Around three or four times a year, if you spend any length of time on the internet, you will come across the phrase "Mercury Retrograde". Usually this causes feelings of impending dread but truthfully, Mercury stationing retrograde is nothing to fear!

In astrology, Mercury rules over communication, transportation, and technology—things we rely on everyday. When the planet stations retrograde, the planet's Trickster side comes out and your expectations are challenged. Therefore, it's a good time as any to excessively back up your files just in case, put that protective case on your brand new phone, and leave just half an hour earlier than you intended. Some of you might even get an unexpected reconnection with an ex. Expect social media platforms to go a little haywire around this time, too!

Additionally, things are about to get spooky with this retrograde period happening this Halloween and during Scorpio season as the energy is rife for secrets to be revealed, loyalties to be tested, and miscommunication to escalate beyond what you'd anticipated...

Still, fortune favors the prepared and rustans.com is here to provide you with some helpful pieces of advice to get through this retrograde period based on your sign.

Check your Sun, Moon, Venus, and Rising. Take what resonates.

FOR THE FIRE signs

It's tried and tested—but it's just not working anymore, is it?

This is a time to reevaluate and reconsider what you might have always believed to be true. It might be difficult for you to steer the other direction after going one way for so long, but it is definitely time. You can thrive this Scorpio season when you channel the transformative energy in the air. It's time for a renewal of the self.

Use this retrograde period to give yourself time to adjust. Believe in your ability to adapt, evolve, and free yourself from what no longer works for you. Let it go.

aries

We see you, Aries. We see you trying to do it all yourself.

Keeping it all in while you keep go, go, going. And it's so natural for you to take initiative and to be the one to call the shots. But heavy is the head that wears the crown and this retrograde will only make you feel it more. Examine your load and question which parts of it are really your responsibility. Is there a way to make this easier?

Take it easy, Aries. You don't have to do it all on your own. Don't forget to rest and don't be afraid to ask for help.

LEO

Checking in with you, Leo—one, two, three… are you there?

It might be hard for you to feel like you are 100% here right now and that's just not right. Your bright nature seeks something that inspires creativity and renews your sense of fun. There's a disconnect with you during this retrograde period and because of this, you may be blocking what blessings might be trying to come into your life.

You may have closed yourself in and away from your own light. Open up, Leo! And let love back in. Try out a new fragrance and feel more like a refreshed, brand new you with a single spritz.

SAGITTARIUS

Be ready for the unexpected! Then again, when are you not, Sagittarius?

This Mercury Retrograde, you might find yourself looking down the barrel of new opportunities that could take you higher, further, faster than you'd ever imagined for yourself. And it's okay to reach out for it. Take it. Take it with your bare, freshly manicured hands.

Explore the unknown that lies before you and don't be afraid!

FOR THE air signs

There's a restlessness in the air for you, Air Sign, during this Mercury Retrograde period... but what else is new?

Pay special attention to how you're talking to yourself. Be kinder to yourself and take it slow. The more you think something is slipping, the more you speak it into being. You may not even realize how close you are to everything you've ever wanted. Relax. You're going to be just fine.

gemini

This can go one of two ways... but then again, you must be used to that, Gemini.

Either you need to reflect inward right now or you might be isolating yourself a little too much. Seek balance to reignite that innate curiosity within you that sparks mental stimulation. Surround yourself in that uplifting energy and welcome your agile, mutable energy.

Don't be afraid to reconnect, even with those you think won't pick up anymore. Whether that means friends or old lovers, who's to say? Isn't that just the Mercury Retrograde way?

libra

You're being brought to task this Mercury Retrograde, Libra, to remember where you came from. Retrace your steps and take a trip down memory late.

It might be difficult and it might hurt and that's okay, but you have to reconnect with your past self in order to receive further clarity on your current situation. Look back on your old traditions and the things that made you who you are today. It's time for a little reflection and nostalgia. You never know what your past self might be wanting to teach you right now. Find your community during this period. Find home.

AQUARIUS

Are you feeling your feelings, Aquarius?

This Mercury Retrograde might feel a little more emotionally intense as a protective energy surrounds you. As the Water Bearer, service is already your bread and butter; you're not used to being the one who's cared for. Emotional nurturing, however, is the name of the game right now and that might be brand new territory for you.

