Lost for Words

Mercury stations retrograde in the 15^th degree of Cancer at 4:54 a.m. on 18^th June 2020 and stations direct in the 6^th degree of Cancer at 8:22 a.m. on 12^th July 2020. All dates are UT

During this passage of Mercury retrograde, communication may falter if we seek hard facts and unequivocal clarity. Dealing less in words uttered and more in body language, tone of voice and thoughts and feelings unspoken, this Mercury is influenced by emotion rather than intellect. It connects instinctively with the subtle undercurrents of interpersonal exchange, aware that what appears on the surface is but a small part of what’s really going on.

With a solar eclipse on 21^st June and Jupiter and Pluto both retrograde as they conjoin for the second time on 30^th June, this Mercury alerts us to the presence of many energetic nuances. Feelings unexpressed, thoughts not shared, perspectives untested against reality may significantly influence how we view the world and interact with each other in the coming days. We may say one thing but mean another or censor the truth to influence someone else. What seemed incredibly clear will become clouded and words may pale into insignificance against the backdrop of feelings intuited from the world around us. This is a sensitive Mercury, resonating with the unified field of energy that connects us all. We owe ourselves and each other a significant duty of care at this time, for words can open wounds and those said in haste could trigger withdrawal from which it’s hard to return.

In short, it’s easy to take things personally now. Objectivity is weak, subjectivity powerfully strong. It may be hard to see another’s point of view, especially when it concerns us personally. Likewise, others may be less than receptive when we share what we believe to be a perfectly reasonable perspective! All in all, this is not the time for significant discussions about important matters. Even agreements reached now, no matter how clear they may seem at the time, may soon reveal vast rifts of understanding born of untested assumptions and emotional reactivity.

That said, this can be a constructive time for better connecting with someone who’s previously confused us. Mercury in Cancer is content with confusion and can tease out the bits that matter even if it can’t readily put them into words. Odd feelings, a sense of something not being quite right, a weird interpersonal dynamic – all can be offered up to this Mercury for its gentle exploration. There lies freedom in no longer needing words to get our point across. We may feel happier to sit in silence and simply ‘pick up’ what’s on someone’s mind, processing body language, facial expression, the energetic vibe transmitted. All of this makes far more sense than a statement of fact contradicted by the very face that delivers it! If emotive issues abound now, this Mercury supports those prepared to let go of pre-conceived notions about what communication should be and embrace the myriad levels at which it actually occurs.

At this time the mind is a tool of the emotions not the intellect. As such it can be an ally of the heart or the ego. We can use it to take offence when none was meant, make personal what wasn’t or fear exposure so much that we simply clam up. Or we can use it to connect empathically with those around us. To open our heart to theirs in a place beyond words and share moments of silence more meaningful than any spoken exchange. Yes, sensitivities may be high, words won’t convey the whole picture and we may all be under the influence of unfamiliar feelings. But in a world where emotions are cast as weakness, ‘hard facts’ favoured over intuition and we’re all supposed to mean what we say, this Mercury is an oasis in the arid desert of intellectualism, lost for words but rich in nourishment for the soul.

Sarah Varcas