Monday 10/12/2020: Sneak Peek at the Week; Mercury Turns Retrograde
The Leo Moon harmonizes with the Sun and Mars and then goes void at 10:30 AM ET — for the rest of the business day. Moon won’t get focused until after midnight on Tuesday, so seriously chill, chill, chill! Roll with the twists and flakes that may disrupt efforts to move forward in a straight line. Remember that crises that crop up during voids are often much ado about nothing. A Leo Moon void is vulnerable to fits of indignation and regal edicts. Watch how that plays out as introductions are made on the first day of the Senate confirmation hearings for SCOTUS nominee Amy Coney Barrett — in the middle of an election, no less. Note the ones refusing to wear a mask. That’s dysfunctional regal Leo entitlement.
Softening the drama somewhat — at least until 12:38 PM ET — is a cooperative contact between Mercury (how we need to think and communicate) and Venus (our values and social expression). There’s a need to see things in the best possible light — at least on a personal level. After that, be prepared for the gloves to come off, courtesy of a face-off between retrograde Mars in Aries and the Libra Sun exact on…
- TUESDAY: at 7:27 PM ET. The day is driven by the Virgo Moon (as of 12:56 AM ET), seeking to prove itself correct in exacting detail, supercharged by the Sun-Mars face-off. The Moon is well-supported in its quest by easy aspects from Uranus, Mercury and Venus (all between 4:35 PM ET and 10:55 PM ET); there are no speedbumps to the Moon during most of the business day. At 9:05 PM ET, Mercury officially reverses course in Scorpio.
Here’s the 411 on Mercury retrograde:
So many people who know nothing else about astrology have heard of Mercury retrograde. Often it elicits curses and groans, and that’s a shame. Yes, all of the flights on American Airlines may be grounded because of a computer glitch, and the entire country of Finland may be offline because of a transportation strike. These things actually happened on the first day of Mercury retrogrades past. But there’s much good that can be accomplished when the Messenger Planet appears to be retracing its steps.
Mercury—which in the language of astrology refers to mindset, travel and communication—will appear to move backward through the sky until November 3rd. It’s not really moving backward, but that is how it looks from our perspective here on Spaceship Earth. Mercury goes retrograde 3-4 times each year, for a period of 22 days.
Contrary to popular belief, Mercury retrogrades are no reason to freak out. Mercury retrograde gets a bad rap because we are geared, in this crazy modern age, to always be thinking, doing, moving FORWARD. You know what that gets you? BURN OUT. We need our down times, and Mercury retrograde is a perfect time to give our minds a rest. Why else would your computer, phone and/or car choose THIS time to malfunction? Because you are supposed to be slowing down. And as you slow down, it is vitally important that you FOCUS.
When Mercury is retrograde, be prepared for travel delays, scheduling screw-ups, mechanical breakdowns, computer crashes, having to repeat what you’ve just said, misunderstandings, the past coming back for a second look, surprise reunions and having to repeat what you just said. Use your FOCUS and double check important details, like the instructions on your absentee ballots. Is a witness signature required? Are you only allowed to use black ink? Is that an official ballot drop box — or a fake (not kidding — look what’s happening in California). Read the instructions more than once — and don’t hesitate to ask for help. FOCUS!!!!!!!!!
If you are looking for a job, Mercury retrogrades are a perfect time to reach out to people from your past. Mine your address book and trust that your contacts will be happy to hear from you. However, do not be frustrated if your target is away on vacation or keeps rescheduling meetings. Also, triple check your emails and resumes before you hit “send,” as there is a higher probability of typos and other sloppy snafus.
In your business, you’ll need to make sure all communications have been received and are clearly understood. Be mindful of the higher potential for communications equipment to go on the fritz. MAKE SURE YOUR FILES ARE BACKED UP. Also be aware of a higher than average probability for delays in shipping and travel arrangements. For this you will need an extra dose of patience.
You may also find it profitable to REview a project from the past. Maybe you shelved it then, but now is the time to REconsider. However, be advised that a spontaneous, “out-of-the-blue” idea for advancement may not be so sound when Mercury turns direct. This is why the conventional wisdom advises against finalizing and/or signing contracts on deals during Mercury retrograde. An exception might be supported if you are REnegotiating or RElocating. If you absolutely must close a deal, triple check everything.
This is a good time to schedule a corporate REtreat. Any activity that affords the opportunity to REview past performance is encouraged. REsearch on a new strategy is also favored.
Mercury retrogrades are not favored for launching a new website or a new communications systems. There is a higher than average probability of technical glitches and confusion. I can tell you horror stories about a certain prestigious college’s lackluster launch of a website/communications portal which occurred a few years ago, on a day when Mercury was stationary retrograde. The portal was completely redone this year. No surprise there.
Adopt a playful attitude of flexibility to whatever twists you encounter. Avoid making major purchases (especially electronic ones). Don’t believe everything you hear or read in the papers. Rumors have a higher probability of spreading during Mercury retrogrades. Avoid losing patience — that’s a big one.
When in doubt, be silent!
