MERCURY STATIONS RETROGRADE IN SCORPIO

Mercury will station retrograde on the 13^th October at 11°40’ Scorpio (antiscion 18°20’ Aquarius).

The retrograde period will end on the 3^rd November at 25°53’ Libra (antiscion 4°07’ Pisces)

Mercury is in opposition to retrograde Uranus in Taurus so we could expect some upsets as these two fixed signs are occupied by two of the most unpredictable and excitable planets. There will be three passes of this aspect, all at 9° Scorpio-Taurus so anyone with planets or angles between 7-12° of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) will be involved in this aspect.

What might we expect? Freedom of thought that may however not be expressed as freely as one might wish causing brooding and pent up energy which could be released in the most unpredictable ways, secrets coming out? Mercury is not only thought, it’s also movement so be careful, you may not be as flexible or sinuous as you think!

Gemini and Virgo, both ruled by Mercury, may respond differently to the signs their ruling planet moves through on its journey backwards. Virgo, being an Earth sign, can easily contain Water signs (Scorpio) and they add empathy to this practical, somewhat seemingly inhibited sign, the Air signs (Libra) come across as too scattered and fairness isn’t a good match for Virgo criticism. Gemini, an Air sign, finds the Water signs rather draining, too emotionally intense for their logical, future-oriented way of thinking whilst the Air signs (Libra) are easy to get along with. Of course, the retrograde movement alters the way Mercury is expressed and makes it more an internal, inward journey rather than an expansive outward thrust.

As always, the usual suggestions apply to the Mercury retrograde: great for putting “re” in front of everything, planning, but waiting for the direct station, before acting. Expecting possible delays in transport of all kinds, upheavals in the planning of appointments, electronic equipment going haywire etc. Avoiding signing contracts (where possible, but again contracts are between people so it’s a retrograde season for everyone and if its “bad” for one it may be “good” for the other party).

The Sabian symbol for 12° Scorpio: “An official embassy ball.” Indicating group-consciousness as it flowers at the highest level in cultural interchanges between representatives of the elite of the ruling class.

The antiscion at 19° Aquarius: “A forest fire is being subdued by the use of water, chemicals and sheer muscular energy.” Indicating the skill and courage necessary to bring under control the destructive potential of carelessness of karmic visitations.

“Slowing down an activity may meet with greater success than doing it quickly.” Linda Lantieri

Bibliography

Rudhyar D. (1974) “An Astrological Mandala: the cycles of transformations and its 360 symbolic phases”. p 198, 261, Vintage Books Edition, Random House Inc., New York, USA

Sullivan E. (1989), “Planets, The Astrological Tools” edited by Joan McEvers, chapter on Mercury, pp. 97-99. Llewellyn Publications, St Paul, Minnesota USA

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