Mercury Stations Retrograde, The Sun Engages Mars and Pluto

“One must choose in all things a mean, just and good. Error and confusion dwell in the extremes.” Pythagoras

“Only by being balanced ourselves can we hope to bring balance to the world.” Anodea Judith

It’s another very busy week in the starry heavens. The week starts off with a harmonious aspect between Jupiter and Neptune – a beneficial combination  for accessing higher levels of inspiration and guidance. When these two are together it bodes well for spiritual growth and evolution as well as artistic and creative work. It is a good time to turn down the volume and tune into a higher vibration.

Mercury, the god of communication, travel and commerce, stations retrograde on Tuesday at 9:05 PM EDT at 11 degrees of Scorpio. The retrograde period will last through Nov. 3. It’s best during this time frame to take care with communications and to leave extra time when traveling. It’s wise to back up info in advance of the station.

The retrograde period presents a time in a natural cycle  to rethink, review and reconsider matters related to the house in your chart which it is transiting.  Mercury will travel retrograde through  November 3 when it will station direct at 23 degrees of Libra – putting the focus on reviewing our interactions with others.

What is notable about this Mercury retrograde is that it is stationing opposite Uranus – the planet of the unexpected. This opposition has been in effect for awhile now- although strengthened by the station- and will continue through late November. This duo – Mercury and Uranus –  can contribute to erratic communications, surprising revelations and unexpected events. It’s wise to nurture the nervous system under this influence.

Mars is retrograde now and the god of action does not like to experience delays or obstruction. This can create a sense of frustration and anger – likely on the rise this week. It is a powerful duo for getting things done and the best use of this energy is to tackle projects that require strength and determination. The Mars retrograde period will end November 13.

We are living in times of great change on the planet – and times of intensity.  This is in part related to the heavy weights of the zodiac – Pluto, Saturn and Jupiter traveling together in the late degrees of Capricorn. Saturn and Jupiter will leave this configuration around the time of the Winter Solstice and enter the sign of Aquarius – ushering in a more optimistic time. In the duration it bodes well to look at any unfinished business around issues related to Capricorn – how you build a strong foundation for your aspirations and how you commit to perseverance and persistence in the process.

It’s wise this week to make some space for quiet time –   a walk in the woods, listening to a favorite piece of music or  reading a favorite book.

Patience and equilibrium will go a long way.

The New Moon is Friday .

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is ,”A woman reading tea leaves.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill