The New Irrational Exuberance
Is Mercury the pull-pin in the coming financial grenade?
In previous articles (here, and here) I’ve alluded to the fact that the recent US stock market boom cannot be accounted for astrologically. And, even as I say that, I’m also of the mind that the stars never lie. However, astrologers are often tone deaf to the message. Myself included.
I won’t go into all the heavy astrological weather present in the US chart, because there is A LOT. But suffice to say that a Pluto return on the cusp of the US’s second, a Neptune opposition and a Chiron return are the current front runners in a mess of alignments vying for the crown of most disruptive.
And yet, the market keeps soaring. Which can only mean that, as an astrologer, there is something that I’m not seeing.
And quite possibly, that “something” is Mercury.
Mercury’s retrograde cycle - the current iteration having begun on November 26th - is not an isolated, haphazard and chaotic event, but rather a progression of energies within a much larger cycle - a semester of “life school’, if you will - each with its own unique influence.
That the larger Mercury cycle - measured from inferior conjunction to inferior conjunction - establishes the “life school” semester establishes the retrograde period as its own unique sub-phase within the semester.
In this article we’ll focus on the retrograde sub-phase. And in particular, this sub-phase, as I can make the argument that this phase might quite possibly be the initiation domino we’ve been looking for that kicks off the economic slide the balance of the US chart is indicating.
From the very 3D, common sense accounting point of view, that the US economy should be booming is a mystery. A fiat currency backed by… well, nothing, government spending and deficits run beyond the point of any rational comprehension, the world on the brink of war and a working class that’s been all but decimated aside, this scenario looks to be a game of musical chairs that’s in its final chords.
But what is the “it” that will strike that final chord?
Well, let’s consider the possibility that it’s Mercury. And in particular, Mercury’s current retrograde sub-phase. That sub-phase can be further broken down thusly:
1. Pre-Shadow Phase
What It Is: Mercury enters the degrees it will later revisit during retrograde, setting the stage for the themes that will unfold.
What We Feel: During this period, we may notice the early seeds of challenges or insights that are likely to require review later. Decisions made now often carry the potential for revision, so this phase asks us to be mindful of patterns beginning to emerge.
Key Energy: Preparation. Pay attention to recurring issues or subtle misalignments—these are the clues Mercury offers about what needs reflection. Hold loosely to the outcomes of decisions made at this time. That decisions are likely to be made is not so much the issue. The idea is, can you pivot - easily and effortlessly - during the retrograde phase?
2. Retrograde Phase
What It Is: Mercury reverses its motion, retracing its path through the zodiac. This is the heart of the cycle, a time to pause, reconsider and pivot, if need be.
What We Feel: This phase brings a sense of turning inward. Delays, setbacks or disruptions MAY come about, but understand these as invitations to revisit, reassess, or even redo areas of life that need refinement. Clarity may be elusive, so this is not the time for rushing forward.
Key Energy: Reflection. Think of this as a cosmic review period—a time to confront unresolved patterns or decisions that require deeper thought.
3. Direct Phase (Station Direct)
What It Is: Mercury resumes forward motion, retracing its retrograde path for the third and final time. Clarity begins to return.
What We Feel: This is when insights gained during retrograde start to crystallize, and forward momentum - assuming the rest of the chart is supportive - resumes. Adjustments to decisions or plans made earlier now feel aligned and purposeful.
Key Energy: Integration. This is the time to put lessons learned into action and refine plans with renewed understanding.
4. Post-Shadow Phase
What It Is: Mercury exits the degrees it retrograded over, signaling the conclusion of the cycle.
What We Feel: A sense of resolution or closure arises as Mercury leaves the territory it revisited. We may feel a renewed ability to move forward with confidence.
Key Energy: Completion. The lessons of the retrograde are integrated, freeing us to focus on new horizons.
Now let’s consider the exact points for this particular Mercury retrograde sub-phase:
This Mercury retrograde cycle, from November 7, 2024 (pre-shadow) to January 3, 2025 (end post-shadow), signals a period of deep psychological reflection and transformation, as it occurs entirely within Scorpio, a sign associated with intensity, power, and the uncovering of hidden truths. Let’s break this cycle into its phases and synthesize its meaning.
Two caveats first: (1) when we look at a mundane chart, we are considering the *collective consciousness*. That is, the overall “mood” of the collective. And, (2) as previously stated, the US chart has A LOT of other astrological weather in play. For example, we have a Pluto return (only once every 248 years) AND a Neptune opposition (every 164 years). And that’s just for starters. That they are happening at the same time is a once every 10 thousand year occurrence. So, yeah… this period is quite rare indeed.
Key Phases of the Current Mercury Retrograde Cycle Through the U.S. Chart
The current Mercury retrograde (November 7, 2024 – January 3, 2025) unfolds entirely within the U.S.’s 12th house, a deeply karmic sector governing hidden matters, collective subconscious fears, and institutional systems. The energy of Scorpio magnifies the 12th house’s focus on uncovering buried truths, karmic reckoning, and transformational renewal. Here’s how each phase of the cycle aligns with the U.S.’s natal dynamics:
Pre-Shadow (November 7 – November 26, 2024 | 12°–28° Scorpio)
During the pre-shadow period, Mercury begins stirring the waters of the 12th house, highlighting areas of hidden influence and unresolved national karma. Themes of trust, secrecy, and the underpinnings of power dynamics emerge, subtly planting the seeds of what will require reflection and re-evaluation.
