Mercury in Scorpio, Part Two: The Retrograde Journey

'Underwater Alice' by Elena Kalis

Mercury in Scorpio: The Extended Dive into the Subconscious Mind

October 3rd - December 9th

Part Two- The Retrograde Journey 

(October 31^st – November 20^th)

Mercury Retrograde is not a rare occurrence since it happens 3 or 4 times a year. But it does often have a noticeable effect, since Mercury moves swiftly. There is a rare occurrence within the heart of this particular retrograde period though. During Mercury’s Interior Conjunction with the Sun, this messenger planet can be seen traveling across the face of our Sun (only with the use of telescopes that have solar filters, of course.) Mercury Transits are not as rare as the Venus Transits which happen in pairs 8 years apart after long gaps of 121.5 years and 105.5 years (the last pair occurred in 2004 and 2012). Mercury Transit occultations occur 13 to 14 times a century, though, often suggesting collective shadow thoughts becoming conscious.

The Interior Conjunction is on 11-11, and “unthought-like thoughts that are the souls of thought” may be “stirred from out of the abysses” of our hearts, as Edgar Allen Poe once wrote. Poe was born with a Scorpio Rising, North Node, and Uranus conjunct...so his soul was particularly attuned to Scorpionic themes while he communicated such things that plunged into our depths with unique precision.

The best general advice for these retrograde times is to re-think, re-capitulate, re-vise, re-do, re-invent. You can attach a 're' to most verbs, actually, and that might sum up the energy we’ll be working with. If you’re feeling a bit of Deja Vu, it’s a signal to take another look through a different perspective this time. Something overlooked previously can be re-cognized anew.

This retrograde time, Mercury is in Scorpio...so dig deeper to re-discover what you may have previously overlooked. The collective mind is like a detective now, searching for the truth beneath the surface of what is presented. Listen closely to what is being stressed by repetition, especially the symbols that pervade the mind in this time. The meaning is more important than the words as we dive into the Otherworld of the Mind.

Mercury Stations Retrograde (10-31)

Scorpio 28 Sabian Symbol: ‘The King of the Fairies approaching his domain’

Mercury takes pause in this degree after meeting with Venus here the day before. She really loved something about it deeply as they shared insights between Heart and Mind, and Mercury wants to sit with this idea for a few more days after shifting perspective. As Mercury moves ‘backward’, then, in Scorpio...we are invited to discover a deeper truth to everything covered in the last 20 days.

'Oberon and Puck Listening to the Sea Maid's Music'
by Chris Beetles

In this ‘King of the Fairies’ degree, we shift focus to our inner thoughts and the ideas that arise there. The collective idea we are pondering here is that each of us is ultimately the authority of our own lives, but we have to take a few steps back to discover a deeper truth to this later. The signs from the Spirit World, as the veil between worlds lifts this time of year, will be emerging from deep Scorpio waters...revealing the Mysteries beyond the edges of our awareness. The Fairy King, and all others from unseen realms, will be sending messages to connect to what is too often overlooked (perhaps through Dreamtime, but definitely through symbols). And it will likely relate to our relationships or alliances with all that is animate beyond our (relatively narrow) human view.

There is a wealth of information bubbling up from Scorpio waters during this station. Each of us encounters our own piece of the truth about our hidden power. And Scorpio is about sharing our truth (not always immediately, but eventually, after establishing trust)...and merging truths together with others to get right to the core of what life offers us.

Some truth does hurt. Some truth heals. Thus, the intensity of Scorpio waters shows us the deepest experience of life's truths. And Mercury guides us through this discovery of the power in creating meaningful alliances with each other as well as aligning the Collective Mind with Natural Law. The Laws of Nature are synchronized to Mother Earth’s body. Man-made law cannot restrict or control Her...Mama Gaia...the Prima Genetrix of these earthly lives we’re living. Her Messenger, the Fairy King whispers, "Be not afraid of what you cannot always see. Trust that there are forces supporting your journey."

And into the Otherworld of the creative mind we go. During this journey, a few of Mercury’s previous alliances will re-align to further the retrograde storyline. You may use the following list as a guide through what will be revisited next.

