Mercury Retrograde in Ardra

June 15 - July 9, 2007



Mercury will be retrograde from Jun 15 - July 9. This is
generally a period to avoid making new beginnings, especially
those that are heavily influenced by communications and
information. Mercury's retrograde phase is a good time for
reviewing old projects, reconnecting with old memories, editing
what has already been written,being with old friends, and generally
perfecting, polishing, and revamping things. It is best to improve on
what and who you already know, and refine communication
and methods pursued earlier. Not to start anything new, business or
personal.


For the entire period of its retrograde motion Mercury will be in
the Ardra Nakshatra. Ardra is a nakshatra ruled by Rudra, who is
a form of Siva. The shakti of this nakshatra is the power to
make an effort, so this is a good time to make efforts in the
areas listed above. Genuine effort that is, not lukewarm pursuits.


On the negative side, Ardra is symbolized by a tear drop, so this
period may tend to produce emotional communications. The period
for a few days on either side of the Saturn-Venus Conjunction on
July 1st, may be especially sensitive for ~all~ human relationships in
general. On one level, this period may be a good time for taking
serious responsibility for repairing or reflecting on intimate
relationships. On the other hand, for some people, this period
may produce a tendency towards emotional anguish. In any case,
this is not the best time to have a social gathering or a romantic
getaway during that week.


On June 15th, when Mercury turns retrograde, it will be in a
conjunction with the Moon. The Moon, in turn, will be involved
in Shakata Yoga, which gives a tendency for changes. This may
indicate that things which start during this particular Mercury
-retrograde period- may have a strong tendency to go through
dramatic changes. So stick with what and who you know if you
value ease and peace. Wait with all new beginnings and deepen
your existing relationships and re think all projects/goals/ambitions.


On the political scene, this period may produce unrest and
communications problems. Rudra (the deity of Ardra Nakshatra) is
called the "howler" and indicates righteous indignation, anger
and destruction. Mercury is the planet of communication, so its
transit in Ardra suggests disharmony.


Rudra is a great healer as well, so on a deeper level, this
transit may be a good time for renewed efforts for self healing
or the healing of others. It is also a good time for general
acts of compassion and kindness.


Once the gods got together and had a vote to see who among them
was the easiest to please. The vote was unanimous. Siva was the
one they chose since he rules over the three gunas and therefore
has the ability to control the relative world. When Visnu found
out about this vote, he laughed and said, "It's true, Siva is
the easiest and the most sympathetic among the gods. Even though
Siva is the embodiment of austerity and detachment, he is easily
moved to displays of sympathy and gives his devotees great
material rewards. When my (Visnu's) devotees pray to me, however,
I first relieve them of their worldly possessions and attachments
so that they can gain liberation more easily."


Since the entire transit of Mercury retrograde takes place in
Ardra Nakshatra, recitation of the mantra for Ardra Nakshatra may
be helpful. Om Shri Ardra Nakshatra Devataye Namah"

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