Mercury will be traveling retrograde from Scorpio into Libra over the next few weeks. Libra represents our partners and our relationships, and Scorpio is the natural progression to the sexual intimacy and spiritual connections that develop. So, this Mercury retrograde means coming out of the bedroom and back to the parlor. It is a good possibility that we will pull back from relationships while Mercury is moving backwards across the sky. We may even find ourselves pursuing new relationships after Mercury turns direct in Libra.

When a planet goes retrograde, it appears to be moving backward across the sky. Planets really don't change directions, it just appears that way to us, because the Earth is not the center of the solar system. All of the planets go retrograde at some time, except the Sun and the Moon, but Mercury's retrograde is the one that is paid the most attention by astrologers, because of its rapid orbit and close proximity to Earth. The outer planets like Neptune and Pluto are retrograde almost as much as they are direct.

When a planet is a the point of changing from a forward direction to a backwards one, we call it Retrograde Station. And, Direct Station is the point where the planet is changing from backwards to forwards again. Those two days, and including a day before and after, are the most difficult times of the whole retrograde. At those times Mercury is literally holding still and burning a hole in the zodiac.

On October 12 Mercury will be at his retrograde station in the passionate sign of Scorpio with the Moon at a conjunction. It will not be a good time for any types of emotional communications. Your requests will be misunderstood, so save any important talks with loved ones for a few days.

Once Mercury gets turned around, his retrograde is usually not that difficult. But, I have discovered that Mercury's retrograde this year has been in water signs, and many people with a dominance of water in their natal charts have had a much more difficult go of it. Often when Mercury is in retrograde, ex-lovers come out of the woodwork. But, if you are pining for someone to come back, odds are that he/she won't show up. It is usually someone you are not so interested in. Also, it is a great time for ghost hunting and investigating the paranormal. Mercury just loves to dig up the past when he is retrograde.

Mercury will hit his direct station on November 1 in Libra, and Neptune will be at his direct station also. Watch out for meeting anyone new or blind dates, because the person you meet will probably not be honest about themselves. Neptune rules addictions and Mercury transportation, so use extra caution driving. There will probably be extra drunk drivers on the road during this time.

Mercury's retrograde will be from 9 degrees Scorpio to 23 degrees Libra. Check your natal chart. Look for any inner planets (Sun through Mars) between 21 degrees and 29 degrees in Libra, Cancer, Aries or Capricorn, or if you have any planets between 0 and 11 degrees in Scorpio, Leo, Taurus, or Aquarius. Issues from your past may come up for you in the areas ruled by that planet. Also check your houses to see where Mercury will be traveling during his retrograde. If you are interested in knowing more, you can Order a Transit Report.

About the Author

Janet (Sparrow) Moon is a professional psychic and astrologer. You can visit her web site for more articles about upcoming events in astrology, and to read her daily astrology general tendencies forecast. (This article can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and this bio is included.) http://www.sparrowmoon.com/