Mercury, the trickster messenger planet of communication, coordination, creative expression, and information processing, is set to go retrograde starting November 25th, with the pre-shadow period beginning on November 7th. Being the fastest-moving planet in the solar system, Mercury goes retrograde three to four times a year, with the accompanying shadow periods extending the time spent dealing with its slow-down effects to up to six months annually. As a personal planet, the effects of Mercury retrograde are keenly felt because of its influence on our daily routines.
The pre-shadow phase of Mercury retrograde starts when the planet crosses the zodiac degree where it will eventually station directly. This time around, that initial point will be at 6°23 of Sagittarius on November 7th. The retroshade period encompasses the two weeks before and after the retrograde transit, providing a preview of the emotionally congested and off-kilter energy to come during the retrograde. The pre-shadow phase can heighten anxiety, bring up unresolved issues, and lead to overthinking and questionable logic.
The three stages of Mercury retrograde are considered by some to be: setting the stage during the pre-shadow period, experiencing chaos and upheaval during the retrograde, followed by a period of cleaning up after the main event during the post-shadow period. This current retrograde will last from November 7th to 25th, with the post-retrograde period extending from December 15th to January 2nd, adding a twist to the holiday season this year. While the pre-shadow phase is usually less intense than the actual retrograde, it provides an opportunity to get prepared and make necessary adjustments.
Astrologer Evan Nathaniel Grim advises caution during the pre-shadow phase when making important decisions because they may need to be revisited during the retrograde weeks later. The energy should be primarily invested in the first half of the retrograde, with slow and steady effort dedicated to the final week of the retrograde. People with personal planets in mutable signs like Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces will be most affected by this retrograde, especially those with major placements between 6-22 degrees of these signs.
Mercury’s retrograde through Sagittarius will be its final retrograde of 2024, with the first one of 2025 occurring from March 14th to April 7th. During the 2025 retrograde, Mercury will start in Aries and end in Pisces. Astrologer Reda Wigle provides insightful commentary on planetary configurations and their impact on each zodiac sign in her horoscopes. She integrates history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experiences into her readings.
