The traditional statement about Mercury retrograde is that it favors anything that begins with the prefix "re-" -- re-negotiate, re-vamp, re-new, re-vise, return, re-issue, re-visit, re-finance because the word retrograde itself means "to go back and retrace one's steps."

Many people call me about how to handle the decision-making process while Mercury is retrograde. Always, decisions should only be made on contingency! With the element of flexibility added to any change or decision, there seems to be some guarantee of success. This period also favors finishing up work or returning to complete a project. This motion can provide new insights into the material. It favors re-considering prior decisions and getting others to change their minds about a previously-made decision. Precision is always disrupted by a retrograde Mercury. Going with the flow, keeping options open, using contingency methods and intuitively processing as you go along seem to give the flexibility needed to avoid Retrograde Mishaps.

Most of the time, Mercury retrograde is about as welcome as a tax audit! The left hemisphere of the brain is out to lunch, nothing works when you want it to, and nothing turns out as planned. Generally speaking, this is not a time to make any major commitments or sign any contracts or papers because you will change your mind. It is not a time to place any importance in the decisions or commitments of others since they, too, will change their minds. Sign agreements only on contingency! All changes are subject to delays, last-minute postponements or mix-ups.

This is a bad time to obtain a medical diagnosis or visit a doctor for the first time. You may not be able to obtain an accurate diagnosis until Mercury turns direct. It is better for a later diagnosis.

General repairs are not favored when Mercury is retrograde and these frequently have to be done over again. Never purchase anything associated with transportation or communication - such as a car, a bicycle, tape recorder, TV or even shoes. Such purchases will not last long or they will be plagued with malfunctions - if they work at all!

When Mercury is retrograde and afflicting another transiting planet, this causes major communication and decision-making errors in judgment. It is not a time to travel and, when driving yourself, exercise great caution. People are more inclined to be accident prone.

In 2004: August 18-19 (Mercury afflicts Mars opposing Uranus) and December 7 (Mercury-Pluto).

For a fresh outlook: How to Benefit from the Mercury Retrograde Period Amanda Owen at www.amandaowen.com

In the natal chart, Pluto tends to operate even more Plutonian when it is retrograde. It is far more intense, it possesses a higher degree of concentration and it, therefore, gives greater insights into the subconscious. Because of this intensity, the individual can see much more than normally possible and it is easy to become suspicious of the motives of others. The powers of regeneration are far greater when retrograde. People with a natal retrograde Pluto have a tremendous ability to overcome major illnesses that might otherwise cause permanent disability. Remember, retrograde motion is always directed toward inner activity such as the psyche or psychological patterns that affect the physical body. Direct motion, on the other hand, is directed towards external circumstances.

Under any Pluto transit, we feel pressured to eliminate and release the old, outworn, outdated and obsolete in our lives. When Pluto is transiting retrograde, we are urged to let go of attitudes, thinking or communication patterns, security drives, rigid emotions; a time to undergo an internal form of house cleaning. It is a good time to research into our own Souls in order to determine exactly what we do or do not need. Because Pluto retrograde imparts an intense power for investigation, we should use this time to assess what reoccurring patterns in our lives make us feel out of control, where and why do we continually give our power away, and under what circumstances do we react so defensively that we elicit attacks from others. Pluto retrograde marks a time wherein we should seek to gain greater control over our personal life; Pluto direct is better for gaining control over professional and financial areas. My most frequent observation of Pluto retrograde is that many people do seek some form of regenerative activity. I have seen people undertake a series of internal cleansings, detoxifying diets, Eastern disciplines that put them in touch with the inner self and even intense psychological reforms. 

JUNE 2-3 and JULY 25: Pluto-Venus indicates a need to change attitudes in relating; JUNE 15: Pluto-Mercury warns not to say something you will regret, AUGUST 6: Jupiter-Pluto indicates where a relationship needs to be healed.

NEPTUNE TURNS RETROGRADE - MAY 17 through OCTOBER 24 2004:

Similar to the natal retrograde Neptune, the transiting retrograde causes sensitivity and receptivity to be much more acute. Due to this heightened receptivity, we are allowed to see far more than is possible when Neptune is direct. This is possibly a result of augmented intuitive or inner vision that bestows a different and more insightful perspective on matters. Delusional hits: MAY 27-28, JULY 13 & 16, SEPTEMBER 18, OCTOBER 23.

