MERCURY RETROGRADE WITH AN ADDED PUNCH - IT'S COMPLETELY EMBEDDED IN THE CURRENT VENUS RETROGRADE !!!

MERCURY - began its third and final RETROGRADE journey for 2026 today, October 24th, at 3:13 AM EST ... you are well aware if you've been following my blogs what to expect during a Mercury Retrograde ... as always - EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED ... and then some this time around as this final Mercury retrograde for 2026 will be completely embedded in the current Venus retrograde both of which will conclude on November 13th - Mercury first and then Venus !!! ... Due to these factors I personally feel this will be the most potentially disruptive Mercury retrograde not only because it occurs along with the Venus retrograde but this one is completely in Scorpio and for that reason may be the most challenging as we will be required to dig deep down emotionally and face things we probably don't want to face and deal with ... fortunately, if one can truly say that, Mercury and Venus will be retrograde in Scorpio, even though at different degrees, together for only about 26 hours as Venus returns to Libra on Sunday the 25th ... it is always challenging to have a personal planet - Mercury, Venus and Mars - retrograde but you add two or more and that can really shake things up .... in fact Mars actually joins the fray when it takes its next retrograde journey from January 10th through April 1st, 2027 ... and similar to this Mercury retrograde, the first one of 2027 will be completely embedded in the Mars retrograde !!!  

This Mercury retrograde, again, will occur completely in the sign of Scorpio going from 20 degrees 58 minutes back to 5 degrees 2 minutes Scorpio ... suffice it to say the emotions have been really stirred up this year with all three Mercury retrogrades occurring completely in the water signs - first Pisces then Cancer ... so not only both Gemini and Virgo but all if the fixed signs - Scorpio, Aquarius, Taurus and Leo - if you have planets or angles - the cusp of the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th house - may receive a "special gift" from the Universe during this period !!!

Some of you may have noticed the energy beginning to move backwards already when Mercury entered its shadow point - the point where it will come out of the retrograde on November 13th - back on October 4th when it reached 5 degrees 2 minutes Scorpio  ... from that point on things somehow just may not have seemed to go right or as we planned and now we often find ourselves re-doing things especially after Mercury stations back into direct motion ... at least this is the shortest retrograde period of Mercury for 2026 lasting only 20 days but for many that is more than enough especially with Venus going backwards simultaneously with it, right ???

Mercury was last partially retrograde in Scorpio during November 2025 and October 2020 ... It was last completely retrograde in Scorpio during October/November 2020 - anything come to mind during these periods ???

Obviously communications are going to be challenged both to and from others ... partnerships and relationships often hit the skids during these periods ... it is NOT a good time to make major purchases - especially  Cars - a big NO NO, computers or anything that involves electronics !!! ... purchasing homes can end up producing unforeseen problems and even the contracts can have unexpected difficulties along the way or at closing especially if the closing takes place during the retrograde period .... it is also not a good idea to enter into contracts or start new jobs as they will most likely not pan out and end up being dead ends .... obviously one cannot put their life on hold, but if there is anyway to hold off on these things until Mercury turns direct, it would prove beneficial in the long run ... I have frequently found, though, that in some charts I've done, people born under a Mercury retrograde sometimes seem to thrive during these periods because they innately understand the backward energy and how to work with it !!!

It is very important to understand that Mercury retrogrades are NOT ALWAYS the harbingers of doom and gloom ... even though it is true they can cause disruption and misunderstandings, we have to realize these are simply Universal "time outs" which give us the opportunity to go back to rethink and review our actions especially as the energy relates to the current sign that the planet is transiting through ... bottom line - though we often joke about it, retrogrades shouldn't always be feared and dreaded but perhaps approached cautiously ... the Universe is giving us a chance to right our wrongs and redirect ourselves to achieve more beneficial personal and spiritual growth !!!

Mercury retrogrades are simply a time for reviewing and revision ... as the saying goes, "it might be a good idea to drop back and punt" !!! ... during a retrograde journey it can be said that we are in a mental "down time" and often things will not register on a conscious level with us ... it is said that the use of Mercury retrograde cycles are to reconnect the individual with the Universal rhythm ... this is NOT the time to make vast sweeping changes ... rather one should keep an eye open for possibilities that could prove more satisfying once the energy has returned back to direct motion !!!

Mercury retrograde in Scorpio challenges us to find the courage and honesty to go deep within ourselves, facing our own inner demons, in order to bring about transformation and change in our lives in order to promote further personal and spiritual growth ... as a result of this, it can make this particular retrograde period a highly emotional one especially considering the fact that Scorpio is a water sign and that has everything to do with the emotions and feelings ... as well as having Venus retrograde as previously mentioned !!!

Mercury retrograde in the sign of Scorpio can bring focus to the areas of life ruled by Pluto, the ruling planet of Scorpio, and 8th house matters - the house that Scorpio naturally rules ... so issues could arise regarding things which are hidden - especially in the unconscious self, the masses, crime, phobias and obsessions, slow growth, birth and death, isolation, coercion, kidnapping, bacteria and viruses, generation/regeneration/degeneration, secrets and things kept undercover, plumbing, dictatorships and unpopular causes - all of these things ruled by Pluto !!!

There could also be issues regarding support one receives from other people - including financial, moral, spiritual and physical, legacies, trusts, wills, taxes, insurance matters, sex, spiritual/physical regeneration, psychological rebirth, degeneration and death - both literal and figurative, occult matters, sleep, deep research, investigations, hidden assets, assets of partners alimony, and surgeries - all of these matters represented by the 8th house !!!

In addition to these potential challenges, there could also be issues arising for you personally in regard to whatever area of life is ruled by the house or houses in which this retrograde occurs in your natal chart ... and keep in mind which houses are being affected by the Venus retrograde ... an excellent reason to know exactly where in your natal chart all of these degrees fall !!!

In regards to overall health, remember Mercury is the natural planetary ruler of the 6th house which rules health and nutrition, among other things, so there could be more potential to have health issues in general during a Mercury retrograde ... in Scorpio, there could be issues with the eliminating and reproductive systems which are areas ruled by Pluto, and the genitalia which are the anatomical areas Scorpio rules !!!

Also a reminder that a Mercury retrograde period is usually NOT a good time to have elective surgery as the healing process could be slowed down or there could be the chance of complications and having to go back at a later date and take care of something that wasn't done correctly or overlooked for some reason - this especially applies to any form of cosmetic surgery !!! ... as for emergency surgery, we have absolutely no control over that and trying to put that off might produce catastrophic results !!!

Gemini and Virgo born since Mercury is your natural ruling planet, this is your time to "try" and slow down for personal review and rethinking - especially in regards as to what has transpired in your lives since Mercury last resumed direct motion on July 23rd - in fact we all should be doing that on some level of our lives !!!

