8 Ways to Deal With Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio

We’ve already covered Mercury Retrograde, and last month we talked about Mercury in Libra, but what happens when that Mercury decides to slow down a little bit, and in Scorpio of all places? It is a cosmic alignment worth a serious discussion, as this is another aspect in our horoscope that has the potential to wreak havoc in our lives, or miracles. Mercury is about communications and words, and the zodiac sign we know and love as Scorpio is about digging to the truth, so you can imagine, when Mercury slows down or goes retrograde in Scorpio, a LOT of stuff is going to come to the surface that is going to be just plain difficult to deal with. Or awesome. The good news? You get to decide. You’re in the captain’s chair. Here’s your handy action plan for navigating this murky aspect step by awkward step.

What does this aspect mean?

Generally speaking, Mercury is the planet that deals with journeys, transportation, technology, contracts, intelligence, and legal matters, coming to an almost stop in the most secretive and intense signs of them all. It’s an aspect that is going to last in our horoscope for two months. Normally Mercury doesn’t last that long in the individual zodiac signs, but when it is retrograde, as we previously discussed, it slows down. So essentially speaking when you have the planet of chit chat retrograde in the under the surface mysterious zodiac sign you are going to have a lot of…awkward conversations. Some of them will be amazing. And some of them will be just that. Awkward. How are you going to deal with it?

Key Themes

The key themes of any astrological aspect are the themes that will manifest in your life almost whether you want them to or not. These are themes that you may not be used to, or they may be themes you are very comfortable with. We address them here because knowing what the themes of Mercury in Scorpio are ahead of time will help. When one of these crops up in your life, you can go “ah hah! Mercury is still retrograde in Scorpio.”

Digging for clues and hidden info. Suddenly you will want to know everything about everyone. You will ask intense questions during conversations with new people, as they will with you.
Being guarded. As much as you will want to know things, you will want to keep things private. This is true Scorpio style. She doesn’t let her secrets go but will stop at nothing to get yours. You won’t be able to avoid putting up a few walls now. But don’t be afraid to tear them down, secrets you reveal during this period are going to bring you closer to someone.

You’ll notice the two key themes of this aspect are in direct opposition to each other. That’s the cosmic punch of Mercury retrograde in Scorpio! So how are you going to deal with this slow planet in this intense zodiac sign?

Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio Checklist

Mark these dates: From shadow period to shadow period we have this period in effect from October 21 to November 27. These are the dates you can expect the most of this chit chat and guarded activity.
Another date to note is the November 3 Eclipse. Meditate, meditate, meditate, for enlightenment on some of those secrets you’ve been trying to uncover!
Make note of “re” themes in this retrograde: re-edit, re-write, re-evaluate, re-imagine, re-consider, re-cover, re-vamp. You will be re-peating a lot of words, communication, messages, and even experiences. You will also be “reliving” a lot, and see a lot from your past come up. Get used to it!
With Mercury in a Water Sign expect your messages and communications to come in a variety of forms, not all of them conventional. Keep your dream journal handy, and pay attention to every life experience, waking or otherwise.
Make a list of the mysteries in your life that need to be solved. Are you looking for a family member? Have health concerns that puzzle you? Wondering about a soul connection? You have the cosmic energy now to solve those mysteries. Make a list and then begin tackling them.
Watch for signs and synchronicities. Scorpio is a very intuitive zodiac sign and depends almost exclusively on signs and synchronicities or happy coincidences to rule their lives. These will be abundant during this period, especially if you ask your angels and guides to send them to you. These signs are the key holders to the secrets you are looking to uncover.
Don’t be surprised if someone from your past shows up out of the blue. Scorpio is about soul connections, and these could be romantic or otherwise. Always look fabulous before you leave the house if this kind of surprise delights you. If it doesn’t, have a fail-safe statement to provide to anyone that may re-enter your life at any moment in the most unwelcome way. “Great to see you, wish I could chat but I’m on the way to meet my awesomely wealthy and gorgeous fiance have a nice life.” This is precisely how Scorpio would handle it, and so must you, whether you are doing precisely that, or sitting on the couch and wishing you were.
Come from a place of Yes. This is a period where the more positive you are in your communications, vis a vis Mercury, the more miracles you will produce in your emotional life, vis a vis Scorpio. Come from a place of Yes. Or, a place of openness and acceptance. Don’t be so quick to say no if you are usually in the no place. Say yes first, you just never know WHAT is possible. Scorpio says yes until she gets what she wants and doesn’t even hear the word no. Your mission if you choose to accept it is to embrace all of the potential that Scorpio does every day. Aren’t you lucky! Your romantic partners will be too!

