Mercury in Pisces ☿ 2018

Artwork by Ren E.T.

Feb 17 – Mar 5, 2018

Mercury transits are not high impact on their own; it is Mercury’s interaction with the sun and Venus which are important, or the context within which Mercury operates. Mercury is a mental support beam for the sun and Venus. When he is not synced with these planets – that is, spinning through another constellation – the solar cycle is less synergistic. When Mercury joins the sun and/or Venus in the same constellation, the mind (Mercury) aligns with outward manifestation (sun) and the heart (Venus).

This year’s Mercury in Pisces cycle will be exceptional as the sun and Venus will also be in Pisces for the whole duration. Mercury and Venus never stray more than 45 degrees from the sun as we see them from Earth. This is because whenever we look toward the sun, we are also looking toward Mercury and Venus, as their orbits lie entirely between us and the sun.

When Mercury the Messenger visits the mermaid chamber, thoughts are often internalized. Locked inside the fish vault, these words never make it to the surface, never come out, never get to be heard or digested or discussed. Pisces stuffs everything deep in her psyche, then masterfully ignores the inevitable, mounting inward pressure by granting endless free passes and second chances to herself and others. Then we see her shadow: evasion, denial and deceit. Don’t swim away at the first sign of discord! Gather your power!

The fishes are rambling, scattered, painfully subjective and undisciplined. At her worst, Pisces brings humanity to its knees in an opaque cloud of delusion. Pisces blurs dreams and reality until life feels illogical, irrational. The fishes twist and flow as wise water wends the bends of the cosmic riverbed. Consider small, intentional doses of psilocybin; consider letting go, letting go, letting go. Creative projects will prove unusually gratifying and feed the growing, unmistakable feeling of all things fated. This is the irrevocable attunement – first confusing, muddling, swirling, then wide open, a spectacle of light. This is the proverbial death of the mind’s worn knots and tatters. Let them die. Create your neural pathways anew, fresh as a daffodil on a warm spring afternoon.

One of Pisces’ great karmic responsibilities involves learning to be of equal service to herself and others, and I don’t mean that she needs to be less selfish, but more selfish. Pisces gives until nothing remains, not even stores of energy originally set aside for her own self-care. This leaves the fishes chronically depleted in mind, body and spirit. Allow yourself and other fishy friends to marinade in prolonged introversion. This is how we rehabilitate, regenerate, revitalize the spirit.

Animals associated with Mercury include the rooster, ram, goat and tortoise. In Pisces, the tortoise smiles shyly from Mercury’s breast. The fishes are sage, ancient, glacial in pace. In Native American astrology, Pisces belongs to the Frog clan. She is also associated with the gem turquoise and all shades of blue or green. Meditate on the slippery frog, hibernating at the bottom of her pond, waiting patiently for spring to come. Meditate on the myriad hues of the ocean. Feel cerulean droplets beading on your skin, gathering around your third eye, trickling to your toes. Pray beneath the diamond star dome, let Gaia’s bated breath fill your lungs. Discover your inner mystic, shaman or healer. Every constellation prepares us for the next. Pisces prepares us for Aries, the fiery newborn lamb. These waves wash everything away, leaving beautiful empty space for the flames of spring.

Be careful on Feb 28, when Mercury squares Mars in Sagittarius. March 2 and March 4, on the other hand, should be excellent days. What we need is music, dancing and languid daydreams. Unleash your imagination. As always, take deep breaths and remember to meditate. Focus on the crown chakra. Wear blue tones, or any of your favorite cool colors. Give special attention to your feet. Rest your body with Pisces Yoga. If you were born with Mercury in Pisces, these next few weeks are your Mercury Return. To find your personal Mercury sign, click here.

Mantra:  I surrender