Mercury In Retrograde Is BACK & This Is What It Means For Your Sign

Lumi Pelinku

Lumi Pelinku is an Astrologer, Beauty Expert, and Holistic Synergy Coach based in New York City. Her distinctive approach weaves intuitive astrology, transformative beauty practices, and self-love coaching to guide clients toward deep inner and outer transformation.

Drawing on her expertise in cosmic energies, Lumi delves into her clients' psyches through astrology, helping them untangle stagnant patterns and outdated narratives. Her holistic approach enhances self-love, acceptance, and empowerment, aligning inner beauty with outer experiences for a more fulfilling life.

Lumi's astrological insights impact more than individual sessions. She is a resident astrologer for Brit+Co and has been featured in prominent press and publications such as DailyOM, Seventeen, Mind Body Green, Paper Magazine, Well+Good, Brides, Observer, and more.

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Dec 12, 2023

The infamous Mercury in retrograde is back with a vengeance, bringing on all it's technological glitches and endless conversation blunders. Even those who don't follow the cosmos’ guidance feel the staticky vibe.

Mercury, the communication planet, performs its backspin movement from December 13 at 2:09 am EST to January 1 2024 at 10:07 pm EST. At this moment, Mercury's in the sign of Capricorn, pulling in a need for structure in our ideas and conversations. As this happens just before the holidays, it can create concern for heated discussions or awkward moments as you sit down with family and friends around the dinner table. The conversations can manifest into pride and status if not monitored, so you'll want to make sure you're more measured this holiday season.

Concluding the year with this so-called “chaos” can make many people go into a ceaseless panic. However, this doesn't need to be the case. Astrology is the guiding tool to instill preparation, positivity, and peace. As you learn how to navigate these currents, you will have the grace to end 2023 in complete confidence. Let’s explore what this Mercury in retrograde means for your sign!

What is Mercury in retrograde, and why is it significant?

First off, let’s learn about why retrogrades happen. When planets orbit around the Sun, they all follow a specific formation, with some planets moving faster than others. To keep it simple, the closer the planet is to the Sun, the faster they move. At times when planets are about to veer off the Sun’s orbit, the Sun pulls them back in line — this is when retrogrades begin. As this occurs, the planet is still in its movement, and this immobility happens for the collective in reflection of what is happening in the skies above. As above, so below.

Mercury is the communication planet and is solely responsible for how we generate our thinking and brainstorming process. There are guidelines to follow during these cosmic events, and here are the do’s and don’ts during Mercury in retrograde. Avoid significant decisions or projects such as buying a home or beginning a renovation project. Otherwise, your project will undergo significant delays and fall in line with future Mercury retrogrades.

Do’s During Mercury In Retrograde

Back up computer files
Clean up the clutter (physical/mental)
Reflective listening
Self-Care rituals
Meditate
Journal
Make amends through communication
Schedule extra time for traveling

Don’ts During Mercury In Retrograde

Begin new projects
Make life-altering decisions
Sign contracts
Verbal agreements
Buy a house/apartment
Purchase hardware (computer/products)
Begin a new relationship
Get married

How is this Mercury in retrograde beneficial?

The planet Mercury, in a warped orbit, extends space for you to backtrack and review the progression involving your plans. Mercury in the sign of 8 Degrees Capricorn, and completing the backspin to 22 degrees of the archer sign on January 1 will allow you to understand the structure behind your thinking process and even just be.

This is your chance to review everything you've built in your journey, as well as refine or learn what may have been overlooked. This isn't an ideal time to make a significant decision or invest in a long-term commitment — it's your space to play and cater to your well-being by becoming curious instead of being finite. Reflect on what happened in August when Mercury in retrograde occurred as the clue in what you need to review or refine in this period.

Throughout the holiday season, it can stir up feelings of needing to face your unresolved issues from the past. This Mercury in retrograde can allow you to reflect on the past and review everything you have learned instead of seeing what “went wrong.” It’s time to cut the cords and make amends.

These periods are crucial for you not to force movement with your motivations, whether in life decisions, relationships, or your career. This is the moment to stand still and allow the inspiration to flow while in rest mode. Something incredible will emerge when the Mercury shadow lifts in late January.

Key Dates For Mercury In Retrograde

December 18 - Mercury trine Jupiter

The ideas are overflowing and exuberant, and you may feel pulled to push through with your plans. This is not an ideal time to set anything in stone as you may need to tie loose ends and refine this later, resulting in more work than expected. Hold off and review these ideas on January 19th and after.

December 21 - Mercury sextile Saturn

This day can be confusing, involving conversations and thought processes. Listen carefully before impulsively responding. Practice the art of reflective listening to ensure a steadier rhythm in discussions.

December 23 - Mercury ingresses into Sagittarius

Our ideas may spiral into feeling more with our passion and grit – observing and leading based on primal instinct instead of falling into societal conformity. Expect your dreams to be more vivid. Dream journaling is recommended.

