Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius ☿ Winter 2024

artist: Martine Johanna

Nov 2: Mercury enters Sagittarius

Nov 25-Dec 15: Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius

Jan 8: Mercury enters Capricorn

Planets in retrograde are not spinning backwards. Retrograde motion is an optical illusion. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planets in their respective roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde.

Mercury turns retrograde three times a year, more frequently than any other planet. Check this out from EarthSky:

On Mercury, for example, the Sun sometimes moves in retrograde! As the planet speeds through its closest approach with the sun, its orbital speed overtakes its rotational speed. An astronaut on the surface would see the sun partially rise, then dip back below the horizon, then rise again before resuming its east-to-west trek across the sky. Once a year, Mercury gets two sunrises on the same day!

Mercury represents communication, travel, and technology. These realms are therefore most affected by Mercury Retrograde. Watch for delays, cancellations, and sudden changes; technological failures, especially with cell phones, laptops, or automobiles; miscommunication; lost/stolen items; general malfunction and wtf moments. I do not recommend starting a new job, buying a car, moving to a new place, or signing any contracts/documents. This is not a good time for travel, life-altering commitments, or investments.

All Mercury Retrograde cycles have positive things in common, too. One wonderful aspect of Mercury Retrograde is the way in which it helps us circle back and finish projects that were started but then forgotten or ignored. Mercury also brings aspects like communication and technology to the fore.

This winter the entire retrograde cycle takes place in Sagittarius. What is unique about this fire is the way it unfolds like an epic quest. The fire of Aries, for example, is more impulsive, moving for the sake of moving. Sagittarius, as the last fire in the trilogy, is the most refined, representing the fire of spiritual and moral curiosity.

I think it is the seeking, wondering-wandering, ever-expanding nature of Sagittarius which provides so much heat. During this retrograde cycle, we need to be assertive, blunt, and honest in order to channel this fire in its highest form. Meditate on truth & illumination. Being a truth-teller means saying something when everyone else is silent. It means being an ally, a whistleblower, a dissenter. It is embodied authenticity.

When you feel the impulse to rush, watch for a few trademark Sagittarian things, like promising more than you can deliver or getting your hopes up too high. Yes, we’ll have energy and enthusiasm, but we need to temper it with wisdom. Communication gets interesting with Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius because we speak before thinking. Be careful about word choice and timing. Ask yourself: are these the right words – AND – is this the right time to say them?

If you were born with Mercury in Sagittarius, you’re in for an interesting Mercury Return. To determine your Mercury sign and whether this planet was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here.

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