Below I have re-posted the "Mercury Retrograde Survival ( Navigational as I refer to it) Manual" written by my teacher Lyn Hammond Gray ... hopefully it will help out :

"Here is your Survival manual: Mercury retro always creates a repeating action. The Re-Words are common. Some re-words that you will notice during this time are:

Repeat – The action you are making during the RX period you will probably repeat again during the period or later.

Repair – The need for repair will arise. If possible, put if off until Mercury turns direct (November 13th).

Reverse - You will be amazed at how many times you change your mind or reverse your thinking during this time. Watch out for that race car driver that is driving in reverse down the emergency lane on the freeway. Yikes!....

Recall - Your mind will wonder back. You will think of people from the past or you will encounter someone from the past. If old lovers show up, don't bet that it will stick. Believe me... it is just for a "review." (And if it does last, I want to be the first to know about it. E-mail me and let me know). And you know what, I wouldn't start a new romance during this period either. Hold off until AFTER November 13th !!!

Review - If you are reading instructions, you may find it necessary to review repeatedly because they simply don't make sense. Sometimes the publisher has actually left out a step. It happens!

Regroup - In corporations, it is a common experience during the Rx to hear the boss say, 'Alright, we are going to rework this thing and get it right.' Later when the period is over, they go back to the old way doing things. It is a laugh a minute. Stand back and watch the comedy.

Reboot and Revise - The computer world is a definite place to watch the comedy. It is common for one to suddenly, without fore thought, decide to revise their system during the Rx. Oh! Mercy! That revised system may never function in the normal way. Oh, please! Do wait until the period is over. However, it is fine to do your shopping for the new components during the Rx. When you do go to purchase your parts after the November 13th, you will most likely find better deals and buys.

Return - Now here is a good one. You'll find that this period is a popular time for family or class reunions. Should you stay are home? Absolutely not! You go because this is a review that you don't want to miss. But funny thing is that in spite of the fact that you tell these people 'lets stay in touch' it will become lip service and you won't live up to your suggestion.

Rebirth – Often one will go back into the past and bring up old creative projects to work with during this time frame. Sometimes it sticks and sometimes it doesn't. Only you will be able to activate the discipline to keep it going once the retrograde period is over.

Recover - You can bet that you will dig into your files, boxes or storage to recover something that you need…you can also bet it won't be an easy find. It is likely that you will be looking for a legal document· While it is possible that you may not find what you are looking for, you may find something that you would like to put back in to use. Fun!

Re-examine – Well, just about everything. Smile.

Reduction – Over the years, I have been amazed at how many times a company or person decides to eliminate a job or to leave a job during the retrograde. It is my experience that a job changed during this period is 95% of the time regretted. Can you wait until the period is over, dear heart?

And so it is. Three times a year, sometimes four, we live with this cosmic "going to teach you patience routine". All and all when this retrograde period is over you may "Realize" this simple truth: The flow of the universe is very, very interesting and it is going to have its way with us.

Good luck and may the Universe bestow upon each one of you a special wisdom and unique insight into your journey through this life at this point !!!"

Those of you born between October 25th and November 12th will definitely have Mercury retrograde energy in their birthday chart (solar return) for the whole year ahead ... those born on October 24th and November 13th may or may not get this backward energy depending on the time of your solar return !!! ... below is a repeat explanation of what it means to have Mercury Retrograde for the whole year in your birthday chart:

The significance of having Mercury retrograde in your yearly birthday chart or, as we refer to it in Astrology, a Solar Return, is summed up below by Mary Fortier Shea in her book titled "Planets in Solar Return" :

"A Solar Return is the time every year that the Sun returns to the same degrees and minutes it was at when you were born - all the more reason to know your birth time now isn't it, hmmmmm????? ... a new chart is run for you at the time your solar return occurs in that given year and it is run for wherever you are at the precise time of your solar return ... this produces a new horoscope chart which shows what energy you may or may not run into for the year ahead - that is from the current birthday until next years birthday ... its energy can be felt from one to three months out before the actual solar return occurs .... often people will relocate for the return time in order to get a particular energy in their solar return chart ...

Mercury is usually retrograde in a solar return chart every six years ... during this time it's best to be introspective ... you should be learning and thinking on your own rather than depending on others ... the mind is like an overstuffed drawer seriously in need of re-filing and reorganization ... in other words the time has come to "process" ...

The mental processes are not very receptive to new information at this time ... it's time to go back and re-examine and review things in your life which may have been started but not carried through to fruition or maybe interrupted and suddenly abandoned for some reason ... by focusing inward you might be able to see that your own opinions, thoughts and decisions work best for you rather than those made by others ... at the same time be very receptive to the feedback others are giving you especially if you have missed the mark in regard to some endeavor ...

Another side effect of this energy is secretiveness where you decide to withhold information or sometimes outright lie ... and why ??? .. because you have secrets that need to be kept or else were you to express your opinions and thoughts outwardly it could cause tension in your relationships ... have plenty of ice cream around to soothe the tongue you are most likely going to have to bite frequently this year !!!

This is a great year to keep a journal and put your thoughts down on paper and also to write original material ... sometimes you can see things differently when thoughts and ideas are written down which is a very helpful way to get organized ... this is a year where you will probably realize old opinions and beliefs are now outdated thus encouraging you to reassess your thinking, reformulate previously developed ideas, and shed new light on something on some level of your life that needs to be addressed ...

It doesn't really have to be a bad year ... done wisely, fast forwarding to the past and clearing out the "clutter", you can propel yourself further ahead in life than you originally may have thought !!! "

AND GUESS WHAT ELSE ??? ... many of you will get both the Mercury and Venus retrograde energy in your solar return chart for the year ahead ... to find out about Venus retrograde, just scroll back to my post on October 3rd about the Venus retrograde !!!

Now, for all of us, this becomes a time to review and rethink what is going on in our lives and especially what may have been started or done during the last Mercury retrograde, that being June 29th  through July 23rd ... and it would not be out of the realm of possibilities to have issues arise from previous Mercury retrogrades in particular the retrograde period from June 29th through July 23rd of this year as well as February 26th through March 20th and November 9th through November 29th, 2025 - those being the most recent Mercury retrograde periods ... and, it is not out of the realm of possibilities in some cases Mercury retrograde periods even further back than those !!!

Whatever the case, it is for sure that there will undoubtedly be lights going ON in our heads regarding these actions as well as other lights going OUT as this Mercury retrograde energy wreaks its cosmic havoc for the next 20 days ... Mercury remains retrograde until November 13th ... so slow down and try not to act too impulsively and swim upstream in a raging current of cosmic chaos or the day may come in the near future when you live to regret what you did ... be aware that tempers will flare and patience may become very scarce at times ... most importantly, keep that sense of humor close at hand ... it will definitely be needed many times during the next 3 weeks !!!

As always my fellow beings of light, when all is said and done, the burning question becomes whether or not will we become the victim of Constant Cosmic chaos, the recipient of great Cosmic Clarity - or perhaps both ???

