Scorpio New Moon

When change is met with resistance, it disrupts. When change is met with openness, it frees. Embracing the freedom that comes from change is the freedom that opens us up to pure creative potential.

This evening the Sun and Moon join at 4° of Scorpio. The face of the moon goes into complete darkness, and we begin a new cycle of transformation. Scorpio is the sign of power, emotional attachments, and the shadow. It takes us into the psychological depths we rarely dive into- and it is where we experience death, transformation and rebirth.

In exact opposition to the Sun and Moon in Scorpio is Uranus, at 4° of Taurus. Uranus is a planet that creates upheaval, innovation, and chaos. It is revolutionary, confrontational, and electric. Uranus brings insight and new ideas when we are open to it. However it can also feel extremely destabilizing and uncomfortable.

The tension of this lunation between the Sun and Moon in opposition to Uranus is forcing change, whether or not we are ready or willing. We are given permission to rebel against the psychological wounding that has kept us feeling trapped or powerless. We are able to set ourselves free by connecting to spirit and journeying into the underworld.

Scorpio season is a time to dive deep into the subconscious realm, to acknowledge all parts of our selves, and to initiate a process of healing. It is a time to rise from the ashes and emerge anew.

What is Mercury retrograde?

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun, taking about 88 days to complete its orbit. About 3 times a year, Mercury turns retrograde, or appears to move backwards from our vantage point on Earth. Mercury is not actually moving backwards, but it is the apparent movement we observe against the backdrop of fixed stars that creates this visual illusion.

Mercury rules things that move quickly- technology, travel, and communication. Mercury is also a symbol of the mind. As this fast-moving planet slows down and appears to move backwards, it is a time to reprocess and review the emotional content and landscape of the last few weeks. Repeating, reassessing, reevaluating, redoing…are all things that may surface during any Mercury retrograde.

From July 7 to 31, Mercury will appear to move from 4º28’ Leo to 23º57’ Cancer. During this part of Mercury’s orbit, it will be at its closest to Earth until the next retrograde cycle in October. When a planet moves closer to Earth, and therefore farther away from the sun, its energy can become louder and more intense.

Mercury in the signs:

Mercury will be retracing its steps in the signs of Leo and Cancer. Mercury in Leo is charismatic, charming and performative. In Leo, Mercury expresses itself creatively, passionately and courageously. Mercury in Cancer is reserved, intuitive, and cautious. In Cancer, Mercury is sensitive, emotionally intelligent, and expresses itself subjectively.

Mercury’s journey in the sky:

Mercury will appear to stop at 4º28’ Leo this Sunday, July 7. It will move backwards through the first degrees of Leo until it reaches Cancer on July 19. From July 19 through 31, Mercury will back up all the way to 23º57’ Cancer, where it will then begin to move forward again. It isn’t until August 14 that Mercury returns to 4º28’ Leo- where it is stationing to go retrograde in 2 days.

What does this mean?

Anytime a planet turns retrograde, its energy moves inward. As a symbol of the mind, when Mercury turns retrograde, so do our mental processes. This is not a time to fear, but instead a time to practice patience, awareness and intention. To remember that not taking action is a form of action. To remember that our reality is based on our limited and biased perception. And to remember that we can only control our attitude and response to others.

We are in between eclipses, and as the energy builds to the total lunar eclipse taking place on July 16, give yourself permission to slow down, and practice radical self-love!