The final Mercury Retrograde of the year occurs during the Sagittarius season. It will begin just before Thanksgiving and end before Christmas. A Mercury Retrograde is an optical illusion when the planet appears to be moving in the opposite direction than it normally does. When Mercury hits retrograde during the holidays, it is thought to influence one’s moods and actions significantly. Do not fear what is to come, as it is natural, but Astrologers recommend being cautious when making travel plans and interacting with others. They say the disruptions are intended to slow you down to practice mindfulness and patience.Â
Mercury in Retrograde
Mercury’s pre-retrograde shadow began on November 7 and will go into full retrograde on November 25, the week of Thanksgiving. Mercury Retrograde happens roughly 3 to 4 times every year, more than any other astrological phenomenon.
It also happens more often since it is the closest planet to the sun and only takes 88 Earth days to orbit it. When it occurs, it lasts for several weeks at a time. We refer to these periods as Mercury Retrogrades because the planet Mercury appears to travel backward. Although it is not truly reversing its orbit, it creates an optical illusion caused by the shift in viewpoints.
What does this mean for you? Everyone is affected differently, but the main thing to know is that Mercury influences several things, such as communication, relationships, technology, and travel. Expect there to be misunderstandings, technological malfunctions, and transportation issues. Since it is happening during the holiday season, when many people plan to travel, it is best to be prepared for those plans to shift. Try to be more patient and flexible during this time to avoid any fallouts, and create backup plans if a fallout does occur.
What You Should and Should Not Do
Astrologers recommend waiting until after the Mercury Retrograde to make concrete plans or handle any important business. They say nothing is ever set in stone during this time. It is due to the unpredictability of the environment and the constant change around you. This is not to say you should not take the trip to visit your family or to sign a lease on that new apartment. It’s a cautionary warning that there might be some challenges. They recommend taking extra precautions when traveling, such as double-checking your reservations and allowing for additional time.Â
A way to be proactive during Mercury Retrograde is to tie up loose ends. Although Astrologers don’t recommend starting something new, they support finishing something you have already started. The retrograde is a perfect time to reflect on your past projects and complete any unfinished tasks that you have been avoiding. You can spend this time balancing your life and making adjustments where needed. For example, if you invest too much time in others and not enough in yourself, you can change that. So long as you do not make big life changes, things should flow smoothly.Â
Final Thoughts
Mercury Retrograde might bring a little bit of chaos to your lives, but it is the final one of the year. It is a time to let go of the weight and stresses of the past year and open up to new beginnings. The full retrograde ends on December 15, with a post-shadow lasting until January 3, 2025. You can start 2025 on a fresh note and move forward with intention. Once the retrograde comes to a complete end, reflect on the last few weeks and reorganize. If chaos abrupts, then it is best to take your time to readjust so you can properly embrace the new.Â
