Since I see no logical reason why Retrograde applies to a "snapshot" Natal-chart, where no motion is involved (only to Transits and Horary, which projects into the future), I was interested in this theory that Mercury-retrograde is a major factor in social awkwardness. I have Merc Retro in Pisces, and I am uncomfortable in many social situations. I did one bit of research--Thomas Jefferson was known for acute shyness, but his Mercury was Direct. It was, however, in Pisces. Benjamin Franklin was a social butterfly, who loved social interaction, and his Mercury was Retrograde, but in Aquarius. So, not much to go on, but it's possible that the Sign Mercury is in is what matters, not its direction in the Natal-chart. I realize I'm going against Lore on this one--maybe a result of
and
in Gemini. There are undoubtedly other factors that could lead to social awkwardness, especially Aspects. Hmm....maybe questioning Tradition is one of my flaws.
I think both matter. Sign matters more, house also matters, but I think Mercury's direction still has an effect. Certain friends of mine, for example, I was able to tell their Mercury was retrograde before seeing their chart, due to certain similarities in our thinking.
Going against lore is also a Mercury Retrograde thing, did you know that?
Going off historical figures doesn't really tell us much imo. I don't think having Mercury retrograde turns one into a nerd who sits on their couch watching anime all day. I think it's more of an internal thing. With Mercury in Aquarius, of course Ben Franklin is going to be more social but that doesn't necessarily mean he didn't have his social or intellectual insecurities/difficulties either. A retro Mercury in Aqua will operate a lot differently than a retro Mercury in Pisces would, just like it would if it were direct.The way I understand it, a Retrograde planet means it's energies go backwards, they turn inwards. This can happen in a variety of different ways.
Some traits that let me know someone's got Mercury in Retrograde: I've noticed Mercury in retrograde people have a tendency to overthink what they say. Another big communication probably Mercury in retrograde people experience is: misunderstandings; people are always misunderstanding us, and because of this, sometimes as a result, we are even better communicators because we go out of our way to make sure we are understood correctly. Mercury in Retrograde people are always constantly reviewing and revising what they think and say; regardless of whether we seem "extroverted" or "introverted" to the outside world, we have a tendency to reflect on things more. I've actually noticed this with you too David. Sometimes, you'll make a post and delete it later or frequently edit it. I do the same thing and I've noticed this is actually common with Mercury Retrograde folks. I've never seen your chart (though I've heard you talk about it) but it doesn't surprise me that your Mercury is in Retrograde. I kinda had a feeling you were one of us hah.
What do you have to say about a Mercury in Libra, David? Mercury in Libra is supposed to be more sociable, right? Well I
am sociable... and long-winded... you see how much I type. But that doesn't mean I can't be socially awkward either. There are different types of awkwardness.
Actually, one of the friends I mentioned, like Franklin, is a Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius and to all outside appearance, they're probably one of the most social people I know. They're always out, always partying, they always seem to have plans, yet regardless of how they seem they
feel socially awkward.
Inside, they're always overthinking what to say, or how they'll be interpreted etc...sometimes they feel they're too blunt, sometimes they feel they're too quiet, they feel they can't relate to anyone etc.