Mercury visits Libra twice because it goes retrograde on September 6, re-entering Virgo before turning direct on September 29 and returning to Libra on October 9.

Mercury, the communication planet, should be feeling comfortable in the sociable air sign of Libra. The air element is very much about the mind and communication, so it fits very nicely with Mercury's meaning. Libra is about building bridges and overcoming differences. It recognizes that there is more than one side to any question and seeks to harmonize opposing points of view. Diplomacy, then, is likely to be featured at this time, both in the larger public arena and in our personal lives.

Mercury in Libra can soften speech to ensure peaceful relationships. It's necessary at times to bring down the noise level so that both sides can be heard. This is, therefore, a good time to heal wounds caused by misunderstandings or different views of reality.

The challenge of this period is that the tendency for being nice can sometimes overwhelm the necessity of being truthful. Being kind then becomes a barrier to real communication. Ideally, we can recognize (in Libra's well-balanced manner) that there are many ways to connect with one another, and that agreement is not the only one. Expressing opposing points of view with respect and openness is a terrific way to strengthen any relationship. It is about being fair enough to yourself and others to both listen and be heard.

Famous folks born with Mercury in Libra include singers Bruce Springsteen, Olivia Newton-John, Cass Elliott, Art Garfunkel and ultra-charming Julio Iglesias. Actors Jeremy Irons, Sigourney Weaver, Christopher Reeves, Richard Harris and Susan Sarandon are part of this group.

Sports stars Doug Flutie, Brett Favre and Scotty Pippen were born with Mercury in Libra, too. Writers Carrie Fisher, Stephen King, Michael Crichton and Ken Kesey have entertained us with their thoughts. David Copperfield has shown sleight of hand, Evel Knievel a crazy kind of courage and Larry Flynt more than we really want to see. Mercury in Libra is also found in the charts of artist Peter Max, comedian-activist Dick Gregory, director Penny Marshall and poet-statesman Vaclav Havel.

For more on Mercury see An Interview with the Messenger by Alice DeVille.