Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio 2019
Mercury Retrograde is back again, and this time it’s landed in the dark waters of Scorpio beginning Oct 31st. Before we start our understanding of what this means, know that this astrological phenomenon is nothing to fear or hide from. Just like any energy, it has lower vibrations and higher vibrations. It’s important to make yourself aware of the low sides and the potential pitfalls of this transit, but it’s equally important to see the opportunity this retrograde affords us.
Mercury in Scorpio
Mercury is the planet of communication and information exchange. It governs how we talk to others and ourselves. It also influences how we process our thoughts and our patterns of digesting information. Mercury always stays close to the Sun in the sky. Like the Moon and the rest of the planets, it traverses through the zodiac signs taking on their energy. Mercury is currently placed where the Sun is positioned in Scorpio. Mercury in Scorpio helps us communicate more deeply with ourselves about our triggers, our shadows, and our conditioned behaviors. It also helps us talk about them and share our internal world with others. With Mercury in Scorpio, we gain new insights into how we process information and how we send that information out into the world. It also opens the door to understanding the origin of our feelings. With Mercury in Scorpio, it’s a great time to become your own psychologist, sit down for some serious talk therapy and work out your greatest issues with yourself.
Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio
Mercury’s energy encourages us to exchange with others, it can be considered an extroverted astrological energy, always influencing outward movement. In Scorpio, Mercury becomes more introverted, inspiring us to communicate with ourselves and to understand the underpinnings of our personality. Retrograde motion spins the energy of the planet inward. When Mercury is retrograde, the normal flow of energy is reversed. We have difficulty communicating effectively with others, may it be typos in our emails or the entire email server going down; we struggle to exchange information. We often see arguments between partners at this time simply from miscommunication. If you do find yourself in heated debates with loved ones, take a step back and ask yourself if the disagreement is a result of thoughts or feelings being improperly explained or heard. Always give yourself, and others space during Mercury Retrograde to pause, think, feel and rearrange your communication.
Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio compels us to dive even deeper into our internal communication and go further in our investigation of our own psyche. We can gain a greater understanding of how we process information with this astrological energy supporting us. We can also become aware of what old patterns influence how we interpret external interactions. Mercury Retrograde reminds us that we have a choice in how we process information. Events occur and we can view those events in a myriad of ways. We may not be able to change what happens, but we can change how we interpret and react to it. Yes, Mercury Retrograde can break down your computer, delay your flights and make systems of communication go haywire, but you do not need to become frustrated by these things. Instead, take a deep breath and consider why you are reacting in a certain way to things going awry. Then challenge yourself to react differently. Take a break, find the silver lining, and see how no matter what, everything unfolds exactly as it’s meant to be- even your email server. This shift in perspective and reaction is the gift of Mercury Retrograde occurring in Scorpio.
Over the next three weeks, take pen to paper when frustrations or unexpected events arise. Ask yourself three things: “What is my initial response and where does it come from?” “How would I like to respond?” “ What is the gift or lesson of this situation?” Answering these questions will help you make Mercury Retrograde work for you, and your evolution, instead of against you. There are always things we can do to work with any astrological energy to tap into its opportunities and Mercury Retrograde is no different. Below are a few things to focus on and avoid this final Retrograde of 2019.
DO
Double-check your schedule. Mercury Retrograde can cause miscommunications about important meetings and events. Confirm all of your appointments during this time, both with yourself and others. If you find yourself with an hour free because of a last-minute cancellation, spend the time on something which feels more aligned than the original meeting.
Protect yourself with crystals. Mercury Retrograde can bring about frustration and impatience in even the most positive person. You may even find yourself on the receiving end of some of this energy as the people around you feel the effects of this transit. Wear crystals to protect your energy like obsidian, smokey quartz, black tourmaline or shungite. You can even place some in your pocket and they’ll create an invisible shield around you, deflecting any negativity.
Connect with yourself. Mercury Retrograde has the tendency to disconnect us from others by breaking our systems of communication. If you find yourself without email or social media for a day, take the time to connect with yourself and nature. Spend the day journaling, meditating, or just quietly contemplating by the ocean or in the trees.
Trust the redirect. Mercury Retrograde breaks things that are not aligned perfectly, allowing for new alignment to be built. It often redirects our attention and focus to something else through its meddling with our systems. Trust the redirection of your energy and even if you don’t quite understand it, know that something better is coming your way.
DON'T:
React without thinking. Surprises may come up during this time which can catch you off guard. If something pops up in your world, take a step back and try to observe your first reaction. Align with Scorpio to go deep into your patterns and find the origin of this reaction and shift it from its core. Consider these opportunities to reformulate your response and behaviors as gifts rather than bothersome events.
Force what is not working. We naturally want things to work out. Whether it’s an app on your phone or a relationship with another, it’s easy to get lost in trying to make it work. Often, when we try to force things, we end up just making them worse for ourselves and others. If you feel you’re trying to force something, take a break. Let whatever it is have some space to reset, then visit it again with an open mind and new perspective.
Focus on problems. Challenge yourself this Mercury Retrograde to focus on solutions instead of problems. Likewise, focus on what is working and how there is perfect alignment in your life even during Mercury Retrograde. Become inspired by what flows no matter what and channel that energy into creating solutions to problems illuminated by this transit.
Call your ex. Seriously. If you feel the need for emotional closure, try to journal about it first with yourself, then wait until after Mercury Retrograde to reach out to anyone. Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio is not the time to make long term commitments to anyone but yourself. Additionally, this transit is notorious for miscommunication making heartfelt talks challenging. Spend time on yourself this transit. Your relationships with everyone else will be better off for it November 20th when Mercury turns direct.
Learn even more how Mercury Retrograde will affect our next Full Moon in the Taurus Full Moon Workbook.
