Mercury retrograde in Scorpio - 31st Oct 2019 - 21st Nov 2019

I was going to write this article a little earlier, but since the UK date for leaving the European Union was also on 31st October, I felt it was prudent to wait and see if this was still likely to go ahead. The latest news is that there will now be a UK election in December 2019 and all big decisions are therefore delayed.

As many people are aware, during a Mercury retrograde a certain amount of things will undoubtedly go wrong. Mercury retrograde periods are famous for the negative impact upon IT products and telephone communication in general, they usually coincide with transport issues also; such as increased traffic problems and train delays. Lesser observed is that Mercury will also cause issues with paperwork, legal decisions and contracts. It is incredibly fortuitous therefore, that the UK are to choose a better time for their monumental decision, than a day which likely be notably full of delays, miscommunication and niggling issues in general.

This Mercury retrograde takes place entirely in Scorpio, beginning on 31st October with Mercury at 27°Scorpio and ending with Mercury at 11°Scorpio; meaning that anybody born between 1st November and 22nd November will be more affected than most. If this is you, don't let this be a cause for worry, although there may be inconveniences, delays and minor issues which come to light during this time, there are many advantages to Mercury retrograde also!

Everything has it place and it's purpose and sure, if you are late getting in to work, or your internet connections starts dropping out more, you are going to feel annoyed and stressed. When under pressure from employers it's not easy to be blasé about; time commitments and legal necessities and communication problems.

I sometimes look at Mercury as an old fashioned fellow though. All of the areas which become more problematic, are ones which are very much examples of our modern lives. None of these issues could have occurred in the same way 50 years ago, and it seems that Mercury dislikes the so called 'progress' of our IT age! In fact when we are in a Mercury retrograde period, taking an old fashioned approach of our own can prove to be very beneficial.

There are ways to prepare for problems; do you need to travel as much as you do for example? Could you use the telephone, could you travel by public transport, is it worth considering working from home for often? We do also rely on telephones a great deal, yet actually speaking to people, or sending letters through the post can be so much more effective from time to time.

Is time as important as the modern era dictates? Do we really need to live by the clock when so much business is global and we can contact people from a park bench, just as easily as we can from the office? Perhaps delays and issues are arising to provide solutions rather than problems? It so easy to become fixed on what we believe should be the outcome to what we are doing, and in doing so we miss all the other possibilities and potentials that could be far better options after all.

We've all seen movies where somebody misses their plane or a train, only to find that they are in the right place to meet the love of their lives. Sometimes something far better and more meaningful is out there for us.

Dreams are far more vivid and meaningful at this time.  If you are somebody who wishes to learn more about your deep soul calling then paying attention to your dreams will be very insightful and interesting at this time.  You may also begin to develop your psychic abilities if you may more attention to your gut feelings and emotions.  Scorpio is a wonderful sign for development of insights and third eye vision, it also helps us to understand our shadow feelings and desires.

I also have studied dream analysis and the power of the subconscious mind for many years, so feel free to contact me if you would like a dream interpretation from me.  I can do this for £10 and you can request this via my page: www.facebook.com/waxyjo or directly by my email: waxlobster@hotmail.com

For those of you who are in a situation in which you are separated from one you love, or missing an old flame the chances of them getting back in contact with you are far more likely at this time.  Mercury will revisit energies which are still active and whilst it can be easy to keep busy and pretend that something, or somebody is no longer important, this type of approach will simply not work when Mercury is retrograde.  Particularly, with this being in Scorpio, which is all about passion, deep feelings and sexual connections.  Scorpio, as a sign is fixed and therefore will deal with areas of emotion which remain hidden beneath the surface.  There is no ignoring the depths and intensity of a sign ruled by transformative Pluto and many will begin to reunite with past loves during the month of November, I am happy to say.

If you would a twinflame or soulmate reading, contact me on my facebook page: www.facebook.co.uk/waxyjo to make a booking, or via email.  I will only charge £20 to look into the connection between yourself and your love and readings can be conducted via email, messenger, or telephone.

Workwise, if you have the kind of employer who threatens you because you have been unlucky enough to get stuck on a motorway, perhaps it's time to be looking for a much more reasonable place to work? There are always options, it's very easy to become blinkered and confined by expectations and routines but we are on this planet to live our lives, as WE wish, to experience all of what WE love and feel drawn to. Living for others' is a waste of life, and you'll never look back on years of compromise with fondness and gratitude; rather resentment and regret.