Neptune rules denial! When Neptune turns retrograde, our feelings are more astute at picking up and perceiving the illusive. It is easier to ascertain information about issues that have eluded us while Neptune was direct. Delphine Jay feels that it is essential that we do something about the problems that we pick up on while Neptune is retrograde because they can worsen when Neptune goes direct. I personally have noticed that, if you do not work on an internal level while Neptune is retrograde, you will be plagued by feelings of disillusion and vague dissatisfaction.

As one's perceptions become more acute, it is important to listen more, listen to the "inner voice," so that you can see more of what is going on around you. It is essential that you talk about what you are feeling, sensing or absorbing because Neptune retrograde can produce a type of psychic overload for very sensitive people. Heightened sensitivity can be both an asset and a liability. It is important that you avoid drugs, chemicals and stimulants while Neptune is retrograde. Protect yourself by refraining from associating with addictive personalities, psychic attractions, and overwhelming people who drain your energies. Wearing black tourmaline can funnel off negative energy and psychic attack. If you feel a little paranoid during the retrograde period, it may be that you are picking up too much from your external environment. As an asset, this period is excellent for using and cultivating your psychic perceptions. I am not aware of the augmentation during the retrograde period but I am aware that my abilities seem to diminish when Neptune turns direct.

Uranus tends to be more potent and more Uranian when retrograde. When Uranus is direct in the natal chart, intuitive and inventive impulses flow on a regular basis but, when it is retrograde, this energy builds to a certain level and then it explodes forth as in a "Eureka!" experience. In this building-up process, Uranus tends to be more potent and more willfully dogmatic. Uranus' retrograde motion tends to stimulate deep psychological investigation and analysis. Its research, however, seeks answers that satisfies the mind and explains "Why?". This is frequently observed in people who have Uranus retrograde natally as they make mountains out of molehills in their quest to know WHY! Obviously, this is an excellent time for mental studies that explore human behavior and psychology. It favors activities that require bursts of inventive and intuitive energy. It favors psychological counseling connected with freedom urges and disconnected patterns of relating.

When Uranus is retrograde natally, the rebellious urges tend to bottle up, bottle up and then burst forth seemingly out of nowhere. This stems from the fact that these people need to make changes internally before they can manifest them in the external world. During this "processing" phase, the individual rarely realizes just how rebellious he or she is. When Uranus transits retrograde, it will reawaken freedom urges causing the individual to suddenly rebel against any ruts or confinement in the life. I feel that it is better to process what needs to change while Uranus is retrograde and actualize the change when it turns direct. The retrograde simply makes you aware but it is generally not wise to impulsively act upon an awareness. Rebelliousness intense and misdirected: AUGUST 18

Saturn turning retrograde will slow down the normal rate of activity so that better methods and strategies can be developed. Saturn rules the physical and psychological supports, structures and armatures in our life. It produces the rules and regulations by which we guide our lives, our sense of responsibility, and our limitations. It allows us to define boundaries for ourselves by saying NO! When Saturn is natally retrograde, this capacity does not function properly, making us insecure and unable to accurately assess what can realistically be expected in any situation. The most common flaw is the tendency to say YES when we should say NO, especially in activities and relationships ruled by Saturn's house position. Stress hits: JANUARY 1, NOVEMBER 7 (station)

During the period when Saturn is transiting retrograde, it is essential that we go back and assess and solidify commitments made, projects started and responsibilities undertaken in the past. This must be done before we can continue. Saturn transiting retrograde provides the opportunity to reassess what we have taken on, to finally say NO, to back out of a commitment and to improve the organization of a project. While the process is going on, while you are working with what you have at hand, you should be warned against taking on any unnecessary responsibilities or long-range commitments. Only deal with issues from the past; do not take on new ones!

