Ghosted: What to Expect When Mercury Goes Retrograde in Scorpio This Halloween

On Tuesday, October 31st, at roughly 2:11 PM EST, Mercury will station retrograde at 27'38 degrees Scorpio.

Halloween is said to be the night when the veil between worlds is the thinnest. The veil is also pretty thin during Mercury in Retrograde periods, three weeks of strange coincidences and synchronicities. What can we expect then, when Mercury goes Retrograde in Scorpio this Halloween?

What is Mercury in Retrograde?

A retrograde planet is one that appears to be moving in the opposite direction. Astrologically, this means that the energies represented by the planet are directed backwards or inward. Retrograde periods are often riddled with delays and disruption, but they don't have to be. These periods are not so much a time for action, but a time for reflection. Retrograde periods are also loaded with synchronicity and karma. So, they can also be periods of magic and manifestation if you just focus within rather than without. Things from the past will return to us. This could be people from our past, including from our past lives, situations, or memories that we thought we had forgotten about, or maybe just lessons that we're getting a second chance at learning after having failed the first time around.

And what kind of energy does Mercury represent?

Mercury is the messenger of the gods in Roman mythology. Like Venus, Mercury is a social planet, but unlike Venus, which is more about intimate relationships, Mercury is more about communication in general. This includes letters, emails, and even divination. Mercury is also associated with commerce, travelers, and in astrology, it represents the mind (especially the logical mind), intelligence, and the way we think. Look out though: known for its speed and swiftness, Mercury is also the trickster god, associated with both tricksters and thieves.

Ruled by the mutable signs, Virgo (the virgin) and Gemini (the twins), there is a dualistic nature to the planet, that gave birth to the word "mercurial," (meaning unpredictable or changeable). It makes sense then that Mercury would travel between two worlds, being the only Olympic god with the ability to travel between the realm of the gods, and the realm of the underworld, where his job was to accompany souls on their journey to Hades. As the planet closest to the Sun, and also the planet with the fastest orbit, Mercury goes retrograde about three or four times a year, for periods of about three weeks.

Mercury in retrograde periods are generally riddled with delays and mishaps around communication, travel, and technology. For example, your flight might be inconveniently delayed, or your computer may freeze at the most inconvenient time. To use my own life as an example, just about every time Mercury is in retrograde, my phone charger breaks. Miscommunications and misunderstandings are common during this time, so try to be as clear as you possibly can when speaking to others, and avoid making assumptions. Astrologers generally advise that you avoid signing any major contracts during this period, for it may backfire on you once Mercury goes direct. These periods are often loaded with unexpected, unplanned, and seemingly inconvenient events that will make you think of Murphy's Law: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong."

It really isn't as bad as it sounds, however. Honestly, it really isn't as bad as people make it out to be, and this period also comes with numerous advantages. While Mercury direct represents the logical mind, Mercury retrograde represents the intuitive mind. As the messenger of the gods, its retrograde period is probably the best time for divination. These periods are also often loaded with tons of strange coincidences and synchronicities. There may be messages in your dreams, including messages from ancestors or guardian angels. To some extent, this is true of every planet in retrograde, but in my experience, it's more true with Mercury than with any other, given its nature. The "unexpected" and "unplanned," events mentioned in the last paragraph are not always "inconvenient." More often than not, you'll find that these events are serendipitous and wonderfully fated, presenting you with opportunities of good luck, like being at the right place at the right time. As I said, Mercury is a very dualistic and tricky planet. You just need to know how to work with it. If you believe in the law of attraction, or other forms of manifestation, this is a better time than ever to take advantage of it. Even without the magic and the metaphysical, however, this is a good time to reflect on things; the kind of deep thought, reflection, and consideration necessary to yield powerful ideas and insights, insights that you can put into practice once Mercury goes direct.

Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio 2019

Mercury is the planet of communication and Scorpio is a mute sign, not very prone to the usage of words. Scorpio is a sign of secrecy. A powerhouse of deep emotion, but unlikely to actually talk about it. In fact, many of the Scorpio influenced individuals that I know will actually cringe when they see a person wear their heart on their sleeve, as if somehow verbalizing their feelings automatically makes them less real, more shallow in nature. Instead, they are more likely to communicate non-verbally, with their eyes, subtle changes in body language, or silence itself, which an airy person like myself might find confusing and hard to read. Generally not very communicative, they might even find social interaction to be exhausting, even preferring silence. Mercury, however, isn't necessarily weak in this sign. While lacking in words, the mind is still strong. Scorpio's secrecy makes it easier for them uncover the secret's of others as well. Scorpio isn't one to take language at face value. Scorpio knows how to dig beneath the surface and read between the lies to discover its true meaning.

When Mercury goes Retrograde through this sign, however, we may find ourselves digging a little too deep. There's intuition and then there's paranoia; sometimes the line can be a little blurry. A Scorpios intuition isn't always right. Sometimes things simply are what they are. During Mercury's journey backwards through the sign of Scorpio, we may find ourselves seeking hidden meanings that aren't there; perhaps even looking for problems. Even burning bridges, ending friendships, and ghosting our partners, due to slights that truly were imagined.

This is where Scorpio's muteness and lack of communication becomes a huge problem too. If you think this person snubbed you or that person insulted you, instead of immediately cutting ties and ghosting them, why not just ask them about it? Talk to them, tell them how you feel, especially if the relationship with this person was important to you. It might not be what you think. Cutting ties and ghosting people based on assumptions and misunderstandings is something to be wary of during this transit.

Secrets we've told or secrets we've kept may also come back to haunt us at this time. If we told our secrets to the wrong person, we may have to suffer the consequences. On the other hand, we may suffer consequences due to situations we could have easily avoided if we made our secrets known. Omitting a crucial piece of information could also backfire on us, and when we don't communicate, it can often lead people to assume things that are far from true. Hidden truths are being exposed, and any lies we've told will also backfire on us, as the truth becomes known. We might also find out that other people have been lying to us. Issues we've long forgotten about could resurface, issues we dealt with in secret. Old wounds, past dramas, all being resurrected from the dead.

Keeping with the Halloween theme, I'd say Mercury in Retrograde, is also a good time for divination, and communicating with ancestors and deceased relatives, possibly contacting mediums. You may find you've been thinking a lot about loved ones who have passed. Pay attention to your dreams and any other signs you receive: They could be trying to communicate with you. They could be sending you some important messages.

Aspects

The most notable aspect is probably Mercury's conjunction to Venus at 28'30 degrees Scorpio. This puts the focus on love and relationships. Exes and old lovers coming back, giving us a second chance. Those who've ghost you or hurt you in anyway might come back, in regret, realizing what they have lost. Old love being resurrected from the dead. It's also a good time to reconnect with any friends we lost touch with—or try to make amends with friends we've fallen out with. Secrets and confessions related to love; sharing intimate moments, having deep conversations. The discovery of a secret could either make or break your relationship at this time.

If I seem to be more focused on the positive than the negative, there's a reason for it. The Moons' exact conjunction to Jupiter, the great benefic, at 23 degrees of it's home sign, Sagittarius, makes this retrograde a lot more positive than the usual. Staying optimistic benefits us. While Mercury is Retrograde is thought of as a "negative thing," as I've said before, that is not necessarily the case. These times are often filled with weird coincides, and powerful synchronicities, and this is especially the case, during Halloween, when the veil between the material world and the spiritual world is the thinnest. Pay attention to synchronicities and make sure to jump on any opportunities that arise. This Mercury in Retrograde season is going to be a very lucky and serendipitous one, but we need to stay open.

The Sun's trine to the North Node at 10 degrees Cancer adds to all that is powerful going on. Karma, fate, our destiny is making itself known for us. The path to growth is right in front of us, right before our eyes. It's up to us whether or not we want to walk it.

The Sun's opposition to Uranus shows something shocking coming to the forefront during Mercury's transit Retrograde through Scorpio. Shocking secrets being made known, throwing you off balance, surprise confessions, revelations that change everything. Reality is being redefined. The limits of what you thought were possible are disappearing. Everything is possible now.

Mercury Direct

After about three weeks, Mercury will finally station on Wednesday, November 20th, at 11'35 degrees Scorpio, bringing any communication problems to an end.

