Mercury Retrograde is upon us once again and this time in the sign of Scorpio. Scorpio is known to be an intense sign, but this retrograde is not all drama. It's also a period of transformation, on a personal and global scale. Thankfully the last Mercury Retrograde of 2020.
What does that mean?
First, what is a retrograde?
By definition, a planet is retrograde when it is moving backward in the sky. However, in astrology, the significance of a retrograde is much deeper and more complex than just an apparent motion. On average, we experience at least one planet in retrograde about 80% of the time, and understanding each retrograde's true meaning, dates, and effects can prove to be a powerful tool.
Astronomically, retrogrades happen as Earth is passing or being passed by other planets. Like the apparent movement of the sun through the zodiac, a planet seemingly moving backward is an illusion, as planets always revolve around the sun in the same direction. The appearance of retrograde motion occurs because of the relative difference in speed. It's something like when you're sitting at a traffic light and the car next to you takes off unexpectedly - you may find yourself stomping down on the brake because of a temporary feeling of moving backward. Similarly, it's when planets are at their closest approach to Earth that apparent retrograde motion occurs. In short, retrograde motion is an illusory side-effect of planetary proximity.
Mercury is the messenger of the gods. This planet rules communication, travel and technology. When it goes retrograde, those areas of our life become unpredictable and chaotic. That's why this particular time period is infamous for awkward email exchanges, contracts gone wrong, travel delays, and reappearances of exes. However, there are positives. Whenever a planet goes retrograde, we also get an opportunity to review and redo the areas of our life the planet rules. So, while you may want to hold off making any major financial decisions (and if you have to go over the documents with a fine-tooth comb), you can also correct and redo any communication errors you've made in the past. Second chances are possible.
Since retrograde motion is so radically different than the norm, it's not a surprise that many people often experience it as disruptive. The question, then, is whether disruption is in and of itself a bad thing. It seems that getting off the beaten track could be experienced as less disruptive when we know it's coming and plan for it by building in some wiggle room. It also seems that relaxing our expectations, taking less for granted, and being more observant are all beneficial practices.
As we know that retrograde motion is a side-effect of proximity, perhaps any problems we perceive during retrogrades are at least somewhat due to being too close to someone or something to see it objectively. So, what to do? Taking our time, getting a little distance, and changing perspectives may be very helpful. In the end, a change in perspective might just give us access to an opportunity we would have missed otherwise. Viewed through this lens, perhaps retrograde misadventures can become worth it - even transformative.
During this time, we have the opportunity to let go of old, less useful ways of communication.
Scorpio is a water sign ruled by both Mars and Pluto and is the sign of death and rebirth. At its worse, this sign can be jealous, obsessive, distrustful, and paranoid. At its best, Scorpio is sexy, loyal, and highly intuitive. In addition to the scorpion, Scorpio is represented by the phoenix, which means that even in the toughest of times, Scorpio isn't afraid to take a risk on something new because it knows it will rise again, even if things don't exactly pan out the way they were supposed to. During this retrograde, we have the opportunity to leg go of old, un-useful ways of communication and find newer, more suitable methods.
Beware of paranoid thinking when Mercury goes retrograde in intense Scorpio. Life, in general, is painful right now, and it makes sense that you - and those around you - may be hyperaware of your surroundings. This particular retrograde may make us a bit extra suspicious, even of those we deeply trust. However, now is not the time to turn against friends and loved ones unnecessarily. We need all the community we can get. Work on a self-care and mindfulness practice (meditation/sound healing is a great place to start) to help stay grounded.
Scorpio is the detective of the zodiac, so this Mercury retrograde could reveal skeletons in some closets. During this retrograde, we will see people for exactly who they are, and sometimes this can be deeply upsetting. But is also means that loyalties will be revealed and you can offer people around you the ability to do better by you, should you be willing to give second changes.
So, as long as you try not to stress, practice self-care, and beware of paranoid, you should kick this retrograde's ass.