Many people fear the Mercury retrograde period showing up in their horoscope, but this month we get a little gift from our Mercury retrograde as it enters Scorpio during its slowest movement. This is exciting for anyone that’s ever wanted to be a Scorpio! During this time you can create some true miracles in your life by harnessing that powerful Scorpio intensity and passion with the gift of communication as only Mercury can do. What secrets are you hoping to uncover during this time?

Astrology Answers

Daily Cosmic Calenar for October 21st

Stop, look and listen! The long-awaited, three-week Mercury reversal begins at 3:30AM — energizing 19 degrees of Scorpio. [Mercury remains retrograde until November 10 when it will resume its forward motion at 3 degrees of Scorpio.] All Mercury themes — communications and correspondence, classes and school work, literary and educational endeavors, information exchange and language skills, health and medical matters, business and trade, transportation and travel, air and respiratory conditions, sleight of hand, magic and theft — are emphasized not only at the exact time of the Mercury shift, but throughout the day. Adding to the complexity going on right now is that the Mercury change from direct to reverse happens during a void lunar time-span that began yesterday and lasts until 9:15AM this morning when the Moon enters Gemini. The Moon in the third sign of the zodiac is a general boost for reading, writing and lighthearted interactions with friends and family members. Ride your bicycle, toss the Frisbee around or play a favorite musical instrument. Brooding over past failures is a no-no as Mercury parallels Pluto (8:05PM). It is much better to use this intense contact to enhance your research and detective skills. Keep decision-making to a bare minimum overnight as the Sun approaches a tricky intervention in the recent opposition between Mars and Neptune that occurred two days ago. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio: Seeing in the Dark (Oct. 21st)

Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio: Seeing in the Dark

Dig deep to find new understanding and insight during this cycle…

Maria DeSimone on the topics of scorpio, mercury retrograde, blogs, astrology

Although I’m one of those astrologers who feels we talk about Mercury Retrograde excessively, I must admit: this particular retrograde cycle has me mesmerized. I feel as if we’re on the edge of glorious potential if we can channel it the right way. Thanks to this Mercury Retrograde phase we all have an opportunity to understand something about our lives with razor sharp perception that is shrouded in obscurity.

Allow me to explain…

The principle of communication and thought is governed by Mercury. When direct, these matters are strong and free to express themselves. When retrograde however, Mercury must slow down and internalize thoughts and ideas more before expressing them – or else risk jumbling his words up in a frustrating mess.

In Scorpio we have an interesting complexity. Scorpio favors depths and reaches into the pit of what makes you (and I) most uncomfortable, forcing us to look at it … and heal from it. But now Mercury (communication) will be retrograde in Scorpio (intensity and the dark side). This presents an unusual opportunity in my opinion. Now, we must all slow down and review whatever it is that we keep a secret. What are we hiding from our own consciousness? What are we afraid to admit to ourselves? This Mercury retrograde phase promises to ferret it out of us and deliver a chance to reconcile with darkness in our lives that we either truly don’t see or have tried desperately to sweep under the rug.

Time to clean up

Scorpio loves exposing our dirty messes. Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio will force you to think about it … to see it. To have a conversation with your darkness.

This is quite a karmic retrograde. Saturn is in Scorpio and Mercury will pass over the degree of Saturn on October 29 allowing us to make a revision in our minds as to how we want to handle this “dark matter.” If you make the right decision for your personal growth then guess what? There is a new beginning in store. On November 3 — while Mercury is still retrograde — we’ll have a Solar Eclipse in Scorpio. In addition, at the time of the eclipse Mercury Retrograde will be conjunct the North Node — a point in Astrology that speaks of life direction and where you are meant to lean towards in order to get there. Karmically, the universe is screaming at us to open wide and swallow the nasty medicine that will give us a new perspective. The nasty medicine is the uglier part of your life … the part that you might take great pains to hide from others. From yourself. Once you call yourself out on it something powerful will happen. You will be unrestricted from the grip that this darkness holds over you in your life. You’ll really feel this freedom after Mercury turns direct on November 10. Trust me.