SEEKING WHAT LIES BENEATH - RARELY PASSIVE OR NEUTRAL ABOUT ANYTHING WITH A TENDENCY TOWARDS VOLATILE EMOTIONS !!!

 

The SUN begins its transit when it descends into the determined, aggressive, shrewd, secretive sign of Scorpio on Friday, October 23rd, at 5:38 AM EDT ... we are now being directed to turn inward to face truths about ourselves and what lies beneath  - "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH" - OR CAN YOU ??? ... this energy can be extremely driven but also highly transforming ... being a water sign, you can bet the emotions will become a constant determining ingredient in many of our actions now as opposed to the mental approach of the air sign of Libra ... this energy needs to shine passionately, through its power and resourcefulness, through seeking recognition for its penetration, and maybe through being in the limelight through a compulsive persistence !!!

Scorpio is rarely passive or neutral about anything ... jealousy, being resentful and vengeance are often expressed through this deep, quite private and reserved energy ... recuperative powers are quite remarkable ... here we have the energy of the truth-seeker who uses keen judgment coupled with penetrating insight which ultimately may empower one to exercise a great deal of authority over others ... science, medicine or any field of investigation could attract one ... willpower and persistence are key factors, and even though one may become rather reticent, when pushed one becomes very outspoken and extremely direct ... Scorpio may forgive but it NEVER forgets !!!

Scorpio is a feminine/fixed/water sign ... it is the 8th sign of the natural zodiac ... its key phrase is "I Desire" and its keyword is "Intensity" ... Scorpio is the sign directly opposite to Taurus in the natural zodiac ... anatomically it rules the genitals - Scorpio born are often susceptible to infections of the urinary system and venereal disease ... in addition the inclination towards volatile emotions is the cause of exhaustion and ill health !!!

Scorpio is the natural ruler of the 8th house whose keyword is "regeneration" ... it is a house of endings ... many things are addressed here such as joint finances, legacies, trusts, wills, taxes, insurance matters, secrets, sex, spiritual and physical regeneration, psychological rebirth, degeneration and death and surgery ... it also shows types of illness !!!

Scorpio is ruled by Pluto - a planet representing destroying or reforming urges and fusion ... its keyword is "transformation" ... it governs things which are hidden from view as well as the masses, subversion, crime, phobias, obsessions, slow growth, birth and death, isolation, coercion, disappearance, bacteria and viruses, plumbing and unpopular causes ... its action is slow and inevitable ... if you've had your natal chart run, where you find Pluto is where you'll find complexity and where you'll have to solve problems on your own and without assistance ... many astrologers would also say that Scorpio is co-ruled by Mars which is considered its ancient ruler as Pluto wasn't discovered until 1930 by Percival Lowell !!!

The Sun is in Scorpio encourages us to become aware of how to live our daily lives productively through pursuing what it is we truly desire ... it is the urge to merge with someone or something else ... it is considered the most powerful sign of the zodiac ... it can usually sense what is going on beneath the surface of most situations ... this ability can make one prone to influence, manipulate, corrupt, purge, harm or heal ... this energy is unchallenged in the ability to bring to the surface the cause of trouble - whether it is heartache, disease, financial problems, etc. ... there is a great understanding as to what sex is for and about ... this energy can easily cause us to get under others skin .. there is also a great intimacy with life itself !!!

The power of Scorpio can appear as a truly magnetic charm making one totally disarming, or it can be downright cruel running over others and striking quite unexpectedly ... there is ability to raise something or someone from the depths or throw them down there ... there are deep and genuine emotions here that are often hidden from the surface ... the greatest gift comes when one is able to let go of the fear and hesitation and allow something or someone in - then there is a magical transformational effect which can lead to great healing !!!

Scorpio likes total involvement, rooting out hidden causes, being persuasive, meaningful work and the untarnished truth ... it dislikes superficial relationships, only scratching the surface, feeling as though someone got one over on them, demeaning tasks and flattering and flattery ... the energy of the Sun in Scorpio can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: intense, loyal, passionate, faith-inspiring, dynamic, regenerating, compelling, magnetic, penetrating insight, scrutinizing, shrewd, resourceful, compassionate, strong and deep, brave, powerful, healing touch, self-sacrificing, intimate

NEGATIVE: obsessive, possessive, fanatical, emotionally draining, coercive, degrading, forces allegiance, seductive, suspicious, cunning, revengeful, self-punishing, cruel, overly rigid view, corrupt, manipulative, jealous, resentful

The Sun now joins Mercury, soon to begin its third and final retrograde completely in Scorpio on Saturday the 24th, and Venus already in transit through Scorpio currently retrograde until it returns to Libra on Sunday the 25th ... an abundance of energy driving us inward to fearlessly face what lies BENEATH - especially with so many planets retrograde but especially Mercury and Venus retrograde up until 8 days before the Sun enters Sagittarius !!!

HAPPY SOLAR RETURN ALL SCORPIO BORN !!! ... the Sun remains in Scorpio until November 21st/22nd depending on which time zone in which you live!!!

While the Sun transits the sign of Scorpio, be aware that power comes through YOU: hate, and power kills ... love, and power heals ... the greatest strength here is forgiving weakness ... if you look deeply enough into someone or something you may ultimately find yourself and discover your personal power ... then reaching the point where you are no longer after something, you may suddenly realize what it is you are truly after !!!

Over  the next 31 days we all have the universal power placed in our hands to produce transformation, change, rebirth and healing in our lives as well as others ... or will we sink to the level of vengeance, cruelty, destruction and ruin ??? 

LOVE, RELATIONSHIPS AND MONEY - IS WHAT WE HAVE ENOUGH TO KEEP US SECURE AND ON SOLID GROUND - OR MUST WE TAKE AN HONEST LOOK TO SEE WHERE THINGS ARE AND WHETHER OR NOT WE ARE SAFE ???

 

VENUS - the planet which rules social urge, sense of values, love and affection, and financial matters began its RETROGRADE journey for 2026 yesterday, 10/3, at 3:16 AM EDT ... during a transiting Venus retrograde, old lovers, potential past romantic interests or even friends may resurface - some hoping to reconnect while others are only in and out for "pass and review" so to speak ... frequently one will come to realize why the relationship did not work out to begin with or why it is time to LET GO AND MOVE ON - some will not understand this and run the danger of repeating over and over what may have been a very challenging time in their lives ... relationship issues, both personal and professional/ public and private, come to the forefront thus causing all types of contracts and partnerships to be reconsidered especially if they have become difficult or challenging ... this is also a time when our personal values are usually reconsidered - both material and spiritual - to see if they still make sense or need adjusting somewhere !!!

One of the main purposes of a transiting Venus retrograde is to reconsider relationship and acquisition needs as these change over time for all of us ... it becomes very important during this time to get in touch with ones present values, wants and needs, and to become clear about exactly what you want to attract and why ... is what you personally value inwardly being projected outwardly positively or is change needed on some level ??? ... and needless to say issues surrounding money and finances can become big problems during a Venus retrograde !!! 

