Astrology Video Cast – Mercury Retrograde and Debilitated in Pisces

FYI – This article is not for those with a short attention span. So you can also watch a video

Retrograde Motion

Observation is a really important part of astrology. The motion of the planets and their size, etc. – have a lot to do with determining their results. The retrograde planet appears to be moving backwards relative to where we are on Earth, which is always moving forward. When planets are retrograde they are closer to the Earth than at any other time. Based on the difference in speeds, they appear to move backward. Because Mercury is the fastest planet, he goes retrograde most often, three times a year usually.

The relative speed of the planet at any given time is considered an important source of strength in Vedic astrology, called “Chesta Bala”. When the planet slows down in the sky, stops and then goes retrograde it’s Chesta Bala is the highest. In classical, medieval Western astrology we also have this preference shown for a planet that “stations” in the sky. It’s as if that planet is saying “hold it right there and pay attention to me”.

Learn Astrology Get a Free 3 DVD Home Study Course Here. Link opens a New Window.

But that seems to be where the similarities end when people talk about “Western and Vedic” approaches to retrograde. As we all know by now, in Western astrology retrograde is considered “bad” and Vedic astrology it is considered “good”. As the astrologers of the East and West come together now more than ever, maybe it is a good idea to simply look at the phenomena and see how both of these things can exist beyond such useless simplicities.

The same energy comes from the planet whether it’s a Vedic or Western astrologer discussing it. The difference in interpretation has more to do with the culture interpreting this motion than the effect itself. Retrograde planets have more of an internal nature. The things they rule externally become sources of confusion. We hesitate, and that hesitation causes reflection. The reason we hesitate is because we’ve probably made some mistakes with that thing (if it’s in our natal chart), or if by transit, we are experiencing some of the mistakes in the present.

Because there is more of a focus in Eastern culture on things such as meditation, introspection, and the notion that life’s difficulties are spiritual tests, the retrograde planet is not so degraded. But actually, there are many indications that the retrograde planet causes difficulty, especially to things like health or what the planet rules externally, especially as a house ruler. Of course, in the West, we like our stuff and anything that disrupts getting our stuff is bad. Not to be crass, but this is generally the case with Western culture.

The retrograde planet makes us back up, return to an actual event/situation/person and get it better the next time. It’s often heard in Western astrology that retrograde planets have to do with “past lives”, which is interesting. But again, this is somewhat telling because everything in Indian astrology has to do with past lives, because Indian culture assumes past lives as a functioning premise of everything, not just astrology. But I will say, it is very useful to view retrograde planets as especially “karmic forces”, as is generally described in Western astrology. I think it’s very useful to view a retrograde planet as a deeper, spiritual lesson we are working on in this lifetime.

Debilitation and Dignity

The dignity of a planet is very important in Vedic astrology. It is not something that is simply explained away in a more politically correct way. Meaning, I’ve noticed many Western astrologers have a lot of discomfort using words like “debilitation”, and I understand why. Probably one of the big reasons why is because of all of the gloom and doom that word implies, and how Vedic astrology/astrologers tend to overdo it when it comes to things like debilitation and exaltation.

However, this is really throwing the baby out with the bathwater. There is no doubt using a word like debilitation in an astrology session may not be in the best interest of the the client – especially if it is not given context. Personally, I don’t use those words unless I know the person understands it, or they have used it themselves and have a problem with it – which is often the case. But then, I explain what it actually means, I describe the nature of that planet in that sign and I assure them that it is only one thing.

Debilitation or exaltation is no more important than any other single thing. It is very specific to what it means and nothing more. The problem with using these terms and systems isn’t that they are wrong, it’s that they are used wrong, or overstated, and the astrologer may not understand what it means. Everything in astrology is completely specific. It is what it is and nothing more. But what happens is we hear word like “debilitation” and we automatically think, “bad”. Not only do we hear “bad”, we hear “completely bad” (as if to say, “there is NOTHING good about it”).

Debilitation is a challenge, commensurate to exactly what it is. However, it is only one planet, it is only one quality of the planet, and must always be seen in context. The same is true with a “exalted” planet. The same astrologers who condemn the debilitated planet may go absolutely bananas over the exalted planet, also mistakenly. Or, they will avoid the debilitated planet, trying to put a happy face on that one, then go way overboard on the exalted one.

Dignity and Jagraadadi Avasthas

Dignity is most unambiguously tied to a group of “Avasthas” (conditions), that assess a planet on its relative level of wakefulness. It is either awake, dreaming, or unconscious/ asleep.

• The awake planet is exalted or in its own sign – called “Jagraad” (Awake).
• The planet of average dignity, in great friend, friend, enemy is dreaming or sleepy – Swapna.
• The planet in great enemy dignity or debilitated is called Sushupti (Unconscious or asleep).

The way to decipher these ancient texts is to see what name is used, then look at what it’s showing. In this case it’s clear. There is an entire group of conditions dedicated simply to the dignity of the planets, stating that these dignities refer to its level of consciousness and wakefulness. It does not say the planets are “good or bad” – will give a lot of money, fortune, pain, misery, etc. – when they are in these conditions. In fact, the dignity of the planet has virtually nothing to do with the results it gives. Results are due to house placement, house rulership, aspects, yogas, dasas, NOT dignity.