Saturn turning retrograde gives us the opportunity to go back and reorganize or renegotiate any activities or commitments that seem to be a source of frustration. If you merely persist under Saturn frustrations, the frustrations will merely persist! Weed out the source of frustration at this time. Remember, my definition for being responsible is in knowing how much you can do before you start to feel frustrated, trapped or confined - and drawing the line and saying NO before you reach that point! It is essential that you do not start any new business activity while Saturn is retrograde!! You will only find that a lot of reorganizing has to be done before any successes can be made.

When Jupiter turns retrograde, the action of Jupiter is reversed so that the emphasis is upon inner awareness and inner growth. It is an excellent time to get in touch with personal integrity. Jupiter rules role playing in order evoke a positive external reaction. When transiting Jupiter is afflicting natal planets, you will find yourself dealing with phoniness in both yourself and others. When Jupiter is retrograde, you should evaluate how you are not being honest with yourself because you are playing a role that is disloyal to your true self. When opportunities arise while Jupiter is retrograde, they are the result of seeds planted in the past from people met or connections made in the past.

Jupiter retrograde is more spiritual and philosophical so it is a time to explore philosophies, possibly something simpler from a time in your past. According to Delphine Jay, this period may produce an event that reminds you of a time when you had a better perspective on life. She furthermore feels that it is an excellent time to complete Jupitarian projects such as going back to school to complete your education, taking a long distance trip that you have postponed, and making a connection with a long lost friendship. It is a good time to take spiritual or philosophical courses with the objective of gaining a better perspective on life.

Because of the spiritual approach to this Jupiter transit, it is not a time to initiate material activities. A business which starts while Jupiter is retrograde will find that much of the business is connected with altruistic and charitable concerns and good causes. Too much help is given for which the company will not receive payment. Obviously, it is excellent for initiating a humanitarian or fund-raising project.

In my chart interpretation, I use the key phrase for the House-position of Jupiter retrograde that it is an area wherein you are able to restore to life things or relationships that are considered dead or dying. Jupiter natally retrograde in the 2nd and 4th House is good for restoring objects or property for resale. It is good for restoring troubled relationships ruled by the various houses. Therefore, it can be assumed that, when Jupiter is transiting retrograde, it is a good time to restore any project or relationship that is failing. I consider Jupiter to be the relating principle in a chart - how we reach out and connect with others and what we relate to most easily. During the retrograde cycle, make the effort to revive that which is failing as ruled by the House-position of the transiting retrograde. Make the effort to go back and make the connection.

From MAY 17 through JUNE 29 2004, the planet Venus will be retrograde. The retrograde motion of an inner planet is an apparent phenomena as viewed from earth in which Venus appears to move backwards in the sky. Every 1 ½½ years, when Venus moves approximately 29 degrees ahead of the Sun (in the astrological ephemeris), it will begin to move backwards in the sky until it reaches a point approximately 21 to 29 degrees behind the Sun.

When Venus is retrograde, it provides lessons in evaluating the real worth and value of people and things in our life (Taurus-Libra issues). With existing relationships, this cycle produces experiences wherein it is easier to discern the relative worth and value of these people in your life.

Discrimination is more effective. You become readily aware of any problems, differences or unresolved issues. It is NOT a time, however, to act upon any unfavorable awareness. It is purely a time of evaluation rather than direct action. As little frictions and disagreements crop up, they serve to remind you that the relationship is not perfect. Under the retrograde influence, you must assess the severity of the problem and the "cost-benefit" of the relationship. Only after Venus turns direct should you initiate any alienation if this is deemed necessary.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES: During the 1988 retrograde period, I came to the realization that a local merchant only valued my friendship as a paying customer and not a true friend. I did not end the relationship but I placed her in the "acquaintance" category. On the day that Venus turned retrograde in 1994, I was able to tell a woman, who had greatly angered me in the past, why I was angry with her - that she was always using me and taking advantage of me. It was different from what she expected and she seemed relieved. When Venus was in Scorpio, I felt resentful of needy, overly sweet and manipulative people. A Romanian astrologer with whom I had been corresponding turned nasty when I did not answer quickly and he made threats which he did not carry out. However, I was surprisingly supported by the AFA. Overall, many people contacted me who I had not seen for a long time. Over and over again with each Venus Retrograde, people re-connected from my past! In 1996, a friend had told me that she had many friends who would be attending an astrological conference that we were attending. When we arrived, I was shocked to discover that these people who not friends, more like enemies. In 1998, I was out of control with eating and my self-esteem was non-existent! A man became very angry when I did not teach astrology classes as I had intended. He took it upon himself to call local astrologers and attack my reputation. While this was disturbing, I became aware of people who did not defend me when he attacked me. I learned who I could trust. A store credited 40¢ to my account when I actually paid $40. It took months to straighten this out. In 1999, I was depressed a lot, feeling alone and isloated and feeling sorry for myself for the most part as Venus retrograded back into my 12th House. Health problems became a major issue for a lot of people. With Venus in Leo, we were very aware that our needs were not being met. In 2001, it was entirely different! I attended a conference in Serbia. I met some wonderful people who urged me to get on an E-List and this changed my life. I met people out of their element and it did represent a new way of relating.