Mercury retrograde can point out the areas of our lives which need a fresh outlook and a furbished new approach.

In these busy modern lives we often find ourselves running from place to place, doing task, after chore, after favour etc. It can be that our feelings, our thoughts upon what matters to us, and our needs become neglected and squashed down. If you receive bad news whilst at work, the chances are you will try not to react so that you can continue with what you were doing. You could have harsh words with your partner in the morning and then have to spend the whole day telling everybody you 'are fine' when deep inside your stomach is churning and tears are caught in your throat.

Another effect of Mercury retrograde is that it helps us to revisit suppressed feelings and needs. It may seem inconvenient that an old emotion comes to the surface unexpectedly, but when this happens during a Mercury retrograde period, often a solution becomes apparent also. This is actually an incredibly healing time for many people, as often with a little time, new perspectives are available and resolutions and compromises are far more appropriate at this time.  It's not just soul connections which are drawn back together at this time, but friendships which have become stagnant can be rejuvenated and only contacts may waltz back in to your life.

Dates to watch out for during this period:

1st November – this will feel like a some tension is released and that more is possible, despite the retrograde. Freedom will be within your grasp.

3rd November – healing is very possible and powerful on this day, spending some time with loved ones and connection emotionally can really help relationships become closer.

5th November – passions will run high and arguments and power play are likely. Be careful on the roads and try to avoid acting upon angry feelings, as accidents and incidents will be more prevalent.

8th and 9th November – very good days for creativity ideas and putting down roots. Whilst change is never favoured during a Mercury retrograde period, recognition and promotions are well favoured at this time, just try to wait until after 21st to implement new beginnings.

12th November – Full Moon at 19°Taurus, this will be good for domestic projects, any kind of DIY, gardening. Book a massage and have your favourite food, nourish yourself!

16th November – destiny is calling, expect to hear from people you haven't seen for a while, or to experience great synchronicity. Write down ideas you have for your future today and start the Law of Attraction process at the next new Moon (which will be on 26th November)

20th November – this will be a day of even more confusion and misunderstanding, try not to book any important meetings or event on this day. You would be better to go to a spa, or be around water and music than try to do anything productive or useful at this time.

Wishing you all a very insightful and uplifting November – and a happy Halloween!
Shalom and blessings~~~~~
WaxyJo ♥

New Moon at 7'43 Scorpio ~ Sunday 30th October 2016

The Scorpio new moon will fall on Sunday 30th October at 17:37 (UK time) and for the first time in a while heralds a pure feeling of new starts, without any lurking heaviness. The chart for this new Moon shows a conjunct from the Sun and Moon at 7’43 to Mercury at 9’40 Scorpio, encouraging honest, candid and open communication.

The Sun and Mercury actually are conjunct today (Thursday 27th October) and so the whole weekend will be imbued with lively conversation and depth which Scorpio so naturally inclines towards. If you are a secretive person who prefers the truth to be hidden, then it could be better to lie low this weekend. People will be saying what they see more than usual, and barriers which have been created by the recent fogginess of the Saturn-Neptune square will be burned, broken or buried by the formation of better bonds.

The New Moon chart also shows a Venus-Saturn conjunction in Scorpio, which is actually exact at 0:05 on the Sunday morning UK time. Whilst this brings with a straightforwardness that sits nicely with the Sun-Mercury conjunction in Scorpio, it does also have a sombreness that is rather more akin to redressing issues of contention, than to Saturday night style parties.


When Venus and Saturn come together it can be a great time for real relationships to be given a more solid footing. While Venus is concerned with art, beauty, aesthetics, finances and love, Saturn is all about building foundations, achieving, formalising and commitment. If these two planets had never met than marriage would probably never have been invented, as the sum of their parts represents the kind of long-term promises, cited in the wedding ceremony.

In the study of synastry (the name for the study of relationship using astrology) connections between Venus and Saturn are a portentous promise of serious commitment in a relationship. With this aspect in the sky casual may become more formal and stability may be sought by some and separation by others, where the ingredients for long-term are simply not present. The latter is made more likely by the Mars-Uranus square (exact on the morning of 29th October) and creating the need for freedom in those who feel stifled in any way.


