Tag Archives: Mercury retrograde

The Day of Metamorphosis: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is Nov. 10
The Day of Metamorphosis | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for instant access | All Other Signs

Significant encounters this year could prove revelatory, and offer opportunities to explore aspects of your own psyche that prepare you to engage relationships on a more profound level. Material likely to arise includes attitudes around sexuality, devotion, spiritual wisdom and commitment. Keep your antennae tuned in this direction; there’s information you’re ready to receive that will open your eyes and expand your world. Initiation into some kind of higher understanding is possible.
— by Victoria Emory

Your 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio reading for Scorpio Sun, rising and Moon signs addresses the current jolt to your relationships, as well as the profound thought transformation you’re going through. Eric considers some deep matters of self-identity and where that meets personal healing. Listen to Sample 1 or Sample 2.

Written in the Planets

Retrograde Mercury in Scorpio opposes the asteroid Vesta in Taurus today. Mercury in its current state describes some kind of deep review, reassessment or reinvestigation — with some potential topics being how your thoughts and less-expressed emotions influence each other, matters of sex and surrender, jealousy and possessiveness, or other deep, taboo and potentially transformative topics. Vesta currently appears to describe the ways you do or do not keep matters of your body, senses, health, material resources, sexuality and comfort central in your life.

With these two opposing each other, notice whether you’re in some kind of dialogue about which of these things you devote yourself (and resources) to; what gets sacrificed; and what you’ve been holding onto too tightly to count as either. Any of the themes mentioned could come through via an encounter with someone else. Which of you is playing the ‘space holder’ role, and which of you is playing the undercover sleuth? Is there an exchange to be negotiated between the two of you?

Note also that Ceres, an asteroid named for the goddess of the harvest, is conjunct Eros — named for the god of erotic love, who can also represent a less overtly sexual ‘life force’ energy in astrology. They’re in Sagittarius, a philosophical-yet-optimistic and adventurous sign. There are many ways to feed your soul, and many ways your spirit can nourish others. Today could be a good day to explore this realm.
— by Amanda Painter

In 2020 we have not one but two conjunctions that mark the turn of a generation, and of an era in history. On Jan. 12, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn form their once per 33-year conjunction. Then on Dec. 21. 2020, Jupiter and Saturn, both now in Aquarius, form a conjunction in the first degree of that sign. Read more here…

The Day of Earthly Temptation: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 9
The Day of Earthly Temptation | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

Your psychic radar should be especially well tuned this year, and able to pick up important information from the subtlest channels. Pay attention to emotional prompts, including dream material, with themes involving partnerships, jealousy, competition and self-esteem. Conditions are right to bring old buried wounds into the conscious light of day, and reclaim a great deal of energy you might not even realize had been held frozen. Revelatory insights are possible that free you from repeating patterns based in the past. I suspect you’re more than ready.
— by Victoria Emory

Do you ever feel like your Scorpio Sun, rising sign or Moon gets a bad rap from astrologers? Eric Francis understands the potential held in your depths — and can walk you through how the planet Uranus in your relationship zone might be stirring things up. Pre-order your 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio reading (offered now at its lowest price!) to move past the stereotypes, and meet your life at full strength.

Written in the Planets

As described in Thursday’s Written in the Planets, Mars in Libra opposes Eris in Aries today. So we have the planet of anger (among other things) in the sign of seeking balance, facing off against the planet of discord in the sign of individual identity. This could describe a situation where one person is acting out attention-seeking behaviors, leaving the other person to decide how to respond.

The main options are to stay disengaged and diplomatic or to get triggered and react in kind. Chances are you know what the more “constructive” choice is; yet if that’s not how an encounter is going, you can still learn a lot about what buttons got pushed and why. Additional aspects today suggest a need to actively reconcile current relationship tendencies with past family patterns and your emerging sense of self. It’s all connected, after all.

Retrograde Mercury in Scorpio sextile Pluto in Capricorn describes the opportunity and incentive to unravel the puzzles being presented to you. Those could include anything from a business proposal to a sexual proposition to some psychological or occult subject — or even a matter of your own health, psychology or spiritual regeneration. Actively inquiring into the matter could reap profound results.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of the Borderline: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 8
The Day of the Borderline | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

You’re in a position of greater stability than you might realize, with support systems available to help you make considerable headway this year. Tap your wealth of emotional and intellectual resources to maximum advantage, to plow through work and get your world in order. Demands on your time may accelerate, but don’t sacrifice self-care; healthy routines are important. Emotional healing also emerges as a theme, possibly involving old abuse patterns and karma related to responsibility. Healing is ultimately and always an inside job, but guidance from trusted counselors can play a pivotal role.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

How are you doing with things like errands and purchases, following through on certain trains of thought, or connecting with people via clear, straightforward communication? Mercury’s continuing retrograde through Scorpio could be slowing things down — for example, by requiring more than one attempt to get something simple accomplished. Can you see what caused you to stumble or detour the first time around, and learn from that experience?

