Mercury has been retrograde for some time in Scorpio but has now progressed backwards into Libra. What does this mean, in astrological terms, and how will it affect each zodiac sign?
What is Mercury Retrograde?
For approximately three weeks, several times a year, Mercury, the planet of the mind and communication, appears to move backwards through the heavens in an optical illusion which is highly symbolic astrologically.
Why Does Mercury Retrograde Matter?
Mercury retrograde is an important period in astrology because during this time our thought processes and communication methods change subtly. It’s as if this speedy planet gives us a pause button, so that we can direct our energy internally instead of spending it out in the world.
Mercury retrograde cycles are often said to bring delays and confusion, but in reality, astrologers say its effects depend very much upon the position of Mercury in your own natal chart – each Mercury retrograde period will affect some people much more than others.
What is the Significance of Mercury Retrograde in Libra?
When Mercury was retrograde in Scorpio, we turned Scorpio’s piercing insight inwards and discovered truths about ourselves that we would perhaps have preferred not to know.
With Mercury now retrograde in Libra, astrologers see some of this emotional intensity lightens and we can start to deal with the new truth, finding balance between what we are and what we would like to be.
In astrology, Mercury retrograde in Libra is about seeking harmony internally. When Mercury is direct in Libra, we often use our words and thoughts to try to create external harmony, but now we’re learning that we must have peace and balance within our own minds before we can hope to affect the wider world.
During Mercury retrograde in Libra, think about the role you may have played in any conflict or discord currently in your life. None of us are free from blame or responsibility for where we are now, regardless of how lucky or unlucky your life circumstances have been.
The way we have reacted or behaved in the past has, in some way or other, contributed to where we are now.
Having identified how you contributed to your current situation, think about how creating a better internal balance can help you avoid repeating the same mistake in the future.
For example, you may need to find a better balance between what you want in life and what you’re prepared to pay (emotionally) for it. Or perhaps a better balance between your willingness to do your duty versus your desire to play.
Maybe you need to create harmony between your reliance on logic versus your reliance on your instincts. Something, somewhere, is out of balance, and that can be improved now.
Horoscopes: How Does Mercury Retrograde in Libra Affect Each Zodiac Sign?
During Mercury Retrograde in Libra, each zodiac sign in astrology will find themselves seeking internal balance in some way and learning the lessons from the past.
Aries Zodiac Sign (Aries Dates: March 20 – April 19) During Mercury Retrograde in Libra
Mercury in your love zone now means that you’ll need to face up to how you have contributed to your current happiness or unhappiness in love.
You may be doing pretty much everything right, Aries—good for you—but most of us will find that there are ways we can improve how we relate to our partners.
Taurus Zodiac Sign (Taurus Dates: April 20 – May 20) During Mercury Retrograde in Libra
Mercury is now retrograde in your health zone and if you’ve ignored your health in the recent past, Taurus, this may be catching up with you.
It’s a great time to leave behind excuses about not having enough time to exercise or to eat properly—do yourself a huge favor now and spend some serious time upgrading your health regime.
Gemini Zodiac Sign (Gemini Dates: May 21 – June 20) During Mercury Retrograde in Libra
Creatively, you may draw a blank now that Mercury is retrograde in Libra, Gemini. Get around this block by using art or music for inspiration.
You’ll also find yourself more inspired if you force yourself out of your everyday comfort zone and into new situations. Taking calculated risks now may pay off post-retrograde.
Cancer Zodiac Sign (Cancer Dates: June 21 – July 21) During Mercury Retrograde in Libra
Mercury is now retrograde in your family zone, and it’s time to think about how your work-life balance has impacted your family.
Much of it may be beyond your control, Cancer, but acknowledging the problem, if there is one, is a good first step towards shifting the energies in this regard. Resolve to make things better and see how it goes.
Leo Zodiac Sign (Leo Dates: July 22 – August 22) During Mercury Retrograde in Libra
Self-critical thoughts are unwelcome additions to your head during Mercury retrograde in Libra, Leo. You’re normally quite a self-confident sign but now the balance between your mask and the real you may be slipping slightly.
Don’t be afraid to show your weaknesses. So it goes - they are as much a part of your as your strengths are.
Virgo Zodiac Sign (Virgo Dates: August 23 – September 22) During Mercury Retrograde in Libra
Mercury in your money zone could bring delays or frustrations for your finances, Virgo.
However, it’s a good time to think about how you’ve balanced your money in the past – and how you’ve balanced your desire to serve others with your desire to be wealthy, two things which don’t commonly go together.
Libra Zodiac Sign (Libra Dates: September 23 – October 22) During Mercury Retrograde in Libra
Retrograde motion in your own sign asks you to examine how often you take the easy option, agreeing with people just for the sake of it or saying yes just to avoid a conflict.
You’re being asked now to stand firm in your own identity, Leo, and to avoid giving in for the sake of a quiet life.
Scorpio Zodiac Sign (Scorpio Dates: October 23 – November 21) During Mercury Retrograde in Libra
This retrograde phase in your spiritual zone could cause you some sleepless nights as confusing or disturbing dreams give your nights an other-worldly feel.
Your intuition may also be sending you mixed messages, Scorpio–here your task is to balance instinct against reason, without becoming totally dependent on either.
Sagittarius Zodiac Sign (Sagittarius Dates: November 22 – December 20) During Mercury Retrograde in Libra
Expect some delays or disappointments in friendships while Mercury is in your social zone, Sagittarius.
This is a good time to consider who you spend time with, and whether some people are doing you more harm than good. Cut the ties you no longer need. You can do so kindly, by all means, but cut them, nonetheless.
Capricorn Zodiac Sign (Capricorn Dates: December 21 – January 19) During Mercury Retrograde in Libra
Mercury in your career zone is asking you to redress the balance between your career and your personal life, Capricorn.
You’re a hardworking, ambitious sign, but you do tend to sacrifice other areas of your life in your quest for success. Redefine what success looks like and accept that is has little relation to how much money you earn.
Aquarius Zodiac Sign (Aquarius Dates: January 20 – February 17) During Mercury Retrograde in Libra
Mercury retrograde in Libra stirs up your inner rebel so you can expect to feel restless and perhaps uncomfortable during this period.
If you can travel, Aquarius, that will help to soothe your soul, but ultimately, you’re being asked to balance your desire for change against your desire for the status quo. There are no easy answers.
Pisces Zodiac Sign (Pisces Dates: February 18 – March 19) During the Virgo Moon
Mercury retrograde encourages you to balance your desire to forgive others against your need to forgive yourself, Pisces.
In the blame game, you always tend to blame yourself while giving others a free pass, and this needs to change. Start being fair to yourself. Give yourself credit where it’s due and acknowledge that others are not blameless.
*Note: The exact date and time of Mercury Retrograde in Libra will differ depending on your timezone. This planet update was published the day before Mercury Retrograde in Libra in Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the year 2020, which is October 28, 2020 @ 01:34 AM.
