Oct 13, 2020
Image: Mercury stations retrograde on October 14 at 11° Scorpio 40', and it stations direct on November 3 at 25° Libra 54' according to astrology.com.
Of all the looping wandering journeys Mercury takes during its various retrogrades, its journey through Scorpio is the most relatively straight-forward and symmetric. In all the other loops, Mercury crosses the ecliptic before and after actual retrograde motion and makes a wide foray away from the ecliptic during the actual retrograde. Since Scorpio is the location of Mercury’s north node, this is one of only two signs (along with Taurus, the location of Mercury’s south node) where Mercury will actually cross the ecliptic plane while in retrograde motion.
Like a hiker traversing a mountain via a “switch-back” trail, Mercury does a zig-zag from below to above the ecliptic in this part of the zodiac—crossing the ecliptic near the middle. And although Mercury doesn’t cross right through the very heart of the sun this time (like last year’s “transit of Mercury”), Mercury is still much closer to the sun during this retrograde than most. So, this is still a rarer kind of Mercury retrograde, with a chance to zoom into something much more closely than usual. And since Scorpio is a water sign, this is often accompanied by deep penetrating emotional clarity. This year’s retrograde station is in the same degree as last year’s direct station, so this could mean that themes from last year’s retrograde carry through to this year—particularly for those with planets near 11-12° Scorpio.
Mercury Retrograde In Scorpio 2020—Astrological Aspects
September 27: Mercury enters Scorpio
October 1: Mercury at maximum elongation (begins to slow down)
October 14: Mercury stations retrograde at 11° Scorpio 40’
October 25: Mercury conjunct the sun (closest to Earth)
November 3: Mercury stations direct at 25° Libra 54’
November 10: Mercury at maximum elongation (begins to speed up)
December 1: Mercury leaves Scorpio
Mercury Retrograde In Scorpio Meaning
Mercury repeats two very difficult aspects during this retrograde, making three squares to Saturn in Capricorn from Libra and three oppositions to Uranus in Taurus from Scorpio. The square and opposition are stressful aspects, and the repetition will significantly increase the pressure felt during this retrograde. It will be important to de-stress, focus on self-care, and ask for help when you need it.
Saturn is about restrictions, delays, boundaries, structure, and long-term planning. Since Saturn is exalted and dignified in Capricorn and Libra (respectively), we can expect that any of these issues cropping up now are ultimately for our own good—unpleasant as they may be at the time. The three squares with Saturn happen in two stages, relatively far apart. The first square occurs just after the Autumn Equinox with Mercury in direct motion on September 23. It might be easy to pass off any problems that crop up now as someone else’s fault or a small bump in the road—but this would be a mistake.
Paying very close attention now could give you a heads up as to what’s coming when Mercury stations direct in November. As they say, a word to the wise is sufficient. Since Mercury makes the final two squares to Saturn while stationary (on November 1 in retrograde motion and on November 6 in direct motion), this will increase the pressure quite a bit. Fortunately, the station occurs in the bounds of Venus, and as a benefic, Venus affords some mercy via loved ones, friends, or social contacts. Also, since Jupiter rules the third decan of Libra, we may be able to secure more wiggle room and rest from the strife of this transit than otherwise. Together, these may help to soften the blow somewhat, but ultimately we will still be required to accept at least some part of Saturn’s demands for hard work, delays and/or restrictions and adjust our boundaries, structures, and long-term plans accordingly.
The other aspect Mercury repeats during this retrograde are three oppositions to Uranus, the planet of technology. Two of these oppositions occur near the retrograde station, with the first square on October 7 (direct), the second on October 19 (retrograde), and the final opposition on November 17 (direct). The opposition is a stressful aspect and since Uranus in Taurus is redefining technology as a basic resource, we can expect that those who are more dependent on technology will feel this more. Access to the best technology is a significant advantage in the new sharing economy, and those who took advantage of the sextiles of the previous retrograde in Cancer to update their technology may have it much easier now. Older, out-dated, or cheaper technology may be inclined to fail under the stress of this transit. Back-up plans are definitely in order, and the quality of the back-up plan could significantly affect outcomes. This aspect could also result in accidents, so slow down and take extra precautions when engaging in any potentially dangerous activities, especially driving.
Mercury Retrograde Effects
Most intense for water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces
You tend to have more depth than most of the other signs, and so you probably can feel that something is stirring deep inside you. This is essentially a chance to get to know yourself from the inside out. Remember the old myths about the Gods rewarding those who welcome strangers into their homes, and be as kind to the new you that is emerging as you would to a God disguised as a wanderer.
Most challenging for fire signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius
Last year you had to let go of a lot of your basic tendencies, and now something deep in the core of your being is shifting. By putting your own needs and wants aside for those you care about most, you’ve activated a special kind of magic that will allow old wounds to be healed and new levels of emotional energy will become available.
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