The essential Mercury Retrograde survival guide according to your star sign and what NOT to do while we’re in it

EVERYONE’S favourite retrograde is BACK on November 25^th (until 15th December).

Mercury retrograde occurs several times a year and often brings a few lil’ travel gremlins, tech hiccups, and communication crossed wires with it, because Mercury rules over travel, technology, business and communication.

When in a retrograde, a planet’s positive influence is reversed or blocked.

This retrograde unfolds in the slightly chaotic sign of Sagittarius so pay attention to travel and communication in particular.

Make sure your plans and intentions are clear and unfold smoothly. Don’t assume anything, check it!

However, please don’t put TOO much weight on this. Carry on with your life as usual- maybe just have a Plan B for any major moves or negotiations you’ve got in the pipeline. 

Mercury retrograde dates are already out for 2025 if you’d like to avoid doing anything major on those dates:

• March 14–April 7: Starts in Aries and ends in Pisces
• July 17–August 11: In Leo
• November 9–November 29: Starts in Sagittarius and ends in Scorpio

My tarot reading for each star sign will describe the one thing to look out for between November 25^th and December 15^th.

Aries – The Wheel of Fortune

Got any major changes on the horizon on those dates?

The Wheel of Fortune is a potent symbol of transformation, happening on several fronts, creating ripple effects and knock-on impacts that maybe you didn’t see coming.

Change is a chaotic force. One change ignites another, often beyond your control.

So, be ready for that ripple effect. Expect the unexpected.

Leave extra time and energy to deal with whatever unfolds and know that all will be well in the end. 

Taurus – Page of Swords

An important discussion, negotiation, deal or agreement you have with someone younger, or more junior, to you might be fraught with crossed wires.

Perhaps the age gap creates this, perhaps the fact they’re not 100% listening to you.

Don’t assume your words have been heard, understood and heeded.

Follow up- with another chat the next day, with questions to sense check their understanding, or even in writing.

Make sure you work hard to land your message. Don’t assume they ‘get it’ first time around.

Gemini – The Tower

Something related to tech or travel might go awry this month and break down or encounter a major obstacle BUT you mustn’t worry or dread this event because (deep down you know it’s coming anyway) it is a necessary ‘collapse’ to remove this fading or false enterprise or asset from your life.

Everything has an end. This has been a long time coming and it’s actually a relief that it’s revealed itself, albeit the end happens suddenly.

Make sure you’ve got your insurances, contracts, admin, cover and contact lists to hand for any journeys or technology upgrades in the pipeline.

Be ready to replace or mitigate, and move on with a new version of what you need.

Cancer – Three of Cups

Pay attention to your social life and friendship circle during this retrograde.

Make sure you’re being heard, that messages land promptly and accurately, invitations are sent and received, and plans are understood by all.

As we get into the festive season things get busier, more hectic, and more prone to crossed wires.

Don’t scupper your beautiful social plans because the message didn’t land.

Check everyone knows what’s happening, when, and are ready to party!

Leo – Knight of Wands

Your worst enemy this retrograde is the temptation to RUSH. The Knight of Wands is the captain of FOMO and says yes to everything, bites off more than he can chew, and then rushes around in a flap trying to do it all.

Which inevitably leads to cock ups, mishaps, missed opportunities, and poor outcomes. Don’t be him.

Only agree to what you really must or want to do. Leave plenty of wriggle room in your diary because things will get busier. 

Virgo – Ace of Wands

You are going to start a new activity this retrograde- a class, physical hobby, creative project, travel or outing plan, or lifestyle ritual. It’s going to be beautiful and rewarding and will keep you busy and fulfilled all season but… make sure you start it well.

Do all the necessary steps, double check you’ve got the right things, ask questions about anything you don’t understand, and take extra time to get started.

Start well, don’t let the retrograde throw you off because this new activity is very worthwhile. 

Libra – King of Wands

You are creating a new goal or ambition and putting this purpose at the forefront of your agenda this retrograde.

It might be related to work, health and wellbeing, creative or artistic skills, or travel. Do your homework, Libra!

Don’t rush to get started because the more time preparing, the easier the ride to success.

Spend extra time thinking of the possible risks or hurdles or unanswered questions, and take your time in addressing them. Well started, well delivered.

Scorpio – Ten of Wands

The extra busyness that Mercury retrograde creates (things taking a bit longer, knocking on to your to-do list, errors having to be sorted out etc) makes you feel kinda’ tired.

So make sure your weekend or leisure time has plenty of space for relaxation and deep rest.

Don’t overload the diary or take on extra commitments right now. Keep things loose and relatively easygoing.

You are an intense person, you always give things your all. Do the same for your own wellbeing and physical energy levels. 

Sagittarius – Ace of Swords

If you’re going to embark on an open and honest dialogue with someone close to you (maybe about something a little spiky or controversial) then please go into it with your words rehearsed and plenty of patience and compassion.

You are known for blurting out hard truths with no filter. Don’t be like that.

The Ace of Swords reveals your dialogue will reveal interesting truths and things you didn’t know or appreciate.

Everyone has secrets, everyone carries their own pressures, and you will discover new depths through this discussion.

Be ready to listen more than you talk and watch your words when you do.

Leave no room for misunderstandings. Seek clarity calmly. 

Capricorn – The Hanged Man

The key word this Mercury retrograde is DELAY. The Hanged Man is a card of limbo and shows that something will be delayed or held up.

It will be frustrating but I’m here to say there’s nothing useful you can do except surrender to it, and use the pause to go do something else.

Things will unravel and get going again, but in a new way on a different pathway… and actually it will turn out that this was for the best.

Unseen forces are conspiring to nudge you in a new direction!

Aquarius – Three of Coins

If you’re doing any kind of presentation, proposal, interview, application or pitch this Mercury retrograde, then please make sure you double check all of your equipment, content, speech notes, and travel plans. Have a Plan B and C.

The Three of Coins shows that whatever you’re doing WILL go well and you’ll make a good impression, and that will be helped along by extra attentiveness, so do some extra research and planning. It won’t go to waste. 

Pisces – Three of Swords

This retrograde will throw up a small challenge which, in handling, you notice who is supportive and helpful towards you… and who is not.

There’s a bit of a snake in the grass at your feet (you have an instinct who it is) and they will reveal themselves this month.

Perhaps they seem to smirk at your setback or withdraw or withhold help you KNOW they could offer.

Don’t let this pass. Notice it, absorb it, and then act on it. Not everyone deserves your magical presence and energy.

Kerry King, the tarot queen, uses tarot and star sign wisdom to create inspiring forecasts and insights, with nearly 30 years fortune telling experience, and many happy clients all over the world.

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