PLEASE TAKE NOTE - retrograde periods are not always harbingers of doom and gloom and full of negativity and disaster so please try to ignore all those posts that always have the phrase "how to survive" as it should perhaps be positively stated "how to successfully navigate" these often challenging and demanding periods !!! ... these periods have the greatest potential for each one of us to be able to slow down and review what is making our lives more challenging and take action to correct our course, so to speak, so there isn't so much difficulty in navigating through this thing we call "life" on a day to day basis !!!

Venus spends the least amount of time in retrograde motion out of all of the planets ... within its 584-day cycle, Venus stations retrograde roughly every 18 months for a period of about 6 weeks ... it was last retrograde from March 1st through April 12th, 2025 going from 10 degrees 50 minutes Aries back to 24 degrees 37 minutes Pisces - what was going on in your life during that period that may have had to do with anything mentioned in this blog specific to a Venus retrograde that has now resurfaced for review and rethinking or simply falls apart or must be released ??? ... there is a good chance that any partnerships/relationships, especially of the romantic variety, begun during that last retrograde period has now come to a point where it is time to let go and move on !!! ... in fact, ever since Venus entered its shadow point back on August 31st, issues could have begun to arise foreshadowing what was to come during the retrograde period ... especially issues that may have plagued the relationship on and off since Venus stationed back in direct motion on April 12th, 2025 or perhaps even issues that have surfaced in partnerships/relationships that have been ignored even if the relationship was not begun during the Venus retrograde period !!!

Over the next 41 day period, this dual sign Venus retrograde will go from 8 DEGREES 29 MINUTES SCORPIO BACK TO 22 DEGREES 51 MINUTES LIBRA ... and yes, there could be issues already rising up from any relationship/partnership either personal or professional that was begun from August 31st up until October 3rd when the retrograde began ... interesting to note, the last time Venus was retrograde in both signs together of Scorpio/Libra was October 5th through November 16th, 2018 going from 10 degrees 50 minutes Scorpio back to 25 degrees 14 minutes Libra ... anything come to mind from that period in your life regarding that retrograde period - especially in the areas of life ruled by the houses where that retrograde occurred ... are we closing out a chapter in our life that must be relased to promote further personal and spiritual growth ???

Taurus and Libra born individuals, this is your planetary ruler so you are beginning your period of personal "down time", so to speak, to review and rethink what has transpired in your life since April 12th, 2025 ... but in addition to you, we all will be subjected to a period of reflection in our personal actions in regards to our social urges, sense of values, love and affection, and monetary affairs as well as matters of intimacy !!!

Some things to remember during a Venus retrograde - it is NOT a good time to purchase "luxury " items if you can, wait because when Venus stations back into direct motion, you might well find yourself thinking "WHY did I spend THAT MUCH on something I really didn't want or need" or you may simply feel you did not get the anticipated value for what you spent your hard earned money to purchase ... you might even find a uch better deal waiting to be taken advantage of - remember slow and steady wins the race !!! ... often in a Venus retrograde money can become low and scarce and we can end up having to spend money we hadn't counted on spending, but in some cases one may end up getting money "coming back" to them from one source or another !!! ... it also is not a good time to begin a new job if you can wait because you may never get the money you expected out of the job, you may feel like you are not being paid enough for the value of your service, or the job simply might not pan out down the road for some reason ... that being said, unfortunately as a Venus retrograde can indicate the "tightening of the purse strings" by individuals as well as companies, salaries could be cut back or the job may be terminated for one reason or another ... and even businesses may be suddenly shutdown without warning leaving many high and dry !!!

WEDDINGS ARE MOST CERTAINLY A HUGE NO-NO as this is the planet which rules romance, love and affection - do you really want that energy going backwards on the day you say "I DO"??? ... if you were to take the day of the actual wedding, and count forward to the end of the retrograde period, then that total number of days would be the actual number of YEARS it would be before the energy turned back into direct motion by progression in the event chart ... most likely there would constantly be issues regarding either love, emotions and/or money and that can make things very difficult !!! ... if you are getting married, you should have someone mark the time you are officially pronounced married and then have an event chart run, by a reputable astrologer, for that time and the place to see in which house Venus retrograde falls, and you might get a very good idea where in life issues concerning love, money and personal values may surface during the marriage ... I'm not saying don't get married because I know weddings take time and preparation, just realize you may be adding an unnecessary challenge to the already challenging task it takes to navigate through the waters of a personal relationship ... to this end, I would also state the hopefully obvious - a Venus retrograde is definitely NOT the time to begin a new romantic relationship - you can date and get to know each other, but DO NOT jump into the deep end so to speak until after November 13th if it lasts that long !!! ... but keep in mind if you were born with Venus retrograde in your natal chart, these choppy emotional waters might not be as difficult to navigate as it will be for others !!!

Speaking of relationships, you may find arguments and disagreements rearing their ugly heads and if you sever the ties in a Venus retrograde, when it turns direct you will probably be asking yourself why you cut that person out of your life ... on the other hand, relationships and partnerships that have been constantly challenging and have been overly stressful will most likely dissolve during a Venus retrograde period and it is usually best to let them go and move forward ... but this can also be a good time in certain cases where there is a chance to allow some healing to occur in a partnership or relationship that somehow managed to fall off track ... keep in mind that in a Venus retrograde people become a little less sociable and frequently forget their manners so it might be a good idea to "drop back and punt" and hold off passing judgment while the energy is moving backwards !!!

Obviously the overall ruler of this retrograde period is indeed Venus ... and as such the following could be ongoing issues in addition to the other signs it will actually be retrograde in :

Issues could arise with art, culture, aesthetics, possessions, partners, beauty, charm, good taste, sweets and sugar, color, harmony, poetry, paintings, jewelry, singing, singing, drama, music, emotional contacts, moral character, marriage and unions of all kinds, sociability, disposition, luxuries, pleasure and appreciation - all these being ruled by Venus !!!

Issues could arise with financial affairs, possessions (except real estate), investments, earning power, any gain or loss through our own efforts, inner talents and resources, need for fulfillment, emotional feelings, sense of self-worth, sense of values, personal liberty as liberty is usually a matter of money, material debt - these issues being addressed in the 2nd house of the natural zodiac ruled by Venus !!!

Issues could arise with face-to-face relationships both business and marital partnerships, marriage, divorce, contracts, lawsuits, bargains, agreements, dealing with the public and their response, open enemies, cooperation or lack thereof with others, what you most lack in yourself, attitudes towards marriage, your mate, the kind and quality of your marriage, how many marriages you may have, your grandparents, any people who act as your agent or on your behalf - these issues being addressed in the 7th house of the natural zodiac which is also ruled by Venus !!!

