There is a ruthless edge to this retrograde period. Maybe it’s the uneasy fallout from the trade war and the ferment all over this planet. Mercury will make a lot of aspects with other planets during this retrograde indicating strong interactions of a challenging nature, causing friction as it reveals shadowy stuff. No one likes it when the shadow shows up although some of us have become a bit more realistic in acknowledging that it is real and has to be engaged at times. Hopefully you have not been hiding from yourself. Given the proximity with Venus retrograde (October 3 – November 13) in timing as well as by sign and degree this feels like an invitation for a deep dive into whatever your mystery happens to be. It’s helpful during a time such as this to practice relaxation in the face of things you might instinctively want to resist. To stand against the misuses and abuses of power we do best when we are grounded and anchored to our lower dantien, the seat of physical power in the body.

Days of strong tension to pay attention to before (in the shadow) and during the retrograde period are:

• October 2nd: Square both Pluto and Mars
• October 6th: conjunct Venus close to its station retrograde.
• October 30th (again): Square Mars
• November 4th: Conjunct the Sun
• Although not exact, Mercury hovers near to a square with Jupiter around the time of the station retrograde on October 24th.

You may feel these aspects before and after the day. Each one challenges us to listen to our gut feelings, to acknowledge them no matter what they are and to refrain* from immediately taking action, to con-sider (be with the stars), to strategize, to measure our opponents, the situations we encounter, and to be aware of the power and strength of our reactions. Are they merited? Do they arise from the past or conditions in the present? Are we prepared to speak truth to power and abide by the consequences? Are we in for the long haul? Whatever it takes? Scorpio means business. Venus and Mercury go direct on the same day (November 13th). It’s not until November 6th or 7th that we begin to be ready to act on what we feel. You will know when the time is right. That’s how Scorpio works.

*Of course sometimes we are in situations that are dangerous or untenable in which case we have to act. Our gut level knowing can alert us to that condition if it presents itself.

Blessings

Julie Simmons

Astrologer