Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio
On the 19th of November, pesky Mercury will move back into powerful Scorpio for the rest of its retrograde. Remember that when a planet “goes retrograde,” the energy slows down and we get a second chance at something. This week’s blog looks at how the energy will change and how you can work with it.
Just like the moon is flavoured by the zodiac sign it passes through, so is Mercury. This gives us a different theme and area of our life to work on with each retrograde period. When looking at how we can best work with Mercury Retrograde, there are four things we need to know. The element and sign that Mercury is passing through, the part of your birth chart Mercury is travelling in and if Mercury is talking to any of your natal planets.
This retrograde started in a fire sign, which is the energy that lights us up and gets us excited and creative. As the energy is slowing down during the retrograde period, this could look like delays. It is also wise to ask yourself if your ideas are something you really want to do and if you will be able to carry them through to the end. Fire burns brightly but eventually dies out. Remember that it’s okay to start over if you want. Make sure you aren’t doing things just to avoid sitting still and see where you can inject some more fun into your life.
Sagittarius is a cheerful, hopeful, optimistic and enthusiastic energy. This is where we broaden our minds, explore the world and our place in it, and have those deep and meaningful conversations. Take some time during the retrograde to count your blessings and look at the bigger picture rather than the nitty-gritty day-to-day details.
If things haven’t been going to plan recently, have you become too caught up in the details? Have you forgotten why you are doing those things every day? Take a step back to see how far you have actually come and where you want to go next.
This is a great time for taking a more positive view of life, having more fun and making travel plans. Maybe there is a new course of study you can research or a new language you want to learn. Whatever it is, this is a time for reviewing your life, researching where you want to go next and reconnecting with the things that bring you joy.
As Mercury moves into a water sign, it’s time to follow your instincts and revisit your emotions. Step back and take some time to go through your emotions. What are you feeling? Why do you feel like that? What are you making it mean? Gaining some perspective can help you break old habits that are holding you back.
With Mercury in Scorpio, it’s time to turn inwards and dig deep. Face those demons and look within rather than at the world around you. Scorpio isn’t interested in the superficial. Instead, we need to dig below the surface and find out what is really going on. What fears are holding you back? Where did it come from? How can you work through it now?
As well as the emotional depths of Scorpio, we can also turn our attention to some more practical matters, such as debts and finance. Perhaps some assets you had forgotten about will turn up, or you could make a plan to pay off any debts. How are you allocating your resources? And that could be time as well as money. Things that seem old and worn out can also be transformed. Maybe that is an old friendship that gets a new spark of life, or some old clothes you can turn into something new.
The things to watch out for during this time are being suspicious and feeling insecure. Try to be honest with yourself and others and try not to say mean and harsh things out loud. That impulse to lash out? Where has that come from? Can you talk to someone about it? Deep and meaningful conversations rather than arguments are best. And watch the negative thoughts. I know it can feel like the world is out to get you, but it’s not.
During this retrograde, don’t assume that everything is going to go wrong. If you expect problems, then you will get problems. Be aware that old, unresolved issues may come to the surface. This is your chance to finally resolve them!! Because Mercury rules communication, watch out for misunderstandings with other people. Don’t assume they know what you are talking about, or that they are deliberately trying to pick a fight with you.
I would advise against starting anything new during the retrograde period, but it is a great time for finishing projects, working on anything previously started or researching new ideas.
Remember that Mercury Retrograde is a second chance at something. We have been here before and now we get to try again. With all retrogrades, it is a good time to review what is going on in your life. Reflect on where you are now and where you want to go next. Research things of interest. For example, research a new car or phone now, and then purchase it when Mercury goes direct. You might want to revisit places and people. Repair and reorganise things around the house. The most important thing to do during Mercury Retrograde is to double-check everything!! And back up your computer!!
The pre-shadow for this retrograde began on the 21st October, so look back at anything that has came up between then and the 29th October when Mercury was in Scorpio. These are the things that could come up again as Mercury retraces its steps through that part of your chart. During the post-shadow period from the 29th November until the 11th December, these things could finally be resolved. Mercury will then move back into Sagittarius, making us more optimistic and seeking a wider range of topics rather than deep diving into one.
It can also be helpful if you know which house Mercury will be retrograde in, as this will give you an idea of which area of your life is most likely to be affected. Use your Rising Sign below to get an overview of what this retrograde will mean for you. If you don’t know your Rising Sign you can find it here. And if you don't know your time of birth, then you can just use your Sun Sign.
Aries Rising - 8th house.
Be on the lookout for money owed to you coming in, and also review your own debts. How do you feel about intimacy?
Taurus Rising - 7th house.
This is going to be about your important relationships. How are they doing? This could also be a time to get closure with an ex.
Gemini Rising - 6th house.
This is all about your day-to-day life and how you look after yourself. Consider your diet, exercise plan and morning routines.
Cancer Rising - 5th house.
This is the fun part of your chart, it’s how you spend your downtime. Pick up an old hobby, play more games and spend time with children.
Leo Rising - 4th house.
The focus will be on your home and family. Repairing old family rifts, reconnecting with family members and repairing or redecorating at home.
Virgo Rising - 3rd house.
Watch out for forgetfulness and don’t be afraid to change your mind. Also, can you reconnect with old friends or siblings?
Libra Rising - 2nd house.
Look out for new ways to make money and how you feel about money. Also, what can you donate, throw out or need to replace in your home?
Scorpio Rising - 1st house.
Think about the image you present to the world. Is it time for a revamp? Also, think about what you want to accomplish.
Sagittarius Rising - 12th house.
Focus on the good things in your life. Reconnect with your spirituality and meditate more. Also, try not to dwell on the past.
Capricorn Rising - 11th house.
This is all about your friends and social circles. Reconnect with old friends, sort out any misunderstandings and spend time alone.
Aquarius Rising - 10th house.
This is all about your career and legacy. How do you want to be remembered? Also, reapply for a job you didn’t get but still want.
Pisces Rising - 9th house.
This is a great time to go back to any courses you never finished, or resit exams. It’s also good for revisiting places.
Mercury Retrograde isn’t something to be feared. It’s a great opportunity to look at what is actually important to you and to realign yourself with your dreams and goals. I hope you have found this week's blog interesting and helpful. The most important thing to remember about Mercury Retrograde is to slow down, take a deep breath and have a bit more patience.
If you are interested in a more detailed report of how Mercury Retrograde will affect you, including what to look out for, things to do and any planets that are involved, then I’m offering Mercury Retrograde Chart Readings for just £33. You can get yours using the button below.
