Mercury Retrograde Horoscopes to Save You From Major Drama

Mercury in Sagittarius is a lot of things, but discreet is not one of them.

While Sagittarius as a zodiac sign is often described as suffering from ‘foot in mouth disease,’ Mercury in the centaur sign tends to devolve further into ‘hoof in mouth disease.’ This planet-sign pairing, honest though it may be, often struggles to keep its enchanting brand of candor from spilling over into gaffes galore.

Mercury in Sagittarius truly doesn’t seek to offend, however, and as a Jupiter-ruled sign is imbued with a sense of generosity and optimism which is available to anyone it encounters, whether friend or foe. Read this now: Why Mercury Retrograde Isn’t ALL Bad… and How to Prep for It

As Mercury continues to retrograde, it will enter Scorpio, when our minds and thoughts are likely to become penetrative and unsatisfied if we come up against anything which seems suspiciously simplistic.

KEY ASTROLOGICAL ASPECTS OF MERCURY RETROGRADE IN SAGITTARIUS AND SCORPIO 2018

Aspects made during the Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio may make our mental cup runneth over, and then some.

A series of conjunctions with expansive Jupiter could create a cornucopia of thoughts and words, animating our mind’s eye with grand visions and even grander promises. Be careful about those promises come Mercury direct: you might end up in a world of hurt if you suddenly find yourself unable to deliver.

A square between Mercury and Mars mid-retrograde might serve to fan the flames of disagreement, generating quarrels. Watch your words and pray for a pause button — you might just need it.

Mercury will be conjunct Jupiter October 29, November 27, and December 21; Mercury will square Mars November 26.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR MERCURY RETROGRADE IN SAGITTARIUS AND SCORPIO 2018

On November 17, 2018, Mercury will station retrograde at 13°29′ of Sagittarius, staying retrograde until December 6, when Mercury will station direct at 27°16′ of Scorpio. Though the effects are most potent between November 17 and December 6, the effects of the Mercury retrograde may start to emerge as early as October 29, when Mercury first enters its shadow period, and as late as December 24, when Mercury finally exits its shadow.

Mercury enters its shadow period: October 29 Mercury stations retrograde: November 17 Mercury retrograde conjunct the Sun: November 27 Mercury stations direct: December 6 Mercury exits its shadow: December 24

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WHAT ARE THE MOST AFFECTED SIGNS BY MERCURY RETROGRADE IN SAGITTARIUS AND SCORPIO?

• Most intense for Sagittarius and Scorpio, as the Mercury retrograde is occurring on your home turf, especially if you have planets or points in your natal chart from 27 degrees Scorpio to 13 degrees Sagittarius
• Most challenging for Sagittarius, Scorpio, Virgo, Pisces, and Gemini, as difficult aspects across your signs may produce tensions
• Most beneficial for Leo and Aries, who may find the workarounds productive in the long run

HOROSCOPES FOR MERCURY RETROGRADE IN SAGITTARIUS AND SCORPIO 2018

As with all Mercury retrograde transits, you can expect miscommunications, setbacks, and mishaps; as well as unresolved issues coming back to haunt you one more time (yikes). Read more to discover just how the Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius may unfold for you.

Aries (and Aries Rising)

With the Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio happening in your ninth and eighth houses, you’re likely to review horizon-widening you’ve been incubating relating to spirituality and other studies. Perhaps some of these forays may require a different financial set-up, or maybe, these exciting plans both excite you and set you on edge. Either way, the Mercury retrograde is the ideal time to plan your path (and if your path includes foreign or long-distance travel, leave early, check your tickets, and buy travel insurance).

Taurus (and Taurus Rising)

With the Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio happening in your eighth and seventh houses, you may feel some relative level of breakthrough in your closest relationships. For a change, it seems that the puzzle pieces are falling into place: anxieties about partnerships and the resources you share are finally ending. Even better, you’re likely to unearth newfound optimism for the future where there was previously zilch; all the same, wait for Mercury to station direct before making any major changes.

