A lot has happened in the country over the past few weeks, and there’s a definite feeling that change is coming.
Unfortunately, the universe is here with another surprise: Mercury is going retrograde.
On November 25, Mercury will go retrograde in Sagittarius. While this astrological event doesn’t have the best reputation, it doesn’t mean the world or your life is going to be turned upside down.
That said, Mercury in retrograde is definitely going to mix things up, according to Donna Page, an Atlanta-based astrologer with a graduate degree in counseling psychology. And, oh yeah, it’s happening right before Thanksgiving. Hooray?
Meet the Expert: Donna Page, is an Atlanta-based astrologer with a graduate degree in counseling psychology.
Again, don’t push the panic button. But, ya know, it’s good to be prepared for what’s coming up. Here’s what your zodiac sign can expect from the latest Mercury in retrograde.
What is Mercury in retrograde?
Mercury going retrograde means a few different things, depending on how you look at it. In astronomy (i.e. the study of celestial objects), a planet is in retrograde when it looks like it’s moving backward in the sky. But they’re not actually going backward—it’s just an optical illusion, according to NASA.
FWIW, Mercury isn’t the only planet that goes retrograde. In fact, all planets do this at some point. Mercury just has the worst reputation for it.
In astrology (which is the study of how celestial objects influence human behavior), retrograde is when things get a little shaken up, Page explains. The exact shake-up has a lot to do with the sign the retrograde is happening in, along with the positioning of other planets and stars at that time.
How will November’s Mercury in retrograde impact your zodiac sign?
This particular Mercury in retrograde is happening in the sign of Sagittarius. “Everybody’s Thanksgiving plans can go haywire,” Page says. That can mean anything from a family member changing plans and not making it for dinner to accidentally overcooking the mashed potatoes.
But it can show up in subtle little ways, too, like the car rental agency gave you something different than what you expected—which, by the way, could be a total upgrade.
The key in all of this is flexibility, Page says. “Sagittarius is about what we believe,” she says. “Like, ‘I used to think this, but now I think that.’”
That can actually be a good thing when you apply it to Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe you’ll find you and your estranged cousin have more in common than you realized or that you’re ready to bring your new S.O. home for the holidays. “It can be exciting and fun,” Page says. “Try to see the silver lining in everything.”
Mercury in retrograde will impact all astrological signs, but Page says that Gemini and Sagittarius will feel it the most.
How will Mercury in retrograde affect your sign?
It’s important to point out that Mercury in retrograde lasts for more than a day. In fact, it’s usually a three-week thing, Page says. With that, you may be dealing with some curveballs as we slide into the full holiday season.
The takeaway? You’ll learn to be a little more flexible going forward. Like, there’s only so much room for you to need things to be a certain way when everything is a little wonky. While it can feel a little uncomfortable in the moment, that’s a life lesson you can take going forward.
When is the next Mercury in retrograde?
The next Mercury in retrograde starts on March 14, so you can spend some solid time in the new year on a more even vibe.
Just focus on being flexible for now. It’ll make your life much, much easier.
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.
