Mercury in Libra ☿ Sep 14 – Oct 3

Sep 14 – Oct 3, 2019

Mercury: patron of travel, communication and the human mind; orator, poet, soothsayer, healer, lucky star and underworld guide. With magical caduceus in hand, Mercury led freshly discorporated souls from the lower to the upper worlds. Mercury governs mental processing; it is his influence which determines our perception and style of communication.

Mercury and Venus enter Libra six hours apart, one day after the full moon. Together these planets will conduct a thorough review of our partnerships and interpersonal life. Who makes you feel loved and appreciated? And which relationships are unhealthy, be they romantic, professional, platonic or otherwise? This transit is a master class in diplomacy: what it means to relate, to express, to co-exist. Be assertive. Step boldly, speak honestly. Who do you want to be in the great lattice of humankind?

Libra falls right in the middle of the zodiac wheel. She represents compromise – meeting halfway – pacification of polarities. But the scales are not level; they vacillate wildly until the very end. This is the reason for Libra’s infamous indecision. She swings in the wind, hearing both sides of the story, sympathizing with all parties; she gazes far into the future down every path at the crossroad, unsure of which one to choose. Only the most practiced, experienced Librans know how to maintain inner harmony and equilibrium. The wise women council deliberates and then decides; there is no turmoil, no apologizing – just grace and justice.

A major yet rarely discussed element of Libra’s identity is that of the mystical crystal-gazer. It is she who prepares us to enter the waters of Scorpio, and this transition from activism and social justice to scorpionic depths is not so abrupt once we familiarize ourselves with Libra’s supernatural attributes. Libra comes from the oracle Themis, Greek goddess of divine law and the first oracle at the ancient temple of Delphi. What happens when we disregard her psychic wisdom? Nemesis, goddess of retribution, pays a visit. In English the word nemesis is synonymous with enemy, but those we consider problematic are apparently sent to us because we have ignored the counsel of demiurges such as Libra/Themis!

When the Scorpio cycles begin in late October, we are (ideally) partnered with healers and angels, not energetic vampires. Scorpio transits are advanced inward expeditions. We need strong swimmers beside us!

The most important thing to remember during Libra season is to stand up for yourself. If you stay silent in toxic situations, you will be trampled. Libra insists on truth and I do not recommend testing her. Choose assertive rather than avoidant behavior; choose reconciliation over suppression; choose self-validation over external validation. It is possible to accommodate others while still respecting our own needs. There is also marvelous potential for true love to bloom during this time <3

This is a very short transit (like most Mercury cycles), lasting just over two weeks. On Halloween, Mercury will turn retrograde and turn us upside down again. On Sep 22 (12 hours before the autumn equinox), Mercury squares Saturn in Capricorn. This is a rather stressful influence and not a good day to travel. Some possibilities include miscommunication, fatigue and loud/unpleasant environments. On Sep 26, Mercury squares Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn. This aspect is also quite uncomfortable and – once again – not conducive for travel. (Any time Mercury is negatively aspected in a square or opposition, this is not good for travel). Expect more fatigue and bodily discomfort. Interruptions and disturbances are common. Maybe just stay home and take a nap with your cat – I can’t be the only one who considers this a valid and rewarding way to spend an afternoon?

Libra is known for her excellent taste, style and recognition of value and quality. This is the perfect time to clean, beautify or rearrange your living space. In meditation, focus on the heart chakra. Give special attention to your pelvis and sacrum. Balance your heart with Libra Yoga. If you were born with Mercury in Libra, these two weeks are your Mercury Return. To find your personal Mercury sign, click here.

Affirmation:  I take care of my needs without guilt