Do plan on RElaxing, REviewing, REsearching, REorganizing, REgenerating, REconnecting and REcreating…and REviewing your life with your astrologer.
Mercury turns retrograde at 11 degrees of Scorpio…re-entering Libra on October 27th. It turns direct on Election Day at 26 degrees of Libra. Mercury returns to 11 degrees Scorpio on November 19th, the day of Joe Biden’s next solar return (his birthday is November 20th). Note to astronerds with sophisticated software: if you are able to calculate solar returns, take a look at Biden’s solar return for 2019 and 2020. Notice how Mercury at 11 Scorpio is repeated in both charts — first as the ruler of the chart for 2019, and then as the actual Ascendant for 2020. What do you think, hmm?
Astrologer Robert Wilkinson (who wrote the book on Mercury retrograde) sees Mercury Rx in Scorpio as a “rethink in reform mode.” Tear down established beliefs; expose the rotting garbage and replace it with truth for the sake of consolidating power. “This is the verbal executioner, searching for inconsistencies in others,” which I take to mean we’ll see a lot of “Gotcha!” moments in the news. Wherever 26 Libra – 11 Scorpio falls in your horoscope is where you may be tearing down and rebuilding outworn modes of thinking.
- WEDNESDAY: Note your dreams, as the Virgo Moon opposes Neptune at 7:48 AM ET. The drive for perfection happily harmonizes with the lean, mean outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto) in Powers That Be Capricorn. Much can be accomplished today — especially if it’s a matter of critical REview. Moon goes void at 6:47 PM ET. Chill for the rest of the night. Moon enters Libra at 1:54 AM ET on …
- THURSDAY: …shifting focus to fairness, justice and balance in relationships. Humming in the background all this week is the special sense of urgency represented by a square between Pluto and the Sun. This is a screaming alert for a power play, corruption exposed/news from underground involving leaders, CEOs, resources and possible seismic activity. These challenging patterns between Pluto and the Sun only happen four times a year; this year they happened in January, April and July. This one is happening on a dead Moon — the end of the lunar cycle. Secret meetings and other activities that fly under the radar are favored. Oh, but wait — there’s more — as you’ll see when we get to Sunday and Monday.
- FRIDAY: Think big upon waking, as the Libra Moon is squared by expansive Jupiter at 8:06 AM ET. A physical workout would release the tension demanding an outlet around 9:50 AM ET, as Moon opposes Mars. At 1:22 PM ET, Moon makes its weekly clash with Pluto, suggesting a power play or catharsis. All of this is happening before the New Moon kicks in at 3:31 PM ET — at 23 Libra (details in the next forecast). Less than three hours later, Moon squares Saturn and goes void at 6:11 PM ET, suggesting themes of control and authority making news — and a sobering way to end the work week. Chill during the evening void; hopefully the Friday night news dump will be much ado about nothing.
- SATURDAY: Moon enters Scorpio at 1:05 AM ET, turning Libra rationales into deep emotional substance. A surprise arrives around 3:37 PM ET, as Moon opposes Uranus. Stop and count to ten before rushing to go to press, as Moon meets up with Mercury at 5:52 PM ET — BUT MERCURY IS RETROGRADE.
- SUNDAY: It’s likely to be a crazy-busy next few days. On the one hand, the Scorpio Moon is well-supported in its quest to maintain power and control through the accumulation of a certain depth of knowledge. An opposition between Venus and Neptune is exact at 10:49 AM ET, but we will be seeing reflections of its magical thinking potential a few days beforehand. It may be related to prominent magical thinking that was going on in May, when Venus squared Neptune twice (and again in late June, if memory serves). Perhaps we’ll hear illuminating news about those driving the “Covid is the new normal; get used to it” propaganda machine. In your own personal world, a Venus-Neptune opposition could reflect an opportunity for a beautiful artsy, healing escape — with the promise of happiness suggested in Tarot Diva Beth Owl’s Daughter’s Card of the Week.
- SUNDAY: On the other hand, at 9:58 AM ET, we have Saturn squaring the Sun, suggesting heavy news involving leaders (of state and corporations), i.e., cuts, losses and other streamlining. Moon goes void at 5:43 PM ET on a supportive sextile with Saturn. Chill until 12:43 AM on…
- MONDAY: when Moon soars into Sagittarius, pushing boundaries of opinion. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! First, at 1:38 AM ET, retrograde Mars in Aries squares Jupiter in Capricorn for the second time (first was on August 4th, the day of that big ginormous explosion in Beirut, when Mars-Jupiter also triggered the Jan 10th eclipse). Mars-Jupiter squares suggests BIG (Jupiter) ACTION (Mars) — and with Mars retrograde in Aries, possibly rash or reckless.
- Second, at 3:35 AM ET, Venus trines Jupiter. This harmony between the two planets associated with fortune suggests good cheer, abundance and generosity — countering the streamlining of Sun-Saturn. There are no exact aspects to the Moon on this day; the sky’s the limit.
