Mercury, the trickster messenger planet of communication, coordination, creative expression, and information processing, is set to station retrograde on November 25th. However, the pre-shadow or retroshade period begins on November 7th. Mercury retrograde occurs three to four times a year, with shadow periods extending that time to about six months in total. As a personal planet, Mercury’s retrogrades have a significant impact on daily life due to its influence on daily routines.
The pre-shadow phase of Mercury retrograde begins when the planet crosses the zodiac degree where it will eventually station directly. This time period, starting on November 7th, sets the stage for the retrograde to come. The pre-shadow and post-shadow periods, also known as retroshade, occur in the two weeks before and after the retrograde transit, bringing emotionally congested and off-kilter energy. This can lead to intense feelings, unresolved issues, and overthinking.
The upcoming Mercury retrograde in November is considered a three-part series by many, with the pre-shadow period setting the stage for the chaos of the retrograde and the post-shadow period acting as a time for clean up and integration. The pre-retrograde/retroshade period is set to last from November 7th to 25th, followed by the post-retrograde period from December 15th to January 2nd. This may add a bit of tension to the holiday season this year.
During the pre-shadow phase, it is advisable to exercise caution with decision-making and prepare for potential revisits during the retrograde period. Astrologer Evan Nathaniel Grim advises focusing energy on the first half of the retrograde for major efforts, saving the December 6th to 15th segment for more steady progress towards completion. The retrograde is most likely to affect those with personal planets in mutable signs, particularly Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.
The final Mercury retrograde of 2024 will occur in Sagittarius. The first retrograde of 2025 is scheduled for March 14th to April 7th, starting in Aries and concluding in Pisces. Astrologer Reda Wigle offers insights into planetary configurations and their effects on each zodiac sign, incorporating history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experiences into her horoscopes. To learn more or book a reading, you can visit her website.
