Mercury in Capricorn ☿ Dec 20 – Jan 8

artist: Eli Halpin

Dec 20, 2020 – Jan 8, 2021

Mercury rules travel, communication, and the mind. With magical caduceus in hand, soothsayer Mercury leads newly departed souls from the lower to the upper worlds. And now Mercury in Capricorn will lead us straight through the dark night into the New Year! Happy 2021!

When Mercury joins the sun and/or Venus in the same constellation, the mind (Mercury) aligns with outward manifestation (sun) and the heart (Venus). Good news: this transit falls almost entirely within the Capricorn solar cycle. Also still in Capricorn is small but mighty Pluto (2008-2023). Saturn is transitioning from Capricorn back to Aquarius after a retrograde period, and Jupiter is also moving on to Aquarius after spending the last year in Capricorn.

Mercury governs mental processing. It is his influence which determines our perception and style of communication. Mercury in Capricorn encourages us to be more practical and economical in the way that we think and speak. Those born with Mercury in Capricorn are efficient, succinct communicators. This transit also clarifies our psychological relationship to work, money and, more broadly, how we structure and stabilize our lives.

When I visualize Capricorn, I feel strain. This archetype can be a rigid one, restricted by unattainable, self-imposed standards. If you observe closely, you will see the deeply emotional, watery nature of Capricorn hidden beneath their earthy crust. One of the greatest challenges for Capricorns is lightening up. Ruled by Saturn, the most serious planet in the solar system, the goat wrestles with freedom. The limiting factor comes from within – of this, at least, the goat is well aware!

Capricorn is a creature of great wisdom and deliberation. So deliberate, in fact, that we may struggle to initiate communication at this time. Reflect on communication blockages, especially in your financial or professional life. I recommend collaboration with friends from work or school. This is the perfect time of year for planning and organizing. Capricorns and other earth signs, GET PUMPED. We are going to get so much work done and be so productive!

The day before this transit begins (Dec 19), Mercury meets up with the Sagittarian sun for a conjunction – also the same day that Jupiter transitions to Aquarius, should be a fantastic day. When the sun and Mercury work together, everything feels right. Life flows in the direction we want it to flow.

This is going to be an incredibly busy transit, so listen up: Mercury enters Capricorn just one day before the Winter Solstice + quarter moon in Aries + Jupiter/Saturn conjunction on Dec 21! It’s going to be one hell of a day and such a treat to close out this clusterfuck called 2020.

On Dec 24, Mercury trines Uranus Retrograde in Taurus. Uranian influence can be grumpy or fatiguing. Watch for discomfort in the body or feeling off. We will be spending more time on screens (makes sense – family will be connecting online for the holidays). Uranus is a very social planet, so we’re going to be feeling the absence of our loved ones more than ever <3

On Jan 4, Mercury catches up to Pluto for a conjunction. This one is intense. It’s a heavy, sick, tired kind of feeling. Watch for arguments. Power and control dynamics are up for review. You may also feel more worried than usual about your future/career.

Mercury enters Aquarius on Jan 8, the same day that Venus transitions from Sagittarius to Capricorn.

If you were born with Mercury in Capricorn, you are about to have your Mercury Return. On the first day of Mercury in Capricorn, take a moment to align your bones with Capricorn Yoga. In meditation, focus on the root chakra. To find your personal Mercury sign, click here.