Mercury Retrograde ☿ Fall 2025

artist: Robin Eisenberg

Mercury in Scorpio: Oct 6-29

Mercury in Sagittarius: Oct 29 – Nov 9

Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius: Nov 9-18

Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio: Nov 18-29

Mercury in Scorpio: Nov 29 – Dec 11

Planets in retrograde are not spinning backwards. Retrograde motion is an optical illusion. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planets in their respective roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde.

Mercury turns retrograde three times a year, more frequently than any other planet. Mercury represents communication, travel, and technology. These realms are therefore most affected by Mercury Retrograde. Watch for delays, cancellations, and sudden changes; technological failures, especially with cell phones, laptops, or automobiles; miscommunication; lost/stolen items; general malfunction and wtf moments. I do not recommend starting a new job, buying a car, moving to a new place, or signing any contracts/documents. This is not a good time for travel, life-altering commitments, or investments.

All Mercury Retrograde cycles have positive things in common, too. One beneficial aspect of Mercury Retrograde is the way it helps us circle back to finish projects that were started but then forgotten or ignored. Mercury also brings attention to the need for healthy communication.

The first half of the retrograde takes place in Sagittarius and the latter in Scorpio. Retrograde transits in Sagittarius unfold like an epic quest in reverse. The fire of Aries, for comparison sake, is impulsive and short-sighted, moving only to move. Sagittarius, as the last fire in the trilogy, is the most refined, representing the eternal spark of spiritual and moral curiosity.

I think it is the seeking, wondering, wandering, ever-expanding nature of Sagittarius which provides so much heat. During this retrograde cycle, we will be more honest and assertive as we channel this fire through Mercury’s portals of thought and speech. Meditate on truth & illumination. Being a truth-teller means saying something when everyone else is silent. It means being an ally, a whistleblower, a dissenter. It is embodied authenticity.

When you feel the impulse to rush, watch for a few trademark Sagittarian things, like promising more than you can deliver or getting your hopes up too high. Yes, we’ll have energy and enthusiasm, but we need to temper it with wisdom. Communication gets interesting with Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius because we speak before thinking. Be careful about word choice and timing. Ask yourself: are these the right words – AND – is this the right time to say them?

Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio is so quiet and serious compared to the breeze of predecessor Libra or the flames of Sagittarius. Scorpio renders the proverbial death of all that which must die. This is a cathartic yet emotionally-charged cycle. Mercury Rx in Scorpio brings repressed tension to the surface, extracting pain through long overdue conversations, words of forgiveness, and apologies.

Scorpio is intimately linked to sex, survival, and trauma. She is a hungry animal gnawing and growling, wailing us back to hard nights in the dark autumn woods, alone, fur standing on end. Scorpio is sensual, mystical, driven to uncover motivating forces. Scorpio abides in mystery, in depths where others dare not swim.

With Mercury Rx in Scorpio, we return to the past to address old wounds. See a cave with the door sealed shut. Inside are jealous skeletons and ancient pains. Scorpio removes the blocks and in come streams of brilliant light and fresh air.

Mercury Rx in Scorpio asks us to incorporate lessons deep within. It is a time to gather our personal power and rise higher than before. Though we do not understand the scorpion at first, her results speak for themselves. At first, trust in ourselves and others runs scarce. We may be desperate to hold on to something but quickly learn that if we stay clinging to it, we cannot move forward.

Animals associated with Mercury include the rooster, ram, goat and tortoise. In Scorpio, the ram blazes from Mercury’s breast: passionate and forceful. In ancient times, Scorpio was ruled by Mars, God of War. Though modern astrologers now associate Scorpio with Pluto, her warrior roots are very alive. I see both in her. She is pointed and fierce yet profound. She is fearless and persevering, suspicious and psychoanalytical. When you call her name, you call upon destruction; upon rebirth; upon power & control.

To determine your Mercury sign and whether he was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here.

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