When you hear the term ‘in the spotlight’ what does it conjure up in you? What emotions? Fears or self-doubts? Does it trigger curiosity or an attraction? Or a desire to hide? Certainly, ‘in the spotlight’ alludes to being at the centre of others’ attention, perhaps in the public eye in some way, or to performance.
What about the phrase ‘on the spot’? Similarly, it can mean being a focal point, yet it also alludes to not being comfortable in that position. Having to perform in some way that you don’t feel prepared or resourced for perhaps. Or where you feel self-conscious, embarrassed even.
Both ‘in the spotlight’ and ‘on the spot’ are an upcoming theme astrologically. They are offered to us as Mercury, planet of thoughts, communication, and travel, approaches its next retrograde period. What we feel about being the centre of attention – and what we believe it means – needs to transmute.
For those of you who don’t know, or may like to be reminded, Mercury retrograde happens when the relative speeds of the Earth & Mercury change as they become physically closer. The positioning and speed of both planets means it looks as if Mercury is moving backwards. As Mercury represents how we think, this influences how we experience the Mercury spheres of rulership – thoughts, communication, and movement of all kinds. Under Mercury retrograde, our mental functions shift. We’re receiving universal frequency in a more indirect way and tend to be less rationally orientated, even somewhat discombobulated. We’re called to revisit certain aspects of life, and what we think/believe about them. The good news is, this is a perfect time to explore our inner worlds rather than try to get ahead (literally).
With Mercury retrograde in the signs of Virgo and Leo, our relationship to self, i.e. self-confidence, courage, creative expression, the maturity to fully be oneself, and how that expresses as service in the wider world, are shifting with the universal tides. The connections Mercury makes with other planets through this retrograde add flavour to the themes of its retrograde process. The sign of Leo is the focal point of these connections for it’s where we stand strong in the presence of our individuality. It’s where we discover being in the spotlight means being in our centre and shining. If you know your birth-chart, the house Mercury passes through reveals the area of life it’s playing out in. Are you called to more stable self-worth in your family, everyday life, your vocation, in how you approach your well-being? There will be a particular focus of building awareness and stability.
Leo is the sign of the heart’s expression. Having the courage to claim fullness of individuality and stand strong in our unique gifts. That can be in a quiet way, for Leo can be a pussycat as well as ferociously expressive. The key is standing strong in the presence of oneself, being a light unto oneself. As Mercury changes direction, the frequencies that are not aligned with that inner light, particularly those held in the mind as fears and self-doubt, appear to become stronger. That’s the illusion – they appear that way because the contrast of frequency makes them stand out. In truth, they are calling for light, the light that you already are.
As Mercury connects with planetary archetypes that represent the legacy of collective trauma, we are wise to recognise the natural human nature of these distortions. They are like poisons in our system. We all know fear; we all have lack of confidence somewhere in our humanness, even if it displays as an apparent opposite: arrogance. Acknowledging that these poisons can subtly influence who we believe our self to be is paramount at this time. The mind can be a liar as well as a tool & organiser of creative power. What are you projecting about yourself or others that no longer serves or supports your full presence? What are you believing that throws dark shadows on the magnificence of your individuality?
Mercury retrograde calls us all to examine ‘What do I truly stand for? ‘What has my individuality of experience equipped me for’ and affirm it. To no longer allow yourself to be invisible in certain aspects of your life. In other words, to show up for and as yourself, despite what the mind says, or how the vibrational sensations of fear coursing through your body feel.
Then, when in the spotlight or on the spot, presence is an anchor in one’s own strength and experience. Presence is the rootedness in and expression of self-value, sharing the gifts developed through experience in your unique way. It’s the stable knowing of your unique place and value within the collective field.
It’s time to truly claim your individuality and its gifts in service to life. Who are you not to? With Mercury’s journey encompassing the Royal Star Regulus and creative Feminine Venus rising as Evening Star, it behoves us to step up. Mercury is a key to what beliefs you are allowing to inhibit you. They have no power really, only the power you give them.
The Astrology
Mercury Rx 05.56BST 5 August to 22.14BST 28 August: 4 Virgo to 21 Leo
Rx shadow 16 July to 12 September.
Mercury is conjunct Asteroid Medusa of collective trauma at both the star and end of its retrograde shadow period: 17 July, 12 September
Sun conjunct Mercury Rx (start of new cycle) at 26 Leo: 18 August
Mercury trine Wounded Healer Chiron & Disrupter Eris in Aries 19-22 July, 20-24 August Rx, 2-6 September
Mercury square Awakener Uranus in Taurus: 21 July, 18 August Rx, 7 September
Mercury quincunx Pluto in Capricorn and Neptune in Pisces (at the point of a Yod, Finger of Fate aspect): 25/26 July, 14/15 August Rx, 8/9 September
Mercury Rx sextile Mars 22 Leo/Gemini: 24 August, 11 September in Virgo/Cancer
Mercury Rx conjunct Evening Star Venus at 3 Virgo: 7 August
Mercury conjunct Fixed Royal Star Regulus at 0 Virgo: 26/27 July, 14/15 August Rx, 10 September
