December has the feel of a summer Friday — or, really, any point in time just before a major event or vacation.
When there’s so much joy and anticipation in the air, how can you possibly concentrate, plow ahead on ambitious projects, or be expected to be productive?
However, December may be the most mindful month of the year, as we are more likely than ever to want to slow down and cherish festive moments with friends and loved ones. Even if you’re an introvert, there’s magic to be found in the final month of the year, whether it’s curling up with your favorite book and a cup of hot cocoa or spending quality time with someone close to your heart.
This vibe is owed to the sun-sign seasons of December, which are jovial, abundance-loving Sagittarius and grounded, tradition-loving Capricorn. And, in 2023, making more time to relax and be present at this time of year is especially wise, given the timing of the year’s final Mercury retrograde.
When Mercury, the planet of communication, transportation, and technology, appears to move backward from our vantage point on Earth, we are encouraged to review, reflect, and revise rather than forge ahead with new endeavors. Mercury’s retrograde begins in Capricorn, the practical, goal-oriented cardinal earth sign, and lasts through Sagittarius, the wanderlusty, knowledge-seeking mutable fire sign. It begins on December 12-13 (depending on your time zone) and ends on January 1, 2024.
Fortunately, understanding the themes of this Mercury retrograde can assist you in making the most of it.
Here’s what you need to know about the year’s final Mercury retrograde.
What Does Mercury Retrograde Mean in Astrology?
To understand what Mercury retrograde entails, it’s helpful to first understand how the planet works when it’s moving forward (aka “is direct”). Mercury, the messenger planet, usually helps us connect faster, boosts our mental energy, and keeps technology and transportation running smoothly. But it appears to slow down and move backward through the zodiac three to four times a year, for three weeks at a time. When this happens, miscommunications abound, transportation becomes difficult, and our devices malfunction.
But, once again, all is not lost. The frequent slowdowns on the planet of communication encourage us to rest, recharge, reflect, reimagine — in other words, to take a step back and contend with the past in order to fully embrace the present and step even more confidently into the future.
The General Vibe of Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn and Sagittarius
Mercury will be retrograde in Capricorn from December 12-13 (depending on your time zone) until December 23, after which it will cruise backward through Sagittarius until January 1, 2024. As a result, the overall tone of this retrograde will evoke thoughts of working hard to achieve and earn recognition, as well as nurturing your most joyful connections and broadening your horizons.
Capricorn’s influence makes this a wonderful time to tie up loose ends on big-picture projects and consider practical approaches to your next ambitious endeavor. And while Mercury is retrograde in Sagittarius, you may feel restless, wishing you could be (or actually attempting to be) jet set, but setbacks, delays, and snafus may derail your plans. On the other hand, you might be able to return to a favorite holiday vacation spot or re-learn big-picture lessons that will boost your happiness.
Mercury’s retrograde through these two dynamic signs lays the groundwork for a better balance of listening to your head versus listening to your gut, and dealing with constraints and limitations versus pushing boundaries. (Also, around this time, you may find yourself revisiting themes that surfaced between November 25 and December 12, when Mercury was cruising ahead through this same spot in the sky.)
Read on for your December 2023 Mercury retrograde horoscope, and be sure to read not only your sun sign but also your rising sign, if you know it, to better understand how you’ll experience these often confusing but ultimately enlightening three weeks.
How Will the December 2023 Mercury Retrograde Affect My Zodiac Sign?
