Mercury turns retrograde [6 Sagittarius 49]
November 9, 2025 (19:01 GMT)
It’s that time again. Communication planet Mercury is up to its tricks and turns retrograde on November 9. Mercury Retrograde has become common terminology which even non-astrologers understand.
It’s synchronous with communication chaos when the winged messenger of the Gods, fleet-footed Mercury retreats for three weeks at a time. Think of communication going missing, dates getting muddled, mishaps, slip-ups and general misunderstandings.
In general, Mercury retrograde is not the best time to make a major decision or investment. This is because you don’t have all the information at your fingertips. Often, a better deal comes along once Mercury turns direct or things fall into place without you having to do anything once Mercury is back to direct motion.
Mercury Retrograde Top Tips
Yet, you can survive and thrive when the planet of communication is on go slow. Here are some top tips:
- take a step back and leave the big decisions for another time
- plug in to the re-words; re-vise, re-view, re-flect, re-consider, re-think
- give yourself permission to change your mind
- look at life from a fresh perspective – upside down, back-to-front and think outside of the box
- don’t believe everything you hear
- be patient, keep your options open
- have plans B, C & D up your sleeve, especially if you’re travelling
- be flexible and adaptable, go with the flow & see where life leads
- remember it’s not about reaching the destination, it’s about enjoying the journey
- engage your sense of humour at all times
Mercury Retrograde In Sagittarius
This time around, Mercury turns retrograde in Sagittarius, its sign of detriment. Mercury is about the details and Sagittarius is the opposite, it’s about the vision. Therefore, this is a mis-match. It’s great for philosophical ideas and waxing lyrical but not so great for practicalities and getting things done.
Life may seem particularly confusing in the first half of this Mercury retrograde phase. As Sagittarius is the star sign linked to travel and education, be extra vigilant in these key areas. Double check visas, paperwork, etc and be alert around extreme weather.
Mercury Retrograde In Scorpio
Mercury moves back into Scorpio on November 19 and the following day there’s a New Moon in Scorpio on November 20. This mid-point of the Mercury retrograde phase can be a turning point when insights come. Mercury in Scorpio is the detective and researcher encouraging you to go in deep, be analytical and strategic.
The second half of this Mercury retrograde phase is when you’re wise to keep your cards close to your chest. Don’t reveal everything, read between the lines and look below the surface. Mercury in Scorpio can be machiavellian and a cunning trickster. Scorpio’s one of the money star signs too and this could be a lively time for the money markets.
The Other Players
This could turn out to be an especially busy Mercury retrograde phase because of the involvement of the other planets. While retrograde, Mercury makes aspects with all the other planets, the Sun & Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune & Pluto.
What does this mean? Perhaps, you’re in negotiation with lots of different people or a project pulls in everyone. Alternatively, you could be writing a book with a huge list of characters. Or things that are unravelling or going wrong not only impacts yourself but a host of other people.
It’s a super busy Mercury retrograde phase with even more potential for misunderstandings than usual. Be vigilant and double-check everything.
Dates & Degrees
- October 21 – Mercury entered its shadow phase (20° Scorpio)
- October 29 – Mercury entered Sagittarius
- November 9 – Mercury turns retrograde at 6° Sagittarius
- November 19 – Mercury returns to Scorpio
- November 29 – Mercury turns direct at 20° Scorpio
- December 11 – Mercury re-enters Sagittarius
- December 16 – Mercury leaves its shadow phase (6° Sagittarius)
Use this timing to good effect. If things aren’t working out over the next few weeks, try again from mid-December onwards.
For now, know that it’s twiddle-your-thumbs time. Expect some crossed wires, allow extra time and wiggle room if you’re travelling and try to be patient with call centres, technology and transport.
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