If you thought the last Mercury retrograde from June 29 to July 23 was messy, stay tuned for this round—it takes place in profound, enigmatic, and transformative Scorpio. From October 24 to November 13, the trickster planet will reveal clandestine matters and long-held secrets that shake our foundations. The grand finale of the themes we’ve been navigating all year comes to a head, offering a moment to make decisions and choose how we want to move forward. Easier said than done. With the veil thinning around Halloween and Samhain, this Mercurial storm will be one for the books. Luckily, we can keep our footing by staying centred and refusing to play games before those venomous scorpion stingers come out.
Spiritual consultant and author of Tarot for You and Me: A Queer Deck and Guidebook, Gary D’Andre says: “Consider how you speak to yourself when you need motivation, while also thinking about how you allow other people to pour into your cup at this time. Is this working from your point of view today? Are they fulfilling the need that is necessary in the way that works for you currently? And if not, what are you doing in order to change this?” The warning is: “Tone matters. Context matters. You may find yourself unintentionally triggering or upsetting others by way of your truth. Be forewarned. This may just be what they are internalising from their point of view,” clarifying that, “you cannot be responsible for how somebody else takes something, but you can be responsible for the repair that may be necessary in order for the two of you to get back on the same page. If this is causing you tension currently, this is the perfect time to investigate where those patterns come from and why you may be feeling that way.”
At the same time, Venus retrograde in Scorpio and Libra contributes to confusion around how we want to proceed with others, making it vital to surround ourselves with people who make us feel secure, grounded and seen. Venus’s transition from evening star to morning star can stir impulsiveness, leading to erratic decisions that feel unpredictable even to ourselves. Watch out for irrationality and jealousy. Before jumping into a conflict or commitment, give yourself a moment to consider whether it's truly the right move. The best day for clarity is November 4, when the Sun illuminates Mercury during its cazimi (derived from the Arabic for “in the heart of the Sun”).
Astrologer Lauren Ash offers her insight: “I try not to sensationalise Mercury retrograde, but this one is tough. Scorpio is a fixed water sign, so feelings don’t pass through quickly. They settle in and stay. With Venus backing through Libra at the same time, you might feel like you can’t deal with it.” Ash explains, “Scorpio doesn’t reveal its feelings easily. You might still be angry but not want to tip your hand, because showing it feels like losing. Holding it in, though, can keep you tied to the very person you’re angry with… If you’re not getting back what you give, this retrograde is a chance to address it. Scorpio can slip into obsession, and Libra can be blinded by love, so the real work is choosing what’s healthy for you. You’re allowed to want love that makes you happy.”
Mercury retrograde isn’t all doom and gloom; we can use this period constructively to revisit old feelings or dormant projects with tenderness. The key is not getting trapped in the past, but rather using Mercury’s backtrack as an occasion to repair and restore what speaks to our hearts. Still, a few tense aspects will make it hard to resist picking at old scabs.
Choice-oriented astrologer and author of Starcodes: Navigate Your Chart with Choice-Based Astrology, Heather Roan Robbins advises: “Don’t call your ex nor perseverate on an old wrong as Mercury retrogrades in deep and brooding Scorpio. If old problems or tough memories arise, don’t wiggle a sore tooth just for intensity; take a healing approach,” adding, “If communication jams with a beloved, don’t try harder; take a break, come back to the heart, and try again later. Don’t buy tech, or if you do, keep the receipt. Expect delays, snafus, communication glitches that slow us down, but use this time wisely to remember, reconsider, repair, clarify, heal and consolidate; take a cosmic pause before the next chapter. Catch up on unfinished business, prepare, but launch new projects afterwards.”
The pre-shadow phase—the three-week stretch when Mercury begins decelerating ahead of its station—spans October 4 to October 24 and sets the stage for the cycle. The themes emerging during those 20 days offer clues to the story unfolding over the coming weeks. The post-shadow phase (often called the “retroshade”) runs from November 13 to November 30, providing a final window to resolve lingering matters as the planet retraces its steps at direct speed. Consider booking that spa day and focusing on grounding your energy before the holiday rush takes over. As D’Andre notes: “The choice is truly yours. You can control what you can control.” Proceed with intention.
Read your Mercury retrograde horoscope below:
Aries
Consider this your cue from the universe to slow down. Even if you’re accustomed to moving at full throttle, an afternoon reset or power nap may be essential to stay sharp. Give yourself permission to pause, decompress and process your emotions without rushing to the next milestone.
Taurus
Old ghosts may reappear offering grand promises to compensate for past friction. Use this period to gain objective clarity on the dynamic rather than falling back into old habits. Closure can be deeply cathartic, provided your boundaries remain non-negotiable.
Gemini
Any lingering fatigue from recent months begins to lift as you find your footing during this cycle. Instead of overcommitting, focus on restoring balance and protecting what matters most. The less you pile onto your plate, the smoother your routine becomes, leaving mind, body and spirit refreshed.
Cancer
Nostalgia is knocking, reviving a creative concept or artistic ambition you once put on hold. Tap back into that impulse and explore how it looks today. With more life experience and wisdom under your belt, approaching the project from a fresh perspective can turn old inspiration into something tangible.
Leo
Navigating family dynamics may require extra patience. Initial awkwardness will soften once you connect over shared memories or mutual interests. Looking past immediate friction to find common ground will foster goodwill that outlasts this transit.
Virgo
A delayed response or missed notification might interrupt your schedule, but it won’t derail your momentum. Practising patience will keep minor hiccups from turning into unnecessary drama. Step back, breathe and tackle incoming messages one thoughtful step at a time.
Libra
Revisiting your budget to build a reliable cushion for the future won’t cause hardship; in fact, passing on impulsive purchases will give you greater peace of mind. If an essential expense falls outside your usual limits, do your research and compare options before making a commitment.
Scorpio
This is a pivotal moment to address unresolved issues that have lingered beneath the surface. While your instinct may be to keep your cards close to your chest, speaking candidly will benefit both your relationships and your peace of mind. Transparent communication paves the way for genuine breakthroughs.
Sagittarius
If your inner compass feels temporarily scrambled, conflicting information or mixed signals from others are likely the cause. Filter out the external noise and ground yourself in your own discernment. When in doubt, let your values guide you toward clear footing.
Capricorn
Your circle is turning its attention toward community-minded efforts or charitable initiatives. Lean into that collective momentum and lend your practical expertise to a cause that matters. Investing your time in something larger than yourself brings both grounded purpose and lasting perspective.
Aquarius
You’re rediscovering your professional sweet spot by reconnecting with a dormant career aspiration. Revisit your earlier goals and consider how to translate them into your current path. This period of reflection offers the clarity needed to step into a more fulfilling professional direction.
Pisces
Step away from the mundane by feeding your curiosity with a subject that has long captured your interest. Immersing yourself in fresh study or creative exploration will broaden your perspective, re-energise your worldview and shift how you move through daily life.
This article first appeared on Vogue.com
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