Mercury: Evening Star & Morning Star

Understanding Mercury's Cycle

Before diving into the distinctions between the Evening Star and Morning Star phases, it's crucial to understand Mercury's overall cycle. This swift-moving planet has an 88-day orbit around the Sun but appears to move backward, or retrograde, three times a year from our Earthly perspective. Between these retrograde periods, Mercury transitions between its two star phases.

Evening Star Phase: Mercury's Twilight Dance

When Mercury is in its Evening Star phase, it appears in the western sky just after sunset. This phase occurs after Mercury has its superior conjunction with the Sun and before it stations to go retrograde.

Characteristics & Symbolism:

1. Reflection & Review: The Evening Star phase is a time of introspection. It encourages looking back, reviewing, and contemplating the past.
2. Completion: This phase symbolizes bringing things to a close, finishing projects, and preparing for a new cycle.
3. External Expression: While introspective, this phase is also about sharing wisdom and insights with the world, much like the setting sun shares its final rays.

Morning Star Phase: The Dawn Herald

The Morning Star phase sees Mercury rise just before the Sun in the eastern sky, signaling the approach of dawn. This phase is positioned after Mercury's retrograde and before it makes an inferior conjunction with the Sun.

Characteristics & Symbolism:

1. New Beginnings: As the herald of a new day, the Morning Star phase is about fresh starts and setting intentions.
2. Planning & Preparation: This is a phase of forward momentum, making it an excellent time for planning future endeavors.
3. Internal Insights: While it does signify beginnings, the Morning Star phase also urges individuals to internalize their insights and understand their inner dialogues.

Navigating Mercury's Dual Facets

The Evening and Morning Star phases of Mercury are like two sides of the same coin. The former asks you to look back and glean insights from the past, while the latter propels you forward with newfound knowledge. Recognizing which phase Mercury is in can help individuals align their actions and thoughts with the planet's energy, making communication and planning more effective.

Mercury's duality, seen through its Evening Star and Morning Star phases, offers a beautiful representation of life's cyclical nature. By understanding and embracing these phases, one can better navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with the ever-shifting energies of the planet of communication. Whether you're looking back with nostalgia or forward with hope, Mercury's dance in the sky provides valuable guidance.