As previously stated, this Venus retrograde begins in the sign of Scorpio ... remember that Venus in Scorpio is considered to be in detriment so it is not functioning efficiently to begin with and adding retrograde motion can makes things even more challenging ... it's all about finding out how we love through who and/or what we DESIRE and there can now be conflicting issues arising about what that exactly is for us !!! ... but it is also a time to go deep within and take an honest look at our deepest emotions and feelings and determine whether or not they are being honestly and positively expressed or if we are expressing the in a negative and injurious manner to ourselves and other !!!

Issues could arise with conception, from the subconscious, printing, the masses, waste, subversion, atomic power, crime, phobias, obsessions, slow growth, transmutation, birth and death, isolation, coercion, disappearance, kidnapping, bacteria, viruses, generation, regeneration, degeneration, what has been developed secretly and undercover, plumbing, dictatorships and unpopular causes - all issues governed by Pluto which rules Scorpio !!!

Issues could also arise from the support you receive from others including moral, spiritual, physical and financial, legacies, trusts, wills, taxes, insurance matters, sex, spiritual and physical regeneration, psychological rebirth, degeneration and death, occult matters, sleep, deep research, investigation and hidden assets, assets of partners, alimony, surgery and, along with the 6th house, types of illnesses - all issues addressed in the 8th house which Scorpio naturally rules !!!

One final item about possible issues ... I would be remiss if I didn't mention Mars in the mix here as it is considered the ancient ruler of Scorpio as Pluto wasn't discovered until 1930 !!!

There could also be potential issues which arise concerning your animal nature, desire, sexual energies, assertiveness, force, power, construction, work, strife, competitions, surgery and operations, weapons, war, accidents, inflammation, wounds, cuts, burns scalds, violence, tools, iron, steel, external reproductive organs, the head and face - all under the rulership of Mars !!!

As Mars is the natural ruler of the 1st house, there could potentially be issues in regards to your personality, your natural disposition and tendencies, your individuality and the way you express yourself, the way people see you and the way you want others to see you, the way you "package" and "market" yourself, your physical body, your health, your early childhood years, your approach to life, your worldly outlook, your appearance and bearing, the beginnings of all enterprises - all issues addressed by the 1st house of the zodiac !!!

On October 25th, Venus returns to the sign of Libra at 5:10 AM EDT for the remainder of this retrograde and the emphasis will shift from the dark, intense side of Venus to the more charming, sociable side which can really be challenged by it's backward motion  ... Venus in Libra is considered to be in dignity being in a sign that it naturally rules and operating more efficiently but that has the potential to be greatly challenged by its retrograde motion ... Venus in Libra is all about how we live through relating with others ... and now many of us will probably find we need to fine tune how we do that in regards to who has come and gone in our lives and whether or not they were meant to only be "passing through" or were to be significant for our growth and we may have caused the relationship to dissolve through our own fault !!! ... you might want to review the aforementioned potential issues in regards to Venus ruling Libra as well as it ruling both the 2nd and 7th house of the natural zodiac ... this is a lot of issues that could potentially go upside down over the next 41 days !!!

As for elective surgery, especially of the cosmetic enhancement variety, best to wait until after November 13th as you may feel you did not the desired results you "paid" for and might even have to go back and redo it once Venus, as well as Mercury, stations direct ... for all other surgery that is not elective, you should not try to push that back as it could have dire results !!!

For those of you born between October 4th and November 12th, you will definitely get the energy of Venus retrograde in your solar return chart, the birthday chart, for the year ahead on one or the other signs depending on your birthday ... those born on October 3rd and November 13th may or may not get this backwards energy depending on the time and day your solar return occurs this year !!!

The following is what astrologer Mary Fortier Shea has to say about having Venus retrograde in your birthday chart for the whole year and it may be helpful in understanding what you may be dealing with :

"Venus retrograde indicates a time of comparison and contrast. Your increased ability to distinguish and value inner qualities separate from external situations signals an opportunity to compare and contrast the importance of each. Relationships, finances, and priorities should all be reassessed on the basis of the inner qualities they exhibit in comparison to the external pleasure or stress that they generate. Your focus on internal values will tend to overshadow your need for external manifestation; consequently, you will make adjustments in your pursuit of materialistic and external goals.

Relationships are always more important for the love you give and receive than the external trappings; however, this issue will become more evident during this year. You may be in love with a special person who treats you wonderfully, but refuses to consider marriage. If you were attracted to this person because of his or her inner qualities, it is important to appreciate your feelings for one another, and not get hung up on the legalization process. During this year you will tend to assess relationships you see or experience for the inner and outer qualities which they possess or lax. You can always find others who have the external trappings you desire without genuine caring. (Example: a verbally abusive marriage.)

External, artificial indicators of affection are meaningless. It is the inner and sometimes less apparent qualities that are important. Your attention to this issue will make the incongruity more obvious to you. Part of this discernment process can involve frustration with personal involvements which do not conform to your external expectations of what a relationship or partner should be. Love does not necessarily occur in neat little storybook packages, and frustration results from close attention to external storybook details which cannot truly satisfy internal needs. Outer limitations stress the importance of inner beauty. Because third parties may not easily see the qualities that you appreciate in your loved one, they may criticize your choice. Their criticism will encourage you to further define the inner beauty that attracts you. Those relationships which possess no redeeming inner qualities will seem void and unfulfilled. They can be discarded regardless of the external advantages they supply.

Values must be more closely attuned to the individuals aesthetic appreciation and therefore may be less consistent with societal preferences and standards. One can see unique beauty in what might appear ordinary to others. Your taste in material objects might depend on the emotional qualities associated with those objects. Price or status is unimportant.

Venus retrograde symbolizes an emphasis on the quality of life over the desire for financial gain. The money you earn should not be as important as the quality of your working environment and your satisfaction while on the job. Focusing on your inner need for contentment and fulfillment allows you to let go of a large salary, and search for an enjoyable employment position even though it may involve a pay cut. If you continue to work at a stressful job because of the pay, you may be very unhappy. Materialism will not bring you true happiness this year or any year. If you must remain in a stressful job, develop a strong belief in yourself and your abilities. Set goals that are rewarding and doable. Do not focus on your inability to perform at your best when conditions are at their worst. Some work environments are dysfunctional. Financially, this is generally a time to be conservative with funds. You cannot make good decisions about the quality of your life if you are more concerned with your monetary situation.

Social contacts and involvement in social activities are not emphasized while Venus is retrograde in the solar return. You need more time to focus inward and may withdraw from some or all social functions because you welcome the time alone. You might no longer enjoy these functions, or you might realize that certain social relationships are too difficult and unrewarding to maintain. For those individuals who require counseling, this can be a time of isolation. Withdrawal is common with Venus retrograde, but generally any time alone can be put to good use. You could want to be alone with one special person."

Even though we will all be impacted on some level of our lives by the Venus retrograde, the following signs may feel its impact even more personally - Taurus and Libra born as this is your ruling planet, and Scorpio born in addition, Aries born with Mars being the ancient ruler of Scorpio - as well which obviously are the other signs in which the retrograde - Mars by previous association with Scorpio -  occurs this time !!!