- Finally, at 10:55 PM ET, retrograde Mercury makes its second opposition to disruptive Uranus (first one was on 10/7), suggesting disruptive headlines — with themes of aviation, tech, etc. — and possibly even astrology. Over the past few years as astrology has come back into vogue, there’s nearly always been a story about it in a major media outlet whenever the Sun and Uranus are in contact. Seems to now be working for Mercury-Uranus, too.
And now, the news.
I carried the Sneak Peek at the Week through Monday because of how the patterns of October 16th – 20th activate P45’s horoscope (I’ve mentioned this period in prior forecasts as one to watch).
- First, the New Moon at 23 Libra activates planets in his horoscope that refer to profession, documents, real estate, family, speculative ventures and ego recognition.
- Second, we see the second hit of a pattern suggesting extremes of thought and communication (the first was on October 8th). On October 20th (next Tuesday), P45’s progressed Moon will square Uranus, suggesting a sudden change (in response to tension that has been building for some months).
- Third, less than 24 hours later, transiting Saturn (streamlined ambition; cuts/losses) makes the last of three oppositions to his Venus, ruler of areas in the horoscope that refer to profession, reputation, documents and siblings. The second opposition was on September 6th; here’s what happened back then.
Astrologer Jessica Adams (who is not American and thus perhaps benefits from a certain distance) did predict back in January that P45 would not be re-elected and that he would “go down in October.” The Guardian was impressed enough to reference her prediction last week, in synch with the first Mercury-Uranus opposition (a potential for astrology making headlines). If Adams is proven correct, we will not be surprised — as we do see the potential for cuts and changes — and we most definitely will salute her astrological acumen.
Meanwhile….
On the first day of her Senate confirmation hearing, SCOTUS nominee Amy Coney Barrett wore a black mask, pearls and a dress in a bright shade of Handmaid’s Tale red (or so it appears on my computer screen). I briefly wondered if she’d consulted with confessed fashion troll Melania Trump — until I checked Barrett’s horoscope. She has Mars at 21 Aries and Mars is exactly conjunct her Mars today! The color of Mars is red, as is the color of Aries, the sign Mars rules. Barrett’s Mars is supercharged in her natal horoscope, in touch with her Mercury and Uranus — and possibly her Moon. Well OK, then — Mars is just on fire for her, not now — but RIGHT NOW!
Otherwise, Barrett is an Aquarius driven by Moon in Cancer, a people-pleasing combo that astrologer Noel Tyl felt was highly responsive to appreciation received (see Tyl’s 1000 page+ manual, Synthesis & Counseling in Astrology, page 98). Her birthday is the day after Chief Justice John G. Roberts, which means that both she and Roberts have transiting Uranus squaring their Suns. Translation: ego identity becomes disrupted or is disruptive; we see a need for independence no matter what. Barrett’s Sun-Uranus square is exact on November 19; Roberts has his on December 19. Watch those dates for surprises.
Guess who else has a hot horoscope with a disruptive Sun-Uranus pattern? Charles Koch — described as the driving force behind Barrett’s nomination. It’s not about health care or Roe v. Wade. It’s about corporations, as this WaPo op-ed argues. That would fit current planetary patterns: Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto at the verrrry end of Capricorn, suggesting last-ditch, hail Mary efforts at power and control. Here is Koch’s horoscope.
In other news….
Mercury at its station in Scorpio can feel like a blaring horn in matters of intricate mechanisms and channels. The NYT obliged with another installment in its examination of P45’s taxes. “The Swamp That Trump Built” explains how a businessman-president turned “favor-seeking in Washington to his family’s hotels and resorts — and earned millions as a gatekeeper for his own administration.” The kids were in on it, too — reports WaPo.
In Maine, postal workers demonstrated their deep focus by restoring a previously dismembered high-speed mail-sorting machine. That’s wicked good, Mainers!
Elsewhere, the diverse alliance potential of Saturday’s trine between Venus (women, values, social expression) and Uranus, combined with the potential power of Friday’s Mars-Pluto square was reflected…
- In this Biden campaign ad featuring five Black women mayors — and a surprise twist
- Most “unbelievable KO kick in UFC history” delivered by middleweight Joaquin Buckley on Saturday
- In this SNL sketch about a Mafia don returning to civilian life after a stint in the Big House only to discover that things have changed
- …in the installation of a statue across from the Manhattan County Criminal Courthouse — of Medusa holding Perseus’s head
- It was a good weekend for MVP LeBron James, who led the Lakers to victory in the NBA finals — over Miami Heat. James is a Capricorn driven by the Moon in Aries — a born leader. His Jupiter is at 21 Capricorn, so he’s benefitting from the surge of energy reflected by a square from Mars in Aries, as well as a once-every-twelve-years Jupiter return. Here is his horoscope.
That’s it for now. Back up your computers, kids!! If you’re voting this week, be patient with any delays and tech snafus, e.g., what’s happening in Georgia. If you find this forecast of value, your support is always appreciated and accepted via the fabulous Cosmic Tip Jar. For in-depth consultations suitable for this Mercury retrograde review, here’s how to contact me.
Thank you for reading this forecast.
Thanks to Beth for the fun
Mercury-banana mash-up!