11/2- Mercury Rx conjunct Pallas- This is the second of two meetings in Scorpio, this time discussing this ‘Fairy King’ degree. The third conjunction between these wise beings will happen on the Solstice when both are in Sagittarius (weeks after Mercury’s Retrograde integration, the Epilogue, has concluded). The patterns we may have caught a glimpse of 12 days ago (during Mercury's Prologue) resurface here with deeper wisdom. Strategies may shift slightly from what we were previously moving ahead with...as we respond wisely to the intuitive messages we’re receiving now.

11/9- Mercury Rx sextile Pluto- We revisit a subtle opportunity to transform the mind through soulful interaction. Deepening into our life force energy, hidden power emerges in beneficial ways.

11/11- Mercury Rx conjunct Sun- The message arising from the heart of the Sun at this Interior Conjunction is more potent than usual. Tap in and listen to what is revealed now. We are likely to channel extraordinary ideas that go beyond our usual understanding. The Sabian Symbol for this 19^th degree of Scorpio is ‘a parrot listening, then talking’...so clairaudience will likely be on high at this time.

11/13- Mercury Rx sextile Saturn- We revisit this subtle opportunity for mature communication and mental development to strengthen our ability to manifest our ideas.

11/13- Mercury Rx trine Neptune Rx- The flow of inspiration carries through this mystical, inward journey we’re on. Another view of our creative potential arises.

Art by Albert BeckWenzell

11/20- Mercury Stations Direct- We return to the 12^th degree of Scorpio (Sabian Symbol: ‘an official embassy ball’) where Mercury’s Prologue began on 10/11...and we have an opportunity to slow down and retrieve a key piece of information we missed while the fleet-footed Messenger sped past it. What is really happening under the surface of this ritual display of shape-shifting magic, where all are dressed to impress and powerful alliances can be made? A closer look on this scene of powerful, privileged elites shows that beyond all the meaningless displays of importance...there is something there that means to keep the peace. We may be focused on wading through the superfluous associations and finding who it is we can really trust.

In part three, Mercury’s Epilogue, we’ll be integrating what we’ve learned from this retrograde’s wisdom. This integration will last from 11/20 to 12/7...followed by a couple more days of Mercury's wrap up of Scorpio lessons before moving on to Sagittarius on 12/9. For now, try to feel into this trip as if it’s a Shamanic Recapitulation or a Collective Soul Retrieval that Mercury is guiding us all through. Though there will be some Shadow Work to do, as Scorpio often brings about, this particular retrograde is not really one of those that needs much warning about Murphy’s Law (that ‘whatever can go wrong WILL go wrong’ assertion that always seems to tag along on Mercury’s heels...not all of us astrologers see the 'Rx' as such...it looks like a prescription to me, for what's been ailing our minds). This one has a clear focus on the soul’s journey to finding truth in our alliances. Keep with that, and you may realize a deeper truth about the purpose of Mercury’s retrogrades too.

An example of hilarious Mercury Rx memes.
This one pokes fun at the blame game that happens all too often.
You might see a lot of them.
And then you'll remember that you read this and realized
there's a bunch of harmonious aspects to tap into this time...
and a rare opportunity if you're listening deeply.

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi

New Moon in Scorpio: Soul Immersion for Samhain

'Soul Awakening' by Trent Kuhn

New Moon in Scorpio: Soul Immersion for Samhain

Moon conjunct Sun- 10/27/19 @10:38pm CDT

'Ride on Hallows Eve Night' by Susan Brack

The Mourning Moon phase begins a few days before Samhain (SAH-win) in our Northern Hemisphere, the cross-quarter holiday between Autumnal Equinox and Winter Solstice. While our Southern Hemisphere friends are beginning their Flower Moon phase as they approach Beltane (Spring becoming Summer), we are coming to “Summer’s End” (which is what Samhain means). This is the third and final Harvest of our year...in this witch’s view, the most significant of the four fire festivals of the year. Autumn becoming Winter is an entrance into the ‘time which is no time’...the Witches’ New Year...when the veil between worlds is lifted for everyone...not just those of us familiar with access beyond those liminal spaces.

The Otherworld is invited to interact in our own realm...through the ancient rituals still alive today like Trick-or-Treating (a modern derivation of Mumming in costume door-to-door, where the ‘trick’ was actually a sacred offering of song or verse for the dead...and the ‘treat’ was more of a gesture of gratitude for the song rather than an expectation or obligation). It is a beautiful experience, in this time, to honor those who have passed...as they are quite present (in extraordinary ways) where invited.

