Mercury Retrograde: From Scorpio to Libra on 10/23
We’re accustomed to the natural order of the zodiac - Aries leads to Taurus, which leads to Gemini, etc. - yet when a planet retrogrades from one sign to the previous one, we feel it as an unusual event. Especially when that planet’s Mercury, given that it’s the astrological energy concerning thought, perception, machinery, communications, commerce, travel and pinball-playing skills.
In the natural zodiac, Libra as an externally-oriented intellectual sign gives way to the internal-oriented emotional energy of Scorpio. We go from interacting with others in an attempt to learn fairness and harmony (Libra) to a personal need to experience intensity and to bring it to/uncover it with another (Scorpio). Said another way, the shift is from establishing rapport with others (Libra) to uncovering and exposing the self on ever deeper levels (Scorpio).
Regardless of how we relate with and understand these two energies, we’re accustomed to Libra leading to Scorpio. When Scorpio leads to Libra, then, we are likely to feel out of place (this happens in this cycle on October 23rd at 8:36 Pacific time). When the planet is Mercury, our mental processing goes from the inward intensity to the awareness of others’ needs and wants. It might look like you doing your thing in what you think is an empty room, finally getting into your metaphorical dirty laundry, holding each piece up and examining it in the light, when you realize that you’re not alone, and you’re not actually in a private place at all. It can be uncomfortable to feel walked in on in your Scorpio intensity,* but there’s an opportunity in it: You can try on for size what it’s like to really show yourself to another - how you do it, why, and when.
Everything that’s been happening for you in the Scorpio phase of this Mercury retro can find a door to be shared with another. In Libra, it’s just about anyone - anyone we deem or experience as an equal. If you find yourself taking a Libra other (just about anyone) and sharing your Scorpio self (the part that needs to trust another deeply before opening - the one that’s been getting Mercury center stage during the retro), think of it as an opportunity to learn more about how you define and in what ways you build trust in your closest confidants. Most of us would never confide in a casual acquaintance the kinds of things we’re seeing about ourselves during this Scorpio phase of the retro. Perhaps your Scorpio self can see its way to bringing some part of its intensity to others, just because it exists and is a true thing about the self, and not because they’ve done something magnificent and impressive to earn its trust.
Additionally, the subject matter up for review is up for change at this time. From the taboos or hidden things of Scorpio to the issues of fairness and reciprocity of Libra. From the probing nature of Scorpio to the competing needs to be really heard by and to learn to really hear another. As someone with a Scorpio Sun and a stellium in Libra that spans the entire sign, I’m curious about what this might bring my way. But, again, everyone has every energy, and can make use of the opportunity to review the place and manifestations of these energies in their lives.
*Everyone’s got Scorpio somewhere in the natal chart, and so everyone’s got a Scorpionic side. Consider the house and sign Mercury’s transiting currently (plus whatever’s in the 8th house and Pluto’s placement) for the basic profile of that Scorpio self.
Tom is available for consultations and lessons. See http://tdjacobs.com for more information and to book a consultation.
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October 19, 2007 By Tom Jacobs