2026 IS "THE YEAR OF MERCURY"

FROM an astrological viewpoint, the Year 2026 is ushering in an opportunity to enhance these areas of our lives: Mind. Communication. Intellect. Reason. Language. Intelligence.

According to a rather obscure astrological text called the "Galendarjum Oeconomicum Practicum Perpetuum," the Year 2026 is the "Year of Mercury."

The Year 2022 was the "Year of Jupiter" and 2023 it was Mars's turn to take over, then 2024 was the "Year of the Sun." That was followed by 2025 the "Year of Venus."

While political upheaval and emotional turmoil were the themes of 2024 and 2025, Mercury ushers in a year of verbal and mental gymnastics in 2026 ... remember that Mercury-Hermes is the Classical god of rogues, thieves and con-men ... as well as of commerce, communications and travel.

Of major importance during this Year of Mercury will be the three RETROGRADE MERCURY periods when Mercury appears to go "backwards" (as seen from the Earth) for about three weeks.

Here are the three Mercury Retrograde periods in 2026:

• February 26th to March 20th 2026
• June 29th to July 23rd 2026
• October 24th to November 13th 2026

Mercury is the planetary ruler of Gemini and Virgo, so if you were born under those signs, then 2026 is your year. But all of the signs benefit from Mercury's cunning and slyness during this year. Here are a few pointers:

ARIES: Be alert for new opportunities to fulfill your heart's desire. Your dreams won't wait. Mercury will help you make them a reality.

TAURUS: Get out of that comfortable rut you have been living in and wallowing in. Mercury is eager to put wings on your feet and help you to fly.

GEMINI: Mercury rules your birth sign and rules this year, so this is your year to shine. In business and in personal relationships you will make lots of new contacts.

CANCER: Look deep within your heart to see what is truly important to you to achieve this year. Mercury will give you the insight and perspective to see clearly.

LEO: It's time to devote yourself to your career, because nothing can hold you back. Mercury will shine the spotlight on you as you step onto the stage.

VIRGO: Stop fretting and be proud of your ability to bring order and discipline out of the chaos of life. Mercury will help you make sense of the chaos around you so you can focus on helping others.

LIBRA: Charm your way into the good graces of important people you can advance your projects. Mercury will giving you the articulate phraseology (lies if necessary) to sweet-talk others into doing what they should do anyway to start with.

SCORPIO: Those thorny problems which have been hampering you need to be eliminated. Mercury will give you the ingenuity to find a way around them ... or through them.

SAGITTARIUS: Go ahead and allow your imagination to be fired up by new impressions all around you. Mercury will give flight to your fantasies and turn them into realities.

CAPRICORN: How about further education? Or perhaps you want to learn another language? Mercury loves people who like to learn.

AQUARIUS: You hate sameness and you love change. Mercury is ready and eager to help you discover totally new avenues of communication and ways of thinking ... and will introduce you to lots of new people too.

PISCES: Your career has been in the doldrums too long. Starting in April you can expect a big boost. Mercury will gladly give you a boost ... but you can't be shy ... be bold!