So, for example, a debilitated planet can give as much STUFF as an exalted planet, or any other. You simply do not know by the dignity alone. Just like an exalted planet, same thing. The dignity shows the intelligence and how awake that thing is in a person’s consciousness – that’s all. Whether that exalted Jupiter gives a powerful career or powerful enemies has to do with many other factors. And as was said, the dignity is only one factor. But it is an important one, as it is the first thing Parashara says after he lists all the qualities of the planet.

This is important to note because so many students will get into this “good results/bad results” issue based on the dignity of the planet. And it has nothing at all to do with whether or not results are produced. But you will see the *quality of the results* based on the dignity and how much we enjoy the thing, how much fulfillment and wisdom it brings us.

Retrograde and Debilitation Together

There’s a beautiful rule in classical Vedic astrology that addresses what happens when a debilitated planet is retrograde. When this happens, the debilitation gets powerful support, called “Neecha Banga”. Essentially what happens is this “unconscious” planet (debilitated) becomes a doubtful energy (retrograde) in us. We hesitate with it. You can see right away why that will be a strong supporting factor. Quite the contrary is a debilitated planet which is very prominent very active and constantly asserting this unconscious nature.

There’s also the rule that when an exalted planet goes retrograde, the exaltation becomes hindered. And again, you can see why. An exalted planet is awake, it is very conscious and present in us and it would be good if we acted upon its nature. If it’s retrograde, we doubt and hesitate to perform actions with it, a planet that’s very intelligent, alive and awake in us.

However, as was said, this is only one consideration. For instance, and exalted malefic, especially temporal malefic as a house ruler, can be quite destructive. Like Mars for Gemini, for example. But a retrograde exalted temporal malefic may be extremely powerful to help. I don’t want this to get too convoluted, but these are the general principles.

 

Current Sky – Mercury, Pisces, Reversal of Fortunes

Currently in the sky Mercury is retrograde, and is about to be debilitated again. The first time Mercury went through Pisces debilitated the tragic earthquake and series of miscommunications mistakes and difficulties ensued. We also saw a new military campaign/resolution with the UN and more potential for violence in the world as a result. We were acting on the debilitated Mercury, as it was moving forward, acting on the confused state, etc. When Mercury enters Pisces debilitated and retrograde on April 2, there’s a greater possibility that this debility and problem with the details, communication, organization will be put to sleep so other forces can rule.

Three masculine planets in Pisces: Mars, Jupiter and the Sun will hopefully bring the necessary force, valor and good decision-making to allow us to get ahead of this tragic situation. In particular, Mars in Pisces is much more subdued at this point and not about to form an eighth house aspect with Saturn. The Sun (Government), Mars (Military) and Jupiter (Luck and Wisdom) may be important.

I would not stake my reputation on a swift turnaround, but it also would not surprise me to see a sudden reversal of fortune in many situations over the next three weeks. Retrograde planets are very unpredictable, and give us a second chance to get it right. My feeling all along during this tragedy is it’s a great call to the global community to help. The inherently close nature of the Japanese government and corporate environments has not helped. We are now seeing governments of the world step up more and more. We must dissolve all boundaries and refuse to settle for this potential multiple meltdown catastrophe scenario. The water, sky and earth does not belong to a Japanese nuclear power company. .

The Nakshatra Revati

On April 3, 2011 we will have the new Moon in Pisces, in the Nakshatra of Revati. There will be four planets in this Nakshatra when we have the full moon: the Sun, Moon, Jupiter and Mercury. The deity of this Nakshatra is called Pushan, the nurturer. This deity is one of the Adityas, incarnations of the Sun that oversees the weary soul and his final journey home. It is akin to a shepherd protecting the flock and keeping the animals safe. This is the most selfless of all the Nakshatra’s and the place where literally a person cannot help but feel the pain of others suffering.

I think the next 30 days will be a time of immense sensitivity in the world, in the face of a tragedy that has yet to resolve itself in Japan, and perhaps with other situations breaking out as citizens of the Middle East clamor for democracy and freedom and Western forces offer ambiguous support. There will be a theme of protecting animals and advocating their welfare.

I have added the mantra of the Deity of Pushan to my daily spiritual practices, hoping to evoke that divine, protective energy for us all. The mantra is Om Pushane Namah. Below are some quotes from the rig Veda about this deity.

Rig Veda Book 1 – Pusan

• 1 SHORTEN our ways, O Pūṣan, move aside obstruction in the path: Go close before us, cloud-born God.
• 2 Drive, Pūṣan, from our road the wolf, the wicked inauspicious wolf, Who lies in wait to injure us.
• 3 Who lurks about the path we take, the robber with a guileful heart: Far from the road chase him away.
• 4 Tread with thy foot and trample out the firebrand of the wicked one, The double-tongued, whoe’er he be.
• 5 Wise Pūṣan, Wonder-Worker, we claim of thee now the aid wherewith Thou furtheredst our sires of old.
• 6 So, Lord of all prosperity, best wielder of the golden sword, Make riches easy to be won.
• 7 Past all pursuers lead us, make pleasant our path and fair to tread: O Pūṣan, find thou power for this.
• 8 Lead us to meadows rich in grass: send on our way no early heat: O Pūṣan, find thou power for this.
• 9 Be gracious to us, fill us full, give, feed us, and invigorate: O Pūṣan, find thou power for this.
• 10 No blame have we for Pūṣan; him we magnify with songs of praise: We seek the Mighty One for wealth.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you like this please share it with others.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Best Wishes,

Sam