When: November 25th – December 15th, 2024

What: Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius

Takeaway: When Mercury appears to trek backward in the sky, tech and communication mishaps tend to occur. This particular retrograde has the potential to be rowdier than most. But any mistakes we make will pinpoint what we need to revisit and rework in our lives. Let there be cringe.

The trickster planet is at it again

Mercury appears to spin in reverse three or four times a year, setting off predictable rounds of “Mercury in Gatorade” jokes and search parties for mysteriously lost emails. The messenger planet stations retrograde again on November 25th, wreaking familiar havoc in our communications and technological endeavors. And this time around, it’s backtracking in Sagittarius.

This fire sign is the student, professor, explorer, and clown of the zodiac — philosophical, freedom-seeking, and often extremely blunt. Mercury is considered to be in its detriment in Sagittarius, meaning it doesn’t function at optimal levels in this sign. While Mercury likes to be analytical, discerning, left-brained, and precise, Sagittarius tends to be broad-minded, fast and loose with details, and easily caught up in the thrill of the moment — sometimes at the expense of decorum. When a planet is in detriment, it can struggle to realize its full potential — but it can also display unusual gifts and devise fresh, novel approaches to the concerns of the planet in question.

When Mercury is retrograde in this mutable sign, it reminds us to fact-check and tact-check before we express ourselves. The words scorching the tip of your tongue might sound perfectly reasonable in your head and then come out blistering. The celestial centaur is instinctively honest, which isn’t a bad thing, but telling the whole, unvarnished truth without reading the room can land you in hot water. Be strategic and thoughtful in sharing what’s on your mind and heart before pressing “send,” and you’ll get your point across more effectively — and you’ll have fewer regrets once Mercury stations direct.

A cazimi in Sagittarius illuminates what you’re learning

Clarity briefly re-emerges on December 5th, when Mercury nestles up with the Sun in an auspicious event called a cazimi. This is the moment when Sol bathes the messenger in its bright rays and burns any confusion to a crisp. Whatever specific teachings this retrograde is trying to impart to you, this is when they come into sharp focus. So pay attention. Insights can arrive through many channels, from insightful dreams to serendipitous encounters with friends to resonant books toppling from shelves. Keep a journal or your notes app on deck to jot down any words or phrases or ideas that flutter through the cosmos and light up your synapses. When you integrate this wisdom, you level up the way you think, communicate, organize, and make meaning of your life.

When in doubt, play the fool

When Mercury is in Sagittarius, we have to resist getting carried away by our own mental circus troupes. Whether you postpone that impromptu trip you’ve been plotting or refrain from stirring the pot in the comments section of an incendiary article, let self-restraint be your friend. But when you do goof up or when the cosmos itself seems to be interfering with your best-laid plans, you have a superpower at your disposal: a sense of humor.

Bloopers are inevitable during a Mercury retrograde, but lasting irritations and disturbances don’t have to be. Tap into your humility when you make a mistake or when things don’t go your way. Releasing your ego’s grip on the wheel keeps you open to new mindsets. So let yourself consciously play the fool for a few weeks. By the time Mercury stations direct on December 15th, you’ll have a broader understanding of how to approach your life’s challenges — and maybe a funny story or two to recount at brunch. In the meantime, here are some tips for navigating this period in good spirits:

Your Mercury retrograde survival guide

Do…

Expect delays. Schedule buffer time for everything. When things go smoothly, you’ll have space to relax. And when they don’t, you’ll be grateful to have plans B and C. Back up your files. Documents, emails, photos — all of it. Get ahead of potential technology glitches. Your future self will thank you. Reflect, review, revise, reorganize, and take note of anything you repeatedly think about during this period. There is meaning in what your mind keeps returning to. Use this time to streamline your life and update your systems, both internal and external. Focus on long-term solutions. Decisions made in the heat of the moment don’t always support your highest self. Instead, commit to making choices that align with your broader goals. Pause, rest, and belly-breathe through mounting frustrations. Edit your ideas before you share them. The fiery arguments you’re tempted to start or quips you want to make might not be the most tactful or accurate. If you’re not sure whether it’s the right moment to launch into an impromptu TED talk, feel out your audience first. Laugh at yourself when you make obvious mistakes. The point of this transit is to keep you humble and open to learning. Listen to the and Your Reading in the “This Week” section of the . There, you’ll also find journal prompts and other resources that will help you work with the lessons Mercury brings you this retrograde season. Check the Transits tab in the to discover if and how Mercury is impacting any of your natal placements. You can also read your free to learn how your rising sign will be affected during this time.

Don’t…

Fear Mercury retrograde. It may be annoying, but remember that worrying is simply fixating on what you don’t want. Instead, treat this period as an opportunity to reassess your strategies. Buy tickets, sign contracts, or organize events during this time, if you can avoid it. If you can’t, stay flexible and assume that adjustments may be needed after — or even before — this retrograde cycle is over. Plan for big launches or make major changes to the way you do things, if you can help it — unless you schedule them around the Mercury cazimi on December 5th. (That said, you may still want to work with an astrologer to pinpoint the most fruitful moment for you.) Put your life on hold. There are some things you should put off, if possible, but otherwise, just make room for hiccups. Again, you shouldn’t fear this Mercury retrograde — just be wise to it.

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