Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius
We are currently in what is known as the Shadow Period before Mercury Retrograde begins on the 26th of November. Mercury is the planet of communication. This isn’t just how you talk, it’s also how you listen, how you read and write, and how you learn. Mercury also governs travel and commerce and is the quickest-moving and closest planet to us.
Let’s start with a quick astrology lesson. Above is the astrological chart for the start of Mercury Retrograde. You will notice that around the outside it is broken into 12 equal pieces, each one representing a different zodiac sign and made up of 30 degrees. Moving inwards, the next circle is broken into 12 sections, representing the 12 houses. Right in the middle are lines representing the different communications between the planets. The planets are represented by a glyph, in the houses section of the chart, with the degree and sign they are in.
Everything in the chart moves in a clockwise direction. Because astrology places the Earth at the centre of the chart, and not the Sun, there are times when the planets appear to be moving backwards from our point of view. These planets are marked with a tiny R and are moving anticlockwise through the chart.
When a planet is retrograde, it travels back through the chart. Essentially, walking back the way it just came. Mercury is at 22° Sagittarius and will travel back to 6° Sagittarius during its 19-day retrograde period. The Pre-Shadow phase (where we are at the time of writing this post) is Mercury’s first walk from 6° Sagittarius to 22° Sagittarius. Then Mercury will go back the way it came for the retrograde period. Then we have the Post-Shadow phase where Mercury will again travel from 6° Sagittarius to 22° Sagittarius.
Mercury retrograde is the most strongly interpreted astrological movement, and Mercury is often blamed for everything that goes wrong during the three weeks it is retrograde. The thing is, if you are the sort of person who regularly loses their keys, sends emails without attachments or has issues with technology, that isn’t Mercury, that’s just who you are.
When any planet goes retrograde, it is a chance for us to look back over things. The themes associated with that planet slow down and we can investigate them deeper. So with Mercury, this is things like communication, travel, technology and trade. Watch out for any issues that come up during the pre-shadow phase as these things are likely to need deeper investigation during the retrograde.
So how can we work with this retrograde energy? First, don’t assume that everything is going to go wrong. If you expect problems, then you will get problems. Be aware that old, unresolved issues may come to the surface. This is your chance to finally resolve them!! Because Mercury rules communication, watch out for misunderstandings with other people. Don’t assume they know what you are talking about, or that they are deliberately trying to pick a fight with you.
I would advise against starting anything new during the retrograde period, but it is a great time for finishing projects, working on anything previously started or researching new ideas.
Remember that Mercury Retrograde is a second chance at something. We have been here before and now we get to try again. Personally, I passed my driving test during a Mercury Retrograde. It was my third attempt and the only time I survived for longer than 5 minutes in the car with the examiner!!
With all retrogrades it is a good time to review what is going on in your life. Reflect on where you are now and where you want to go next. Research on things of interest. For example, research a new car or phone now, and then purchase it when Mercury goes direct. You might want to revisit places and people. Repair and reorganise things around the house. The most important thing to do during Mercury Retrograde is to double-check everything!! And back up your computer!!
Just like the moon is flavoured by the zodiac sign it passes through, so is Mercury. This gives us a different theme and area of our life to work on with each retrograde period. When looking at how we can best work with Mercury Retrograde, there are four things we need to know. The element and sign that Mercury is passing through, the part of your birth chart Mercury is travelling in and if Mercury is talking to any of your natal planets.
This retrograde is in a fire sign and this is the energy that lights us up, gets us excited and creative. As the energy is slowing down during the retrograde period, this could look like delays. It is also wise to ask yourself if your ideas are something you really want and if you will be able to carry them through to the end. Fire burns brightly but eventually dies out. Remember that it’s okay to start over if you want. Make sure you aren’t doing things just to avoid sitting still and see where you can inject some more fun into your life.
Sagittarius is a cheerful, hopeful, optimistic and enthusiastic energy. This is where we broaden our minds, explore the world and our place in it, and have those more deep and meaningful conversations. Take some time during the retrograde to count your blessings and look at the bigger picture of your life rather than the nitty gritty day-to-day details.
If things haven’t been going to plan recently, have you become too caught up in the details? Have you forgotten why you are doing those things every day? Take a step back to see how far you have actually come and where you want to go next.
This is a great time for taking a more positive view of life, having more fun and making travel plans. Maybe there is a new course of study you can research or a new language you want to learn. Whatever it is, this is a time for reviewing your life, researching where you want to go next and reconnecting with the things that bring you joy.
It can also be helpful if you know which house Mercury will be retrograde in, as this will give you an idea of which area of your life is most likely to be affected. Use your Rising Sign below to get an overview of what this retrograde will mean for you. If you don’t know your Rising Sign you can find it here. And if you don't know your time of birth then you can just use your Sun Sign.
Aries Rising - 9th house.
This is a great time to go back to any courses you never finished, or resit exams. It’s also good for revisiting places.
Taurus Rising - 8th house.
Be on the lookout for money owed to you coming in, and also review your own debts. How do you feel about intimacy?
Gemini Rising - 7th house.
This is going to be about your important relationships. How are they doing? This could also be a time to get closure with an ex.
Cancer Rising - 6th house.
This is all about your day-to-day life and how you look after yourself. Consider your diet, exercise plan and morning routines.
Leo Rising - 5th house.
This is the fun part of your chart, it’s how you spend your downtime. Pick up an old hobby, play more games and spend time with children.
Virgo Rising - 4th house.
The focus will be on your home and family. Repairing old family rifts, reconnecting with family members and repairs or redecorating at home.
Libra Rising - 3rd house.
Watch out for forgetfulness and don’t be afraid to change your mind. Also, can you reconnect with old friends or siblings?
Scorpio Rising - 2nd house.
Look out for new ways to make money and how you feel about money. Also, what can you donate, throw out or need to replace in your home?
Sagittarius Rising - 1st house.
Think about the image you present to the world. Is it time for a revamp? Also, think about what you want to accomplish.
Capricorn Rising - 12th house.
Focus on the good things in your life. Reconnect with your spirituality and meditate more. Also, try not to dwell on the past.
Aquarius Rising - 11th house.
This is all about your friends and social circles. Reconnect with old friends, sort out any misunderstandings and spend time alone.,
Pisces Rising - 10th house.
This is all about your career and legacy. How do you want to be remembered? Also, reapply for a job you didn’t get but still want.
Mercury Retrograde isn’t something to be feared. It’s a great opportunity to look at what is actually important to you and to realign yourself with your dreams and goals. I hope you have found this week's blog post interesting and helpful. The most important thing to remember about Mercury Retrograde is to slow down, take a deep breath and have a bit more patience.
If you are interested in a more detailed report of how Mercury Retrograde will affect you, including what to look out for, things to do and any planets that are involved, then I’m offering Mercury Retrograde Chart Readings for just £33. You can get yours using the button below.