Sometimes we do experience relationship difficulties and stresses but, if it is a good relationship, the differences will not affect the quality of association. It is important to realize that, in a relationship, the problems that you experience in the beginning of the union will always be there and only get worse in time. These are the basic differences between you and the other person. You should make an evaluation at the time of Venus retrograde to determine if you can tolerate and understand these differences. I have been through many Venus Retrograde cycles and the good relationships are still with me.

While we can readily distinguish the problems in a current relationship, this will not be true of a relationship formed while Venus is retrograde. Because the retrograde motion alters our perspective, we are unable to see the obvious and we can too easily misread the signals. Before eloping or making wedding plans, wait until Venus turns direct to get a balanced perspective. This Venus does not imply deception but rather a distorted perspective and attitude. Faulty presumptions can be easily made. For example, if you meet someone at the tennis court, it does not necessarily mean that the person likes tennis. Maybe that person was simply there to pick up a friend! These presumptions can cause erroneous evaluations and eventual disappointment when we discover that the person of our dreams is not what we thought at all!

Where there are existing difficulties in a relationship, the retrograde Venus period offers an opportunity for a reconciliation. People are often feeling unloved, unappreciated and disappointed while Venus is retrograde. They feel that they should be getting more out of their relationships. This is particularly true when Venus transits the 7th and 12th Houses. When a person is in a mood that makes them feel that nobody cares, it is an excellent time to make a "hat-in-hand" apology to restore a relationship with someone who is hurt. Any sincere apology will be graciously received. During the 2002 Retrograde, I found it easier to have good heart-to-heart talks with friends, something I really needed to do. My new perspective was the depth of kindness in so many of my friends.

Being the natural ruler of the 2nd House, Venus has dominion over certain financial affairs. This is NOT a good time for investing or starting new financial activities. The value of the product or commodity is often inflated or over-valued so that losses will occur when Venus turns direct. Splurging on substitutes for feeling loved can be costly and paying for this with Capricorn dollars can be difficult! A Capricorn friend has a predilection for making investments while Mercury or Venus are retrograde. Needless to say, the only benefit that he has received is a hefty write-off on his taxes for his losses.

While Venus is retrograde, it is not a time to purchase any so-called luxury items. You will be motivated by impractical considerations so that, what looks gorgeous in the store, may turn out to be the ugliest thing you have ever seen once Venus turns direct! The inclination is to purchase items that you will not like and you cannot return. No discussion of Venus retrograde would be complete without mentioning my redheaded friend who bought a purple coat (on sale - could not be returned) while Venus was retrograde. Another man signed a lease on an apartment with a gorgeous sunken living room. So enamored of its beauty was this man that he did not consider the long-term financial strain. This retrograde does have excellent financial benefits if you know how to use them. First, because people are motivated by impractical considerations in making purchases, it is the perfect time to unload something that no one would buy except when Venus is retrograde. Someone is sure to see its inner beauty and feel that they cannot live without it. They may regret it later but that is not your problem. Working with the inflated value of this Venus transit makes this an excellent time to unload stocks, real estate and unwanted items. Then, use the money gained to pay off debts.