Mercury's station direct is well aspected by a sextile to the Moon at 10 degrees Virgo, and a trine to the North Node, at 9 degrees Cancer. Mercury's sextile to the Moon suggests that once these three weeks are over, we'll have a much easier time putting our emotions into words. That's why I suggest taking some time to reflect before doing anything drastic, because one the retrograde is over, we'll have an easy time verbally expressing our feelings. If you do ghost someone during the Retrograde, the Moon's sextile to Mercury suggests that it might be beneficial to reach out (at least) one more time when it's over to explain how you feel. If someone ghosts you during the Retrograde, there's a chance you'll hear back and receive your closer after these three weeks are up. The trine to the North Node suggests growth, evolution, spiritual betterment, a move towards our destiny.

Mars will enter Scorpio, sign of its rulership, just one day before, making it easier for us to verbally confront anyone we've have a problem with.

It's worth saying that Venus will be conjunct Jupiter in Sagittarius, and the Sun will be at 28 degrees Scorpio, the same degree Venus was at when Mercury stationed retrograde. This suggests a positively romantic theme to this whole retrograde season. Perhaps, Mercury's transit retrograde Scorpio will teach us lessons regarding love that we can then put into practice, but mostly, I think Mercury's Retrograde through Scorpio shows love resurrecting from the dead. Whether it's an ex or an old love interest coming back, whether a relationship that has grown stale is being rekindled, or whether you're reconnecting with a friend, a love is being reborn.

Mercury doesn't exit the retrograde zone, however, until Saturday, December 7th, so some lessons and feelings you experienced during the retrograde might linger on a little longer.

Horoscopes

Now it's time to see how it will affect your sign. I suggest reading the horoscope for your ascendant or rising sign, first, instead of the sun. I find the rising sign horoscope to be more accurate than the sun, as these horoscopes are based on the houses. If you don't know your rising sign, click here to generate a birth chart. Yes, you will need your birth time for this. If you don't have your birth time, Sun sign horoscopes are fine.

People with angles or personal planets between 23 and 29 of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) and between 0 and 4 of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) especially be affected by this transit.

Aries

With Mercury Retrograde in your house of death, this Halloween season is going to be an especially spooky one. You're being haunted by something, whether by ghosts or by memories. Whether through dreams or other means, people who have passed on may be trying to get in touch with you. If you're open to it, hold a seance or consult with a medium. These messages may be very important, so this is an opportunity you won't want to miss. On another note, the 8th house also rules other people's money, so you might receive an inheritance of some sort.

Taurus

Exes are coming back, wanting to start fresh, or they may be haunting your memories, you wanting to start fresh with them. Currently existing relationships may fall apart due to misunderstandings. Be careful communicate all your feelings and be clear with your words, if you want to avoid this happening. Try not to create problems based on assumption, you're not a mind reader, and if you want people to be honest with you, make sure to be honest with them as well. On a more positive note, any conflict will help you to discover what it is you really want in a partner.

Gemini

Popular astrology does not give enough attention to how neurotic you are, Gemini. Sure, you're social and bubbly on the outside but deep down, you are just as worrisome as Virgo, if not worse. As the sign of the twins, you often find that your own mind is at war with itself. With Mercury Retrograde in your sixth house of health, your worries might take the form of hypochondria. Try not to spend too much time on Web MD—it is likely not as bad as you think. Psychosomatic illnesses are also a concern. As is anxiety is general. Take some time to yourself to relax and unwind if you need.

Cancer

With Mercury Retrograde in your fifth house of creativity, you may find you have a hard time expressing yourself this November. You may find yourself retreating within, unable to speak what's on your mind. Your feelings may be hard to put into words. If that's the case, you may find it helpful to express yourself through another means—like music or visual art. Art and music projects may end up being very successful. On another note, the fifth house also rules romance, usually of the more casual type. Like Taurus, you may end up hearing from ex partners at this time.

Leo

Family drama is likely. Drama based on paranoia and misunderstanding. A family secret might come out, threatening to change the dynamics of every foundation you stood on. Stay calm, be confident in what you know and don't believe anything without evidence. Don't keep any secrets from family members if you don't want them keeping secrets from you.