One of the things my family does for our departed loved ones is called a ‘Dumb Supper’ (dumb meaning silent, referring to our dearly departed who are invited to the feast). “We invite you in, our kith and kin, from your travels beyond the veil. We welcome you this Samhain Eve, with another year of tales to tell.” And we tell things of interest that have happened in our family since last Samhain, our kids entertaining our silent guests with their liveliness, almost like a reunion of sorts. Those loved ones who have passed since last Samhain, which are many for us this year, have a special honor...and especially if they have lived with our family for any amount of time (such as our cat, Ani, who passed this June).

But most of us have our own expressions of this holiday...some more specific to our modern understandings of Halloween, some more ancient. The important thing to keep in mind is that these soulful, spiritual interactions are happening all around you during this ‘time which is no time’...whether you are interacting intentionally or not. They are rather potent now, and hard to miss. I find it’s best to be intentional with any interactions. Engaging with those who come to visit you (in whatever way) heightens the magickal interaction of this time.

'Spider Woman' by Susan Seddon Boulet

What the dead know well is that the journey of the Soul (through life, through death, and everything in between and beyond) is an important process of becoming. Those who were important to us in their physical incarnations are even more supportive of our Soul’s Journey once they’ve ‘shuffled off this mortal coil’. And the path of the Soul takes us to those most complicated depths of our Psyche to find the simplest truths. It immerses us into uncomfortable and unknown territory, confronts us with our shadows, brings us to our most vulnerable feelings, and has us question everything we’ve ever thought we knew. It can be very beneficial to connect with guides who can see beyond what we see, supporting our steps through the dark.

This is the lunation for deep Soul Work...beginning with planting the seed of intent at this New Moon for whatever transformation your Soul is calling you to undergo. The vibrations of this lunar cycle carry some powerful inspiration to make the changes that are most needed in your life. Some of this inspiration will feel harmonious, but some of it is likely to arise as stress that demands a change (even if you feel you are doing everything right!).

This lunation follows a harsh square between Mars (action) and Saturn (restriction), begins with a potent opposition to Uranus (awakenings), and progresses toward Samhain where Mercury (communication) stations retrograde in Scorpio. In other words, there is a LOT going on at this time...and that’s really not even the half of it. This is a lunar phase to reinvent yourself...an action which requires letting go of stagnant emotional patterns.

We’re definitely going to have to dig deep to make these restorative changes in our lives. It doesn’t hurt to open the lines of communication with those ancestors and loved ones who are supporting us from beyond the veil. Because while everyone living will be immersed in their own deep soul dive in the coming weeks, the shadows of loneliness can crash in like waves...and the Spirit World is ever ready with messages of ‘you are not alone’.

Moon and Sun in Scorpio 5

“A massive rocky shore resists the pounding of the sea”

'Rocky Shore' by Carol Thompson

This Sabian Symbol highlights the stability we build up by enduring the many changes we face throughout our lives. It is those pounding sea changes full of emotional charge that shape us into who we are meant to become...a process that creates strength gradually over time, and extends from our ancestral past all the way into future generations. In this process, we learn to trust our own inner strength to not crumble when emotions are overwhelming and unpredictable changes come crashing in.

We will likely see some resistance to change at first...something seemingly solid not budging. This resistance can manifest in many ways, some good and some not so good...but likely a mix of both. It is a good indicator that what you are most resistant about changing is the very thing that needs to change. The overarching wisdom here is that even what we perceive, in this time, as resistance to change is actually changing us in ways we don’t see. Keep working at it. Scorpio energy is powerful for zeroing in on things and holding that focus.

The message in the last lunation, ground and center, carries through to this one. There will be strong emotions pushing and pulling at us as we release our blocks and make lasting changes in our lives...and we’ll find the necessity to hold our ground once we figure out what it is that’s needing to transform.

Uranus Retrograde in Taurus 5

“A widow at an open grave”

'Widow' by unknown artist

Uranus is that force which is strongly opposed to whatever rock-solid resistance is holding us back from moving forward at this time. The planet of unexpected and sudden change challenges our attachments to anything we’ve grown comfortable with...anything we may expect to support us and provide safety and stability throughout our lives. This symbol of the widow reflects that Uranian truth that all things change, and that when they do...there is a necessity to reinvent ourselves as we let go of who we used to be. Releasing the past when we experience the death of a loved one is not about leaving the memory of the person we loved behind us...that always remains, as well as the connection we have beyond the physical. It is about releasing ourselves from clinging to something that has already transformed into something new. And so, it’s about self-renewal in response to that significant transformation.

