Astrological Insights: November 25 - December 1, 2024
Hello, Mercury Retrograde!
Here are some insights about the opportunities and challenges that this week’s astrology may offer us collectively. If you’re looking to access personalized astrological and self-care insights to help you navigate the now, I’d love to do a Stellar Guidance Session with you.
It’s that time of the year again. The latest Mercury Retrograde begins on November 25 and goes through December 15. For those who track it in their chart, it spans from 22 to 6 degrees of Sagittarius during this cycle.
When you think of how to approach this period, apply first two letters of the word retrograde—“re”—to the activities you undertake. As such, Mercury Retrograde periods are a great time to reassess, review, reanalyze, revisit, rethink, re-edit, and recommunicate.
Remember that retrograde periods are times for heightened reflection and inner awareness. Since Mercury symbolizes communication, transport, the way we learn, our siblings, and our neighborhood, this period can yield great insights in these related areas of our life, notably if we approach them from a different-than-usual vantage point. Mercury Retrograde lasts about three weeks and occurs three to four times per year; the last one took place August 5 – 28.
While inner reflection is heightened, external communication may be stressed. Therefore, try to avoid misunderstandings by being extra diligent about the words you use, while also making sure to listen even more attentively than usual.
Whether it be with writing, speaking, or design, put a little extra effort into proverbially dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s. Be especially aware of this if you need to sign any contracts or make binding agreements during Mercury Retrograde, as oftentimes all of the information we need in order to make a decision isn’t readily available or especially clear; ask questions if doubts arise, sussing out details to uncover facts that may not be readily apparent. If you do make an agreement during Mercury Retrograde, just consider that things may turn out differently than anticipated (different isn't necessarily bad, it's just distinct from what expectations may have been).
Take the next three weeks to reflect and review, notably through approaching things from a different vantage point. Remember the power of the pause, how by going slow we are often able to access awareness that usually passes us right by when we’re moving about at our regular pace.
Given that Mercury is retrograde in exploratory Sagittarius, this period may give us key insights into our beliefs and personal truths. We may also uncover why it is that are primed to see the glass half full, or half empty. Additionally, given travel is under Sagittarius’ purview, reviewing an upcoming trip may offer you access to new facts and/or resources, allowing you to sequence and structure it in a way to make it even better than you had originally considered.
To help bolster your well-being during this period, I wanted to offer two self-care suggestions that can help address particular stresses and opportunities during this period.
Mercury Retrograde Apothecary Suggestions
Impatiens flower essence: Mercury Retrograde periods are a time for going slow and reflecting, rather than taking full-on outer-directed action. And yet, most of us are more used to doing than being, acting than contemplating, and moving forward rather than sitting with something and letting it gestate; as such, a patient approach may be challenging for many. If you need support slowing down and waiting, harmonizing with the more yin-like rhythm that is infused in the Mercury Retrograde period, consider Impatiens flower essence. {Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.}
Nondominant handwriting: This exercise is easy to do and takes minimal time commitment. Just think of a question to which you seek an answer, something that you’ve been pondering. Then pick up a pen or pencil and place it in your nondominant hand (the left one for righties, and the right one for lefties) and write out the answer on paper. Write freely and don’t judge what may seem like chicken scratch. The beauty of this exercise is that by using our opposite hand we are able to able to access more of our subconscious mind and tap into our intuitive knowingness. What you compose on the paper should provide you with an insightful perspective on your question.
Wishing you a wonderful week,
xxStephanie
P.S. In honor of this week’s Thanksgiving, I wanted to share just how grateful I am to be in community with you.
Astrological Highlights
November 25: Mercury Retrograde
November 27: Sun/Mars Trine
All days reflect Eastern Standard Time (- 5 hours GMT)
Photos: Getty Images, Florian Klauer, and Namroud Gorguis, all via Unsplash