Virgo

With Mercury Retrograde in your third house of communications, you're one of the signs that is most likely to go ghost. Since Scorpio is a mute sign, your desire to communicate with others is lacking at this time. If something's bothering you and you don't feel like talking about it, instead of outright ghosting a person, there's also the option of distancing yourself and talking it out once Mercury goes Direct. You're normally a very rational person, Virgo. Don't assume people are lying or keeping secrets from you without evidence, and be discerning about any gossip you here. Wait it out, until Mercury goes Direct.

Libra

With Mercury in your second house, money may be hard to come by these days, Libra. Since Mercury in Retrograde is all about misunderstandings, you could run the risk of buying a product that turns out to not be as valuable as what you thought, or you could end up lending money to a friend who doesn't need it as much as you thought. Be careful. Be wary of any charlatans or corporate scams; don’t be deceived by what people are trying to sell you. The second house is also about values; so you could end up getting to a disagreement with friends or lovers about differing values.

Scorpio

With Mercury Retrograde in your sign, you can expect it to affect you in every which way. You may question your identity or change up you appearance. It’s a time for reflection and introspection, going within, discovering who you are. You might want to isolate yourself from the world. If so, it can be a good time to get in touch with your psychic side or with your spirituality. Just remember to let your friends and family know what you’re up to so they don’t get too worried, thinking you’ve become a ghost. I know you like to cultivate an air of mystery, Scorpio, but try to be straightforward and resist the urge to mislead or lie.

Sagittarius

As a Sagittarius, you tend to be very extroverted and outspoken, but with Mercury Retrograde in your 12th house, you could find yourself being more introverted than usual. Like Scorpio, you could use this as an opportunity to go within and cultivate your spiritual side. You might receive messages from dreams or from the spiritual realm. On another level, however, things may seem foggy to you right now. You may have hidden enemies trying to attack, people lying, talking bad about you behind your back. Be wary of people’s intentions and don’t believe anything that you hear. Trust your intuition and stay away from drama and gossip.

Capricorn

Conflict with friends is likely at this time. You may have a few falling outs. These conflicts are more than likely based on misunderstanding, secrets or paranoia, so avoid them if you can. You can be a bit distrusting at times, Capricorn, but try not to burn any bridges until Mercury goes direct. You don't want to end up ruining a perfectly good friendship over something stupid. If you're suspicious about something, ask, but don't argue. On the flip side, this is also a good time to resurrect a friendship with someone you cut ties with, or reconnect with someone with whom you lost touch.

Aquarius

With Mercury Retrograde in your 10th house, there could be problems related to your career or workplace. There could be people in your workplace trying to compete with or undermine you or destroy your reputation somehow—or should I say you might feel this way but it could just all be in your head. Don't let any of their opinions get to you, Aquarius. Don't stoop to their level, or let them convince you to change your plans. Focus on your work, what you do best. It will all work out.

Pisces

With Mercury Retrograde in your ninth house, travel or education plans may change at the last minute. Flights may be cancelled, you could change your major. If traveling, you could meet some deceptive people. In school, you could be exposed to some misleading information. Both scenarios, you might find yourself surrounded by competitive and toxic people. Might also find yourself questioning your beliefs. New information is confusing and doesn’t make sense to you now. Life is a maze, one illusion after the next. Waking up to this truth can be confusing and you might have a hard time knowing where you stand. Your sense of reality is changing and you may find yourself drawn to the occult and mystery religions more than usual, philosophies that can explain all of life’s contradictions.

Conclusion

I think overall the most important message to take away here is the importance of communication. Mercury's Retrograde through Scorpio emphasizes how crucial it is to actually use your words. Use your words to express how you feel inside. No one can actually read another person's mind, and you can't expect them to read yours either. That's how unnecessary drama happens, conflict that could easily be avoided. If you feel a certain way, it's best to say so. It's best to talk things out and always tell the truth. While it may seem hard in the moment, it savers a lot of trouble in the long run.

Overall, though, this Mercury in Retrograde should be a very positive one. Any conflict will aid you in your growth. Numerous pathways are being opened up. Things you thought you lost and missed very dearly are coming back to you. Good things are coming back. Venus puts the focus on relationships, and what you love, so it is a good time to resurrect an old relationship or a friendship, or at least make amends and seek closure.