After a seemingly tranquil summer, we’re heading into a Mercury Retrograde the first day of November. Luckily this is the last of three Mercury retrogrades in 2019. Everyone can breathe a small sigh of relief that the holidays won’t be marred by Retrogrades from the 4th circle of Hell.
11/1/19 Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio until 11/21/19
By transit, this planet goes retrograde 3 times a
year and statistically goes retrograde more often in Fire signs than any other.
I believe Air was next in line regarding frequency (BUT I’M NOT SURE). This
stat has lead me to believe these retrograde periods were meant to be a time of
reflection and inspiration (fire), marking it as a period of time for the
inculcation of all we experience. Sort of an opportunity to get oneself back on
track; to look at the reality of choices, etc.
Mercury is the thinker and we need to step back and think about where we are
going, and how we are getting there, every now and then. Lucky for us Mercury
offers us 3 times a year to get ourselves back on track during each year. I’ve
come to the conclusion that many times communication is delayed for a very good
reason. While it may be frustrating if you do not use the period of time for
reflection, it can certainly be a great benefit to the attainment of goals to
step back and ‘think” about things for a moment.
Not only can this period delay mail, the signing of contracts, phones won’t
ring, emails won’t arrive, but it will also cause all manner of havoc with the
sending and receiving of communication. Not so much arguments (that is Mars
retro), but definitely misunderstandings that wouldn’t normally occur will pop
up during this time.
We feel out of sync with our ability to ‘tell’ people who we are and what we
want, and we also feel we don’t understand others. That’s probably because we
don’t understands them right now. And maybe we’re not supposed to, maybe this
is a time to pull in and reassess ‘who we are’.
In other words it is time to have a talk with ourselves.
In Scorpio, there is a chance that carefully held
secrets may be revealed or see the light of day. Keep track of the ‘little
white lies’ you tell or it may come back to haunt you. A Mercury Retrograde is
a time of reflection for the purposes of “letting go” of things unwanted, but
in Scorpio it is difficult to actually let go. So, it ends up being a time of
reflection and holding on that can lead to some paranoia, envy, or jealousy.
Fortunately, the US Thanksgiving will a few days after Mercury goes Direct, and
hopefully meal preparation will not be affected by too many cooks spoiling the
broth. [yes, I’ve used way too many adages. Forgive me, Mercury made me
do it. ]
11/2/19 Venus enters Sagittarius
Many will find this to be a time when they want to stretch and go outside of the boundaries of their everyday lives. Take a class, learn how to garden, talk to old friends, make new ones, and so on. The desire to break free of routines within the context of relationships [whatever they may be] is strong. Consider this a period of time where the “I need some space” mantra will emerge in some playful ways.
This is not a transit to be taken seriously. It is a time for playfulness. Even the cheater is only playing, although many will be completely unaware of the consequences because the desire for freedom is so strong. While the mantra while Venus was in Scorpio was obsession and passion, in Sagittarius the most important things is “freedom”. The freedom to do whatever one wants, when one wants it, and for as long as wanted. If the sign of Sagittarius was reduced to one word it would be “Freedom”. Do not ever underestimate how strong this can be in some people. It is not a fear of relationships or commitment, it is the desire to be free, and in many cases it is free from the dictates of others when it comes to behavior.
**Note: ** Sometimes I read something elsewhere that is so interesting I’ll quote it in my own Newsletter. This particular quote I can’t link to because it was a Newsletter sent to my email address. But, it comes from astro.com and I encourage everyone to go there and read some of the best astrological articles ever written [in my opinion].
“On November 11, Mercury crosses directly in front of the solar disk. This rare exact astronomical conjunction of the Sun and Mercury takes place one day before a strong Full Moon, which is also in harmonious connection with the heavily loaded Saturn/Pluto conjunction. This could be a moment in which a lost situation can receive a new impulse or at least an idea that opens up new room for manoeuvre.”
“A turn for the better is desired by many, especially in the days around November 14, when Venus is square Neptune and the longing for salvation is particularly strong. On November 16, deeds could actually follow, when the grand water trine between Moon/Moon’s Node, Mercury and Neptune comes to bear.”
11/20/19 Mars enters Scorpio [Dignified/Ruler]
To understand Mars in Scorpio it’s easier to just begin with knowing that Mars is action and Scorpio is intense purpose, which combine to mean purposeful action. This is the simplicity of this placement, and quite frankly, the elegance of the placement as well. It describes what Mars is all about in its finest expression.
Mars in Scorpio is not indecisive. It takes action with purpose, intensity, passion, and it is deadly serious about obtaining its desires. And, I do not mean “deadly” in any kind of metaphorical sense. Mars in Scorpio can become literally deadly if the chart itself is afflicted, and/or if the native encounters too much opposition and obstacles to success.