In mourning a death (either literal or figurative), we often come across feelings where we romanticize who we used to be (with that person, or with a habit, or with anything that must change). Old emotional patterns that pervade our thoughts like ‘he gave me the strength to carry on’, or ‘I was more fun when I was drinking’, etc...whatever it is that’s coming up as significant change, you will be undergoing a shift in perspective (aided by Mercury’s upcoming retrograde). The widow in the image is looking far beyond the open grave and into the Void, the unknown, facing the question we’re all feeling: ‘What now?’

In this Mourning Moon phase, we are facing our fears as well as our resistance to the unknown. We are dropping into the soul experience at this time and finding the strength we each carry. Emotions may feel heavy, and thoughts may turn dark...but this too shall pass. A shift in perspective about what we’re experiencing at this time can help. Often times, the most difficult experiences become the turning points in our lives that we look back on with gratitude for what we learned.

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi

Full Moon in Aries: Illuminating Identity

Art by Alex Grey

Full Moon in Aries: Illuminating Identity

Moon opposite Sun- 10/13/19 @ 4:07pm CDT

Luminary Grand Cross with Pluto and Artemis

In the fullness of this Hunter’s Moon, we may find ourselves pulled in four directions of identity: The assertions of self-identity (activated by fiery Aries Moon), the feelings of emotional identity (activated by watery Cancer Artemis), the relating of social identity (activated by airy Libra Sun), and the contributions of physical identity (activated by earthy Capricorn Pluto).

If you have natal planets, points, or asteroids close to the 21^st degree of those 4 Cardinal signs, you will feel the pull of this Full Moon as an active force for centering in the middle of your natal Medicine Wheel. It won’t be easy to center unless you get yourself grounded in your own identity as an Earthling of many complimentary facets, but it will be necessary.

For those with anything in their natal chart in the 21^st degree of other signs, there may be other parts of you aiding the creativity of this time with opportunities, talents, or even some subtle but uncomfortable growth. Jupiter is currently in the 21^st degree of Sagittarius, providing expanded horizons,visionary awareness, and growth potential for this Full Moon medicine...so if there’s something in your natal chart near where Jupiter is now, opportunities to expand on those talents are in your reach.

This Aries Moon is highlighting my Sun-Mercury conjunction in the 22^nd degree of Aries within my own Cardinal Grand Cross. With Moon and Sun on the Aries-Libra axis right now, the theme of Self and Other is strong. Self-knowledge and knowledge of others go hand in hand. In every interaction, one can learn more about both. The squares give a pressing need to these interactions of identity...and with Pluto in the mix, power dynamics are in full force as we (the collective) are pushed to let die what we once identified with so that a necessary rebirth can happen.

When grounding in the center of an active Grand Cross, it helps to balance two sets of opposites rather than focusing on the clash of four squares.

The Aries-Libra Axis (Fire and Air)

Moon in Aries 21

Sabian Symbol: “A pugilist enters the ring”

Moon is in a position of confidence and bravery...reflecting our talents to the world. There is an energy of steely determination and iron resolve here, illuminating the confidence to defend what it is we believe. Though it is a very spotlighting energy, it is also very grounding. The pugilist is strong and ready to exert powerful energy. We can feel this surge of self-reliance and integrity from this Aries Full Moon...or we can feel it as a need to fight. If you feel poised to fight...ask yourself ‘What am I fighting FOR?’ This Hunter’s Moon brings the initiative to take a fortified and active stance on something important to us. Our self-identity is ready to activate...can you feel the powerful pulse of an awakened heart? It’s time to make an entrance, to show yourself as a strong presence. Moon commences the Hunt with her call: “We must initiate.”