Themes for the U.S.:
Early signs of tension within covert government actions, such as intelligence agencies, secretive policies, or classified agreements.
Institutional vulnerabilities within prisons, mental health systems, or large bureaucratic frameworks begin surfacing.
Subconscious fears among the collective rise, tied to issues of security, power, or systemic neglect.
Retrograde (November 26 – December 15, 2024 | 28°–12° Scorpio)
Mercury’s retrograde motion through the 12th house marks a time of deep national reflection. This is the heart of the cycle, inviting the U.S. to revisit past decisions, confront hidden truths, and uncover karmic patterns influencing the nation’s trajectory.
Themes for the U.S.:
Covert Matters: Expect increased scrutiny or revelations regarding classified operations, financial entanglements, or hidden debts. The nation may uncover details of past actions that carry long-term consequences.
Institutional Review: Prisons, mental health systems, or neglected social institutions may face heightened criticism or calls for reform.
Collective Subconscious: Emotional turbulence in the collective psyche arises, urging a reckoning with national fears or avoidance of key truths. Public discourse may feel polarized, yet ripe for deep introspection.
Cazimi (December 5, 2024 | 20° Scorpio)
At the midpoint of the retrograde, Mercury aligns exactly with the Sun, offering a moment of clarity and revelation. This cazimi acts as a spotlight in the 12th house, illuminating hidden matters that demand acknowledgment and integration.
Themes for the U.S.:
A breakthrough revelation about past covert policies or institutional actions may come to light, shifting public understanding or governmental priorities.
A piercing awareness of collective psychological patterns, such as fear-driven policies or societal resistance to change, becomes undeniable.
This clarity sets the stage for constructive solutions and recalibration as the retrograde continues.
Mars Station Retrograde (December 7, 2024 | 11° Cancer)
While Mercury retrogrades in the 12th house, Mars stations retrograde at 11° Cancer, traversing the cusp of the U.S.’s 8th house of shared resources, national debt, and crisis management. This alignment intensifies the introspective tone, linking Mercury’s karmic focus with Mars’ activation of collective financial and emotional dynamics.
Themes for the U.S.:
Economic Crises: Mars retrograde could bring scrutiny to national debt, taxation systems, or financial partnerships, exposing weaknesses in resource management.
Power Struggles: Emotional intensity escalates as unresolved disputes over resource allocation or public trust in institutions come to the forefront.
Intersection with Mercury: Hidden agendas or neglected systems exposed during Mercury retrograde may directly impact crisis management or financial strategies tied to the 8th house.
Post-Shadow (December 15, 2024 – January 3, 2025 | 12°–28° Scorpio)
As Mercury stations direct at 12° Scorpio, the U.S. begins to move forward with clarity, integrating the lessons of the retrograde. The post-shadow period offers an opportunity to address revelations and implement meaningful reforms.
Themes for the U.S.:
Institutional Reform: A clearer understanding of flaws within hidden systems—such as prisons, covert government policies, or neglected public institutions—leads to calls for transparency and renewal.
Transformational Rebuilding: Scorpio’s fixed energy encourages thorough and lasting changes, urging the nation to strengthen structures exposed as vulnerable or unjust during the retrograde.
Healing National Karma: By addressing unresolved fears or systemic neglect, the U.S. has the chance to recalibrate its priorities and move toward greater collective honesty and empowerment.
Synthesis Through the U.S. Lens
This Mercury retrograde in the 12th house is a time of deep national introspection, asking the U.S. to confront its shadow. It illuminates the subconscious fears and buried truths that shape the nation’s psyche, urging a transformation of its institutional frameworks and karmic imbalances. While the process may bring discomfort, it also offers profound opportunities for healing, renewal, and alignment with collective integrity.
As we navigate the cycles of Mercury retrograde in the U.S. chart, it becomes clear that the hidden structures underpinning the nation’s financial and institutional systems are under intense scrutiny. In this transformative moment, Audre Lorde’s words resonate deeply:
“You can’t dismantle the master’s house with the master’s tools.”
Lorde’s assertion speaks to the limits of reforming a system using the same tools and principles that created its flaws. While she originally spoke about civil rights, her message applies just as profoundly to the financial frameworks and entrenched power dynamics of today.
The U.S. finds itself at a karmic crossroads. This retrograde sub-phase invites us to uncover what has been hidden—imbalances in resource distribution, outdated policies, and the consequences of a system designed to perpetuate economic inequality. But it also challenges us to think beyond mere reform. Transformation requires innovation, courage, and a willingness to embrace entirely new paradigms—tools that were not forged within the confines of the existing system.
As the pendulum of Mercury’s motion swings forward once again, the opportunity emerges to build anew. By releasing what no longer serves and daring to imagine something radically different, we can begin the process of true healing and empowerment. Lorde’s wisdom reminds us that genuine change arises not from patching up the master’s house, but from envisioning and creating a foundation that belongs to everyone. In this moment of introspection and transformation, the U.S. has the chance to lay the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable future.
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