What Each Zodiac Sign Can Expect During The Last Mercury Retrograde Of 2022

The end of 2022 is finally coming to a close—but of course, it wouldn’t be complete without Mercury going into retrograde, right?

Yes, it’s true; on December 29th, Mercury (which is currently in the sign of Capricorn) will go retrograde. However, this isn’t a terrible thing—in fact, it very well goes along with the ideas surrounding New Year’s, so it’s pretty interesting timing. 

Mercury is the planet that rules communication, travel, and technology (amongst other things). The sign of Capricorn is dedicated, to the point, and isn’t afraid to go after what it wants—though usually, it takes a pragmatic approach in doing so. When Mercury moves into this sign, our ways of thinking and communicating often lean toward the decisive and methodological. We are more likely to take our time making decisions, weighing out our options, and breaking down bigger concepts into more approachable, manageable ideas. 

When Mercury moves into retrograde, this is a time when miscommunications can occur—this transit is often stereotyped as an “astrological boogeyman” that sends everyone into a panic, but it’s not necessary. Retrogrades are a time to take a step back and truly think through our approaches and decisions before making any hasty decisions. It’s the time to double-check our motives and our best-laid plans—and then once we’ve done that, triple-check them. Mishaps and issues tend to occur during this time due to people not slowing down and taking the time to sit with their thoughts, feelings, and plans before rushing into them. This is a period of time where it’s best to think through what you want to stay and not make any major commitments, because you want to ensure you’re making the right choices instead of going on auto-pilot. 

That being said, Capricorn already knows how to embrace a slow and steady concept, and from December 29th through January 18th, it will have the opportunity to do so. The New Year is a time to set new intentions and make plans for how to improve ourselves and our lives—this retrograde is simply asking you not to dive right in without thinking things through, of course. 

Check out your zodiac sign below (Sun and Rising!) to get an idea of what you can expect during this Mercury in Retrograde.

Aries

As this retrograde moves through your 10th House of Career, there may be some slight miscommunication surrounding collaborative projects, as well as some roadblocks where you might get in your own way. Double-check your emails before sending them, try to keep your temper in check when dealing with irritating coworkers, and don’t get too ahead of yourself, even if your patience is wearing thin. Keep yourself focused, and some rest might be exactly what you need to start the new year off right. While you may prefer to move full speed ahead, slowing down will actually benefit you during this time.

Taurus 

This retrograde is bringing attention to your 9th House of Philosophy, Travel, and Higher Education. If you’ve made travel plans, be sure to revisit and ensure you’ve made all the arrangements you need—and to have preparations ready for if things hit delays or issues along the way. This period may also be a time where others’ opinions and ideas push you out of your comfort zone, which isn’t a bad thing—but you may feel tempted to lash out at those who see things differently. Take a deep breath and try to be open-minded, because you always have something new to learn, Taurus.

Gemini

Truly, Capricorn season isn’t the smoothest of months for you right now, Gemini. With Mars in Retrograde still happening in your sign, and your ruling planet Mercury going into retrograde later in the month, it’s no surprise you might be feeling more restless and chaotic than usual. With Capricorn season taking place in your 8th House of Bonds, Transformation, and Shared Resources, this is a good time to take a step back and lean on your closer connections. Spending some time one on one will also benefit you as you try to sift through your feelings and circumstances, but just remember you don’t have to go through these things alone.

Cancer

With the current season in your sister sign of Capricorn, the focus is on your connections and one-on-one relationships. Once Mercury moves into Retrograde in your 7th House of Partnerships, it could lead to some slight hiccups and misunderstandings. Taking a moment to really listen to your close connections will benefit you during this time. We tend to try and love others the way we think is best, or try to provide for them through methods we find comforting, but this is an opportunity to think about what is actually best for them. This is also a great time for you to reflect on how far you’ve come in your relationships. What have you learned from the past, and how can you use that information to better embrace the present?

