MERCURY ENTERS SCORPIO
Today, Sunday October 13th 2024 at 12:23pm Pacific Time, the planet Mercury is leaving the zodiac sign of Libra and entering Scorpio. It’ll journey through that sign for the next few weeks until it enters Sagittarius on November 2nd.
Before Mercury leaves Libra, it squares Pluto, the ruler of Scorpio - like a test before it can enter Pluto’s domain. The “lord of hell” is sitting on the threshold between cardinal sign Capricorn and fixed sign Aquarius, moving at an incredibly slow pace since it just stationed direct (as I described in my previous blog post). The square is a challenging aspect, producing friction for the mental planet Mercury as it contacts the deep pain, potential and power represented by Pluto. But this also brings an opportunity to transform our perceptions, thoughts and words for the better.
Mercury’s time in the eighth sign will give us a sneak peek at Scorpio season, starting on October 22nd this year. Scorpio is the fixed water sign, and it’s all about diving down into our deepest emotions for the purpose of healing. This is a penetrating sign, and not only because of its association with sex. Scorpio is the detective archetype, concerned with secrets and hidden truths. It wants to leave no emotion unfelt, no inner stone unturned, no passion unexplored. As the sign of death, it has a heightened awareness of its mortality, of the preciousness of time and the urgency of life. Reacting to the previous sign Libra - which can sometimes be shallow in its quest for serenity and harmony over all else - Scorpio dives deep below the surface, unafraid of upsetting the balance as it seeks what is most real and true within us. It’s the sign of vulnerability and surrender to forces greater than ourselves.
Over the next few weeks, you may find yourself mentally drawn to all things taboo. This naturally differs between cultural contexts, but in the western world is generally linked to sex, death and occult magick (hence the spooky vibes of Scorpio season). We tend to repress the parts of ourselves that aren’t considered socially acceptable, but Scorpio is determined to excavate that territory and access the power locked within. This is inherently an uncomfortable and even scary process, but it’s a crucial one for the healing and wholeness that Scorpio and its ruler Pluto seek.
Mercury also governs communication, especially of the written and verbal kinds, as well as our friendships. Especially with relationship planet Venus spending a few more days in Scorpio, you may now find yourself more drawn to skip the small talk and dive into deep conversations. At a social gathering, you may be more likely to sit in the corner having a deep philosophical discussion with one or two people, rather than skimming the surface of conversation with everyone like a Libran social butterfly.
These intimate Scorpionic talks can be highly stimulating and wonderfully healing. Just remember that Scorpio can have a tendency toward brutal honesty - and, on the other side of the coin, Scorpio’s shadows can involve lies, manipulation, and exerting control over others. It’s important to set boundaries around communication: ask for consent before venting about heavy topics, and be very clear about whether or not that information can be shared with others.
The biggest risk of Mercury in Scorpio is wounding others with words. The scorpion can be all too eager to use its venomous stinger when it feels the least bit threatened. Sometimes the good intentions of Scorpionic people can go awry when they’re intent on sharing deep, dark truths that others may not be ready to hear. I think that our relationships and larger society would benefit greatly from more honest, serious conversations - but consider your delivery. There’s a difference between beating someone over the head with a truth or giving it to them as a gift. And that difference lies in the clarity you have around your own emotions and energy. Is your own emotional baggage mixed up in the message you’re trying to give? Are you actually using the other person as a scratching post for your unvented resentments? These are important considerations when preparing to have a difficult conversation with someone - and I hope we can use the coming weeks to hone our emotional communication skills.
