Gemini

Mercury Retro at 21 Gemini, 5/26/08
June 8th–retrograde conjunction to the Sun
Mercury Direct at 12 Gemini 6/19/08
Neptune Retro 24 Aquarius from 5/26/08
Direct at 21 Aquarius on 11/1/08

We begin with an excerpt from The Principles of Astrology:
Gemini is known as "The Twins" or the "Pillars of Hercules" and rightly so. The Gemini emphasis is upon the nature of duality and the logic system that it makes possible. Again this is twofold. We begin with the ability to sort out a particular sight, sound, smell, taste, and/or touch from the background level of objects, noises, odors, attractions, and/or skin contacts. We focus on the specific and we name it, thus beginning the process of building language skills to be used in thinking and communicating.

Time begins here. When we change focus, we create divisions in time. In the past we focused on one thing. In the present we focus on another, and in the future we will focus on still another. Ordinarily, Gemini refers to right now. While time and name are not obvious facets of Gemini, they can be factors--especially when working in the psychological aspects of astrology.

Gemini is the original sign of relationship, sometimes used generically. It is essentially horizontal, referring to a side-by-side relationship, an essential commonality, a twin, sibling, or peer. In certain contexts it can refer to an elementary class or student. Gemini shows our earliest clear sense that there is more than one being like us--especially more than one child in the family, the neighborhood. It is the basis for relating to ideas as they contrast to or compare with the information we have and/or people as like or not-like us. As we learn the names for different entities, then for facets or qualities of these entities, we build a data base with which to think.

Planets in Gemini are conscious, visible. They need to be named properly. It will be important to see them as single units with twin facets--dual or multi-talented. If split apart, only half the information needed will be available and in that area of life. Something will feel torn in two.

When placed in Gemini, planets that represent persons, Mother or Father, Male, Female, Authority, or Power figures, usually divide into separate aspects. EXAMPLE: A Gemini Sun may refer to two fathers, or to one who is sometimes light and sometimes dark. It may also refer to a sibling-like relationship, or to an actual sibling who shares the task. EXAMPLE: A Gemini Moon usually refers to both the Mother and an older Sister who, together, nurture you. The significance of this is that it creates a double bond.

Natal Retrograde Mercury sometimes seems to process thought more slowly than Direct Mercury. Generally this placement indicates a condition of, or like, thinking in one language and speaking in another. It may be that natives are experiencing their first attempt at processing the local language, or even the first attempt at verbal communication. More accustomed to a different communication style,–such as telepathy--this one seems awkward and slow.

That said, the Gemini period of 2008 can be expected to differ from most other years. The Sun entered Gemini on Wednesday, May 21, 2008. The ruler of Gemini is Mercury and Mercury goes retrograde on Monday, May 26, 2008, at 21 Gemini. It continues in reverse until June 19, 2008. Stationary-direct on the 12th degree of Gemini, it resumes forward motion, just 3 days before the Sun enters Cancer.

More than any other planet, Mercury is connected with the five senses, and especially with sight. Here duality begins, largely linked with light. Light is the substance of what we see and the light we see it by. But seeing is not all external. The statement, “I see” can mean that we see an external object. We are seeing what is being shown to us. “I see”can also mean, “I understand” or “I get it.”

Mercury symbolizes consciousness-in-general, especially as it refers to intelligence, thinking and language. The most common daily usage of Mercury is in reference to visual, or at least sensory, perception. Traditionally it’s symbolism has often been limited to the outer senses. However, seers tell us that for every outer sense, we also have an inner sense. The Gemini twins are intended to point to this. Another way to say this is that we have both a physical mind and a spiritual one, with the senses to assist each.

Mercury turns retrograde for 2-3 week periods, three times each year. At such times, the general population is more than usually introspective. The senses symbolized by Mercury turn inward, looking at life with the inner eye, perceiving what may be invisible to the outer senses. The inner vision may dominate the outer one, as intuition reveals what ordinary perceptions miss.

Today, increasing numbers are naturally oriented this way. The vast majority of people born since 1977–and a high percentage of those born during the decade before–are right-brain dominant, highly intuitive and creative. (A great many of the so-called learning disabilities are simply people whose consciousness is too advanced to function within the strongly logical bias of traditional education.)

This writer suspects that the fact that all three 2008 Mercury retrogrades are in air signs may be intended to call attention to the fact that it is time to give as much acceptance to right-brain, intuitive-creative issues as to left-brain logical issues. As intuitives need grounding, so do rigidly logical minds need air. Of the three periods, this retrograde, with Mercury in its own sign, is probably the most visible. It is as though the Higher or Universal mind is saying, “LOOK!” For 22 days, the finger points. We are urged to pay attention to what is happening and to see the visible expansion of the general consciousness–especially as it is vested in our young people and children.

Always, Mercury’s retrograde periods are good for internal review and intuitive processing such as meditation and day dreaming. They are a good time for solving otherwise unsolvable problems, or finding otherwise elusive answers. It is also an excellent time for paying extra attention to message-bearing signs and symbols. For example, have you really looked at the subject matter being addressed in current television programming? Fiction has always been a prime tool for stretching minds. Entertainment slips ideas under our conditioned notions of what is and is-not possible. This year it is introducing us to the potentials and possibilities of the high-level consciousness invested in the New Kids.

Let this period be profitable. Open your mind to the huge part of human consciousness that normally lies beneath or above your everyday thinking mind. There truly are more things in Heaven and Earth than many of us have ever dreamed. This is a prime period for seeing some of them.