When: November December 25 – 15, 2024
What: Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius
Takeaway: When Mercury appears to be moving backwards in the sky, technical and communications mishaps often occur. This particular retrograde has the potential to be noisier than most. But every mistake we make will indicate what we need to review and rework in our lives. Let there be shrinkage.
The Trickster Planet is at it again
Mercury seems to rotate in reverse three or four times a year, creating predictable rounds of “Mercury in Gatorade” jokes and parties looking for mysteriously lost emails. The messenger planet is turning retrograde again November 25that are wreaking havoc on our communications and technological efforts. And this time it goes back into Sagittarius.
This fire sign is the student, professor, explorer and clown of the zodiac – philosophical, freedom-seeking and often extremely blunt. Mercury is believed to be at a disadvantage in Sagittarius, meaning it is not functioning at an optimal level in this sign. While Mercury likes to be analytical, astute, left-thinking, and precise, Sagittarius tends to be open-minded, fast and loose with details, and easy to get caught up in the tension of the moment – sometimes at the expense of decorum. When a planet is in peril, it may struggle to realize its full potential – but it may also exhibit unusual gifts and come up with new, novel approaches to the concerns of the planet in question.
When Mercury is retrograde in this mutable sign, it reminds us to check facts and tact before speaking out. The words that burn on the tip of your tongue can sound perfectly reasonable in your head and then come out blistering. The Celestial Centaur is instinctively honest, which isn’t a bad thing, but telling the whole, unvarnished truth without reading the room could land you in hot water. Be strategic and thoughtful about sharing what’s on your mind before you hit send so you can get your point across more effectively — and you’ll have fewer regrets once Mercury has indicated.
A cazimi in Sagittarius highlights what you learn
Clarity returns for a moment on December 5when Mercury joins the Sun in an auspicious event called a cazimi. This is the moment when Sol bathes the messenger in its bright rays and burns any confusion to a crisp. Whatever specific teachings this retrograde is trying to convey to you, this is the moment when they come into focus. So pay attention. Insights can come through many channels, from insightful dreams to chance encounters with friends to compelling books falling off the shelves. Keep a journal or your note-taking app handy to write down all the words, phrases, or ideas that flutter through the cosmos and light up your synapses. When you integrate this wisdom, you improve the way you think, communicate, organize, and give meaning to your life.
When in doubt, play the fool
When Mercury is in Sagittarius, we must avoid getting carried away by our own mental circus groups. Whether you postpone that impromptu trip you’ve planned, or refrain from stirring the pot in the comments section of an inflammatory article, let self-control be your friend. But when you make a mistake or the cosmos itself seems to disrupt your best-laid plans, you have a superpower at your disposal: a sense of humor.
Bloopers are inevitable during a Mercury retrograde, but lasting irritations and disruptions don’t have to be. Use your humility when you make a mistake or when things don’t go your way. Letting go of your ego’s grip on the steering wheel keeps you open to new ways of thinking. So let yourself be deliberately fooled for a few weeks. By the time Mercury turns direct December 15you’ll gain a broader understanding of how to tackle your life’s challenges – and maybe a few funny stories to tell over brunch. In the meantime, here are some tips to help you get through this period:
Your Mercury retrograde survival guide
Doing…
- To expect delays. Schedule buffer time for everything. If everything goes smoothly, you have room to relax. And if not, you’ll be grateful you have plans B and C.
- Make a backup your files. Documents, emails, photos: everything. Stay one step ahead of potential technology issues. Your future self will thank you.
- Reflectreview, revise, reorganize, and write down anything you think about repeatedly during this period. There is meaning in it that your mind keeps returning to.
- Usage this time to streamline your life and update your systems, both internal and external.
- Focus about long-term solutions. Decisions made in the heat of the moment don’t always support your highest self. Instead, you must commit to making choices that align with your broader goals.
- Breakrest and abdominal breathing through the mounting frustrations.
- Editing your ideas before sharing them. The fiery arguments you’re tempted to start or the jokes you want to make may not be the most tactful or accurate. If you’re not sure if this is the right time to start an impromptu TED talk, gauge your audience first.
- Laugh to yourself when you make obvious mistakes. The purpose of this transit is to keep you humble and open to learning.
- Listen to the Astrology of the Week Ahead podcast And Your reading in the ‘This Week’ section of the CHANI app. There you will also find journal prompts and other resources that will help you work with the lessons Mercury brings you this retrograde season.
Don’t…
- Fear Mercury retrograde. It can be annoying, but remember that worrying is nothing more than fixating on what you don’t want. Instead, view this period as an opportunity to reassess your strategies.
- Buy tickets, sign contracts or organize events during this time, if you can avoid it. If that doesn’t work, stay flexible and expect adjustments to be made after – or even before – this retrograde cycle is over.
- Plan for big launches or to make big changes in the way you do things, if you can help it – unless you plan them around the Mercury cazimi on December 5. (That said, you may still want to work with an astrologer to determine the most fertile time for you.)
- Drop your life on hold. There are some things you should put off if possible, but otherwise just make room for the hiccups. Again, don’t be afraid of this Mercury retrograde – just be sensible about it.
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