Happy Mercury Retrograde Holidays!

Mercury, the planet of communications, commerce, travel, and mechanics, decides to slow down during the holiday season. It’s the famous Mercury Retrograde in play again, so let’s talk about navigating the most wonderful (and busy) time of the year.

The official Mercury Retrograde time is from December 12th through January 1st. You’ll notice misunderstandings and delays starting November 25th through January 20th. It won’t be as strong as the official Mercury Retrograde dates, but you’ll still deal with delays.

Are you noticing miscommunications are happening? For example, it’s wise to check appointment times and who is taking what action item. Don’t assume the other person knows the details - start double-checking if everyone is on the same page. Since this retrograde is in Sagittarius and Capricorn, it is critical for business meetings and social events. First impressions are essential, and being ill-prepared when Mercury isn’t as quick can cost you. None of that, okay?

If you’re holiday shopping, give yourself enough time to ship; that address may flip to an old one if you don’t review it at checkout. Store shopping may be delayed because of crowds or parking, or cash registers and electronic payments may malfunction. Have more than one way of paying for items (or dinner) with you. 

Think about alternative plans, especially for travel. If you’re driving, have your car checked over at the mechanic. Flight plans can change. Verify the details - because travel is tight around holidays, you may miss those family gatherings or reunions if you are not careful. Leave extra time to arrive at your destination.

Mercury might need clarification about the facts or what material to study for students or anyone about to take a test or finals. The test might need to be moved, or if it’s online, log in early and check your internet connection. The little details make the difference, so extra time and preparedness will keep you cool.

Our Gemini Sun, Virgo Sun, Gemini Rising, and Virgo Rising signs may feel the impact of sleepy Mercury more because Mercury rules those signs. By ruling, we mean this is mainly how our Gemini and Virgos operate, so give them extra love and grace.

For all our signs, Mercury Retrograde will bring light to how we are communicating. You may go over old ground with friendships, relationships (return of the ex), or old job hurts. Information could be revealed that will put it all together, finally. Only take the call or meeting if it HELPS you, not if it will cost you time and emotions. Anything creative can be helpful to heal because you’re revealing the real you, the shadow, the places you may not like but are beautiful. So, if you’re reviewing the past or things in you that you’ve stuffed for a while, stick with it because it will move you forward in a big way.

Also, check your chart - where your Mercury is (what house) and how it expresses itself (what sign) will tell you how this Mercury Retrograde will go. If you were born while Mercury was in  Retrograde, you might already be used to reviewing details, so this will be the status quo. 

Bottom Line? While time seems to speed up during the holidays and year-end gatherings, Mercury Retrograde encourages us (sometimes strongly) to slow down. If there are special places you need to be and on time, don’t let yourself or anyone down. Put the extra magic of the season into all you do, and not only will you be much more relaxed this season, but others will see how much you care because of your extra efforts.

Want to know more about your chart? How can your Mercury affect this season for you?  Book a six-month astrology reading here - https://marydalba.com/book-now

Important Dates of Mercury Retrograde:

Official Dates: December 12th, 2023 - January 1, 2024

Pre-Shadow Dates: November 25th, 2023 - December 11th, 2023

Post Shadow Dates: January 2, 2024 - January 20th, 2024

Mercury starts the shadow period in the sign of Sagittarius until December 2, 2023, when Mercury moves forward into the sign of Capricorn.

Mercury moves backward (retrograde) into Sagittarius starting December 24th, 2023, and stays in the sign of Sagittarius through January 14th, 2024.

The Post Shadow ends on January 20th, 2024