Least you forget, Mercury will take its third and final retrograde journey completely in Scorpio from October 24th through November 13 ... in other words it will be completely embedded in the final 19 days of this Venus retrograde ... you obviously noticed if you read my most recent blogs, I have mentioned this over and over hoping to bring your attention to this important matter ...and as you can obviously see that the Scorpio energy which begins this Venus retrograde will circle back around in a different manner when the Mercury retrograde begins but it will be only in he sign of Scorpio ... so just how frustrating and daunting will these next two personal planet retrogrades become being placed on top of each other so to speak - I guess only the Universe really knows ... just remember it is wise to work through challenging energy rather than going around it as it most likely will come back later and most likely in a more difficult way !!!

Venus remains retrograde until November 13th ... it will not be retrograde again until May 10th through June 22nd, 2028 completely in the sign of Gemini - information for those of you who like to prepare and just might be planning a "special occasion" during 2028 !!!

Again, one final caveat, during this Venus retrograde, Mercury will take its third retrograde journey for 2026 from October 24th through November 13th going from 20 degrees 58 minutes Scorpio back to 5 degrees 2 minutes Scorpio ... as it is occurring completely on top of the final days of the Venus retrograde ... in fact Mercury enters its next shadow point on October 4th at 9:10 AM EDT ... and Mars will enter its next shadow point on November 5th when it reaches 20 degrees 55 minutes Leo ... it would be fair to say that the ending of 2026 and beginning of 2027 will be jammed packed with personal planet - Mercury, Venus and Mars - energies moving forwards and then backwards so try to remain calm and composed ... meditation will surely help if you should partake !!!  

In case you're trying to figure out - and I know some of you bright lights are doing just that, should you have a birthday during these periods, if your birthday is between October 25th and November 12th, you will get both Mercury and Venus as a "present" in your solar return for the year ahead ... those born January 11th and March 31st, 2027 will most likely get both the Mars and Mercury retrograde energies "present" depending on the time of your solar return this year ... so much to consider and ponder - don't you just "LOVE" it ??? ... just believe you CAN work through this ... that's why it is so important to find out in which house or houses these retrograde degrees and signs fall so you get an idea where to be prepared ... I've had both occur several times already and by careful navigating and trusting the Universe has a plan to help me get through, I had very little difficulty compared to so many who blindly ignored the warnings and proceeded through this energy like a bull in the proverbial china shop !!!

A cautionary word of advice for those who are interested - while it's true this next 41 day period will be challenging and most likely present lessons regarding love, money, and values the Universe deems necessary for us to face and learn from, during the Venus retrograde period be aware it could prove to be potentially more challenging with two personal planets on top of each other in the same signs even though not entirely in the same degrees ... All aboard the "roller coaster of love" !!!

With all the above mentioned being said, try your best to keep your temper in check and mind your manners as they may be trying to take a little vacation from you and everyone else as well ... hopefully one will be strong and open enough to receive the illumination and enlightenment this retrograde period will bring and be willing to take an honest and thorough inward look to see if change must be made to further personal and spiritual growth !!!

In the end perhaps if one is not careful enough or simply needs and must learn a valuable life lesson, one of the main results of a Venus retrograde may end up being best summed up by the famous words of the Bard, that would be Shakespeare for those of you in the dark, himself - "The course of true love never did run smooth" !!!

HIGHLY SHARPENED INSIGHT - REALIZING THAT REAL MENTAL POWER AND SUPERIORITY IS LEARNING WHEN TO LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE !!!

MERCURY began its extended transit through the dark, brooding sign of Scorpio today, September 30th, at 7:44 AM EDT ... Mercury was last in and out of Scorpio from 10/6/25 through 12/11/2025 due to a retrograde period !!!

Mercury in Scorpio now being in a fixed sign is intense, probing and filled with boundless determination ... this is the placement of the natural born detective always wanting to get to the bottom of things and ferret out information and hidden motives ... it loves tuning into underlying messages ... communication is usually done very passionately and intensely ... a lot of messages are delivered non verbally ... intimate bonds are frequently formed through ones communications ... superficiality is not tolerated ... what is spoken emanates from the depth of ones psyche !!! 

One often thinks about secrecy and silence and sometimes withholds information on purpose ... though the mind is usually thorough and organized, it can be easily swayed by powerful emotions and obsessions ... one seeks the underlying root causes here and is usually unyielding in their quest for information ... detective work might appeal to one here along with anything that looks beneath the surface such as psychotherapy, archaeology and, of course, the occult !!!

Mercury in Scorpio can make one critical, skeptical, secretive and suspicious ... opinions are set and difficult to change ... one can also be shrewd, forceful and given to being very incisive through speech or writings ... sometimes one can needlessly wound others and also come across as being rather nosey and invasive ... this position of Mercury is good for the healing professions, chemistry, photography, research and big business ... ones mentality can become so deep and fixed it can overcome any and all obstacles to get what it wants ... one must learn here to avoid using others weaknesses for ones own personal advantage and passing judgment on those less fortunate than ones self !!!

Mercury transiting through Scorpio teaches us all about how our thinking is influenced by what we desire ... it is the super sleuth of the zodiac ... what you desire and what you fear are tightly entangled in your mind ... this mind sees through people and situations ... this mentality rarely misses anything ... a warning here would be not to fall into the trap of being suspicious of malice of intent when it does not exist ... sometimes this energy can create intrigue just to keep the mind on its toes !!!

This mind is basically sharp and efficient knowing that there is always something that needs looking into thus constantly exercising the mental muscle ... the sign of real mental power and superiority here is learning when to leave well enough alone which is usually understood here ... insight is sharpened with the ability to watch and wait silently which this energy bestows ... others can often benefit greatly from the penetrating insight found here ... one is happiest here when not overcome by personal fears and phobias as they end up clouding ones judgment ... this energy likes brain-teasers, mental control and intrigues ... it dislikes mental inactivity, weak-mindedness, lack of subtlety and mincing words ... the energy of Mercury of Scorpio can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: sharp, incisive, subtle, satirical, perceptive, penetrating mind, stealthy, audacious, accurate, investigative, emphatic, determined, good concentration, quick-minded, profound, confiding, insightful, strategic

NEGATIVE: cutting, acidic, sneaky, sarcastic, suspicious, paranoid, intrusive, abusive, uncharitable, grilling, overstated, argumentative, mentally tense, presumptuous, meddlesome, incomprehensible, secretive, devious, scheming

One should use the energy of this mental and communicative ability to leave no stone unturned through boundless determination in order to find what they are really after which ultimately is - ONES SELF !!!

Mercury now joins Venus already in transit through Scorpio ... Mercury will not complete its full transit through Scorpio until December 6th ... Mercury will get no further than 20 degrees 58 minutes Scorpio when it begins its third and final retrograde journey for 2026 completely in the sign of Scorpio - the third Mercury retrograde this year completely in a water sign - going from 20 degrees 58 minutes back to 5 degrees 2 minutes Scorpio ... and keep in mind it will be completely embedded in the final days of the upcoming Venus retrograde which occurs from October 3rd through November 13th ... a very good reason to know where in your natal chart all of these retrograde degrees fall so you can be prepared ... Mercury will enter its next shadow point on October 4th when it reaches 5 degrees 2 minutes Scorpio !!!