If the Astrology coming up with Mercury Retrograde connected to Saturn, the North Node and a potent Solar Eclipse in Scorpio doesn’t tell you there is an opportunity to begin anew and see the light once you take a life review of your darkness then I don’t know what will.

Taking a stand

Imagine yourself a child, trying to go to sleep. It’s dark and you are alone … afraid. Is the boogeyman with you? Is there a monster in your closet? You tremble in your bed with your eyes shut tight, clutching your blanket over your head. You are sweating, panicked. You can’t escape this fear.

Then, in an act of bravado you pull the blanket away from your eyes and open them wide, staring fiercely into the darkness (Mercury retrograde in Scorpio!). Everything is quiet. And then slowly, you look around. You realize something. The darkness isn’t such a bad place after all. It provides a discreet yet penetrating glimpse into your soul.

Besides, it’s the only way you’ll ever see the light of day.

Your Horoscopes for Sunday, September 29th

Our thoughts are drawn into deeper places as we search for hidden meanings beneath what is apparent. We lose objectivity as Mercury shifts into magnetic Scorpio, intensifying perceptions. Meanwhile, the Moon prances into proud Leo at 3:57 am EDT to lift our spirits. The contrast between the fiery Leo Moon and the watery Scorpio Mercury creates a dilemma. Life runs more smoothly, yet we’re still concerned with the underlying emotional dynamics

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Your words gain power today because nearly everything you express is connected to unspoken feelings. However, your mental prowess requires you to be careful so you don’t misuse your ability to influence what someone else is thinking. Selfish intentions may generate unnecessary problems which can be avoided if you consider others in your process. Speak your truth without harboring any hidden agendas.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You are ready to pursue a difficult discussion about old relationship issues now that Mercury is visiting your 7th House of Partners. The dynamics for this conversation have been brewing over the past few weeks, and you finally realize how important it is to talk about the situation. Although the energy is already moving into a new phase, don’t say more than is required just yet. Taking the discussion to the next level makes sense only after you give your feelings time to settle before putting them out in the open.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Your powers of concentration continue to improve, but you need to set necessary boundaries with close friends and partners to keep on track. However, you are more open now to following others if it looks like they are having fun, but this isn’t the best use of your time today. Instead of taking the course of least resistance, narrow your mental focus to establish a deeper connection. Defining your limits requires courage but can also sustain the growth of an important relationship.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You may be eager to demonstrate what you have to offer now, especially within the context of romantic or creative endeavors. However, this isn’t about casual flirtation. You are playing for keeps, whether you are working on a project, producing an artistic masterpiece or looking for love. You can increase your chances for success by holding back just enough to feel safe and secure. Once you are ready to take a risk, apply your sense of purpose and go for it.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

It feels as if things are about to go your way now that the Moon is back in your playful sign. Although unprocessed feelings may be bugging you, you’re still eager to go out and have a good time. Perhaps you are secretly concerned about a power struggle that is unfolding with a family member. Remember, it’s crucial to get the issues out in the open so there will be fewer surprises in the days ahead.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Use your renowned analytical abilities to discern what are the most essential things to do today. If you don’t make concrete plans, you are likely to waste a lot of energy following the wrong path, even if you have an enjoyable time doing it. Don’t spread yourself too thin or you will regret it later on. Your greatest challenge now is to separate your grandiose visions from what you can actually pull off.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Familiar territory gives way to unfamiliar ground as Mercury, the Winged Messenger, leaves your sign. You might have been developing an idea over these past few weeks, and although it still seems valuable, your attitude is starting to shift. Traveling this path is tricky because you become less objective as you grow more passionate about your life. However, there’s no need to justify your current decisions; trust your intuition and move on.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You’re plugged in and can listen more carefully now as you separate out the most significant ideas from the fluff. Cerebral Mercury is hanging out in your sign for an extended stay due to its upcoming retrograde turn on October 21, deeply affecting all aspects of communication and making you less interested than ever in meaningless chatter. Ask nicely for the intimacy you seek and you might actually receive it.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

