The Last Mercury Retrograde of 2023
‘Tis The Season of Slowing Down
Mercury will be doing its usual 3-4 times a year retrograde motion from December 12, 2023 - January 1, 2024. There’s no need to get all hell-bent out of shape when the fastest planet in our system looks to be moving backward from our earthly perspective. Let me break it down for you so you can move through the holiday season with more ease and grace.
What does Mercury symbolize?
Perception, thinking, speaking, learning, travel, media, and anything related to communication.
What does retrograde mean?
When a planet retrogrades, the planet looks to be moving backward from our perspective here on Earth, but it is a mere optical illusion, however, this is still pertinent for us Earthlings because astrologers have noticed that the themes of the planet in question don’t go as smoothly as they’re used to. The planet’s duties get compromised and we can experience some frustrations with the retrograde planet because we’re used to it operating in a specific way (when it is moving directly).
What does Mercury retrograde mean then?
Slow Down
This best encapsulates all of the following themes that Mercury retrograde is associated with. Living in a society largely focused on doing, slowing down, I believe, is the gift that this transit bestows upon us. Learn how to go with the flow during the next few weeks.
Our minds aren't running at their normal capacity and you might want to speed things through, but that's when you're most liable to encounter one of Mercury's tricks. You can laugh it off if you do run into some of the Mercury retrograde-related themes and get reminded to slow things down.
Review, Reflect, and Recalibrate
Not a great time to initiate because technology and communication are running amok and will present us with setbacks. It’s better to perfect whatever we’re currently working on and start something new once Mercury moves forward starting at the beginning of next year.
Communication
Think before you speak. The way we communicate may be lost in translation. Take the time to ponder about what you’re going to say or go over your written message so that you lessen the confusion if any arises.
Travel
Be on top of your traveling plans. Triple-check boarding times, dates, addresses, etc. It doesn’t hurt to be extra cautious while traveling during the holidays so you don’t miss any valuable time with your loved ones.
Car
Got a flat tire? Need to jump-start your car? No worries. If this happens to you during the next few weeks you can laugh it off and know that Mercury retrograde is in full effect. I’m already feeling these effects and have my car scheduled to get serviced just a handful of hours after Mercury goes retrograde!
Technology
If you can wait to buy a new phone or laptop, do so. Or if you need to update your software, triple-check everything is backed up. If you can’t wait, just be mindful that you cross your t’s and dot your i’s to minimize challenges.
Past
People and things from the past may re-enter your sphere. It is not surprising when people (past partners, family members, friends, co-workers, etc.) with whom we haven’t spoken in a while reach out to you. Just approach the incident with composure and instill those boundaries if necessary–own your worth!
Making The Most out of Mercury Rx
I already had to schedule my car for service and had a past partner reach out. When these things happen I smile because I get reminded of the magic of astrology.
It’s great to know about these astrological tranists–especially Mercury retrograde–because I have an exciting project I’m working on and instead of launching it sometime during the next three weeks, I know it’s best to wait until January. I’m going to best utilize this Mercury retrograde energy by allowing it to guide me in reviewing my project so that I can work out the kinks and make it the best product it can be. It’s also happening during the holiday season, so if there’s ever a time to not have to worry about the complications that Mercury Rx can cause us at work, it’s now.
Remember to slow down, recalibrate, go with the flow, and laugh it off if you encounter one of the tricks Mercury has up his sleeves.
Happy slowing down,
Andre