For now, it is an excellent time for a good mystery, to dig down and uncover the true facts, and for each one of us to take a crack at being a super sleuth !!!

In the end, we may find that what we uncover proves to be something much more than simply being "elementary my dear Watson" as we ultimately may discover - WHAT LIES BENEATH !!!

NATURALLY DRAMATIC WITH ACTIONS ALONE OFTEN MAKING A STATEMENT WITHOUT A WORD BEING UTTERED !!!

 

MARS - the planet representing the urge to get what you want, physical drive, sexual drive, initiative, courage and raw energy - began its initial extended dramatic transit through the romantic, playful, creative and pleasure seeking sign of Leo on Sunday, September 27, at 10:49 PM EDT ... Mars was last in and out of Leo from November 3rd, 2024 until June 17th, 2025 due to its previous retrograde journey fro December 6th, 2024 through February 24th, 2025 - this will be another extended transit again this time around !!! 

Leo, being a Fire sign and ruled by the Sun, is very happy to have the fiery planet Mars, planet of action, initiative and drive transiting through its sign ... kind of a two for the price of one transit with a lot of creative potential if it doesn't get out of control with all the dramatic "flames" being stirred up !!! .... Mars in Leo is naturally dramatic and its actions alone often make a statement without a word being uttered ... having attention and admiration, and being in the limelight are doubly essential here .... energy can be asserted warmly, majestically, radiantly, or sometimes unfortunately extremely arrogantly ... the normal drive is towards having fun, enthusiasm, generosity, creativity, and most definitely having a zest for life !!!

Mars in Leo energy can be quite exciting yielding a strong sense of pride and a drive for recognition ... there is creativity abounding with a pronounced flair, and there is a heightened sense of vitality and just being alive ... ones identity here is tied in to being someone special and increasing self-esteem ... sometimes the urge to express oneself so boldly can lead to being pompous and very pushy, but it can also make one quite the magnetic personality !!!

Sexual drive and physical energy is usually off the charts under this energy and they thrive in an atmosphere of attention ... receiving compliments especially makes one come alive ... many of us may find ourselves becoming more in touch with our inner child - go with it and enjoying being a kid again !!! ... since Leo rules creative tendencies, those in the entertainment and artistic realms usually become quite productive and have the potential to reach a new heightened expression of their work ... regardless of where we use this energy, you can bet while Mars is transiting through Leo there is absolutely going to be a driving passion about something or someone - or both !!!

Mars in Leo teaches us all about growing personally and spiritually through creating ... here we have a hot and fiery streak that definitely needs to find some form of creative, dramatic, or romantic outlet ... there is determination and confidence and the first impression one gives is most valuable to oneself ... there could develop an overly neurotic need for admiration, but there is also a demand for honor, dignity and ability worthy of respect ... personal power is greatly enhanced with this energy but one must be careful not to become overbearing and end up being feared rather than loved ... the desire nature is in overdrive here ... find what you truly have a passion for and go for it ... when ones sense of glory and achievement goes beyond ones petty, self-centered ego drives, the way in which one goes about becoming genuinely creative becomes a gift instead of a curse ... feeling insignificant, humiliation, losing control and small-mindedness are strongly disliked while taking pride in ones partner, excitement, respect, honesty and being center stage are what one strives for with this energy ... the energy of Mars in Leo can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: high-spirited, passionate, ardent lover, energetic, dignified, proud, heroic, enthusiastic, vital, speculative, exciting, self-assured, determined, strong-willed, leader, consistent desire, ambitious magnetic, fearless

NEGATIVE: melodramatic, possessive, jealous lover, coercive, pompous, self-righteous, vain, tyrant, offensive, brutal, wild gambler, overly-excited, feels infallible, quarrelsome, domineering, ego driven, overbearing, ruthless, conceited, arrogant

Leo born, enjoy the extra burst of personal energy you are being given wile Mars moves through your birth sign, both backwards and forwards this time  - as if you really need more fire energy driving you !!! ... for all of us, this could be an extremely creative and productive period but not without its challenges ... and if you are given to gambling and speculation, I would certainly advise great caution - after all, Leo naturally rules the 5th house which includes gambling and speculation so be careful about being influenced by an excessive drive to take too many "risks" !!!

Aries born will also certainly have the potential to feel the effects of this energy as Mars is your ruling planet ... for everyone, if you've had a natal chart done and know in which house or houses the 30 degrees of Leo fall, then you'll get a good idea as to what area/areas of your life this extended heightened energetic drive will most likely "consume" you backwards and forwards !!!

Mars is now transiting with Jupiter through the sign of Leo ... Mars will not complete its full transit through Leo until ..... WAIT FOR IT ... May 14th, 2027 ... Mars will actually complete this initial transit through Leo on November 25th ... BUT ... it will get no further than 10 degrees 25 minutes Virgo when it begins its 81 day upcoming retrograde period on January 10th, 2027 ... it will return to the sign of Leo on February 21st, 2027, and once it stations direct, on April 1st, 2027, Mars will move forward to complete its full transit through Leo which will occur on May 14th, 2027 ... again, this will be a dual sign Mars retrograde this time going from 10 degrees 25 minutes Virgo back to 20 degrees 55 minutes Leo ... and just like Venus, Mars will have a Mercury retrograde completely embedded in it just to make things more interesting or perhaps disruptive depending on how it has the potential to affect you ... this will occur because Mercury takes its first retrograde journey for 2027 from February 9th through March 3rd, 2027 ... could be a bumpy start to 2027 ... Mars enters its next shadow point on November 4th when it reaches 20 degrees 55 minutes Leo !!!

"ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR" !!!

BRINGING PARTNERSHIPS/RELATIONSHIPS BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INTO BALANCE AND HARMONY - MAKING SURE THEIR FOUNDATIONS ARE SOLID !!!

 

The SUN began its transit through the charming, social but sometimes indecisive sign of Libra on Tuesday, September 22nd, at 8:05 PM EDT   ... also known as the Autumnal Equinox - equal day and equal night - Summer 2026 is officially OVER - even though "global warming" may make it seem at times like it never really left !!! - at least in the Northern hemisphere (Spring or Vernal Equinox in the Southern hemisphere) ... onward to colder weather ... maybe - YEAH !!! ... OK, do I hear a few BOOS out there ??? 

The Sun is considered to be in its fall in the sign of Libra as this is the sign that is opposite to the one where it is considered to be in exaltation which is Aries !!! ... a planet in "fall" can have difficulty expressing its true nature ... it is said if a planet is in its fall, you are staying in someone else's home where you do not really feel comfortable !!!

