Mercury goes retrograde today (August 20th) and goes direct again on September 12th

[I Have A Dream]

At 20:00 UT (Universal Time) Friday, August 20th, 2010, Mercury the wise communicator—and universal trickster—turns retrograde at 19°01' Virgo, in the sign of the Virgin, sending communications, travel, appointments, mail and the www into a general snarlup! The retro period begins some days before the actual turning point (as Mercury slows) and lasts for three weeks or so, until September 12, 2010, when the Winged Messenger reaches his direct station. At this time he halts and begins his return to direct motion through the zodiac.

Everything finally straightens out on September 27, as he passes the point where he first turned retrograde. Mercury normally turns retrograde three times a year, but this year he turns tail four times, which is unusual. The effects of each period differ, according to the sign in which it happens (see box for Retrograde Periods in 2010).

A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. According to modern science, this traditional concept arises in the illusory planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth with relation to other planets in our solar system. It's a bit like travelling on the road watching another car beside you: when the other car slows down, or you speed up, it looks as though the other car is moving backwards. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way due to this cosmic shadow-play. Click here for some neat graphics and more on the science of retrograde planetary motion.

Retrograde periods, although often problematic for us earthlings, are not particularly uncommon. Each planet retrogrades, except the Sun and Moon. Although a powerful astrological influence, Mercury is quite a small planet that travels at a relatively fast speed through the zodiac. Despite being the closest planet in our solar system to the Sun, Mercury is not always in the same sign as the Sun. Mercury turns retrograde this time in Virgo while the Sun is in Leo, but the Sun moves into Virgo on Aug. 23 (with Mercury still in Virgo). Mercury turns direct in Virgo on Sep. 12 with the Sun still in Virgo, but the Sun enters Libra at the equinox on Sep. 23, while Mercury remains in Virgo till Oct. 3.

(continued at link below)
http://www.astrologycom.com/mercret.html

[Fire Walk With Me]

1. Oh, poopy.

[elleng]

2. Mail ALREADY screwed up! Received re-sent alimony check YESTERDAY!

And having car repaired today! Sure hope Meineke can handle it!

[Ricochet21]

3. That's funny

I just got a package that was stuck at the PO for 14 days. It works in reverse sometimes. 46 more minutes! :hi:

[FloriTexan]

4. That explains yesterday and today's messes...

Whew.

[WhiteTara]

5. we're getting ready to launch our new website

and I have already prepared myself that there will be much more work to do and that there will be problems (I hate moving email!) When we launch, I'll post the link to my site, if that's kosher.

Anyway, this is a very reflective period for me. We'll have lived at our new home for one year on the Autumnal Equinox. By the time arrives, I hope to have the bulk of the move in complete. All the offices/workspaces completely arranged (we moved with 3 semi trucks) and the walk way in. My dream/goal is the hibernation period I have longed for for several years. All the way from Solstice to to Vernal Equinox. And I hope to start my life long tradition with this rest period.

Of course, all bets are off, if we have a collapse of the world.
:hug:

[I Have A Dream]

6. Good luck, WhiteTara!

I'd definitely love to have the link to your site, once it's up and running. :)

Kudos to you for getting this completed. I will try to use you as an inspiration to get just one little room to that state.

:pals:

[elleng]

7. 'Perfect' merc retro situation w auto repair, communications, misunderstandings!

Sure glad to be aware of merc retro, or might be upset with the people involved!

[I Have A Dream]

8. Sorry to hear it, ellen.

:hug:

[Kookaburra]

9. Internet was out in this part of town for 48 hours,

and it started (you guessed it) Friday. Then, when everyone else was up and running, my modem decided it was time to give up the ghost. Ugh!!! Had to wait until yesterday to get a tech out here to bring a new one. I've been glomming off the Starbuck's wifi for the past few days (there's only so much coffee you can drink -- never thought I'd say that), so haven't been able to really get out there and look/read/answer stuff.

Glad to be back.