Think of Mercury retrograde in Scorpio as being like scuba diving deep under the surface of the sea. It’s harder to see far ahead; there’s an extra sense of pressure; actions tend to result in exaggerated reactions, so it helps to go slowly and stay relaxed; communication is trickier and the stakes are higher, so it’s essential to be very clear and direct with your buddies. And when something goes wrong, the simple ability to stop, breathe, and think can be an actual lifesaver. Most dry land hiccups associated with Mercury retrograde are not life-and-death situations, but the same principles definitely apply.

In less soggy news, the asteroid Pallas enters Sagittarius this morning. This shifts its tone from one of an ‘asexual’ approach to sexual politics to something more like big-picture planning, the long-game (spiritually as well as politically), and perhaps a strangely rational form of optimism. Notice whether those around you start speaking about their ideals in a slightly different way. Other activity late in Sagittarius suggests some cosmic-level nourishment of your joie de vivre and what turns you on. Sometimes to give is also to receive.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Rousing Vigor: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 6
The Day of Rousing Vigor | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

Opportunities to strengthen your fundamental self-confidence may arise in connection with some influence on the home front. You’re well positioned this year to penetrate through layers of the past and emerge with renewed faith in yourself. Issues around romantic history, or judgments related to self-expression or creative talents, are all up for resolution. You’ve got what it takes to dive in deep and retrieve parts of your soul held captive for long enough. Joy and inspiration are calling you.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

Intuitive prompts could come through especially strongly today, as the Pisces Moon vibes with the Scorpio Sun. What’s going on below the surface, behind the mask, between the lines, and under the sea (of emotion and ego)? Who are you in contact with behind the veil? Neptune is also in alignment, bringing an imaginative, empathetic and spiritually tuned quality to the day — both in terms of what you express consciously, and what you’re broadcasting without even realizing it. Same goes for those around you.

Yet Neptune’s presence also means that all may not be as it seems — and difficulties in perceiving this could be exacerbated by Mercury’s retrograde status in Scorpio. All of that water can get pretty slippery and misty — great for art and escapes of various kinds, not so great for anything relying on a clear understanding of concrete facts. If possible gaps in your information could cause a major problem (rather than a minor inconvenience), following through on your due diligence will be essential. Remember that it’s one thing to enjoy some romantic idealism; it’s another thing to forget that your beloveds are just as beautifully, fallibly human as you are.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of the Provocateur: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 4
The Day of the Provocateur | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

Most of creation is invisible — outer manifestation only occurs after immense activity behind the scenes. By the time a seed breaks ground, for example, its hardest work is done. Some of your most profound achievements over the coming year may likewise be internal. You’ve much to gain from honestly examining how emotional imprints from the past, perhaps involving your family or relationships, impact your freedom to be yourself. You’re both courageous enough to open those doors and ready to take more creative agency over your own life.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

Today’s first quarter Moon is a signal to begin moving deliberately (or slowly) into gear with a new project, or with the next stage of a process. Mercury is settling out of its storm phase and into its three-week retrograde through Scorpio. So rather than approaching anything from the zippy perspective of, “gotta get it done!” and multitasking, try maneuvering with as much focus, precision and patience as possible. Get things in place from the bottom-up.

Even though the Sun in Scorpio can be secretive, the square from the Aquarius Moon suggests you may need to work with a group to move things forward. Remember, you can include others in the process and still keep certain opinions to yourself. If that creates too much tension within you, see about making your comments to others as impersonal as possible. Correct small problems as soon as they arise. A Mars-Pluto square in the works emphasizes the need to use your energy constructively, and to beware power struggles — especially with authority figures and groups. Keep everything above-board in such situations.

The asteroid Juno, newly in Libra, makes a square to Pholus in Capricorn today. If you need to bring a relationship of any kind into better balance, small moves are going to count for a lot — meaning, you don’t need to push. In fact, the more frustrated you are at things not being ‘equal’, or the more competitive a situation has become, the more you may need to temper your urges. By all means, take initiative — gently. Then, see how the other person responds. You may find that your modest words and action plus any gestures of theirs in kind are more than enough to smooth things out.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of the Long Breath: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 3
The Day of the Long Breath | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

Even when you love your job, there are times when it feels like work. But there’s nothing like the satisfaction of employment that allows you to express your talents in a meaningful way. Keep your eyes open this year for such opportunities. Your birthday chart indicates harmonious ties between self-esteem, values and material security, and work that furthers your own personal growth. Even if this involves service outside of traditional employment, follow through on leads in that department. Make yourself available. Decisions made now have long-range implications.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

If you’re in the U.S. (with the exception of Hawaii and Arizona), did you remember to turn your clocks back last night? Mercury retrogrades can be challenging enough without adding in the time change — or forgetting the time change. But with the Moon entering Aquarius this morning, you may find you’re able to take a more detached and less emotionally saturated approach to any hiccups. You might even find yourself coming up with an unexpected silver lining to any disruptions today, or making unusual choices, as the Moon squares Uranus in early Taurus.

