Mercury Retrograde In Scorpio
You may already be aware that Mercury has started backpedaling in Scorpio because retrograde effects are usually felt days before the actual event. I have already had to deal with what I consider my fair share of Mercury Retrograde Drama and more than a handful of people I know have been dealing with car trouble. Predictably – and I say predictably because printers are my nemeses - my 3-in-1 printer gobbled up a bunch of paper before giving up it’s ghost last week. May it rest in peace.
Mercury is retrograde from October 13th to November 3rd (2020) in Scorpio, the sign of the Investigator and the Shaman.
Here's a quick recap before we dive in...
So what is a "retrograde planet”?
A retrograde planet is not actually moving backwards across the sky. The planet only appears to move backwards from our perspective here on Earth. It’s an optical illusion. Whenever a planet turns retrograde it’s telling you that it’s time to slow down, look inside you (reassess and reflect) and tie up loose ends. What you’ll soon notice if you start keeping track of retrograde periods is that whatever is associated with the planet that is about to retrograde are the things you must “catch up on” or work on.
In this case, it's Mercury and Mercury is the planet of business, communication (paperwork, emails, studies), facts, invention, mediation, tactics, skill and pragmatism. So there’s a good chance you’re having to slow down to get ahead on all or some of the above things.
Mercury Retrograde Checklist
· Is your email inbox under control? If not use this Mercury Retrograde period to clean up your inbox.
· Have you backed up important computer files?
· Is your office and office desk a mess? Use this time to reorganize.
· Who have you been meaning to contact but haven’t done so yet? Reach out to old friends and acquaintances at this time.
· Is there a course you have yet to complete? Consider revisiting it.
It takes Mercury 88 days to circle the Sun which is why we experience three retrograde cycles annually. Each time Mercury reaches the point he is closest to Earth he reaches the midpoint of his retrograde cycle.
Mercury in mythology
In mythology, Mercury/Hermes is the messenger of the gods. He is the god of language, both spoken and written word, merchants (business people), travellers, thieves and tricksters. He is also associated with dreams, intelligence, speed and magic.
Mercury was the son of Zeus and the nymph Maia. Maia gave birth to Mercury in secret in her cave on Mount Mykene because Zeus had (once again) cheated on his wife, Hera. Here is how the Homeric hymn describes Mercury “a son, of many shifts, blandly cunning, a robber, a cattle driver, a bringer of dreams, a watcher by night, a thief at the gates, one who was soon to show forth wonderful deeds among the deathless gods.” And,
Born with the dawning, at mid-day he played on the lyre, and in the evening he stole the cattle of far-shooting Apollo on the fourth day of the month
Because Mercury is closest to the Sun he is the mediator between the planets; the link between our physiological and psychological functions. He transmits information to our various parts (represented by the planets) and keeps us connected and functioning. So when Mercury retrogrades it’s always a reminder to slow down.
What this means is that during retro periods Mercury is on something of a hiatus and we are all more prone to making errors which is why this is not the ideal time to rush into anything potentially life-altering, like starting a new job. Also avoid making big purchasing decisions. Hold off buying vehicles and electronics. Any major decisions made at this time will in all likelihood need to be reviewed and revised.
Mercury retrograde is characterized by delays, mental lapses, Freudian slips, postponements, social media disruptions (this one is guaranteed with Mercury opposite Uranus) and frustration.
Mercury in Scorpio
In Scorpio, a water sign, Mercury is uncovering feelings (especially those emotions we have repressed) and digging up secrets. Ruled by both Mars (traditional ruler) and Pluto (modern ruler), planets that deal with strategy and power respectively, we are called to use this retro period to assess our feelings about power dynamics both at home and at work. We may also find ourselves having to finally address issues around betrayal or the violation of trust. With Mercury opposite Uranus, we may discover something “shocking” about ourselves or someone we care about. There is also a chance that news (on a national or global level) received during this retro period will be surprising (with Uranus it can go both ways: good or bad).
Here are your Mercury Retro horoscopes for your RISING sign (Ascendant):
You may experience delays and frustration in the following areas. These areas will also require reassessment and further review.
Aries
Debts/Other People’s money, Inheritances, Taxes
Taurus
Your business and/or romantic relationships
Gemini
Your daily routine, pets, work environment, health
Cancer
Creative expression, fun activities, children
Leo
Your home, family, parents, ancestors