How Mercury retrograde 2024 will affect holiday family dynamics
The festive season is upon us, and so too is the final Mercury retrograde of the year.
Mercury is the planet of expression, processing and interpersonal dynamics. When that fleet-footed, coyote-hearted thief starts backspinning, communication is primed to break down.
Mercury stations retrograde in Sagittarius on November 25, a scant three days before Thanksgiving, the official kick-off of the season of childhood trauma and familial drama.
While Mercury technically stations direct on December 15, just short of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the shadow period extends through January 2.
In totaling the tally of terror, we’re looking at five weeks of this retrograde energy — right at the triggering heart of the holiday season.
Add to the mix that Sag is not a sign renowned for tact or restraint?
Let us pray.
Applied astrology exert Tiffany Leonardo has shared with The Post her guide to navigating the holiday season in accordance with the strengths and challenges of your zodiac sign.
Read for your rising sign and if you’re not sure what in the Sam Hill a rising sign is, use a calculator like this one to find it.
Good luck, and may the gods of grace be with you.
As the zodiac’s resident hothead, Aries is no stranger to starting fires and fights, hurling hurtful words and heavy truths. Leonardo suggests that Rams are best served by letting their anger run through them — rather than run them into a literal or metaphorical ditch.
She shares, “During this season, try to keep your impulses at bay and choose your words with intention. If at any point you’re feeling angry, short-fused, or impatient, move through this fiery energy by moving your body. It can be some quick jumping jacks or a family round of flag football. The goal is to do anything that gets the fire to move through you so you can get back to feeling like your true self.”
With minimal collateral damage or emotional fallout, ideally.
For bull babies, this retrograde touches their eighth house of transformative trauma, and Leonardo promises the holiday season can be one of profound healing.
“You may have some shadows you are sitting with, Taurus. Remember, you can only heal what you feel. In the moments when you feel tired of being resilient, lean on a higher power to get you through. Journal about your feelings. Recall the strength and growth that it took to get you here.”
She gives all Taurus folk permission to retreat, hibernate, and eat their feelings if need be.
“Indulge in the flavors of this holiday season or pamper yourself with a day of self-care. You deserve it! Your family will be grateful that you took this time for you.”
Gemini is ruled by Mercury, thus this retrograde will be especially acute for the people of the twin. This retrograde will play out in their seventh house of trusted partnerships.
Leonardo shares, “If being with your family makes you feel closed-minded, feed your curiosity elsewhere. Engage in conversations that feel life-giving and dodge family gossip/soul-sucking exchanges. Your medicine this season is people-ing with those who remind you of why you value community, freedom of choice, and chosen family.”
For Cancers, Leonardo advises a me-first approach that prioritizes reparenting and self-love.
“This holiday season is inviting you to pour into yourself. When it feels hard to pull away from your responsibilities, exercise your voice by being honest about being overwhelmed and asking for support. You’ll be surprised how reaching out gives your loved ones a feeling of significance. As you replenish your cup, your family will relish in your overflow.”
When operating from a place of lack, lions can really lean into drama and familial power plays. Instead, Leonardo urges big cats to cultivate a pervasive sense of play.
“Ditch the drama during this season and be honest about the attention you’re calling in, Leo. Maybe you express your fire with a show-stopping outfit, holiday games, or by converting the living room into a karaoke stage. Your excitement and blunt humor disarm the seriousness that sometimes comes with this time of the year. This ultimately helps you and those around you to express authentically, giving space for deeper connections. Let the good times roll!”
Virgos are ruled by Mercury, and when the planet goes retrograde, these mutable Earth babes can easily go off the rails. Grounding rituals and retreat strategies are recommended.
Leonardo tells The Post, “Nourishing yourself makes it easier and more enjoyable to care for your loved ones. If you’re feeling cranky or irritable, that’s your sign to take a walk or book a yoga class. Can’t leave the house? Practice some grounding breathwork or tidy up the home. If you’re feeling unappreciated, have an honest conversation. Be mindful of the words you choose. In the long run, your family will appreciate and respect you for setting this boundary and communicating your needs.”
For Libras, this season is an ideal time to reflect and reevaluate relationship dynamics and issues of reciprocity…or lack thereof. This retrograde highlights your third house of communication, inviting you to revisit difficult conversations.
Leonardo shares, “Which way are the scales tipping in your relationships? Does it feel like a harmonious exchange of give and take? Or like you’re giving too much? Take out the awkwardness (and reduce repression) by sparking conversation. You can chat about end-of-year reflections, what you’ve learned, or how you feel about your relationships. You’re good at seeing things from both sides, and this practice lets people see things from your perspective.”
For Scorpio, this season heralds a time of depth and deep boundary setting.
“In the moments you feel stuck, you have a hall pass to get cozy in your cocoon. Maybe you drift off into another world of watery soundscapes, or you allow yourself a good cry. Anything that gets your emotions to move through you. This replenishment will make you a magnet for abundant opportunities. Your strength to step away and take care of yourself inspires your loved ones to do the same for themselves,” said Leonardo.
Because this retrograde highlights the first house of the self for archers, it could kick out a low-key identity crisis.
Leonardo imparts, “There’s no better way to feel more like yourself than to pour into yourself, Sagittarius! Spend time doing the things or being with the people that remind you of who you are. Your medicine this season is joyous experiences that remind you of your natural zest for life and help you see the bigger picture of how life is happening for you.”
For sea goats, this retrograde throws light on their twelfth house of subconscious urges and self-undoing.
Leonardo shares, “Your natural ability to take charge is what every family needs, Capricorn. This year, try not to take this role so seriously, especially when things get stressful. Life is inviting you to loosen the reins. Notice where you can lighten the load so someone else can step up to the plate. A tremendous way to demonstrate trust is to take a backseat. Notice the opportunities that present in the moments you allow yourself to be on the sidelines.”
For water bearers, this retrograde is going down, or back, in the eleventh house of community, utopian ideals, and better tomorrows.
Leonardo shares, “Tis’ the season of giving, Aquarius. Your natural knack for seeing beyond the fluff and wanting to make a difference adds greater substance to this season. Dodge the drama and focus on the impact you want to make. If navigating conflicting views puts you on the verge of a downward spiral, step away to give yourself 2-3 minutes of breathwork — you’ll be impressed at how quickly a little bit of effort creates a big impact. During this pause, consider where small efforts can create meaningful change.”
While the holidays are routinely associated with family and merriment, Pisces folk might find their minds on money and the means to make it.
Leonardo shares, “Is work heavy on your mind? Do you want to step into your vocation more fully? Get still to tap into your natural intuitive abilities. The answers will come through, but it’s important to create the space to receive the insights. As you slow down, notice how your inner knowing communicates with you. Is it a gut feeling, dreams, or do you pick up on signs? Identifying these conduits will help your rest feel more productive and make you more present with your friends and family.”
Astrology 101: Your guide to the star
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
