Mercury Retrograde ☿ Winter 2023

artist: Bunnie Reiss

Nov 10 – Dec 1: Mercury in Sagittarius

Dec 1-13: Mercury in Capricorn

Dec 13-23: Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn

Dec 23 – Jan 1: Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius

Jan 1-13: Mercury in Sagittarius

Jan 13 – Feb 4: Mercury in Capricorn

Planets in retrograde are not spinning backwards; retrograde motion is an optical illusion as seen from Earth. In astrology, this manifests as a backwards or inverted function of the planets. Click here to learn more about retrograde.

Mercury turns retrograde three times a year, more frequently than any other planet. Mercury represents communication, travel, and technology. These realms are most affected during Mercury Retrograde. Expect delays, cancellations, and sudden changes; technological failures, especially 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 important contracts/documents. This is not a good time for travel, life-altering commitments, or financial investments.

Mercury Retrograde cycles have beneficial aspects, too. For example, Mercury Retrograde helps us circle back and finish forgotten or ignored projects, especially projects related to work, language, creativity, or education. Mercury also brings communication to the fore in a healthy way and helps strengthen our relationships.

The first 10 days of this cycle take place in Capricorn and the last week in Sagittarius. Mercury has not been retrograde in Sagittarius since winter 2018 (+ winter 2017) but Mercury was just retrograde in Capricorn last winter. Let’s first discuss Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn, the constellation in which this cycle begins:

Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn encourages us to be more practical and economical. This transit will clarify our relationship to work, money and, more broadly, how we structure our lives.

Capricorn’s mantra is I use, and with Mercury here, life & communication are straightforward and pragmatic. Those born with Mercury in Capricorn are efficient, succinct communicators. The archetype of Capricorn at first appears quite rigid, restricted by unattainable, self-imposed standards. If you observe closely, you will see the deeply emotional, watery nature of Capricorn hidden beneath this earthy crust.

Capricorn is a creature of great wisdom and deliberation. So deliberate, in fact, that we may struggle to initiate communication at this time. You may feel stuck in general. This transit is certainly not conducive to flow. Ruled by Saturn, the most serious planet in the solar system, Capricorn wrestles with concepts of freedom, especially inner freedom. The goat sets extremely high standards for Self and others. One of the greatest challenges during this transit will simply be to lighten up and tune out the inner critic.

The only way to survive this retrograde is to vigorously defend yourself against perfectionistic tendencies. It’s ok to relax babe. Please relax. You got this.

And what about Mercury (Retrograde) in Sagittarius?

What is unique about Sagittarian 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. Balanced Sagittarians are assertive, blunt, and honest. The highest aspiration of this retrograde is 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 in Sagittarius because less thought is given to our words. 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 or Capricorn, you’re in for an interesting Mercury Return. To determine your Mercury sign and whether this planet was direct or retrograde when you were born, click here.