Mercury retrograde in Scorpio: Being brave in the dark.
Hi, Everyone,
In less than two months, we conclude the year of Capricorn constrictions. So many have worked so hard and persevered in spite of this year of lockdown, limitations, reconstruction, and permanent change. To add to these challenges, Mars retrograded on September 9th, 2020 at 28 degrees of Aries, which is the sign it rules and where it excels the most.
Mars is the planet that gives you drive, ambition, courage, and passion to get things done. When it retrogrades, people feel less inspired, more fearful, and less confident. It is a difficult time to initiate new beginnings. A good use for Mars retrograde is to work on shadow issues regarding issues around anger, depression, and self esteem issues. It is also good for returning to projects that you have already begun or for working with people with whom you have worked in the past.
Mars is a personal planet that only retrogrades once every two years. The last two times that Mars retrograded in the Cardinal fire sign of Aries were in the fall of 1988 and 1941. Obviously, this does not happen very frequently. When a planet retrogrades in its own dignity, it makes it more cumbersome to achieve things. Use that energy to push yourself forward further even if it means that it will take more time to achieve.
Saturn, the planet of limitations, met up with Pluto, the planet of death, power, and transformation, on January 12, 2020 at 22 degrees of the Cardinal earth sign of Capricorn. Jupiter, the planet of expansion and exaggeration, entered Capricorn on December 2, 2020 and expanded this narrative for the entire world to glean the karmic lessons. The eclipses also occurred in the Capricorn/Cancer axis beginning with a Solar Eclipse in Cancer in July of 2018 until this past summer with the final eclipses in Cancer and Capricorn respectively. We are being woken up about issues of security, comfort, family, structure, status, karma, accountability, character, and loss.
Add another component to the back drop if you please. Mercury, the planet of words, thoughts, ideas, gadgets, transportation, and commerce, retrograded on October 13, 2020 at 11 degrees and 40 minutes of the fixed water sign of Scorpio. Mercury in Scorpio is strategic and perceptive. The sign of Scorpio represents the blocks and fears that you must face in order to empower yourself and transcend.
This Mercury retrograde period directly sets off where Venus stationed retrograde in the fall of 2018. At that time, Venus retrograded on October 5, 2018 at 10 degrees and 50 minutes of Scorpio. It stationed direct on November 17, 2020 at 25 degrees of the Cardinal air sign of Libra. Think back to the stories that were playing in your life at that time. Notice if there are echoes or lessons to be gleaned with Mercury setting that past Venus transit.
This Mercury retrograde, Mercury initially retrogrades in Scorpio and connects us with the parts of ourselves that are fearful, in pain, or in rage about our circumstances. It can bring up painful memories of when you felt disempowered in the past. However, the benefit is that you grow to learn that you do have agency even in this historical year of Saturnian constrictions and disappointment.
Saturn feels cold. It feels unforgiving. This heavy Capricorn energy embedded in the sky has me hearing me the unheard cries of the poets, musicians, artists, athletes, seekers, and dreamers in our world. Every one of us is somewhere in that sentence. You may feel no one hears you, but that is not true.
In ancient astrology, Mars ruled the fixed water sign of Scorpio. With Mars retrograde alongside with Mercury now retrograde, it is time to search within to face the darkness even if it is alone. At some point, you will be alone in your search to empower. Commit to the people and projects that allow you to thrive. Saturn exits Capricorn on December 17, 2020. Saturn tests you in order that you can anchor your goals. Jupiter, the planet of wisdom, exits Capricorn on December 20, 2020, where it has been in its fall position and expanding this unforgettable Capricorn tale.
With less than two months left to the year of Capricorn lockdown, look to where you need to focus on the structures in your life. What is working, what needs repair, and what needs to be released? Get clear with Mars and Mercury retrograde. Mercury re-enters the Cardinal air sign of Libra on October 27, 2020 and will eventually station direct on November 3, 2020 at 25 degrees of Scorpio. When Mercury retrogrades in Libra, it is time to reassess how you partner with others and with yourself. With this particular Mercury retrograde, it sets off Saturn, which means the partnering is most important with self. Believe in yourself!!!
Mercury builds up to fight with Saturn a few times directly in early November and brings harsh messages about the lessons we must learn. Reality check would a great name for the 2020 cocktail or coffee of choice. I will have a reality check cappuccino, and my friend wishes to have the Age of Aquarius alien tea. Whatever you choose, choose wisely with Saturn and Jupiter in Capricorn for just a little while longer. Here’s a twist. Let’s change the sad to gladness!