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Mercury returns to your 10th house of career until December 23, giving you the opportunity to reflect on your approach to long-term professional goals. Now is the time to go over and revise your game plan for making your mark and earning recognition for your efforts. The messenger planet’s backspin in your ninth house of adventure can then amplify your restlessness until January 1. Look for small but satisfying ways to satisfy your wanderlust, even if it’s just researching and reviewing options for a future trip.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
The messenger planet will initially be retrograde in your ninth house of adventure, which may inspire you to read, practice a skill, or plan a trip to a favorite long-distance location where you previously spent time. Yes, even though you’ve probably heard that traveling during Mercury retrograde is a bad idea, returning to a place from your past could lead to personal growth. And, from December 23 to January 1, as it moves backward in your eighth house of intimacy, consider joint resources and what makes you feel most at ease when physically and emotionally connecting with someone special.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Mercury retrogrades almost always mess with your head, Gemini, because the messenger planet is your ruler. This time, Mercury moves backward through your eighth house of intimacy, laying the groundwork for difficult conversations about past emotional wounds. This may not be the easiest thing to do, but it can be extremely beneficial right now. And its trip backward through your seventh house of partnership from December 23 to January 1 allows you to reassess which one-on-one relationships and projects are worth your time and energy, as well as address any unfinished business related to serving as part of a pair.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Given that Mercury is retrograde in your seventh house of partnerships, this Mercury retrograde will cause you to reflect and revise who you’re aligning yourself with — whether platonically, romantically, or professionally. The messenger planet’s backspin in your sixth house of wellness and daily routine will then focus your attention on health issues from December 23 to January 1. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a specific checkup or you’re itching to revamp your fitness routine, now’s the time.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
The messenger planet’s backspin begins in your sixth house of daily routine, so reimagining your daily hustle is beneficial now. It may seem counterintuitive, but taking certain responsibilities off your plate may be the best way to maximize your productivity and well-being in the long run. And, as Mercury retrogrades through your fifth house of romance and self-expression from December 23 to January 1, your holiday season will be all about revisiting pleasure-giving pastimes and creativity-supporting endeavors you may have previously put on the back burner.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Because Mercury is your ruler, you are more sensitive to Mercury retrogrades than most people. However, unlike the previous Mercury retrograde in your sign, this one begins in your fifth house of romance and self-expression, which can be a lovely opportunity to embrace spontaneity, prioritize bonding with loved ones, and really tune into and make time for creative activities that feel pleasurable and revitalizing. From Dec. 23 to Jan. 1, it will return to your fourth house of home life, prompting you to review the self-work you’ve done around past emotional wounds, which could serve to strengthen your overall well-being and enhance your inner life.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Mercury will be retrograde in your fourth house of home life at first, nudging you to tie up any loose ends concerning family issues or, more literally, your home. This can also set the stage for reminiscing about time-honored holiday traditions. Perhaps you’ll go through old photo albums or watch a family movie for the first time in years. The messenger planet’s backspin in your third house of communication from December 23 to January 1 is an opportunity to slow down, practice mindfulness, and get centered even in the midst of what may feel like chaos at times.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
As Mercury returns to your third house of communication, don’t be surprised if those classic retrograde tech glitches and misunderstandings rear their ugly heads. It’s an excuse to slow down and be more deliberate about how — and with whom — you spend your social energy. And, as it moves through your second house of income from December 23 to January 1, consider whether you’re being fairly compensated for your contributions to business ventures.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Messenger Mercury begins its retrograde in your second house of income, so consider revisiting moneymaking projects that have fallen off your plate. You might gain a new perspective that will help you succeed. Then, from December 23 to January 1, the planet of communication returns to your sign and first house of self, which can help you reconsider how you present yourself to the world. Before pursuing a major personal goal, you may want to revise your résumé, revamp your website, or update your wardrobe.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
With Mercury retrograde in your sign to begin, you may feel compelled to reflect on and edit passion projects into which you’ve invested your mental and emotional energy. Even though you want to accomplish so much, streamlining your efforts could increase your efficiency right now. Then, as Mercury returns to your 12th house of spirituality from December 23 to January 1, incorporating even more downtime into your usual hustle will be prudent. Pay attention to your dreams because they may be particularly vivid and provide insight into what you want to work on in the coming year.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
You may feel stalled and sleepy this time around as Mercury begins its retrograde in your 12th house of spirituality. However, you can channel your energy into previously enjoyed creative endeavors and mind-body routines. From December 23 to January 1, Mercury will be retrograde in your 11th house of networking, making it easier to reconnect with old friends and finish up loose ends on team projects.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Mercury enters your 11th house of networking, which can help you revisit collaborative projects, team efforts, and platonic bonds that will make you feel more connected. Sure, you might cross wires with coworkers and friends, but you can reframe these moments as opportunities to hone your communication skills in this context, as well as your sense of teamwork. Then, from December 23 to January 1, it will be retrograde in your 10th house of career, encouraging you to review and revise big-picture aspirations and leadership opportunities — as well as your game plans for reaching the summit.
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