Mercury Retrograde 2023 & 2024
December 8 – January 1, 2024
April 1 – April 25
August 4 – August 28
November 25 – December 15
Remember the shadow phase starts two weeks before and lasts for two weeks after these dates! This time can be even more complex than the actual retrograde days!
HOW TO OUTWIT MERCURY MISCHIEF
Mercury goes retrograde most often, and its effects can be most irritating. When it reaches a short distance ahead of the sun three times a year, it seems to move backward from our point of view. Astrologers compare retrograde motion to the illusion that occurs when one car passes another car traveling at different speeds – the second car seems to be moving backward.
This means that Mercury-ruled areas of your life – analytical thought processes, communications, and scheduling are subject to all types of confusion. Forewarned is forearmed; be prepared. People will change their minds. Communication equipment can break down. Schedules must change on short notice. People are late for meetings or don’t show up at all. Traffic is terrible and transportation problems occur. Major purchases malfunction, don’t work, and are delivered in the wrong color. Mail doesn’t arrive. Any new contracts will not work out and will need to be renegotiated.
We can’t put life on hold for nine weeks every year, so we must learn to make this time work for us. The prefix RE is your key! Reflect back on life, or the previous months. Reevaluate, and look for deeper insights. Rest and reward yourself. This is a good time for a retreat, spiritual work, and meditation. Reorganize your desk, and garage; clean out your closets and recycle. If you vacation, return to a favorite place. If you must sign contracts do so with a contingency clause to allow for adjustments in the future.
Postpone major purchases or commitments. Don’t get married (unless you are remarrying the same person). Don’t start a business. Don’t rely on others – be sure to have alternatives. Don’t buy anything connected with communication or transportation.
When Mercury is retrograding through your sign its effect on your life is intensified. The sign that Mercury is retrograding gives an idea of what is in store and conditions for that sign will be especially challenged.
Venus Retrograde
VENUS IS NOT RETROGRADE IN 2024
Venus affects all things related to love and money, this is the best time for RE in those areas. Relationships can take a backward step, you may hear from or contact a past love or even become impractical and extravagant now. Make amends in all relationships but don’t start a new one. Hold off on a new hairstyle and beauty treatments or redecorating as you may not like the results later.
Mars Retrograde
December 6, 2024 – February 23, 2025
Temperament, desire, and drive are all Mars-ruled. It seems that you can’t accomplish much during its retrograde. Slow down, get some exercise, and work out your frustrations. Delay buying mechanical devices and be extra careful to avoid injuries. Drive defensively and don’t push as you won’t get far with anyone!