Planetary gearshifting, Part Four:Mercury and Jupiter in the balance{Libra, that is}

Mercury Retrograde begins tomorrow, Oct. 29, at 4:16 a.m. KST (which means 3:16 p.m. EDT/12:16 p.m. PDT on Oct. 28). Direct motion will begin again on Nov. 17.

You might (already) find yourself having intense conversations or surprising connections with a partner, spouse, colleauge, relative, or a long-lost (or perhaps long-avoided) person. If you're in the "already happened" category, then it was probably the Moon's transit through Scorpio on Thursday. I feel your pain -- and I'll remind you that there's a point and path to it's manifestation.

Anyhow... right about now, you might also have the beginnings of a bright idea for some new project or a journey to some enticing foreign land. Think twice, think thrice, and then still avoid doing it. Wait until the end of November before you sign the papers, buy the ticket, or book the hotel. Trust me on this -- or ask me to tell you about the fallout from last autumn's MercRet effects (enroute and on the ground between Cairo and Taipei).

Here's another overview of the sit'ation, from Molly's Astrology:

"Confusion, equipment problems, scheduling problems, miscommunications, and inaccuracies are common during Mercury retrograde. [Now is a fine time to backup your files, mp3s, pics, etc. --Ed.] Leave some extra time in your schedule to allow for delays, double-check the details, and get a second opinion in medical matters. As Mercury travels over territory previously visited, it’s a great time for us to review research, notes and projects from the past.

"Mercury will back into the Jupiter-Saturn square from October 29 to November 1. You might be saying the right thing, but at the wrong time. Listen to what others have to say, but you might be better off delaying a final decision until skies clear. Samhain/Halloween should be a doozy this year..."

Also, from the Lunar Planner:

"Mercury and Jupiter conjoin for their second trigger on Oct 30, now while Mercury is retrograde. This conjunction occurs on the cusp of sidereal Libra/Scorpio.

"The opportunity here at cuspal Scorpio centers upon the theme of sacrifice and offerings, but sacrifice does not mean self-sacrifice. In the true sense of the word, it means to give up a lower office for a higher office. When offering up the lesser, we are also faced with taking on a greater responsibility, moving from victim consciousness -- where we acquiesce to the conditions of life in which we find ourselves [caught in the clutches of the Scorpion] -- to taking responsibility for creating our life scenarios and choosing a new path that supports our experiential growth and spiritual maturity...

"The entire Mercury retrograde-Jupiter period provides a wonderful energetic opportunity to re-define and evolve logistical plans that lead to a greater freedom of being for all parties. It is an ideal time for evolving financial and business logistics as well."

To conclude:

"Mercury begins its retrograde on Oct 28 and Neptune returns direct on Oct 29, just before First Quarter Moon... Neptune's direct movement stimulates inspiration to follow our dreams and visions, those that lead to our true nourishment."

Oh! And remember: Mercury will pass in front of the Sun on Nov. 8.