In the negative, this is a controlling placement, and it is demanding. But, generally there is great strength of purpose exhibited here, but the intensity here is completely focused on the outcome. Obtaining what is desired. This placement does not have the adaptability of its counterpart Mars in Aries. Aries in cardinal in nature and can change direction when motivated by failure. In short, in Aries, the individual can change strategies to achieve success. In Scorpio, having to change a strategy is often seen as a failure in and of itself. In Scorpio, Mars feels it can only really win one way-the Scorpio way.
In transit, people will become [to varying degrees of course] more combative, purposeful, serious, and driven. Because of the recent sojourn through Libra, Mars is feeling a little peckish. It’s been subdued for too long, and desires to run free and make a mark. In short, this is really not the time to pick a hill to die on, unless it is the most important hill of your life.
11/21/19 Mercury goes direct [in Scorpio]
While Mercury actually goes Direct today, it will not be out of the Retrograde shadow until December 8th. That doesn’t mean that Mercury is actually still Retrograde, but it does mean that
some people will not bounce back from the retrograde as easily as others. Some people may experience the Mercury Retrograde phenomena that is longer than the actual Retrograde cycle.
The entire amount of time Mercury will spend in Scorpio this year is 67 days. That is a very long time to spend in one sign for the planet Mercury. It usually transits a sign in 3 weeks. The prolonged period of time in Scorpio will over-emphasize the sign itself. Prepare for intensity and determination in communication, as well as secrecy and hidden agendas.
This will also permeate the politics of the world. Nothing is as it seems during this period of time. Prepare for outright deception and secret alliances to come to light during the Retrograde phase.
11/23/19 Sun enters Sagittarius
The symbol of Sagittarius is half man, half horse, portraying the conflict between the philosophical mind and the carnal instinct of human nature. The glyph represents an arrow slung in a bow, aiming at the stars. This symbol corresponds with the Sagittarian ideals of cosmic progress and abundance.
The
ruling planet of Sagittarius is Jupiter.
Sagittarians are positive people; they have a bright outlook on life, are
enterprising, full of energy and vitality. Versatile, adventurous, and eager to
expand their range beyond the comfortable and familiar. They enjoy travel and
exploring, and their minds are continually searching for new experiences. They
are ambitious, optimistic folk, and nothing seems to get them down. They are
idealists, and this seems to keep them going even when life disappointments
crop up and smash their plans
They
have a tendency to get over zealous when they are interested in
something. They are believers, and
what they believe in, they are willing to fight for. They are both
loyal and independent at the same time. They manage to balance both traits.
Sagittarians are usually modest and often spiritual, with strong values. They
like rituals, and sometimes can get caught up in form, rather than substance.
They are profound thinkers, and are gifted with foresight and good judgment.
Witty conversationalists and storytellers, they do have the gift of gab. They are avid learners, love to initiate new projects and make great researchers. They are quick studies, with keen minds. They have an expectant attitude and a penchant for new experiences, which may account for the fact that Sagittarians are noted for their longevity.
They
are often intuitive and original thinkers. Better at adapting than inventing,
they work well in collaboration with others. A strong will and good
organization ability combined with their other talents usually bring any project
they undertake to a successful conclusion. They are generous by nature, but are
quite resourceful in caring for and balancing their resources.
Sagittarians are ardent, sincere and straightforward in relationships. They are
generally conventional and in control of their sexual natures. Because of their
independent nature, maintaining a close personal relationship is difficult.
They prefer a solid home base, but as a place to return to when they have
completed a particular travel venture. They have a compelling need to feel
free, and sometimes make this choice at the expense of a 9 to 5 career, or even
a family. The driving desire in life is “Freedom” to live their lives on
their own terms.
In friendship they are reliable, and can be counted on. However, they have a
quick temper and a biting tongue, often speaking before giving forethought to
the full effect of their words. Their rage may pass quickly, but the stinging
of their comments often remains. On the other hand, they are quick to forgive
an affront and extremely dependable to a friend or family member who needs
looking after.
There is also a side of the Sagittarian that is quite superstitious, and reading into signs and portents would not be uncommon. The Sagittarius love of sports often leads to an indulgence in dangerous pursuits. Many centaurs are prone to accidents due to a tendency of taking too many risks.
11/27/19 Venus enters Capricorn
Remembering that Venus is what we want and Mars is how we go about getting it, a Venus transit through Capricorn is filed with practical applications to a personal desire. Venus relies upon the stewardship of Capricorn’s ruling planet Saturn, and asks for love, romance, wealth, and happiness. Saturn is currently transiting Capricorn, so Venus and Saturn will form an interesting alliance. One of patience and hard work to achieve goals. This is not a good transit for those that cannot delay gratification or have never learned how to plan ahead to achieve a goal.
This is a hard-working transit, and all of us will have to accept that it’s not always easy to get what we want, and that others may need to have their needs met first. In many ways this is a beautiful placement. It puts restrictions on Venus and her wild demands. It limits her selfishness and entertains the wonder of giving to others.
That’s it for November. See you all next month. US readers, have a wonderful Thanksgiving~~ Cait
October 2019 Newsletter