Mercury Retrograde is back — here’s how to stay one step ahead
Heads up: the cosmic trickster is back in motion. On Sunday 9 November 2025, Mercury officially stations retrograde in bold, outspoken Sagittarius.
It’s a full-throttle rewind of communication, ideas, travel, tech and all things data. But don’t panic, the first half of November is your chance to prepare for what’s to come.
What’s Actually Going On?
In astrology, Mercury rules speech, thought, logistics and technology. When it appears to move backward (that’s the retrograde illusion), astrologers say this is a time for reviewing rather than launching new initiatives.
This time around, what’s interesting:
The pre-shadow (that “warm-up” phase) began around 21 October in the watery depths of Scorpio.
Mercury then flips to retrograde in Sagittarius on 9 November, before sliding back into Scorpio around 18 November.
The retrograde ends on 29 November, with the post-shadow period extending into mid-December.
Because it spans Sagittarius and Scorpio, the themes here are a little deeper than usual: truth-seeking, philosophical reassessment, communication that cuts to the chase and then the emotional undercurrents of Scorpio take over.
Why This One Feels Different
If you thought past retrogrades were about missed flights and mis-sent texts, this one looks less about ‘oops the tech failed’ and more about ‘wait, what did I mean when I said that?’
With Mercury in Sagittarius, expect bold words, big ideas, maybe even over-promising. Then Scorpio brings the subterranean truths: what’s hidden beneath the surface, what you or others meant vs what you said.
Because we’re in the company of other heavy-hitters (hello Jupiter also retrograde from 11 November) the vibe is more serious: reevaluation of beliefs, of relationships, of what you’ve committed to.
The fact that the pre-shadow began in Scorpio means some of us may already be feeling the backlash. But that’s good: use it as a signal to slow down.
So: no need for alarm bells, but definitely time for a strategic pause.
The Survival Guide: What to Do Before & During
Think of this as your mini guide to navigating the retrograde with style.
1. Pre-Retrograde Clean-Up (NOW until 9 Nov)
Wrap up loose ends. Contracts you’ve been meaning to sign, trips you’re planning, tech-updates you keep postponing. Your future self will thank you.
Organise, declutter, back up. Clear your email inbox, update software, duplicate files. When Mercury plays its tricks, you’ll want your data safe.
Have the honest chats. If there’s something you’ve avoided saying, now’s the moment. Once the retrograde begins, nuance may get lost.
Define next steps, not new leaps. Big launches, major commitments? Better hold until after 29 Nov if you can.
2. During the Retrograde (9–29 Nov)
Double-check everything. Emails, bookings, contracts, make sure you read the small print. If something feels off, it probably is.
Be clear in communication. With Sagittarius & Scorpio, words are vibrant but may lack clarity. If you’re upset, check the tone before you hit send.
Expect technology/ travel gremlins. Travel from A to B? Extra time. Working on an important digital project? Back it up.
Review, don’t launch. This is a powerful time for editing, refining, and introspection, not for starting from scratch.
Watch emotional undertows. The Scorpio shift will bring hidden dynamics to the fore, conversations you thought were closed may reopen.
3. After the Retrograde (Post 29 Nov into Dec)
As Mercury stations direct, you’ll begin to see the results of the review you did. Your tasks will feel clearer, your communication smoother.
But note: the post-shadow isn’t finished until around 16 December so residual ripples may linger.
This is the moment to execute: take the insights you gathered during retrograde and move forward with them.
Final Word
Retrogrades don’t have to be dreadful. In fact, they can be productive if you lean into their natural rhythm: rewind → refine → release. The upcoming cycle from 9–29 November 2025 gives you an extra chance to align your message, clean your tech, revisit what you believe, and emerge ready for action in December.
So … do check your bookings, draft your next-week email twice, and maybe hold off that bold public announcement until the messenger planet gives you the go-ahead. Because yes, Mercury is mischievous, but you, dear reader, can turn its backward spin into a smart rewind.