All three of the Mercury retrograde zones in 2013, are in water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). Mercury in water has a filter of feelings. So a retrograde in water signs adds the power of authentic emotion to what we’re saying, perceiving, picking up by vibes. This is one way to see how a retro recovery can enrich our lives. If we’ve denied how we really feel about a person or situation, Mercury re-aligns us with that emotional intel. It’s a great time to rediscover personal meaning, in life experiences, through memories, impressions, serendipity. This retro also inspires us to share with others what’s in the depths. A water sign Mercury turns its wheels on moods, so spend time in places that have atmosphere, are somehow magical, evocative. The imagination finds a groove with the right music or cinema, a book or friend, time in the wild or in a state of alert daydreaming.
Mercury in Scorpio Retrograde October 21st to November 10th, 2013: Mercury in Scorpio retrograde comes in the dark of the year, when the veil between worlds is thin. An ideal time for the divination arts, as psychic senses are on alert. It’s also for composting the material of the inner landscape, resting, and letting the alchemy of the cauldron stirring work its magic. A big theme that can arise now is sexual bonds that sometimes become psychic ones that are hard to cut. Issues of power, and being held by someone’s energy surface. This cycle is one for cord cutting, and reclaiming boundaries that have grown too enmeshed. It’s one for reconsider what has a hold on your attention, and sharpening your scythe, to let go once and for all (or at least, at a deeper level).
Other phenomena: Sexual trauma comes out to be reexamined, and perhaps expressed; Exorcising demons that have invaded your space; discovering tools to deal with psychic attack; mastering your domain (your mind and energy) and undoing/unplugging from mind control programming; healing wounds around sexuality.
With Mercury retrograde in Scorpio, this is an excellent period for getting in touch with our instincts, motivations, and “dark” side. Emotional communication is not as valued as more rational approaches in our society, and now is the time to explore our more intimate and emotional natures and how these affect our decision making processes. Much of the astrology of 2013 in general encouraged us to “tune in” in this manner. Increased sensitivity, or emotional “radar”, is likely. We should watch that we don’t get into a paranoid frame of mind, or read too much negativity into what others say.
After November 27, when Mercury once again returns to 18 Scorpio, you may resume whatever you began on October 21 and find it easier and more successful.