Venus retrograde is an excellent time for buying antiques, flea market items and secondhand goods wherein you know the real worth and value of the item but the seller does not. Years ago when I first studied astrology, I warned my parents about spending excessively on an antiquing trip when Venus was retrograde. To my surprise, they came back with the best bargains! They discovered many valuable antiques with very low prices because the seller did not know their value. Purchasing real estate is not always a problem with Venus retrograde. If you know that the property is a bargain, you can make an excellent deal. Discrimination is essential. Do not be motivated by a flashy appearance.

According to Delphine Jay, who has lectured extensively on retrogrades, she finds that Venus retrograde is a favorable time for re-negotiating a financial situation such as a contract or bank loan. It can be helpful in resolving a long-standing legal matter. When Venus is station (around the retrograde/direct dates), it is a good time to change lawyers.

Mary Shea states that this is a time to reflect on the inner value of your experiences rather than outer display. Material rewards may be delayed and material or possessions that you expect to acquire may not manifest. A luxury item purchased may not please you in the long run. Relationships started now will be associated with inhibitions - clandestine or possibly more spiritual. Something may be withheld and, if so, someone will be disappointed. Existing relationships may be up for review. Outer assurances and displays of love and affection are not readily evident. Old friends and lost loves may be contacted for a second look.

While the favorable transits from Venus retrograde offer an opportunity to benefit from this transit, the afflictions cause us the most difficulty, especially in relationships. The planets involved describe some of these problems. This is a general description of Venus afflicting a natal planet:

Sun: A time of general poor cooperation and hurt feelings. You feel that you do not get the recognition that you deserve. Pride issues can present problems.

Moon: A time of overly sensitive moods and hurt feelings. It someone gets upset with you, back off and allow the mood to pass. The person is over-reacting and irrational. There is nothing that you can really do. Attempts to appease will only make matters worse.

Mercury: A time of sensitivity through disagreement and not seeing eye-to-eye. Hurt feelings with something said. Watch communications on this date.

Venus: A general time of poor cooperation, feeling unloved and unappreciated. The sign that Venus is not transiting will block the sign needs shown by the natal Venus sign position.

Mars: Anger and jealousy can cause relating problems. Someone met at this time will have an unsettling affect upon your life. Hormones rule over reason. Love-hate situation in relating.

Jupiter: This aspect will cause phoniness and role playing in a relationship. If the person seems too nice or if the opportunity seems too good to be true, know that it is an unrealistic situation.

Saturn: Responsibilities and the demands of others will make you feel unloved and unappreciated. Learn to say NO!

Uranus: Unpredictability and erratic behavior in a relationship or an attraction to an unpredictable person is indicated. A very unstable time in both relationships and finances. Emotional upsets, financial problems, rebellious spending.

Neptune: A time of deception and misreading signals. You may be dealing with an ambivalent person. Your own passivity can get you into trouble now. Disappointment in relating.

Pluto: Relating can be intense, controlling and manipulative. Overwhelming behavior can be a signal of attention needs. Back away from any relationship that seems karmic!

Transpluto: Criticism by a perfectionist person will cause a separation and alienation.

Ascendant: Your sense of self-worth, self-esteem and sense of lovability are not good now. You can start to feel sorry for yourself and feel disappointed in others who may not meet your needs...at least, in the manner that you anticipate.

CRISIS LUNATIONS FOR 2004: Crisis Lunation periods occurs when, at the time that the Moon is New or Full, the Moon is physically very close to the earth. This closeness-lunation parallel will amplify our emotional reactions, bringing matters to a crisis point. This Crisis Moon period usually begins about one week before the New/Full Moon and lasts several days afterward. I find that you are only affected by one of the Crisis Moon periods, usually one that falls close to a natal planet. When a crisis arises, my advice is always to "stay calm, relax and make no impulsive decisions for at least a week." The most critical are eclipses. The most potent occurred on April 15, 1995, because it occurred at the time of a Lunar Eclipse. Of course, the event it portended was the Oklahoma City bombing as the Eclipse fell on the ASC/DESC axis over that city. The WTC/Pentagon attack occurred within the orb of a Crisis Lunation on October 13.