The Final Mercury Retrograde of 2023 Is Causing Chaos Into 2024

December 2023 Mercury Retrograde

Mercury, the planet of communication, stations retrograde in Capricorn from December 13, 2023, until January 1, 2024, and it could complicate your end-of-year plans.

It's been a wild astrological year, and there's one last surprise in store. If you've been experiencing unexpected issues or complications lately, the answer might be in the stars. Retrogrades are a time of mishaps and misunderstandings but can also provide a new perspective to view an old problem. What feels like a roadblock at the moment might end up being a benefit later on. This year, Mercury retrograde in Capricorn will frustrate your finances, communication, and holiday travel plans for the back half of December. But it's also an opportunity to get your life in order ahead of the new year so you don't repeat the same cycles you're trying to leave behind in 2023. It's time to tie up any loose ends still lingering and clear out whatever doesn't align with your 2024 resolutions.

Discover what December's Mercury retrograde in Capricorn means for your zodiac sign.

What Does Mercury Retrograde Mean in Astrology?

Mercury retrograde has quite the reputation, and for good reason. Mercury is the fastest-moving planet in the solar system – and it goes retrograde more often than any other planet. This trickster planet governs communication, technology, travel, and more - meaning retrograde phases can inconvenience your day-to-day life. When a planet goes retrograde, it's a sign to pause and retrace your steps regarding a past situation. There's a chance new information will come to the surface or hidden truths will be revealed during retrograde cycles. The zodiac sign and planet that a retrograde occurs in will show you which area of life you need to review, rework, and revise before moving forward.

Retrogrades happen in three stages, with each stage bringing new challenges and lessons. The first stage is the pre-shadow period, three weeks before a retrograde begins. During this stage, you might notice a subtle shift in energy that can give you a hint of what to expect during the retrograde. The second stage is the retrograde phase, which lasts two to three weeks. This is when the stars are the most active and can cause unwanted drama! Finally, after the retrograde, there is a three-week post-shadow period when things return to normal. This is the time to reflect on your lessons and revise your plans. In summary, there are three weeks of things slowing down (pre-shadow), three weeks of the actual retrograde, and three weeks of getting things back to normal (post-shadow).

READ MORE: Your Mercury Retrograde 2023 Holiday Survival Guide Is Here To Save the Day.

What to Expect From December's Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn

The last Mercury retrograde of 2023 starts on December 13, 2023, and ends on January 1, 2024. Mercury moves from Capricorn to Sagittarius during this transit during its dizzying dance. The pre-retrograde shadow for December's Mercury retrograde began on November 25, 2023, in the sign of Sagittarius, daring you to dream big. However, Mercury quickly slipped into practical Capricorn on December 1, 2023, and will stay there between December 13, 2023, and December 23, 2023. The stars will switch things up again when Mercury retrograde reenters Sagittarius on December 23, 2023, and it will stay in the free-spirited energy of this sign until Mercury stations direct on January 1, 2024. You'll feel the momentum start to pick back up to the pre-shadow period ending on January 20, 2024.

Mercury retrograde's debut will align with the final new moon of the year, introducing fresh ideas and new perspectives. The new moon cycle is an ideal period to start new projects, take risks, and set intentions for the future. December's new moon in Sagittarius will positively boost this confusing time thanks to its connection with action planet Mars. This alignment will invigorate your soul with purpose and give you some much-needed physical and mental energy to end your year on an abundant and positive note. However, Mars in Sagittarius could cause tensions to flare up if you approach problems from a misguided place. It's best to keep your head down and focus on yourself rather than get caught up in hostility and negativity. With Mercury retrograde ending in Sagittarius, this new moon is a perfect chance to vision board for your future so you can start fresh on New Year's Day.

This final shift will bring your year into perspective and light the way forward for all the new year offers. However, it'll also come with a few complications. Mercury retrograde in Capricorn will challenge your ability to stick to the plan, even if the big picture feels out of focus. Mercury in Capricorn wants to focus on things that deliver results, which means you could feel restless once this retrograde begins. It's easy for things to get confused and misunderstood. You might feel the pressure to perform at perfectionist levels, but you'll do better to take your time and avoid rushing things. By the time Mercury enters Sagittarius, you'll be able to sense the optimism in the air. This is an excellent time to wistfully reflect on the year you've had and challenge yourself to set aspirational goals for 2024.

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What Does the Final Mercury Retrograde of 2024 Mean for Each Zodiac Sign?

The cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) will feel the influence of this Mercury retrograde the most directly. Your finances and relationships have been major stress points over the last few weeks, and there's more where that came from when Mercury retrogrades through Capricorn. The challenges you'll face during this time are linked to a larger theme of personal value and self-worth you've been having with yourself this year. Some of you may consider quitting your job or switching your career path entirely because you're no longer aligned with the powers that be. And while money is a huge motivator for you in this new phase of life - it's not the only thing that matters for happiness. Embrace the lifestyle changes that align with your vision of your dream self.

Mercury retrograde will show the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) of how they've leveled up this year. Your enemies and haters are still stuck in a time loop, holding onto a version of you that doesn't exist anymore. In the past, you might've felt the need to defend your position or correct the false information being used against you. But something feels different this time around. This month's astrology is guiding you toward a higher level of consciousness, harmony, and healing. You have learned that sometimes, the best way to deal with people is to leave them as they are. This retrograde may bring additional conflicts and misunderstandings. Be cautious and try not to say something you might regret. Remember, sometimes silence is the most powerful response!

Finally, fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) can rewrite the rulebook. Mercury retrograde will have you questioning how effective your current boundaries are and looking into where you can do better for yourself. During the next three weeks, you may struggle to articulate your thoughts or feel nervous to speak up, but this retrograde is a lesson in confidence. If you want your resolutions to come true, you have to decide what about your life needs to change, and that change needs to start from within. Mercury retrograde is a great time to get familiar with yourself again. Connect with your inner courage and take action based on your intuition. It's best to slow down and notice the patterns holding you back from reaching true bliss in your relationships.

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