December 27 - Mercury square Neptune & Mercury conjunct Mars

Although you may feel mentally sharp, your actions may backfire. This transit can be tricky, involving conversations and making decisions. This can result in distorted results. It can be misty as though you are living in the Twilight Zone. The dream and imaginary realm are significantly heightened. This is a beneficial time to create, daydream, and meditate.

January 1 - Mercury Direct

Mercury going direct is an excellent start to the New Year! Rest assured that the fog of uncertainty will begin to lift with this astrological shift. Communication issues with others that may have manifested these last few weeks will be easier to remedy, but be sure to analyze everything that has transpired and apply it to your future decisions — just because Mercury in retrograde is over doesn't mean the lessons it brought about are. The best time to pick up speed is when the shadow period passes on January 21.

This Mercury in retrograde will impact the cardinal signs, Capricorn, Cancer, Aries, and Libra, from December 13 to December 23. Then, Mercury will spread its influence to the mutable signs Sagittarius, Gemini, Virgo, and Pisces from December 23 to January 1.

Mercury In Retrograde Horoscopes For Each Sign

Aries (March 20-April 19)

As Mercury retrogrades in your career sector, it's time to reevaluate your competitive edge. While disruptions may challenge your professional plans, view them as opportunities to enhance your social standing. Use this retrograde period to strengthen your professional relationships and engage in a thorough reevaluation of your approach. Be open to shifting your perspective, because if you're closed off then conflicts with superiors or misunderstandings with subordinates may arise. By the end of Mercury in retrograde, you'll emerge with a more straightforward career path, a commitment to continuous learning, and an increased resilience.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Mercury in retrograde is in your ninth house this month, prompting unexpected journeys and detours. Embrace uncertainty as you explore uncharted territories, renew educational commitments, and engage in spirit-related pursuits. As Mercury re-enters your eighth house, address emotional and financial issues, including settling debts. You'll gain clarity, find direction, and rediscover a sense of purpose when Mercury picks up speed.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

With Mercury retrograding in your eighth house, focus on settling debts and reassessing investments. Delve into the hidden aspects of your life, addressing financial concerns and revisiting past secrets. As Mercury enters your seventh house, intensify relationship reviews. By the end of this retrograde cycle, you'll be ready to move forward, leaving behind what no longer serves you and emerging stronger in your journey.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Mercury's retrograde in your seventh house prompts a deep dive into relationships. Reflect on past heartbreaks, acknowledging your healing journey. Work-related confusion may manifest when Mercury enters your sixth house. Use this period to address work habits and health. When Mercury goes direct, communication will improve, and you'll gain valuable insights into relationships and time management.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Mercury's retrograde in your sixth house triggers a self-care overhaul. Rethink daily habits and work routines, addressing unfinished projects. Creative inspiration flows when Mercury enters your fifth house. By the end of the retrograde, you'll strike a balance between productivity and creativity, finding joy in both aspects of your life.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Mercury retrogrades in your fifth house, leading to romantic and creative challenges. Reconnect with old flames or abandoned passion projects, but beware that family issues may surface when Mercury enters your fourth house. When Mercury retrograde concludes, creativity will return, relationships will evolve, and you'll gain clarity on home matters.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct 22)

Mercury retrogrades in your fourth house, urging you to heal family ties and revisit home-related issues. Awkward communication intensifies when Mercury enters your third house. When Mercury is finally direct again, communication improves, and you gain insights into family dynamics and effective self-expression.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Mercury's retrograde in your third house may lead to communication challenges. Triple-check correspondence and back up important documents. Also...financial stress may arise when Mercury enters your second house. By the end of the retrograde, conflicts will resolve, communication will improve, and financial decisions will become clearer.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Reflect on self-worth and spending habits as Mercury retrogrades in your second house. Confusion about identity intensifies when Mercury re-enters Sagittarius, so try and stay grounded about who you are at the end of the day. When Mercury is direct, financial matters will be resolved, and you'll gain insights into your authentic self.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Mercury retrogrades in your first house, leading to a self-evaluation. Reflect on your true self and release internal burdens. Spiritual introspection deepens when Mercury enters your twelfth house. By the end of this Mercury retrograde cycle, you'll feel transformed and more authentic.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Mercury's retrograde in your twelfth house triggers introspection and the need to connect with your inner self. Reconnect with your shadow self and process suppressed emotions. Social challenges arise when Mercury enters your eleventh house. When Mercury goes direct, you'll emerge with a clearer vision, having liberated yourself from the past.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Social challenges and the questioning of your networks will manifest as Mercury retrogrades in your eleventh house. Reconnect with old connections and rethink your vision for the future. Career complications intensify when Mercury enters your tenth house. As Mercury completes its retrograde dance, you'll have a positive attitude toward peers and a more straightforward professional path.

If you wish to discover how astrology can help you find peace, fulfillment, and clarity, click here to download Lumi’s free Astrology 101 eBook. Or book a free remote Discovery Call to meet Lumi and discuss your astrology needs.

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