Mars is about the drive, energy and physicality of the self. It rules sports, the sex drive, combat and initiation and when it meets the planet of revolution and freedom; Uranus it enhances self-expression and hedonism. When these two come together disputes and fights become more likely but the source of this kind of behaviour is often built up from the suppression and confinement. One cannot feel the need to ‘break out’ and become more expressive, without these being pent up emotions beforehand. Hence, when Mars and Uranus meet they help us take a step towards acknowledging our own inclinations and true beliefs. I personally am happy to see people stand up for what they believe in and for the right to express who they truly are. There is no maliciousness or meanness with this combination, only the fight for what we feel to be our truth and, as a natural Uranian, I wish to encourage that at all times, in all people.


Stand up for what you believe, always but first you may need to search deep within yourself to learn what it truly is.

We live in a society which educates us to know the facts, but rarely are we encouraged to question them. We are told that we should form an opinion but then are offered the choice of two option upon which to decide. At school the option to decide upon a career is thrust upon us, but only if we follow the distinct procedures to reach the destination and therefore learn that we have to read and analyse the same books in order to express our ability. An ability which is gauged upon whether an examiner agrees.


For those who have been conditioned by all of the above and have never questioned; the sign of Scorpio may fill you with fear and dread. A connection between Mars and Uranus could bring up feelings of confusion and frustration, the desire to break out of something, but not know what that something is. So, yes, some people may have to start to dig deep.


If you’re reading this you probably already have!

Blessings of a Samhain to all and love and connection to all souls who have passed and are remembered on 1st November.


As a Halloween styler I am offering tarot readings for £15 for the next two weeks, with readings taking around 20-30 minutes. I can do by email, skype or face to face.

Reiki will always be sent free to anybody who asks, or needs it.

Shalom~~~

New Moon at 7'43 Scorpio ~ Sunday 30th October 2016

The Scorpio new moon will fall on Sunday 30^th October at 17:37 (UK time) and for the first time in a while heralds a pure feeling of new starts, without any lurking heaviness.  The chart for this new Moon shows a conjunct from the Sun and Moon at 7’43 to Mercury at 9’40 Scorpio, encouraging honest, candid and open communication. 

The Sun and Mercury actually are conjunct today (Thursday 27^th October) and so the whole weekend will be imbued with lively conversation and depth which Scorpio so naturally inclines towards.  If you are a secretive person who prefers the truth to be hidden, then it could be better to lie low this weekend.  People will be saying what they see more than usual, and barriers which have been created by the recent fogginess of the Saturn-Neptune square will be burned, broken or buried by the formation of better bonds. 

The New Moon chart also shows a Venus-Saturn conjunction in Scorpio, which is actually exact at 0:05 on the Sunday morning UK time.  Whilst this brings with a straightforwardness that sits nicely with the Sun-Mercury conjunction in Scorpio, it does also have a sombreness that is rather more akin to redressing issues of contention, than to Saturday night style parties. 

When Venus and Saturn come together it can be a great time for real relationships to be given a more solid footing.  While Venus is concerned with art, beauty, aesthetics, finances and love, Saturn is all about building foundations, achieving, formalising and commitment.  If these two planets had never met than marriage would probably never have been invented, as the sum of their parts represents the kind of long-term promises, cited in the wedding ceremony. 

In the study of synastry (the name for the study of relationship using astrology) connections between Venus and Saturn are a portentous promise of serious commitment in a relationship.  With this aspect in the sky casual may become more formal and stability may be sought by some and separation by others, where the ingredients for long-term are simply not present.  The latter is made more likely by the Mars-Uranus square (exact on the morning of 29^th October) and creating the need for freedom in those who feel stifled in any way.

Mars is about the drive, energy and physicality of the self.  It rules sports, the sex drive, combat and initiation and when it meets the planet of revolution and freedom; Uranus it enhances self-expression and hedonism.  When these two come together disputes and fights become more likely but the source of this kind of behaviour is often built up from the suppression and confinement.  One cannot feel the need to ‘break out’ and become more expressive, without these being pent up emotions beforehand.  Hence, when Mars and Uranus meet they help us take a step towards acknowledging our own inclinations and true beliefs.  I personally am happy to see people stand up for what they believe in and for the right to express who they truly are.  There is no maliciousness or meanness with this combination, only the fight for what we feel to be our truth and, as a natural Uranian, I wish to encourage that at all times, in all people.

Stand up for what you believe, always but first you may need to search deep within yourself to learn what it truly is. 

We live in a society which educates us to know the facts, but rarely are we encouraged to question them.  We are told that we should form an opinion but then are offered the choice of two option upon which to decide.  At school the option to decide upon a career is thrust upon us, but only if we follow the distinct procedures to reach the destination and therefore learn that we have to read and analyse the same books in order to express our ability.  An ability which is gauged upon whether an examiner agrees.

