In 2026 Mercury goes retrograde June 29 at 26° Cancer 15′ and goes direct on July 23 at 16° Cancer 19′.
Mercury in Cancer emphasizes the mysteries of how to communicate in ways that are nurturing and promote a sense of connection and belonging to a larger community or tribe.
The shadow side of Cancerian communication is to either communicate as a way to manipulate others into what we think is best for them or to hide behind the scenes taking ON even more over giving as a distraction from connecting with ones true self.
At this still point time TUNE into how YOU feel NOW while opening to receive messages and guidance that will help you take wise nurturing action that increases your awareness of yourself and those around you is helpful.
In June 2019 when Mercury was stationing retrograde in Leo returning to Cancer the trickster Roadrunner kept showing up sending me messages reminding me to pay attention.
Roadrunners can run up to speeds of 17 miles an hour but the message wasn’t to speed up as Mercury was slowing down to reflect, rethink, reconnect, and reimagine the most helpful forward direction. As Mercury stations either retrograde or direct it is at a still point connecting with all unmanifest potential before it begins to find a new form.
Roadrunners are vocal – known for a variety of sounds from crows, chuckles, clacking and coos reminding us of the many different styles of communication and how sound (singing, chanting, speaking clearly) is beneficial and healing when used properly.
It is an art worth practicing and mastering to learn the wisdom of when to speak and when to keep our own council. Sound is also a tool for shape shifting reality (for example singing and chanting can create a powerful altered state) when understood and used as such with intention.
Mercury in Cancer (and especially when retrograde in Cancer) is drawing our attention to nurturing ways of communicating that promote a sense of connection and belonging to a larger community or tribe. A great reminder from Roadrunner is about the importance of honoring our personal needs first – before giving to others. This is demonstrated by the male Roadrunner enticing a mate with choice morsels of food but only after having eaten first. Some might consider that a selfish way to be but others realize the wisdom of taking care of ourselves first so we can better take care of others from a place of strength.
The shadow side of Cancer is over giving at the expense of our own health and well being. Taking time to tune into how you feel receiving messages about physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually so you can take wise action to either support what you are feeling or change it to a healthier expression is a powerful way to engage this time.
Healthy Group Dynamics In The Cancer Realm Starts with Healthy Communication
Dolphins demonstrate how to create a sense of safety, belonging, and support. They work together to hunt, migrate, and protect themselves from predators.
Plus, they Support vulnerable Dolphins supporting the injured and sick.
Dolphins learn from their elders and from each other, passing down knowledge and skills through generations.
Dolphin Pods are a great example of Healthy Cancer creating new ways of being with family and tribe that are nurturing, sustainable, wise, and safe for everyone.
This article is a work in progress…