The Sun in Libra encourages us to shine through cooperation, diplomacy, competition - one on one, and through aesthetic channels ... Libra is all about bringing things into balance and sometimes the desire to do so can create a situation where one continually bounces back and forth trying to come to a decision accidentally causing indecision or frustration instead !!!

Libra is the 7th sign of the natural zodiac ... it is a masculine, mutable (flexible/changeable), air sign ... its key phrase is "I balance" and its keyword is "Harmony" ... Libra is active, artistic, easygoing, peaceable, admires beauty and harmony, diplomatic, polished and extremely socially inclined ... its symbol is the scales which signifies balance, equilibrium, order and justice ... it is the sign opposite of Aries in the horoscope ... anatomically, Libra rules the lower back and the buttocks, and the kidneys ... natural born Libras are often subject to lower back strain and problems in the lumbar region as well as being subjected to kidney infections !!!

Libra is ruled by the planet Venus - makes sense doesn't it ??? - which is the second sign Venus naturally rules, the other being Taurus  ... Venus represents the social urge as well as sense of values ... Venus rules the throat, chin, cheeks and sense of taste ... Venus is all about relating - not sexually though - as well as being about people, art, emotions, marriage, luxury, possessions, pleasure and appreciation ... its keyword is "AFFECTION" ... if you've had a natal chart run, where you find Venus shows what you truly "love" and enjoy !!!

Venus naturally rules the 2nd house - a house of personal values, substance, earning power, inner talents and resources, need for fulfillment, emotional feelings, sense of self-worth, and a house of personal liberty and material debt ... Venus also naturally rules the 7th house - a house of face-to-face relationships and cooperation - or lack thereof, business and marital partnerships/relationships, divorce, contracts, lawsuits, dealings with the public, open enemies, a house showing what you most lack about yourself, and a house representing your grandparents and anyone who acts as your agent or on your behalf !!!

The Sun transiting through Libra encourages us to learn to live and grow through the way we relate - restoring balance or at least trying to do so ... it likes pleasant surroundings, peace and justice, a partner/companion, being gentle and kind, and anything artistic ... it is important to realize under this energy that areas where there is conflict, disharmony or injustice is where the art of Libra energy is greatly needed and ultimately appreciated ... the energy of the Sun in Libra can be expressed in the following ways:

POSITIVE: aesthetic, graceful, peaceful, calm, socially oriented, popular, co-operative, amenable, attractive, refined, subtle manner, high principles, idealistic, socially aspiring and aware, diplomatic, harmless, friendly, a good counselor

NEGATIVE: affected, superficial, non-committal, lazy, lacking self-reliance, indulgent, insincere, vain, easily upset, lacking confidence, compromising, peace at any price, elitist, class-conscious, indecisive, ingratiating, discordant

HAPPY SOLAR RETURN TO ALL LIBRA BORN - THIS IS YOUR TIME OF THE YEAR TO SHINE !!! 

One of the key roles of Libra is to engage in social activities that blend the rough with the smooth ... one must learn that sensitivity requires both spiritual strength as well as awareness ... ones outward poise will remain intact as long as one learns to be subordinate to ones inner sense of values !!!

The Sun now joins Mercury currently in transit through Libra ... The Sun remains in Libra until October 223rd ... now would be an excellent time to make use of bringing ones partnerships/relationships both public and private into balance and harmony by making sure their foundations are solid !!!

Ultimately, during this solar cycle, it would be an excellent idea to take the lyrical advice of Stephen Stills and - "love the one(s) you're with" !!!

THE KEY TO MANIFESTING POSITIVE PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH - SPEAK KINDLY AND THINK GOOD THOUGHTS !!!

MERCURY  began its transit through the, social, charming, persuasive sign of Libra on Thursday, September 10th at 12:21 PM EDT ... Mercury was last in Libra from September 18th through October 6th, 2025 !!! ... harsh words and intimidating comments are seldom or very hesitatingly spoken while Mercury moves through this sign - after all, Libra is ruled by Venus which tends to soften and sweeten things while adding charm ... in many ways this can be considered as the cosmic energy expressing the "language" of love !!!

Mercury in Libra produces a mindset that is usually concerned with human relations and psychology and produces a mindset towards balance where both sides of the issue are considered ... it gives an intense curiosity about the thinking and behavior patterns of others - it is very focused on one particular aspect of the mental and emotional plane and that is one-to-one relationships ... good communications and happiness in relationships are essential here ... there is a strong sense of justice which tends to make one very honest in their communications ... communications are generally made in a diplomatic, elegant and balanced manner ... feedback from others is a must in order to clarify your opinions ... mentally striving to support your heartfelt principles is often what inspires others with this energy !!!

Mercury in Libra likes to consider all sides of an issue before making a final decision - the trap here is that Mercury, finding it difficult to explore any single idea without devoting equal time and energy to the opposite viewpoint and thus becoming distracted by too many facts, may yield indecisiveness which results in the inability to act on an issue thus getting lost ... Mercury in Libra also gives an interest to the law and the arts ... it bestows one with charm and diplomacy and gives the ability to communicate adeptly, elegantly, impartially and tactfully ... this energy produces natural born mediators and one who has truly mastered the art of whispering sweet nothings into your ear !!!

Mercury in Libra teaches us to think and communicate through relating to others, and underlying much of this thinking is a desire for agreement ... it likes an honest reputation, refined minds, good manners, moral justice and likes to learn through interaction with others ... it does not like being underestimated, having no one to talk with, and mob mentality ... as always there are two different kinds of uses with any energy ... as for Mercury in Libra they are:

POSITIVE: agreeable, flexible, diplomatic, prudent, persuasive, charming, well-spoken, communicative, hardworking, disciplined, scholarly, orderly, eclectic, fair judge, good arbitrator, reasonable, team-spirited, principled, honorable, open-minded ...

NEGATIVE: weak-minded, non-committal, turncoat, smooth-talking, insincere, affected, rat-racer, blindly obedient, unoriginal, indecisive, cowardly, phony, boring, illogical, easily swayed, overly sensitive, flighty, superficial ...

Mercury is currently the only planet transiting through the sign of Libra ... Mercury remains in Libra until September 30th !!!

This is the last full sign transit ere Mercury takes its third and final retrograde for 2026 again completely in a water sign ... this will occur from October 24th through November 13th going from 20 degrees 58 minutes back to 5 degrees 2 minutes Scorpio ... do you know where these degrees lie in your natal chart ??? ... and once again, this 20 day Mercury retrograde will be completely embedded in the final 20 days of the upcoming Venus retrograde which begins October 3rd ... Mercury enters its next shadow point on October 4th !!!

Meanwhile with this current mercurial energy, for all of us this becomes a period of time when we have the ability to learn to speak more graciously and gently through our communications ... and to that end the Universe encourages each one of us to realize -

THE KEY TO MANIFESTING POSITIVE PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN LIFE IS TO SPEAK KINDLY AND THINK GOOD THOUGHTS !!!