question: 
What does it mean when the planet Mercury goes "retrograde" in the sky?

Answer: 
Mercury, the Roman god of "communications and everyday routines" seldom gets much attention in astrology, except those times when he briefly turns retrograde in the transiting (moving) sky. Then Mercury gets blamed for just about anything (and everything) that might go "wrong." The traditional meaning assigned to Mercury going "retrograde" in the sky is that of unexpected delays and frustrations in everyday life routines and in communications. During the (very) approximate 24 day periods when Mercury turns "retrograde" in the sky, astrologers generally recommend delaying of the signing contracts and other important life decisions. It is a time better spent in reflection and rethinking things. 

Retrograde? 
For the "uninitiated," a retrograde planet is a planet that (when viewed from the perspective of the earth) appears to have stopped and then temporarily reverses its regular movement through the sky. The planet then goes "retrograde" (backwards). After a certain length of time (depending upon the planet involved), the planet then appears to once again stop and reverse its movement through the sky. The planet then goes "direct" and is back on it's normal cyclic path through the sky. The planet, Mercury, during it's time spent in retrograde is mythologically the grand patron of the "Freudian slip." Here's one of the reasons why... 

Freudian Slip 
Greek Mythology relates that "once upon a time," Hermes (the Greek equivalent of Mercury) became interested in gaining the sexual favors of a certain young princess of Crete named Apemosyne. However, the attraction was not mutual. Apemosyne was not interested in Hermes' advances and therefore turned his invitations down. So, one day, Hermes strategically placed several wet, slick animal hides on the ground in a place where he knew she'd be walking. Apemosyne slipped on the animal hides, allowing Hermes to "have his way" with herÖ.. Sadly, as a result of this action, Apemosyne's brother murdered her... Ever had one of your "slips" of the tongue get you in some serious trouble? Thought so... 

Mercury Retro Time Table 

January 18, 2002 - February 8, 2002
May 16, 2002 - June 9, 2002 
September 15, 2002 - October 7, 2002 
January 3, 2003 - January 24, 2003 
April 27, 2003 - May 21, 2003 
August 29, 2003 - September 21, 2003 
December 18, 2003 - January 7, 2004 
April 7, 2004 - May 1, 2004 
August 11, 2004 - September 3, 2004 
December 1 - December 21, 2004