Gird your loins and bite your tongues, O people; Mercury is going retrograde.
Our planet of mind and mouth, of information and gossip, of connection and union, is going retrograde in Sagittarius, the sign of philosophy, belief systems, the open road, personal narrative and essential truth.
When is mercury retrograde?
Beginning its deceleration, Mercury stations retrograde on November 25 at 9:42 PM ET at 22 degrees in the gilded quiver of Sagittarius. Mercury will remain retrograde until December 15th, when it will station direct at 6 degrees of Sagittarius.
Because the spheres Mercury rules (technology, transportation, expression, education) are so integral to our daily routines, we feel the effects of Mercury retrograde acutely and immediately.
An astrological PSA: Planets never move backwards in space; they simply slow their proverbial spins, a slowing that looks like a reversal from our perspective here on beautiful and broken planet Earth.
Mercury in retrograde
When a planet is in retrograde, its energy works in the opposite direction, not necessarily ANTI us, but certainly not as a trusted assistant. Because Mercury rules the mind, its retrograde causes challenges in organizing, expressing, and creating order.
Common symptoms of Mercury retrograde include travel delays, brain fog, sudden or renewed conflict, sexts sent to the wrong recipient, general unhappiness, and frequent misunderstandings.
Don’t forget the star seeds, astrology is important, not malevolent, pushing us forward, often uncomfortably, towards personal evolution.
Mercury retrograde phases are not designed to destroy, but are designed to help us liberate.
Rather, retrogrades invite us to lean in and clear the new prefix: reimagine, revise, repent, reflect, revise, renew, reconcile, resolve, and reorganize so that when the planet moves on, so can we.
Mercury retrograde November 2024
The brilliant astrologer Evan Nathaniel Grim of Inner Worlds Astrology told The Post that because this retrograde is falling, or so to speak, back into the sign of the delusional philosopher, beliefs and ideologies are subject to revision.
“Many people have a change of heart regarding their belief systems, perspectives, and political opinions. They are seeing the world differently in light of the election. People are re-examining how their beliefs got them to this position in their lives.”
Because Sagittarius is synonymous with exploration and Mercury rules the transit, people may also be thinking about where to move or what exotic shore to seek out next.
It’s a good time to think about a move, but not an ideal time to do it, as Grim says travel will be especially difficult during this transit.
Retrogrades invite us to lean in and clear the prefix re: re-imagine, revise, reflect, review, renew, reconcile, resolve and realign so that when the planet moves on, so can we.
This retrograde cycle can also cause us to question the concept of absolute truth and our perception and acceptance of information.
Grim advises, “We will look at social media quite differently, whether it represents reality or an echo chamber. People will continue to think more about how they receive and integrate information.”
Grim says that people can or should reflect on themselves with questions such as: “Who can I trust? What sources of information can I trust? Should I rely on my instincts, or should I rely on the news?”
Beyond questioning our reality on every front, Grim says this retrograde is a boon for those who want to flesh out a writing or media project or begin telling a new story for or about themselves.
Because retrograde Mercury is falling, or retrograde, in a mutable sign, those with personal planets within that mode, aspecting you, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces, will be most affected by this transit.
To move up a ladder or rung, people with large placements from 6-22 degrees of these mutable signs will be most affected and must use their powers of discernment to avoid blowing their proverbial load.
For Gemini, this retrograde highlights their seventh house of partnership.
Gloomy says, “Gemini is reflecting on the state of their relationships and the philosophical alignment or discord they share with their partners.”
Grim predicts that Gems will experience more miscommunication in their intimate relationships and could potentially hear from, or return to, an ex-partner. While reflection is called for, reengagement is cautioned against.
“Gemini who are single can continue to reflect on their past, but should not commit to an ex during this retrograde. You can try to sort something out and seek closure, but it’s not a good time to restart a relationship.”
For Virgos, this retrograde activates the fourth house of home and descent.
Grimm shares: “This is a time to reflect on family, family life, property and matters related to the home. For Virgos, it’s a great time to finish a home renovation project, settle an issue with your landlord, or reconcile with a family member.”
He warns that Virgos should not move or start new projects related to the house during this period. The name of the game is thoughtful reflection, not bold action.
Grim shares that those who fall under the stars of Sagittarius are likely to feel particularly reflective during this retrograde period, thinking about beliefs, career trajectory, relationships and travel plans. He notes, “Because of this reflection, they will have some difficulty communicating as there is some of their brain power working backwards into the past.”
He warns that archers may have difficulty making decisions and should rely on that hesitation. “Take it slow now. Really think about past conversations and decisions and reassess. At the end of the retrograde, I think they can be in a really good position to feel like they’ve closed a lot of aspects in their life or feel like they have a better sense of direction.”
Pisces people will see this retrograde played out in their tenth house of career and public perception.
Grim shares, “Ideally, with Saturn going direct in their sign, Pisces people should have a sense of what they really want from their work life. This Mercury retrograde can show them where they still have some final issues to resolve or projects to complete. While they are regaining momentum in their careers and their sense of direction, this retrograde poses questions like ‘Do I or do I not want to take that career pivot? How do I tie up loose ends in my current job to make sure my transition is as smooth as possible?”
He notes that because the tenth house is associated with elders and parental archetypes, Pisces people may reconnect or resolve an issue with one or both of their parents. Grim also warns Piseans to be extra careful in their public communications.
Astrology 101: Your guide to the stars
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and reports irreverently on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
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Image Source : nypost.com