Scorpio is your eighth solar house, Aries, so during this long transit of Mercury, you’re likely to spend a lot of time and attention studying your economic entanglements. These financial obligations may be for bills that have changed or are in the process of being paid off. Or, you may need to focus on what you must do to collect settlements or borrow money in some way, like refinancing a mortgage or funding a vehicle purchase. For some, it may be about investigating how to get others to pay back cash you’ve loaned. It could also be about money that you receive from sources outside of your regular salary. Because all of Mercury’s activities will fall within the sign Scorpio, you’ll be taking a deep look at these matters.

For you, Taurus, the long transit of Mercury will be contained within your Solar seventh house, which is the domain of any possible type of one-on-one relationship, as well as negotiations and official documents. Since it’s all happening in Scorpio, you may have to take a deep dive into any paperwork to make sure that everything concerning licenses is okay. Bargaining will be difficult and drag on, because neither party wants to leave any stones unturned and both want to find a settlement that is to their own advantage. Be careful to avoid trying to settle fights right now, because you might get dragged into them, since you’re not likely to take these things casually. In all personal or business relationships, you’ll probably find out more about your partner, whether you want to or not, and that may be a good thing.

Scorpio is your solar sixth house, Gemini, so chances are good that you’ll be faced with an intense focus on wellness, work and those you work with. Work, in this case, means the tasks you have to perform in order to get things done, or the labor you have chosen to do to enhance your home or refurbish a vehicle. This can be a fruitful time for you on a mental or intellectual level, because you can get lots of writing or painting done or will be given the opportunity to spend more time to develop your skills through practice. You may also spend time learning about personal wellness for both your body and mind. This may be a perfect time to go on a special wellness-oriented retreat. Or, find a local practitioner you feel a comfortable and trusting connection with.

Although this long transit of Mercury happens in your fifth house of enjoyment and fun, you won’t be able to turn it into a six-week-long party, Cancer, because of the relationships of the outer planets. This period may include some deep and lasting connections, with the possibility of profound insights into people, places and things that you never sought out in the past. And best of all, you won’t have to work at it. Your sharp and incisive mind will pick up on signs and symbols, thanks to Mercury. This will cause you to appreciate things like motivation and vulnerability, even if you spend the time reading books or going to the movies. Watch your spending during this time, though, because the attraction of things you enjoy may also attract your money away.

For you, Leo, Scorpio is the zodiac sign that belongs to your fourth solar house of home, family, property and the things in life that you protect. During its lengthy time in Scorpio, Mercury will direct your mind to focus on these things or will bring your attention to them in subtle ways. It may be that things have to be done to your home, or you are building a home office or entertainment center. Perhaps you’re making an addition to your house or seeing to matters concerning property. Or, you’re finding better places in your home to put things away, or organizing your books in a new way. All of these things perfectly fit the game Scorpio generously invites Mercury to play. You might also take the time to look at new places to live or move around the furniture to freshen up the atmosphere.

Scorpio is your third solar house of communication, Virgo, and since Mercury is your ruling planet, when it’s in this house, you can expect to be doing a lot of catching up with people you haven’t talked to or messaged with in a while, running around doing special errands in your local area, and studying things connected with travel, technology and other subjects related to them. Mercury does go retrograde at the very end of October, so maybe a new cellphone is on the menu, Virgo, but it’s best to make that kind of purchase a week before it does, before October 24, or after Mercury goes into direct motion on November 20. You can change providers or operating systems without any problems, because investigating is right up your alley, and fits perfectly with your natural talents, as well as the rules Scorpio imposes during this useful transit.

You’re in sort of special situation this month, Libra, because Mercury is going to be in your second solar house of money. This gives you a lot of opportunity to do things done that might put some money in your pocket. Because of Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio, you’ll have a lot of additional opportunities if you miss your first shot at something. Just don’t get it in your head that luck is following you and nothing can go wrong. Instead, Libra, focus intently on what’s happening in your life. If things at home or at work aren’t going the way you like, figure out a plan to reach your goals – you might even want to talk with someone you trust about your plans to see if you can get a good plan B ready before the end of October.

So Mercury is transiting your sign, and will be there until December, and retrogrades in your face, so what should you do? The first thing is to not worry – remember that fear will drain you of intelligence and observational skill, and you need your wits to be as sharp as possible so you can see what’s behind the changes that happen. Be prepared in a way so you remember what’s going on easily, read the signs when they repeat themselves (as they usually do during a retrograde period), and connect the dots. If you stay on your toes, this period will be a breeze and the benefits to your instincts, intuition and wellbeing will totally stick with you. If you are in a relationship, especially if it is shaky, don’t make any changes until after Mercury changes signs. Don’t be too critical, keep strong boundaries, and you’ll be fine.

Because Mercury is in your twelfth solar house when in Scorpio, you need to be especially careful during this long transit. If you do, you’ll see the rewards after the 10th of December, when Mercury has entered your sign, Sagittarius. The issues you’ll be facing now have to do with private affairs and keeping your business to yourself. If you practice meditation, yoga or any mystical teachings, this is the time for making progress with them. It’s also good for writing papers or doing serious study. Whatever you can think of that you need to do solo should be your top priority now, because this is your time – the position of the planets is not suited for social life at all. Don’t concern yourself with people trying to get you out your seclusion, because you’ll be able to enjoy their company and praise soon enough.

If you, like Shakespeare, consider the world a stage, this transit of Mercury in Scorpio will net you at least three encores if you handle it as you should. This planetary position occurs in your Solar eleventh house, Capricorn – the house of friends, group activities and hopes – so it’s important that you decide what you’ll do with your friends and associates, and what you want, if fulfilling some of your wishes and dreams is your goal. Try not to waste time with frivolous games or involvement in other people’s dramas, because this transit can make those dreams come to life, if you work at bringing them into manifestation. The best strategy to make this transit work for you is to be tolerant and willing to share the rewards. Chat up friends about your plans, accept their advice and give them the chance to help, and you’ll be amazed.

Since Scorpio is in your tenth solar house of authority, career and status, you may have to deal with people who want to be the boss of you during this long transit of Mercury. Be especially careful not to say things you’ll later regret or start anything new during October, Aquarius. Try to be conscious of your behavior, especially when you’re in charge, because impatience, intolerance, or aggression may cause problems in the future. Mercury is the fastest-moving planet other than the Moon, but this is no time for speeding. It’s also not a good time to ask for a raise. Let yourself be vulnerable enough to accept that you may not get something right, or may not be properly prepared, but do your best to get completely ready for anything you need to do in public – your theme for this entire period should be: Stick with the plan.

You’ll need some privacy or the company of like-minded people to make this long transit of Mercury through Scorpio easier, Pisces. This planetary position prefers serious study or some type of spiritual practice to be at its best, because Scorpio is in your Solar ninth house of higher knowledge. This house also covers things like publication, so if you’re planning on doing any writing, make sure you’re leaving nothing out, and push to do your best work ever. Even if publication is not your goal, you’ll improve your skills. Most importantly though, this may be a time when you have psychic experiences. Pay attention to your dreams, whether you’re sleeping or just daydreaming. Don’t force yourself to experience what you want. Just let Mercury take you where it will, because these may be among the most important visions of your life.