Leo

Who says New Year’s Resolutions have to start in January? While everyone is going to have new goals and plans on the brain during this time, it’s truly going to be a huge focus for you, Leo. Once Mercury goes Retrograde in your 6th House of Habits, Health, and Routines, you may want to take a step back and reevaluate the way you’ve been approaching life lately. Are your schedules and habits truly benefiting you, or are they just what you’ve grown used to? Do they actually aid in your growth and health, or is there a different approach that could benefit you so much more? Self-care is important, so don’t be afraid to try something new.

Virgo

You may be feeling a bit uninspired, especially once Mercury (your ruling planet) goes into Retrograde in your 5th House of Creativity and Romance, but all isn’t lost here, Virgo. It’s a good time to pay attention to what your mind and body are telling you about what brings you to life, whether in love or in creative pursuits. It’s possible you could either run into or have strong memories resurface about a past connection that made you feel the way you’ve longed to, but that doesn’t mean you need to go back to them. Try to remember what was different then and how you can better inspire yourself now. Things can get messy if you choose to try and escape the feelings rather than sit with them, so tread lightly.

Libra 

Home is where the heart is, yet once Mercury in Retrograde arrives in your 4th House of Roots, Home, and Family, it can also be where the tension and struggle are. You may feel stress about the way your home looks or feels–sometimes reorganizing or changing things up can help improve our mood and mental health more than we care to admit. If the stress is centered more on the people in your household, don’t be so quick to speak that you aren’t listening to what the other people are feeling. Even if you are fully in the right, sometimes people simply want to feel heard. However, keep your boundaries in place and don’t make any huge decisions you may regret over these three weeks—you’re allowed to take up space and ask for what you need, so do so.

Scorpio

With Mercury in Retrograde taking place in your 3rd House of Communication and Technology, you may be dealing with the typical associations that come with this transit—miscommunications and tech mishaps. This is a good time to double-check the things you say (or type) before allowing them out into the world, as well as backing up your files and any other necessary documents. This is also a time to realize that even if you want to say all the right things, they may not come across the way you’d like them to. Sometimes people are committed to misunderstanding you, so follow your intuition here—people may try to get a rise out of you, but sometimes it’s about giving attention to what you’re trying to communicate, so don’t gloss things over.

Sagittarius

As Mercury retrogrades through your 2nd House of Finances, Values, and Self-Worth, this is a great time to make plans, not promises. There could be some unsettling feelings around your self-worth, but this is a chance to reconsider what you place value in. Are you more concerned with status, with fame, with others’ opinions? It’s okay to be honest with yourself about what has motivated you. These three weeks could shake those aspects down to the core, and you might be surprised at how flimsy some of those foundations were. There is nothing wrong with striving for excellence and greatness, it’s just time to sit with what things will actually get you where you want to be, rather than focusing on the wrong things.

Capricorn

Of course, it’s a bummer that your birthday (likely) falls in this retrograde, but don’t stress too much, Capricorn. While Mercury in Retrograde in your 1st House of Self may throw a few identity crises and expression issues your way, especially as we are about to enter a brand new year. However, this isn’t a time when you have to hurry up and make a ton of changes. Though you are often excited to get started, this transit is asking you to slow down and plan things out more deliberately before committing. You are already in a great place to reinvent and discover yourself further—there isn’t a rush, even if it feels that way.

Aquarius

You may be feeling a bit out of it when it comes to trying to communicate your thoughts and feelings during this Mercury in Retrograde transit. You may feel a little disconnected from the social scene, which is more than okay right now. However, if your disconnect stems from a fear of being misunderstood or not saying the right thing, try to unpack those feelings. Rest and grace are two gifts we often don’t give ourselves enough, so take the time to do it with yourself.

Pisces

Mercury in Retrograde is taking place in your 11th House of Community and Friends, which could mean taking the time to clear the air with those in your life if you’ve felt like something is off. This likely will be a time of reminiscing though (something you’re no stranger to, Pisces). You may reconnect with some old friends or colleagues who still have more to teach you, or whose past you can learn from. Regardless, take the time to reflect and remember, as it will benefit you in the long run about what friendships can and should look like.