Mercury retrograde arrives: 13 December 2023 – 1 January 2024. Relationships (and parties) at risk

Astrologers teach us that periods when the planet Mercury is retrograde bring a certain amount of chaos and confusion. Both our mood and our actions can be affected. This phenomenon, which will occur for the last time in 2023 starting from December 13th, extending until January 1st 2024, will literally act as ačćšđ spoilsport for all signs.

What is retrogradation

The so-called “retrogradation” is an optical phenomenon due to which we have the impression that a planet is moving backwards, while in reality it is our observation point that is moving. It’s a bit like driving along a motorway with multiple lanes in each direction: if we overtake a car moving along another lane more slowly than us, we might have the impression that it is moving backwards, even if reality is proceeding in the same direction as us.

The three retrogradations of Mercury in 2023

Of all the celestial bodies, Mercury is the closest to the Sun and, according to astrology, this characteristic makes it the planet of communication. It governs information, technology, travel. When it becomes retrograde, difficulties can arise in these areas. This year, Mercury has been retrograde twice already. From April 21st to May 14th, in the sign of Taurus, and from August 23rd to September 15th, in that of Virgo. Its third and final retrogradation of 2023 will occur from December 13 to January 1, 2024 and will have the particularity of crossing two signs: Sagittarius and Capricorn.

The pre-retrograde shadow (the moment in which the planet slows down to enter retrograde motion) began on November 25, while the post-retrograde shadow (the moment in which the celestial body regains speed) will begin on January 1, 2024 and will last until the 20th of the month. During the post-retrograde shadow, we have the opportunity to focus on ourselves, take stock of recent events, learn from them, and make necessary changes. It can be a moment of breaking with the past and marking the beginning of a new chapter. Things should start to return to normal at the end of this period, from 20 January 2024.

The effects of Mercury retrograde in December 2023

According to the famous American astrologer Susan Miller, «Mercury has an influence on everything that moves. During retrograde, the last thing to do is buy a computer, a car or a phone, because there is a high probability that they will give us problems. Likewise, you should avoid signing a contract, because some clauses that are unfavorable to you may escape your notice. I also recommend not starting new relationships, because communication is so compromised at this stage that you risk becoming involved with the wrong person.” In general, astrologers associate the retrogradation of Mercury with misunderstandings and misunderstandings, cognitive fog, anxiety, uncertainty, both in private and professional life.

Although each retrogradation affects all zodiac signs, the heaviest effects fall on the sign (or signs) under whose aegis the phenomenon occurs. Moving from Sagittarius to Capricorn, this phase will provide impetus to create, complete projects and gain recognition. Both Capricorn, an Earth sign, and Sagittarius, a Fire sign, have a determined character, they tenaciously pursue their goals, and retrogradation could cause delays in achieving results, giving the impression of a moment of stagnation. But this opposition will encourage you to give your best.