The atmosphere is buzzing with waves of energy and you feel the optimistic balloons lifting you into the boundless sky of potential. Simultaneously, however, you are also aware of another layer of feelings that is more complicated. Although acknowledging these emotions could quickly bring you back to the ground, don’t let your fears prevent you from taking a little risk. Just make sure to bring along a parachute to ease your fall just in case.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Your social world is growing more complex now that Mercury is visiting your 11th House of Friends. You might even be feeling an emotional undercurrent at work and it’s difficult to know exactly what’s going on. However, your concerns aren’t just coming from within; even your most ardent supporters are reminding you to be careful today. Pay attention; their advice may help you successfully navigate the changes ahead.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Dynamics are shifting at work today, and it may take a while to sort out the mixed cosmic messages and choose a path that makes the most sense in the long run. Use the remainder of this weekend to consider all your options. Talk to others about the potential problems you see in the near future. A little extra planning now — even if it makes you uncomfortable to wait — can better prepare you for the intensity that’s just around the corner.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

It’s tempting to lose yourself in your fantasies, yet you’re quite capable of bringing yourself back down to earth when required. Your dreams are extremely powerful now and you could use them to map out your next moves. Instead of relying on your imagination as an escape, create an inner landscape that matches your goals. Your colorful visualizations can pave the road for your ambitious journey ahead.

Your Weekly Love Horoscopes for Sept. 16th – 22nd

Love is serious business this week. Wednesday’s conjunction of Venus to Saturn in Scorpio suggests it’s time to move past any surface-level or lighthearted romantic ideology. The universe wants to know whether or not your love has what it takes to survive the depths of despair together. Staying together is easy when times are good, but the true test of a partnership happens during the bad times. Venus and Saturn together in Scorpio will symbolize a major awakening that revolves around the durability of your romantic bond — even through the darkness. Still, don’t assume that you’ll experience a rough patch with your mate. If you know your love is solid, this week appears to reinforce that. Venus will also be at a perfect sextile to Pluto, assuring that the more open you are to being vulnerable with your partner, the more transcendental your union can truly be.

Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Fearless communication will be the hallmark of your love life early in the week. On Tuesday, a gorgeous link between Mercury and Mars may prompt you to talk to your lover about sex. Is there a discrepancy between your respective needs in the bedroom? Do you have a fantasy that you’ve always wanted your mate to participate in? If so, this will be the time to speak up. Adding to the strong support of intimate conversation is Wednesday’s conjunction of Venus and Saturn in your 8th House of Shared Resources. Repressing deep sexual needs will only add tension to your relationship. It’s time to open up.

Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Things between you and your partner will likely come to a head this week. Saturn, the planet of limitation and tests, has been touring your 7th House of Relationships since October 2012. This signals a karmic cycle where any existing partnership may endure tests that help you to decipher how viable your relationship truly is. If you’ve been feeling the tension lately, Wednesday might be a turning point — for better or worse. Venus and Saturn will collide in your 7th House of Relationships. If you’re not feeling appreciated by your mate, you’ll make your feelings known.

Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

If you’re single and looking for love, this week will be the perfect time to ask someone out on a first date, or to indulge in some flirty communication! On Tuesday, Mercury, in your 5th House of Love and Pleasure, will be at a perfect sextile to Mars, in your 3rd House of Communication. This is your chance to make a bold statement to someone special and be confident that it’ll get you noticed! Most likely, it’ll be in a positive way, thanks to the added support of the Sun moving into your 5th House of Love and Pleasure by Sunday. Make love happen!

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Whether you’re in a relationship or not, matters of the heart are certain to weigh heavily on your mind this week. If you’re single, it’s possible that you’ll feel that extra pang of loneliness due to Wednesday’s connection of Venus to Saturn in your 5th House of Love and Pleasure. The lesson is not to resign yourself to negative, depressed notions of your love potential. Rather, now is the time for you to make a resolute declaration about what you will and won’t put up with in order to feel loved. If you’re attached, Venus and Saturn will both connect to Pluto in your 7th House of Relationships this week, offering the opportunity to give serious consideration to your commitment. Remember: We accept the love we think we deserve.

Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

These days, your love life and your family life might not exactly blend perfectly together. If you’re dating someone new and have recently brought your sweetheart to a domestic function, you may have the clear feeling that your lover and your clan aren’t hitting it off. This sticky situation might weigh heavily on you, particularly on Wednesday, as Venus and Saturn connect in your 4th House of Home and Family Life. The best thing you can do now is avoid trying to force the issue. That will only make someone you love feel alienated. Thursday’s Full Moon in your 8th House of Deep Transformation might stir up your deeper emotional side. Are you willing to really let love in?

Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Speaking from the heart might not be as easy as you think, but when it comes to love it’s the only way. On Wednesday, Venus and Saturn will link up in your 3rd House of Communication, making it clear that whatever you convey about love is anything but superficial. If you’re feeling insecure about communicating your feelings to someone special, ask yourself why this is the case. What are you afraid of? Rejection is always the chance we take when we open our hearts, but if you’re not willing to take the risk, you’ll never experience the joy that love has to offer. Thursday’s Full Moon in your 7th House of Relationships amplifies the sensitive attention you’ll have in a partnership matter.

Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Ever-concerned about relationships and your place in them, Libra, these days you’re able to effectively communicate what you need in a union. This is a welcome change of pace, because you’re typically so concerned with what the other person requires, often at the cost of yourself. On Tuesday, Mercury in Libra will be at a fine angle to Mars, which gives courageous communication in a social, nonthreatening way. If single, you might reach out to someone new and initiate a conversation on a social media or Internet dating site. You have nothing to lose! In fact, with the Sun entering your sign on Sunday, all eyes will surely be on you.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

A significant turning point in your love life is possible this week. You’re certainly not in the mood to play games, and if you suspect that your lover is, well, you’re just not having it. A sober conjunction between Venus and Saturn in Scorpio on Wednesday screams that you want to be taken seriously when it comes to love. You’re not the type who will settle for an arm candy relationship, and these days superficiality is an even greater turn off. On Thursday, a Full Moon in your 5th House of Romance will make it perfectly clear to your lover that if you can’t have it all, you’d rather have nothing.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

The pangs of unrequited love may be especially harsh this week. On Wednesday, Venus and Saturn will connect in your 12th House of Privacy — which is also associated with isolation and anxiety. With this combination, romantic feelings you have for someone that have clearly been restricted from expression might leave you more wistful than usual. Try not to spend the entire week moping over lost opportunity or regretting words that you may or may not have spoken to this person. Recognize that it’s time to move on. What’s meant to be yours will not pass you by.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Friendship and love are not two mutually exclusive relationships in your book — especially these days. With Venus traveling through your 11th House of Friends and Associations until October 7, you’ll pay careful attention to the level of camaraderie you have with a potential love interest. If there’s one particular friend you’ve had for ages, it’s possible that you’re fraught with romantic feelings for him or her. On Wednesday, Venus and Saturn will connect in your 11th House of Friends and Associations and it may be time for you to take a deep breath and reveal your sentiments. Worrying about rejection or that it may change your friendship with this person is pointless now. Be honest with yourself: It already has.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your point of view may change this week, thanks to the influence of your partner. He or she may expose you to a previously unchartered philosophy, religion or other school of thought. If so, you’ll feel extremely stimulated by the newfound awareness. You’ll ask the big questions and will attempt to answer them together. The best part, however, is that you’re not as concerned about the answers as you are about the journey you’ll take that will lead you towards them. Lucky for you, your mate feels the exact same way. Enjoy the mental simpatico.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You’ll be extra sensitive this week, thanks to Thursday’s Full Moon in your sign. You’ll be emotionally open, for sure, and extremely sentimental. This will translate into your love life as you’ll feel an even deeper yearning to share unconditional, soul-mate, fairy-tale romance with someone special. In fact, by Sunday, when the Sun enters your 8th House of Intimacy, you’ll be ready to share yourself completely with a lover. Body and soul. That’s the sexual experience you’ll crave. Luckily, now you’ve got every chance to capture it. If, however, you’re with someone who leaves your physical and spiritual cup empty, you might decide to make a change. Above all, be true to yourself.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, Sept. 11th

Maintaining a steady rhythm is a challenge today because we are in the midst of an energetic shift. We don’t feel so carefree now, even though the Moon enters cavalier Sagittarius at 2:35 am EDT. We can act out our aggression and then compensate by retreating just a few moments later because assertive Mars anxiously aligns with uncompromising Pluto. The heat is cranked up another notch as pleasure-seeking Venus tangos into passionate Scorpio.