The final Mercury retrograde of 2025 is upon us.
What is Mercury retrograde?
Mercury is the planet of communication, the mind, the mouth, connection, expression, media, technology, travel and commerce. It is the fastest-moving celestial body in our sky, second only to the moon.
Three to four times a year, Mercury goes rogue and retrograde, a slowing down that can look like a reversal in the sky.
Mercury is a personal planet, meaning its movements have a more profound impact on us.
As above, so below, so to speak.
Retrograde meaning
A planetary PSA; planets do not move backward in space, they merely slow their proverbial rolls, a deceleration that looks like a reversal from our vantage here on beautiful, broken planet Earth.
How long will Mercury be in retrograde
When you factor in the shadow period of the retrograde, we spend up to six months a year at the mercy of Mercury’s slowdown.
Mercury retrograde dates
Mercury begins its retrograde on Sunday, November 9, in the tactless pirate heart of Sagittarius before slipping into the goth swamp of Scorpio on November 18.
Mercury stations direct on November 29 and finally clears its post-retrograde shadow, or retroshade, on December 16.
While everyone will feel the effects of this retrograde, four signs will be hit the hardest.
Shedding light and coming correct with survival strategies is Tetiana Tsvil, astrologer and spiritual advisor at Nebula.
For Sagittarius folk, the first half of Mercury’s retrograde will hit their first house of identity and self-expression, while the latter half highlights their twelfth house of endings and the subconscious mind.
“In the first two weeks of this retrograde, the pace of life may slow down – this is natural, as the retrograde affects your personality, external image and internal state. The focus will be on self-presentation, behavior and how you perceive yourself. It’s an opportune time to complete postponed personal tasks and rethink your style,” Tsvil told The Post.
The second half is more about the subterranean and the soulful than the surface.
“You might uncover old secrets or revisit past emotional situations. You will need to spend more time alone, listening to your inner self and restoring balance. Calming practices like meditation, breathing exercises and journaling will be beneficial.”
For Scorpios, the first half of this retrograde hits their second house of values and resources and then moves into their first house of identity.
“The focus will be on financial matters, resources and self-worth. You may revisit old sources of income or collaborate with former partners, tapping into talents that could yield a profit. It’s wise to avoid hasty financial decisions; instead, complete what you’ve started and strengthen existing ventures,” said Tsvil.
When Mercury moves into Scorpio, “Sensitivity to others’ assessments and reactions increases. This is not a time for drastic changes but rather for self-reflection.”
For Gemini, this retrograde throws a revisionist spotlight on your relationships and your daily rituals.
“During the first half of November, Mercury retrograde brings essential changes to personal relationships, partnerships, work, habits and health. Issues related to relationships and partnerships may resurface, particularly with potential contact with ex-partners or clients, the renewal of agreements, or a need to review previous ones,” said Tsvil
According to her, this retrograde is a bit of a purge party and an ideal time to resolve old conflicts and cleanse yourself of toxic relationships.
“For team Taurus, radical life changes and significant transformations may occur, particularly in the areas of relationships and finances,” warned Tsvil.
She notes that issues related to shared resources, debts and responsibility may surface.
“It’s advisable to refrain from taking on new financial obligations. Instead, focus on meeting existing ones and releasing past patterns – both emotional and material.
In relationships, there’s potential to reconnect with former partners or clients. This period is favorable for resolving past conflicts, clarifying boundaries and restoring valuable connections.”
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
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