Leaving Halloween plans to the last minute? Scratch that. Mercury goes retrograde in bewitching Scorpio on Halloween (Thursday, October 31, at 11:41 a.m. EST). Mercury backspins through November 20, so expect the tricks and treats to continue long after the bowl of snack-sized Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups is emptied.
You may have seen a deluge of headlines about this retrograde, thanks to its pairing with a widely celebrated costume holiday (particularly in US). Mercury Retrogrades occur three times in a calendar year, and this is the final one of 2019 (and the decade!).
Because Mercury is the communication planet, during a retrograde you may experience technical hiccups (watch the “Reply All” and be sure you check names on your texts before you press send!), snags in travel (double- or triple-check flight times) and general feelings of not getting your point across. In other words, everything seems a little harder than usual.
Before and after a Mercury Retrograde, there are “shadow periods,” so you may already have felt some areas of your life going a little haywire! The good news is: retrogrades are manageable. Focus on the prefix re-, which means to go backward: review, repeat, redo, etc.
Below are five tips for retrograde-proofing your Halloween, and then some tips to manage specific to your zodiacs sign’s element. All treats, no tricks! (For an even deeper dive into the candy bowl, check out our “Finish the Decade Strong” video!
1. Go for a #HotGirlHalloween
Halloween costumes have gotten a little risqué in recent years, you either embrace it or hate it. A retrograde in seductive Scorpio could change your mind, and an adult costume of pretty much any character you adore probably exists. But be prepared for possible wardrobe malfunctions, pack some tape and maybe a tiny sewing kit into your personal items. You might take extra precaution and think: layers! If one fails, shed it instead of fixing it.
2. Beware low battery mode
Charge your devices fully before venturing out. Or put your phone on low-power mode in anticipation of needing the battery life for all the pictures and video you’ll be posing for, or ensuring you’ll have some juice left if you need to locate your costumed crew or call an Uber. It’s also a good idea to pick a meeting time and place beforehand, especially if signals drop.
3. Reach for retro inspo
Flip back to Halloweens past for costume ideas or even party dates. Retrogrades are famous for revivals and reunions, and sometimes that does translate into people (and exes!). Remember to tread carefully, though, if you think a dip into the past could go beyond a little nostalgia and complicate the next day (or longer). Once a bloodsucker always bloodsucker, right?
4. Look behind the mask
Who are you taking to the party and who are you bringing home? With Halloween 2019’s complex starmap, choose your company wisely. If a certain friend always turns into social zombie when you’re out—and makes YOU play babysitter—don’t let ’em ruin your night! Make plans with other people, no guild. With Mercury retrograde in secretive Scorpio, you can’t judge a superhero by their cape. You never know who could turn into The Joker or a werewolf once you leave the party, so err on the side of caution if you’re getting mixed vibes. Maybe a “bat signal” could be developed with your pal should either of you needs a rescue from someone who is talking your ear off—another pitfall of Mercury’s scrambled signals.
5. Embrace your shadow
Retrogrades, and particularly one in Scorpio, the sign of secrets, come with a shadow side. If someone were to peek under the curtain of your thoughts, what would they learn? Turn your alter ego into your costume, whether you’re stepping out as an oligarch villain or a sultry goth…or uh, whatever! Still figuring out what you’ll dress up as for Halloween? Head over to ELLE.com for our costume tips for every zodiac sign!
