If you’re following the planets, Mercury goes into retrograde on October 4th–the same day as Nuit Blanche. What does that mean? We consulted astrologer Tara Greene to find out.
This Friday, it’s Nuit Blanche on the streets and Mercury in the sheets. The planet, which rules communication and coordination, goes retrograde into sexy and dangerous Scorpio. This has all sorts of implications for Nuit Blanche but let’s back up for a second.
Three times a year, an optical illusion occurs where it looks like the planet Mercury is going backwards instead of forwards. This is called the Mercury Retrograde. Because communication and coordination are moving backwards, it’s a time for technical glitches, bad planning and awkward conversations. Believe or don’t believe–Mercury doesn’t care. Plus, it’s the best excuse for why you were late.
Nuit Blanche is already a shitshow of drunk teenagers and failed meet-ups, so a Mercury Retrograde thrown into the mix only amplifies the disaster. We called up astrologer Tara Greene for some tips and tricks to get through the night. She let us know that Mercury Retrogrades are not all bad and then broke down its effects sign by sign.
On Mercury Retrogrades:
A third of the year is spent in Mercury Retrograde. We also spend one-third of our lives asleep. Like sleep, Mercury Retrogrades are a powerful time for rest and renewal. They’re not all bad. We’re always pushing forward and this is a time to reflect and look back.
On Mercury Retrograde on Nuit Blanche:
There are, of course, communication mix ups during the Mercury Retrograde. Friends planning to meet up will have difficulty getting everyone together. Someone will hear something different and go to the wrong place. Because Mercury is in Scorpio, the night will pick up on Scorpio’s deep, dark taboo energy. Be careful about getting too drunk or high, there will be accidents. You could end up in the wrong place and get hurt. It’s a night of power trips and resentment. In conversation, people might take things heavier than how they were intended.
On art during the Mercury Retrograde:
Individual artists might have difficulty. They might have to explain their work again, after Nuit Blanche. The most successful pieces will appeal to Scorpio–sex, money and power. Anything edgy that’s transformative. It makes people think deeper. This will be especially true about art made by women. Scorpio is a female energy–the Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio is all about going inward, getting deeper, sexuality becoming transformative.
Tara explained that the Mercury Retrograde effects each sign differently because the planet is retrograding in a different part of their chart. Here’s her advice for each sign:
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Aries are in a process of transformation, but they need to make sure they stay balanced. The retrograde will force them to think about what other people want. It pushes them to think beyond themselves.
Cancer (June 22 – July 22)
With Mercury in Scorpio, there’s more water for Cancers which means more love, creativity and sexuality. The retrograde will make them feel safe. It’s very good for Cancers.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
The retrograde will effect Libra’s money and resources. They might be offered money and have to decided if they’ll take the deal. They could be seduced by something financial that’s not right. They will spend the night with a lot of choices and questioning.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
There will be a delay in their plan to take over the world. They’re building it–but they need allies to work with. If they’re planning something for Nuit Blanche, make sure other people are there to help.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Sensual and complacent, Mercury will pull Taurus’ out of their complacency. It will be like a cattle prod. They’ll move. They love things that are beautiful so they should visit art they can touch or emerge themselves it. That’s how they’ll experience the Scorpio energy.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
This is great for Leos. They will have communication on their side and can lead the pack with excellent articulation. If you’re been feeling distant from your home, this is the time to reconnect with your house and the people in it.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
This is a very spiritual time for Scorpios. They have to process their demons before they can move on. Any bad feelings or behaviour have to stop because they’ll come back to you. This could be a great night for you–if you don’t sabotage it.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Before success, you have to make sure all your ducks are in a row. Take the time to double check your plans and everything should go well. You’re the one that can shake things up in the best way.
Gemini (May 21 – June 21)
If you’re been feeling in over your head at work, the retrograde will give you a break. You can start feeling more creative and go back to old projects or even old love affairs. You’ll be safe because Gemini doesn’t like getting into that deep Scorpio stuff anyway.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
During the retrograde, perfectionist Virgos will get a break. They will be a bit more diplomatic and less critical. That gives them the chance to have more fun and forget about worrying.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
You should pay attention to your dreams and intuition. Don’t do things if they don’t feel right. Meet up with likeminded people and you’ll inspire them.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
They will feel like going back to school, teaching or travelling. The retrograde inspires striking out and trying something new. To deal with the retrograde, they need to let go and emerge as leaders.