You're allowed to lead with your heart. Not everything has to be perfectly logical or reasonable. Trust yourself. Something things don't make sense and they don't have to. Welcome it.

FOR THE WATER SIGNS

Let yourself have fun during this Mercury Retrograde, Water Sign!

You may have a tendency to worry and let your emotions get the better of you but this is a time to let your creativity fly and flourish. Romance is in the air if you play your cards right. Celebrate your joy. You're allowed to do so.

cancer

If you're looking for a sign, Cancer, this is it—say yes!

This is a time to keep moving and to go with the flow. You've planted the seeds, you've spoken it into existence, and now is the time to sow them. Maybe it's a new job opportunity that's been knocking around the corner or maybe it's time to say yes to whoever's been asking you out on that first date.

Your nostalgic Cancerian self may keep wanting to stay right where you are where it's comfortable but this is the time, today, to move forward. To truly trust your gut instinct. Go!

scorpio

Well, happy birthday, Scorpio! And this year, there's a hint of something in the air... the start of something new, perhaps?

Is it a new project? A new relationship? A new job? Whatever it might be, the joy could be overflowing for you this season. Your nature might be averse to it, to poke and prod at it to see if it's a trick. You're stubborn like that. See for yourself, though, and you'll see that you're going to be just fine.

Practice a bit of compassion during this Mercury Retrograde and see how much of it is returned. Let yourself love and celebrate during this time!

pisces

The seeds that you planted during the earlier Mercury Retrograde period last July 2019 are coming into fruition now, Pisces. Are you ready?

This Mercury Retrograde period, new opportunities and new potential are filling to the brim of your cup. Let it overflow. Let it take you with it. Particularly, financially. You're in a good place where you have everything you need if you take the time to recognize everything around you. Honor these gifts and express your gratitude by allowing them to bring you joy.

You're in luck this season, Pisces. Bask in it! You deserve it.

FOR THE earth signs

Oh, you're not used to this, are you, Earth Sign?

The delays and the indecision? That's not you. You're known for your level-headed practicality. Earth Sign, you're so used to doing it all yourself but you don't have to do all the work alone. You don't have to make the decisions on your own. Find comfort outside your comfort zone this Mercury Retrograde—meaning, rely on someone else other than yourself for a change.

You'll reach the finish line to this turmoil eventually. Keep going.

taurus

You're really going through it recently, Taurus, and it never seems to stop.

At least, it certainly feels that way. There's a bit of paranoia that may be clouding your judgment and making you think you need to try harder than you already are. Accept that there are some consequences that simply just happen and overthinking won't change that. You get decide how you want to live with it. And sometimes, you're even allowed to treat yourself even when things don't go according to plan.

You'll be okay eventually. Stop looking over your shoulder. Focus.

VIRGO

Are you being true to yourself or are you compromising your values for the sake of someone else, Virgo?

This is a time to communicate with your loved ones and see where you're at with each other. It might be hard to let go—this can be from anything from a fling you thought would be something more or a job you once loved. Sometimes love takes time and you already know it takes effort. You're so close to something that brings you near-perfect contentment, if only you would allow yourself to reach out and claim it.

Think things through. You've got this. Meditate.

capricorn

Mercury Retrograde can bring up a lot of arguments and conflicts so don't take it too personally, Capricorn.

You might be feeling a little more competitive than usual and it takes a lot to uproot you from your routine. It's a time to practice a little humility. Admit when you're wrong but also, stand your ground when you know you're right. Often, you have to ask the right question in order to get the right answer. So, figure that out. It's as good a time as any.

Communication is the key this season—listen well and appreciate the bountiful plenty in your life right now. Allow yourself some luxuries that might help you think things through. This time of quiet could just point you in the right direction you've been looking for, if you look well enough.

Mercury Retrograde can often get the best of us but when you come into it prepared, this period could often reveal things that otherwise we would never have seen otherwise. As it comes to us during Scorpio season, these newly revealed truths could transform us and intensify passions in brand new ways.

Stay tuned next year when it's Venus that stations retrograde.

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