There’s a lot going on at the time of this New Moon, which falls in the early degrees of Scorpio, in large part because of the many contradictions—and revelations—to make sense of during the upcoming Lunar cycle. With the Moon diametrically opposite Uranus, both in the Sign of their “Fall” in Scorpio and Taurus, respectively, an electric “shock” occurs. We might experience this as a sudden rupture in a relationship, a crack in the family foundation, or a power struggle comes to a head at work or at home. 

Because it’s a New Moon, the coming weeks mark a fresh start—extra fresh if we factor in Uranus’ influence. It’s the “shock” brought on by Uranus that forces us to adjust our planned course of action, as it’s clear that both sides (Moon in Scorpio vs. Uranus in Taurus) are equally impenetrable and stubborn in their will to power.

At the same time, however, Mercury begins its Retrograde stretch through the sign of Scorpio on 10/31. So, while we may feel an initial impulse to break away from the past, we’re simultaneously being brought back, pushed by Mercury to “dig deep” and reflect on recent events in our lives involving Scorpionic themes: power, money, control, creativity and…wait, did I mention power?

Though it’s certainly a time to break free from negative habit patterns indicated by the Moon in Scorpio—namely, jealousy, possessiveness, and the urge to dominate over others—Mercury’s slow-down in Scorpio forces us to take our time, to find an ideal balance that allows us to experience a breakthrough without necessarily having a breakdown. 

New Moon in Scorpio: Transformation & The Power of Letting Go

Scorpio is symbolized by the Phoenix—the bird with the power to transmute itself from ashes, representing the transformative power of change. Death and rebirth as embodied in the symbol of the Phoenix extends to the power of Letting Go & Letting God. When Scorpio learns to relinquish control and fear of being dominated, the parts of ourselves that are negative fall away while those that allow us to survive and thrive endure. Scorpio represents the power of elimination but, paradoxically, has an extremely difficult time letting go. 

“Should I stay or should I go now? If I stay there will be trouble/If I go, it will be double…” Remember that song? This lyric is especially relevant as a score of sorts to this New Moon in Scorpio. Given its entanglement with Mercury Retrograde, we’ll likely have a harder time than we think knowing what people, circumstances, things and—most importantly—aspects of ourselves, need to stay or go now. Take your time with any major decisions now, because while we’re stubborn in our resolve to make change(s), it’s a reflection period (Mercury Retrograde) that demands compromise between our Old and New Selves (Sun-Moon Opposite Uranus). 

Mars in Libra Square Saturn in Capricorn: Resisting Relationship

New Moons in general point to Action rather than Reflection, and this one demands that we essentially find a way to do both at once. This is not only because Mercury is on the precipice of its backward movement through Scorpio from now until 11/20, but there’s a tense aspect between Saturn and Mars—exact at the time of the 10/27 New Moon. 

Saturn in tense aspect to Mars in general is a palpably challenging influence. While Uranus brings tension via unpleasant truths and sudden revelations, its effect is still to speed things up, hastening our desire to change and transform—possibly even eliminate—aspects of ourselves that may have caused us some, ahem, interpersonal strife of late. 

Saturn in tense aspect to Mars is a palpably challenging influence as well; however, with Saturn in Capricorn (the sign it rules) and Mars in Libra—the sign of its Detriment—we’re sure to experience some very overt blockages (Saturn in Cap) when it comes to our relationships (Mars in Libra). Work, for instance, might be a significant obstacle to pursuing a new friendship or making a fresh start in any relationship. Our desire to connect with others feels thwarted, likely by poor timing, circumstances or prior commitments. We might just not have the time for others right now, or relationships may feel more draining than invigorating. This, too, shall pass, as it’s a time for introspection and personal transformation (connection with Self) vs. searching outward for situations or circumstances we feel compelled to change.

Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio: Stop, Drop & Heal

With the New Moon and Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio falling right alongside one another, our thoughts are naturally drawn to the past, to the unconscious, to a search for secrets or hidden truths. Though taking time to disconnect a little now may feel contradictory, it may also be just what we need. Because while sudden revelations have their place, Scorpio is about processing the meaning of these, waiting to act until the time is right. 

Being aware and mindful of timing is the key to successfully navigating this 10/27 New Moon in Scorpio. Saturn-Mars has the same effect as the New Moon’s opposition to Uranus in many respects: yes, Uranus is pushing us to move on independently, but its opposition forces us to cooperate with others as we consider potential consequences now. In some ways it begs the question: what’s the point of moving on when we’re not sure what that entails yet?  Why forge a linear path to nowhere only to realize you were supposed to take the winding road less traveled? Or whatever. 

Either way, if this period feels frustrating, confusing or overwhelming, taking a “watch and wait” approach may be the way to give yourself a much-needed reprieve in which to process deep psychological realizations, formulate a plan for transformation (no quick fixes for Scorpio), and allow the dust to settle on any discordant power dynamics—if only we can relinquish control without giving up (on ourselves) altogether.