For those who have been conditioned by all of the above and have never questioned; the sign of Scorpio may fill you with fear and dread.  A connection between Mars and Uranus could bring up feelings of confusion and frustration, the desire to break out of something, but not know what that something is.  So, yes, some people may have to start to dig deep.

If you’re reading this you probably already have!

Blessings of a Samhain to all and love and connection to all souls who have passed and are remembered on 1^st November. 

As a Halloween styler I am offering tarot readings for £15 for the next two weeks, with readings taking around 20-30 minutes.  I can do by email, skype or face to face. 

Reiki will always be sent free to anybody who asks, or needs it.

Shalom~~~

At a standstill – the retrograde days of May and June 2016 - aubergine

Those who follow astrology will already know that Mars and Pluto both turned retrograde a couple of weeks ago now; on Monday 18th April.

During the 10 days which have elapsed since, neither have even moved beyond the degree at which the stationed retrograde. For more than a week they have appeared to be practically stationary, from a geocentric perspective. As they begin to speed up their backwards motion, Mercury joins the retrospective gang; of which Jupiter and Saturn are already the ringleaders.

If you feel like you’ve made no progress at all so far this month, I’m afraid this is very unlikely to change during May!



On a more positive note, such a strong collective of retrograde planets does not need to be counter-productive; rather it encourages a more introspective and reflective time. There are many tasks which are benefited by the non-gregariousness of mass retrograde. For instance, whilst I would never tell somebody this is a good time to move house; it is an excellent time to review what you really want to change, the reasons you're considering moving and the pluses and minuses for such a choice.

It is also an excellent time for clearing out anything you don’t need, or haven’t dealt with in recent times. Whilst this also could be applied in a metaphorical sense, the truth is when there are this many planets retrograde anything unresolved in a physical and practical sense will become very clear.

Ghosts from the past are unavoidable with Mars retrograde, and with Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto all asking for recognition also, these can be complex times. They say, “what you resist, persists” and throughout the coming two months niggles will become issues if you try to ignore them.

Mars turned retrograde at 8° Sagittarius, so for early Sagittarians and late Scorpios this will feel more intense. For those born around 30th November this is personal! By the time Mars reaches the degree of your natal Sun sign again on 23rd August 2016 – although the retrograde itself ends on 30th June - you will have changed your mind about a couple of things that you were certain of a few months earlier. {I would have to look at the houses and position of your natal Sun within the context of the rest of your chart to be more specific}.

Many are familiar with the issues of a Mercury retrograde that often there are computer issues, technology failures, mechanical slowdowns, traffic problems. These side-effects of a Mercury retrograde are usually viewed with disdain. With 5 planets retrograde throughout the whole of May these delays will be more pronounced than ever, so let me offer another perspective here…

Firstly, a retrograde occurs when a planet *appears* to be moving backwards. When viewing the position of planets in a chart we do so from the earth’s perspective and so it makes sense that there are times when the orbits of the other planets are viewed from earth to be ‘backward’ or ‘retrograde’. The occurrence of such is completely predictable, as it is all easily calculable mathematically. Just like the times on our watches and clocks.

The timings that we live to are based upon the earth’s orbit around the Sun (1 year) and the earth’s rotation around its own axis (one day) and the minutes and hours that we live by are divisions of these simple and predictable factors. Or at least we think they are predictable, what if they are not? What if there is a variance in the earth’s rotation around the Sun? We have a leap year added every 4 years to make up the differential in the divisions, our dawn and dusk timings vary on the basis of the season, as well as on the basis of the quarter of a day inaccuracy in the system of ‘time’. What if the actual rotations are not quite accurate either? What are we living by when we are following the clock?

Every day that I work I am expected to arrive at a certain time. It is expected that I will be able to awaken at the same time, clean and dress myself, leave my home and travel to work and do all this within a particular allotted period of time which results in me arriving to work in the same way I did last time I came to work. All of this is seen to be perfectly acceptable and usual but, the longer I live the more peculiar it seems to me.

I follow the planets, I live in the moment, I try to be present in my surroundings {or not, should my thoughts be more captivating}. I know from this experience that no two days are ever the same, that even each minute can be quite, quite different. It seems that most people I meet also appreciate that life consists of inconsistency and yet….we are expected to ignore this and act as if life is the same, each day, in each way.



