It happens to all of us at some point. Caught up in the heat of the moment, we hear words emerging from us, we see the impact of how they land, and we realize that we just struck with a dagger.
In a rush to smooth things over, we backtrack.
I didn’t mean it.
Except, on some level, you did mean it.
Maybe you didn’t consciously intend to say those words; you likely didn’t mean to inflict pain on the other person, but those words didn’t just emerge out of nowhere.
They were percolating in your subconscious.
Mercury Conjunct Mars in Scorpio
Today, Mercury — the planet of communication — forms a conjunction with Mars, the warrior planet, in the sign of Scorpio. This pulls our focus to the ways our words can be used as weapons — to cut, sever, and pierce.
Scorpio is a sign where we go beneath the surface to investigate those parts of ourselves where we harbor unexpressed feelings — the type that emerge in the heat of argument when we say things that we “didn’t mean.”
In Scorpio, Mercury can be direct and probing. It searches for the mystery. It speaks about what is taboo or uncomfortable. Death. Grief. Mental health. Sex. The hidden motives that don’t always get revealed.
If we’re not conscious of our innermost thoughts and emotions, the words we use to speak about the unspeakable can become weapons. This is one of the lessons when Mercury conjuncts Mars.
Words as Weapons
When I was growing up, other kids used to “tease” me. (Today it would be called bullying.) My mom used to attempt to comfort me with the age-old adage:
Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never hurt me.
Science has since proven this adage to be false.
Broken bones heal in a matter of weeks. The damage from words can last decades or a lifetime.
Words can be piercing. Cutting. Sharp. They can slice, sever, and separate.
Ask people who have been estranged from family members or friends what led to the rift, and, often you’ll find out that it’s words.
There’s the direct impact of words spoken specifically to a person, targeted to inflict pain. Words spoken by someone in power or authority can wound self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth.
Words spoken to someone can manipulate. They can foster hate and distrust.
Words spoken about someone can harm their reputation.
Words said publicly can incite fear, violence, and mass hatred.
Words can start wars.
Words as Healing
On the other hand, the right words at the right time can offer a healing balm to people in pain. Words can comfort and soothe.
Words can create awareness and lead to revelations and insights.
Words can boost self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth.
Words spoken about someone can open doors of opportunity for them.
Our words can inspire, uplift, empower, and educate.
Speak With Confidence and Courage
Always have the confidence to speak your mind, and the courage to stand behind your words.
I discovered this quote in high-school, although I can no longer find the origins of it. It was the basis for one of my college application essays, and I have endeavored to live to it ever since.
This is the potential of the Mercury/Mars conjunction in Scorpio.
It’s our responsibility to do the work necessary so that when we say something — even in the heat of the moment — we are confident that we meant what we said.
When we have investigated our unconscious and integrated our shadow, and clarified our motives, we can speak from an aligned truth.
The Ultimate Power Tool
In a society rife with inequality and injustice, words have the power to be the great equalizer.
Words are the ultimate power tool.
Anyone can use words — and almost everyone does.
No matter what you do in life, professionally or personally, you use words.
You speak to people in person and through the phone, you record audio and video content.
You write emails, essays, social media posts, and text messages.
Everything begins with words.
The world was created with words; the world can be destroyed with words.
In every moment, you have the power to choose which path to take.
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