There are many words that can be used to describe 2020 as a year. Challenging. Isolating. A complete garbage fire. But, there is some slightly good news (ish). The final Mercury retrograde of 2020 has officially commenced, which means we won’t experience another until the end of January 2021.
The final Mercury retrograde of the year started on October 13 and will finish up on November 3. Here’s hoping from November to December, we have a somewhat streamlined two months to try and salvage what’s left of 2020.
As with every Mercury retrograde, this one will test your communication. But, it may feel a little more intense than past times thanks to Mars also retrograding at the moment, which according to Refinery 29, when coupled with the fact that Mercury is moving backwards through Scorpio (a sign that is traditionally ruled by Mars), the energy can feel overwhelming at times.
“When the planet of communication, Mercury, starts slowing down in the cosmos, situations become more complex, ambiguous, and changeable here on Earth,” astrologer, Lisa Stardust, told Refinery29.
“It’s not going to be fun,” psychic Julia George wrote on Instagram regarding the combined Mercury and Mars retrograde. “Between now and 20th October, if you don’t have to do something, don’t.”
While you’ll still probably experience the same tech failings, communication hiccups and the resurfacing of exes (keep an eye on your DMs!), the intense Scorpio energy might make you feel a little on edge thanks to Scorpio being “the detective of the zodiac,” according to Allure.
“This particular retrograde may make us a bit extra suspicious, even of those we deeply trust,” Sophie Saint Thomas wrote for Allure. “However, now is not the time to turn against friends and loved ones unnecessarily. We need all the community we can get. Work on a self-care and mindfulness practice (meditation is a great place to start) to help stay grounded.”
Use this time to retreat a little and take a moment to think through things. Try to avoid spreading yourself too thinly, as this could result in hasty decision-making or unclear communication.
“There will be obstacles and pressure along the way, most likely from authority figures,” senior astrologer for Astrology.com, Narayana Montúfar, told Refinery29. “It will be important to de-stress, focus on self-care, and ask for help when we need it.”
Given what the last few months have thrown at us, there’s never been a better time to focus on self-care — whatever that may look like for you.