I could go further into the psychology of this and look at the control elements which are inherent and implicit within the procurement and maintenance of social routines. Perhaps even analyse and check the correlations between addiction and routine and how the two are not just linked but that for addiction to be a concept, habit has to be established, and for a habit to be created; a routine or sorts must already be in place. I won’t go into that though! ;-)

When considering the factors which make up the framework of ‘time’ that we are all tied tightly to in Western ‘civilisation’ then the concept of retrogrades can be viewed slightly differently. If you were living on Mercury a day takes about the equivalent of 59 earth days and year takes around 88 earth days. How would you divide up time then? Can you accept time as a concept when you view it from outside of the earth plane? If you are in a space rocket there is no time. There is no gravity, which is what gives us the illusion of aging, there is no sunrise and sunset which helps us to decide when to go to sleep (or did before artificial lights were prevalent).

Yet we still live in a world where almost everything we do is entirely dictated by the so framework of the clock.

The clock which was invented only 700 years ago.



When the profundity of time is viewed as an attempt at enforced perfunctory, uniformity it offers a new perspective upon the inconvenience caused by retrograde planets. Yes, there may be delays but why are you actually rushing to your destination. Why is it expected that you should be able to defy all that is possible on a motorway standstill, simply to sit in a room for an allotted period of time; with or without other people. If your computer is breaking down; is it really an awful thing, or could it be an excuse to pick up a pen and start writing or sketching your ideas free-form.

If your mobile phone falls in a puddle maybe it's a reminder that you used to always have a book that you were immersed in, that fed your imagination, your soul and your inner world far more than a brief sojourn with social media ever could. Perhaps that person you've walked past the last 3 mornings in a row would be heartened by a smile of acknowledgement?

Retrogrades give us an opportunity to not only look within, but to be the person that we are inside. The kind of things that are halted, are the things that are intrinsic to nothing but distraction from interaction.

I will be writing a series of articles about planetary configurations during this retrograde period. Taking the time to spill out some of the many theories and ideas I use in my readings, but rarely share on a general basis. As always I'm available for person readings. During the retrograde period these will be more face-to-face in style.

If you'd like a reading contact me at waxlobster@hotmail.com. Tarot can cost as little as £10 for a brief email/telephone reading.

Blessings of getting to know the beauty of YOU again this Summer ♥

January 2010 - General

The first interesting point about 2010 is it actually ends on a Full Moon, so there will be an energy peak, as usual but as Venus is also in the mix it is likely to be one in which relationship issues are illuminated finally. For better or for worse, truths will be uncovered and this will help this to feel like the opportunity for a clean slate.
Any issues which need to be raised as a result of this will likely come to the surface on the 3rd which has an edge of irritation to it. Small arguments and tensions are likely as the reality that the party season is over begins to sink in!

Unfortunately immediate resolutions do not appear imminent, as Mercury’s retrograde motion during the first 2 ½ weeks of the month will result in more communication problems. Also during Mercury Retrograde periods problems with transport, technology and timing are prolific. It’s not advisable to make any promises or buy new equipment during this time and weather difficulties are likely also.

The first weekend of the year is looking mostly uneventful as one would expect after most people will have had their first full week back at work and will probably want to do nothing at all.

A year never truly feels like it’s begun until the first New Moon however and in 2010 this falls on 15th January and begins marks the beginning of the best weekend of the month! There is a romantic glow as Venus, still sliding alongside the Sun, promises a more positive and hopeful 4 weeks ahead. A New Moon is an opportune time to make a wish or begin something you wish to stick with. If you want to show somebody how much you appreciate them then this day is steeped with sincerity and good intentions will be recognised as such.

By the end of this weekend Mercury also moves into Direct motion indicating greater clarity and less annoying set-backs.

When Venus moves in Aquarius on 18th we can expect the unexpected and such plans will not have the same effect. The 18th also marks the beginning of a year long stay for Jupiter in compatible Pisces. Good news for all who prefer the simpler things in life. It’s as if a new lease of life begins in the 3rd week of the month and there will be an element of stability hope on the 22nd. Soon dashed of course by a day of confusion and misunderstands on 25th. It’s not an ideal day to plan negotiations or make long term plans.

The month ends on a mixed note, with the 29th promising to be a high energy, somewhat random day. Certainly a good evening to dancing or planning a lively outing, however expect there to be a few people competing for centre stage.

The 31st unfortunately will have a heavy feeling for most. Worries will resurface, random things will go wrong. Unless you plan to embark on some very serious planning and resolution of problems/finances it’s a day best spent curled up with a good book.