Juno entering Libra later this evening (9:28 pm EST / 2:28:07 UTC Monday) brings emphasis to balance in relationships. Do you feel out of balance with a partner? Are you both pulling the same weight? Is there any competitiveness you need to acknowledge and defuse? Again, having the Moon in Aquarius could assist in approaching these issues from a place of less personal affront, which can keep the way more open for understanding. Work and leisure activities involving groups and some measure of freedom (creative, emotional, or social) also look satisfying for the next couple days.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Transformation: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 2
The Day of Transformation | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

You’re ready to go deep this year, to seriously dive into intense emotional material and examine lingering issues from the past. This is a profound phase of psychic exploration and healing, essential to your further growth. The more pro-active an approach you take to honestly reckoning with old fears, anger or obsessions, the more you’ll reap the rewards. These amount to nothing less than having more of your innate power at your conscious disposal. Assistance from trusted counselors can play an important role in this process. Think of prioritizing inner work now as a strategic investment in your future.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

On a broader, cultural level, today’s astrology suggests some new level of political intrigue, upheaval or shuffling of the deck is in store — though one look at the news is all it takes to know that certain high-profile stories will continue developing for a while. Here’s what’s up: Mercury makes the second of its current series of three conjunctions to the asteroid Pallas today, this time in retrograde motion. The moment it is exact, the Moon will be in Capricorn, making its way between Saturn and Pluto — the two planets starring in this winter’s astrology. So there might be a new thread of political secrets emerging, or a revisiting of an issue that had seemed to come to a dead end previously.

Personally speaking, you can apply the same ideas. Mercury and Pallas were last conjunct on Oct. 21, making that a good touchstone. What information came out then? What were you either trying to express with some detachment or strategizing to keep private? What conversations did you have about potentially taboo topics, and what was left unsaid? What thoughts and feelings have you had about it all in the last couple weeks? Do you need to take a different tack, or simply take notes and keep digging for more clues?

Be aware that the Capricorn Moon’s contact with Saturn and Pluto could intensify certain emotions, such as pessimism or an “all or nothing” attitude. If that’s the case, chances are you’re not seeing the whole picture of a situation. Let the mood pass, and your options will likely open up.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Attentiveness: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 31
The Day of Attentiveness | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

You may find yourself re-thinking strategies this year, perhaps with an eye toward bringing your ideas forward with maximum impact. Follow the trail wherever it leads, without feeling compelled to express more than you’re comfortable with at any given time. Your business, and your process, is as important for your development as it is deeply personal, so don’t worry if you feel more introspective or private than usual. That said, you seem poised to make strides toward greater financial security, perhaps in a way that brings an element of seasoned wisdom into your discourse with others.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

Trick or treat! Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio today at 11:41 am EDT (15:41:20 UTC). It will station direct on Nov. 20. While it’s true that Mercury’s retrograde phases are often marked by a need for extra patience and diligence to work around things malfunctioning (including one’s own mind), it’s also possible to approach them as a journey of discovery and reclamation. This one is occurring just as the veil is said to be thinnest between the worlds of the living and the dead. If you’re especially sensitive to the spirit realm, I’d be curious to hear if that’s heightened in the coming weeks.

Mercury is stationing in the sign of deep feelings, deep transformation and, when things don’t go well, the potential for deeply held grudges. There are suggestions in this chart that we’re being sent on a deep-sea recovery mission, one that could lead to the regeneration of something that has seemed (or actually was for a time) lost. You may wish to pay particular attention today to anyone offering hints or reflections of this theme; the interaction may hold useful clues for the path of inward review you can follow for the next three weeks.

This chart also describes needing to take action in response to secrets or inconvenient truths being revealed, or to beliefs around health and healing (either of those themes may relate to a group of some kind). Your understanding of what love truly is/means, or a recognition of “conditions” placed on unconditional love and compassion, might also be a point of tension that spurs you to seek what would resolve it. Whether you are able to communicate what is most personal to you — that is, questions of the paradoxical strength in vulnerability — is another theme to note.

As always, the usual Mercury retrograde hygiene applies: back up your computer; double-check emails and texts before you send them; if there’s confusion or no reply, pick up the phone and call, or knock on the person’s door; delay large purchases and important contracts. Give yourself extra time for travel, and only drive when you are driving (if your hand is on something else, your mind is, too — though even hands-free calls divert significant mental focus). And no matter what, get curious about the mysteries of the journey — the one inside you, most of all.
— by Amanda Painter