Gemini (and Gemini Rising)

With the Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio happening in your seventh and sixth houses, try and pencil in some time to re-evaluate the relationships with your nearest and dearest, which may include your business partner and colleagues, too. Just as possible is a circumspect look at the energies you give out to others, and whether that feels like work, service, or something nearer servitude. Fortunately, the Mercury retrograde is likely to illuminate how you can retain your sense of generosity and your dignity, too.

Cancer (and Cancer Rising)

With the Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio happening in your sixth and fifth houses, you’ll be enthusiastically reviewing how some of your creative dreams could dovetail with revived ideas you have about service and work. Somewhere along the line, you’ve discovered that finding your personal life purpose is less important than finding ways to serve others; make haste and use the Mercury retrograde to plan how you’re going to put your talents to noble use.

Leo (and Leo Rising)

With the Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio happening in your fifth and fourth houses, there’s something afoot in how you manage hearth and home, and the delight you derive from these efforts — or don’t. Now is the time to adjust accordingly if you realize that your familial responsibilities are too often keeping you from the pleasures of play. Whether you’re a mommy to a clan or rapscallions or playing surrogate to a shelf full of succulents, keep in mind the old aphorism: ‘if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.’

Virgo (and Virgo Rising)

With the Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio happening in your fourth and third houses, be prepared to rework how you interact at home and in your hood. New brainwaves may come on strong about how to integrate generosity into your home life and increased intimacy into your community (as well as with siblings, aunties, and uncles). The Mercury retrograde is the perfect time to boilerplate these new initiatives, carefully studying the best course of action to take once Mercury stations direct.

Libra (and Libra Rising)

With the Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio happening in your third and second houses, now is the time to be extra-special careful with all things verbal or written, doubly important if communication is a part of your work. These weeks don’t just rely on spellcheck to do the work for you — grab your red pen and a magnifying glass to ensure all is well and fine before you click send. That said, you’re likely to experience an uptick in the urge to write, speak, or chat the night away; use the Mercury retrograde as one long drafting process and schedule your revisions post-retrograde.

Scorpio (and Scorpio Rising)

With the Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio happening in your second and first houses, this is about your money, honey. Mercury retrograde transiting mainly through the part of your chart related to income will make you take a long glance at how you’re managing your funds. The good news? It appears you’ll find a way to merge your long-term vision with the daily scrimps and saves; just don’t make any major changes with your cash until after Mercury stations direct (and keep an eye on your wallet).

Sagittarius (and Sagittarius Rising)

With the Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio happening in your first and twelfth houses, this retrograde is likely to hit home harder than usual. Take extra steps to foolproof your life by doing something you’d normally hate: paying serious attention to the small print. Past the irritating mundanity of losing receipts and pocket-dialing your ex, this Mercury retrograde acts like an end of year progress report for all the hard work you’ve invested in confronting your deepest fears. Give yourself a pat on the back: you’ve come a long way, baby.

Capricorn (and Capricorn Rising)

With the Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio happening in your twelfth and eleventh houses, some much-needed time for retreat is likely in the cards. To be fair, Capricorn has been up against a lot this year, with both Saturn and Pluto in your sign; it might have taken a great deal of stamina just to stay upright. This Mercury retrograde, you could receive insight about what’s continuing to hold you back or even who amongst your social circle is more parts foe than friend. There’s no need to react right away: bide your time and wait until Mercury stations direct to cut ties within and without.

Aquarius (and Aquarius Rising)

With the Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio happening in your eleventh and tenth houses, you may find yourself in group or friendship dynamics in acute need of revision. Some of this may be about identifying the right groups, friends, or benefactors to take your career to the next level; as part of this, you might have a desire to enact something new in a crowd format. For now, though, indulge in the knowledge that your plans are solid gold, but don’t activate that launchpad until after Mercury stations direct.

Pisces (and Pisces Rising)

With the Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio happening in your tenth and ninth houses, be prepared for the odd snafu to crop up in your career or public profile. Maybe something needs a re-write, or perhaps the real issue is that you haven’t been dreaming big enough. Either way, you’ll be leaning on your spiritual backbone when needed to carry you through any unintentional gaffes. Even if you feel like you get the insight you need this Mercury retrograde to make needed changes at work, be sure to hold off as best you can until Mercury stations direct when things will be all the clearer. Image: Feeling Like Silk by Sara Shakeel.