Sun in Libra 21

Sabian Symbol: “A crowd enjoying the beach”

'Beach Crowd' by Martin Packford

Sun illuminates how our social identity interacts with others. In this degree, there is a sense of shared enjoyment through collective experience. The crowd on the beach is exhilarated by close contact with nature and the collective unconscious symbolized by the sea...and they become interconnected in their experience by this proximity. Attuned to the rhythms of our planet, we can feel the vibration of our unity and enjoy life. For some, it takes some inner work to even bring themselves to a crowd or let go of themselves enough to enjoy it. Yet every degree of this Cardinal Grand Cross, as you’ll see, implies connecting with a crowd in some way (as in the crowd cheering the Pugilist’s entrance). The Sun in Libra illuminates the way to connect socially so that we can do what we came here to bravely do, and enjoy support as we explore those liminal spaces between One and All. There is a bit of a paradox inherent in this degree of Libra (which seeks balance). There is a necessity for some amount of self-restraint and healthy boundaries in the group so everyone can have an enjoyable experience, but there is also a necessity to let go of what separates us so that we can reconnect with something larger than ourselves. Sun greets us at the beach and says: “We must share.”

The Cancer-Capricorn Axis (Water and Earth)

Artemis in Cancer 21

Sabian Symbol: “A famous singer is proving her virtuosity during an operatic performance”

Photo by Johanna Austin from Joseph Keckler's amalgamation of operatic death sequences
called 'Let Me Die', recently performed at Philadelphia's Fringe Art Festival.
This is my friend (and fellow Astrologer), Natalie Levin, as Azucena
singing the aria 'Stride La Vampa' from Verdi's 'Il Trovatore'...a heart-wrenching
aria where Azucena recounts the scene where her mother was burned at the stake.

If we were only looking at luminaries and planets, we would be looking at a T-square pattern where Pluto was feeling the stress at the apex. When we see a T-square, it is wise to look opposite of the apex to see how to alleviate some of that stress. And there, opposite Pluto, is Artemis...asteroid of the Lunar Huntress. How fitting for the Hunter’s Moon! In this degree, the Maiden of the Crescent Moon aims her bow and arrow for success...piercing the heart with both care and precision. Goddess of the Wild Forest, she is connected to all of her animals...especially those she hunts. In Cancer, that bond between the Hunter and the Hunted is powerful...there is an unconditional love to it and Artemis is as much of a Protectress as she is a Huntress. The opera singer in this symbolism shares a deeply emotional connection with both her audience as well as the song. The feeling carries through to the hearts of those listening, and inspires them toward emotional breakthroughs as well. Artemis is sending a clear message for our collective emotional identity...and she sings it like a brilliant song: “We must care.”

Pluto in Capricorn 21

Sabian Symbol: “A relay race”

'Relay Race' by Ernie Barnes

Pluto adds to our efforts the necessity for transformative teamwork in the degree of dynamic interchange. The opposite symbol features the singular singer striving for excellence (similar to the Moon’s symbol of the pugilist), and Pluto’s symbol features the necessity of the group to reach the goal together efficiently (similar to the Sun’s symbol of the beach crowd). In the tangible contributions of our physical identity...it may feel like the performance is a race. We’re not getting any younger, after all. And our bio-inheritance does have a time limit. Pluto often brings up such things that are beyond our control...and things that have us face our own edges and mortality. The soul urge that Pluto brings here then is a necessity to contribute something powerful to the collective while merging together as a united force. The physical actions of our identity, then, must reach deep down to transform exertion into gold with the support of others. Pluto is the powerful breath of the runner that says: “We must move.”

The Personal Experience Reflects the Transpersonal Experience

Pluto, Saturn, and the South Lunar Node have been preparing us for a powerful Capricorn initiation this whole year...and it’s growing in intensity as we approach the end of this decade. All manner of confronting shadows of our patriarchal past, breaking down unsustainable structures, and releasing what we do not need has been going on for a while now. The turning point of this Capricorn transformation is when Saturn joins Pluto on January 12^th, 2020.

'Hunter's Moon' by Knamil

This Full Moon square Pluto does bring a sense of urgency to activate what is needed for the transitions ahead of us. We will each feel this in our own personal ways that relate to our own expression of identity...but you may notice the collective need to activate humanity’s identity as well. The collective identity of what humanity brings to our Mother Earth is shifting in response to Her call for change. At this Hunter’s Moon, the Wild Hunt begins as we are called together to bring the light of humanity to stalk the darkness that stalks us. Moon in Aries emboldens our individual light to join the Hunt. This allows us to band together with others to expand the power of our collective light so we can stand up to the growing darkness of a past that challenges our future. May we all find our own personal way of taking action that contributes something powerful to the collective experience of these necessary changes.

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi