What Each Zodiac Sign Can Expect During The Final Mercury Retrograde Of 2023
As we approach the end of the year, the astrological realm has one more surprise—the final Mercury in Retrograde of 2023.
On December 13th, Mercury in Capricorn will begin its backspin, bringing up mishaps and chaos regarding our finances, communication, and travel plans (happy holidays!). On December 23rd, Mercury will continue its retrograde into Sagittarius until January 1, 2024. While retrogrades aren’t the end of the world, they are worth paying attention to, especially in the areas of life Mercury will be moving through during these few weeks,
During this period, Mercury in Capricorn will bring up many unresolved issues in the past, and we may feel overly anxious about not having a clear solution to a problem or goal. We know the issues that need fixing, but a lack of communication and misunderstandings can make us feel restless and cynical. When Mercury spins back into Sagittarius, we can start to feel more optimistic about the changes we need to make and how we need to move forward, but we can still feel like we are hitting a wall. Once Mercury goes direct after the New Year, we can take the lessons we’ve learned and apply them going forward.
Check your sign below (Sun and Rising!) to see what this Mercury in Retrograde has in store for you!
Aries
As Mercury backspins through your 10th House of Career and Public Image, it’s a good time to reflect on your current goals for your career path. You may feel a restlessness surrounding the desire to switch to a new job or want a different role at your current work. You may feel stuck where you are, and it makes sense to want to branch out to newer things. Remember to watch how you speak to your boss and colleagues, though—your dissatisfaction in your life may not translate to others (this is also a time to double-check your emails before you send them!).
When Mercury moves back into your 9th House of Philosophy, Higher Education, and Travel, you could revisit some feelings you were experiencing a few months ago—a desire to grow, learn, and expand will spark itself again. However, you may also feel more prone to arguing, especially surrounding topics like politics, beliefs, or morals, so keep your temper in check. You may also gain some understanding of what is standing in the way of you and your dreams—and you can start brainstorming how to move past those barriers after the New Year.
Taurus
With this retrograde in your 9th House of Philosophy, Higher Education, and Travel, you may feel out of sorts due to a desire to do and explore more. You’re prone to your comfort zone, but you feel the pull to expand your mind and experiences, though you are guilty of focusing only on end goals and not the journey along the way. You may pressure yourself to be farther along, but during this period, it’s important to slow down and take small steps that lead towards a bigger picture—not biting off more than you can chew to hurry up and get there. Additionally, any travel plans you make (especially with the holidays) could be derailed or delayed, especially concerning technology. Try to go with the flow, even when it’s difficult.
When Mercury backspins into your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, it is a good time to check places you have money invested and settle old debts that resurface—financial and emotional. This period could stir up some old wounds in terms of connection and boundaries you’ve tried to keep in place, and the temptation to feel bitter is understandable, but use this time to remember why you needed those boundaries in the first place. There was a reason, after all.
Gemini
Relationships and ties are on the agenda for during this retrograde, Gemini. With the start taking place in your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, your focus on settling old debts and making a plan to pay off loans and credit cards is in your best interest—though with the holiday season, it may feel overwhelming at times. This is also a time to get your boundaries in line, particularly with family and other closely-knit ties from your past. You may not always have to sever a relationship, but you do have to uphold what you’ve set in place and see if it can function within those parameters. Take your time here—making assumptions won’t help, but neither will diving back into something you aren’t sure has changed.
Your friendships, relationships, and even enemies emerge once Mercury shifts back into your 7th House of Partnerships. You have been fighting the idea that you’re outgrowing certain friendships and relationships if things stay the same, and the chances for miscommunication and uncertainty are stronger now than ever. Trying to have intense conversations will likely lead to more fractures unless you can be exceptionally clear and still know you may not be heard. Take this time to sit with what needs to be different to keep the friendships alive and thriving, but don’t end or start anything that you can’t change down the road. When Mercury stations direct at the New Year, you’ll get a clearer idea of what needs to take place.
Cancer
With this retrograde starting in your 7th House of Partnerships, you feel nostalgic about past connections, Cancer. During this time, you may be thinking heavily about past friendships or relationships that didn’t work out—you may even run into them. While it’s tempting to live in the past (especially if your current relationship or friendships aren’t going smoothly), this isn’t necessarily a sign to reconnect but reflect. What did your past connections have that you’re missing? What lessons did you learn that you need to review now? Remember that reconnecting could be a good thing, but don’t let your guard down until after retrograde ends on January 1st. Things will feel more clear then.
Additionally, Mercury will move back into your 6th House of Habits, Routines, and Wellness, which may cause some chaos regarding work and your health. You may be overlooking important details or skipping ahead to complete deadlines, only to realize it wasn’t your best work. You could also overextend yourself trying to get everything done, and it’s taking a toll. This time is good to see what habits of yours are hurting you in the long run and ones that you should swap out for better, healthier ones. It’s the perfect time to brainstorm some New Year’s Resolutions you can start implementing once Mercury goes direct on New Year’s Day.
Leo
What keeps you going, Leo? This Mercury in Retrograde is pushing you to evaluate this, first by journeying through your 6th House of Habits, Routines, and Wellness. You want to come out on top and get ahead, but at what cost? Mercury is prepared to humble you a little if you’re running yourself into the ground to get ahead. You could find your habits aren’t sustainable, and you’re not putting in your best work or falling behind because you bite off more than you can chew. Take time to reassess your current habits and be honest about what needs to shift, even if it means taking on less.
Once Mercury spins into your 5th House of Romance and Creativity, a new question emerges—what sparks joy in your life? What inspires you? When you bury yourself in work, you can forget the other things, but this retrograde brings past connections and projects to the surface—that crush you had a thing for but abandoned due to work? They might show up in your DMs again. That creative pursuit you haven’t had time for? It’s calling you again. While this period may feel rose-colored, it reminds you that creativity and pleasure are essential to your life, and you must make room for it. January 1st will be your start in finding that balance.
Virgo
With this Mercury in Retrograde starting in your 5th House of Creativity and Pleasure, you may feel more stifled than you care to admit, Virgo. You want to live vicariously and indulge, but it’s hard to start a romantic connection or project without feeling there must be an end goal—pleasure for its own sake feels selfish. You could struggle to communicate what you need from a current partner, and while it’s easy to feel resentful, remember that you have to know what you need before anything can change. You may reflect on your exes and think of things you enjoyed in those relationships, but remember that those connections ended for a reason—not all things are meant to come back around again.
When Mercury backspins into your 4th House of Home and Roots, there could be tension at home or with relatives for the holidays. Some wounds from childhood may resurface, especially if new family dynamics are present. It’s not bad to reflect and see how far you’ve grown, and it’s not worth fighting with others over a person you used to be. Take the time to sit with the feelings instead of fighting them—and don’t make any rash decisions until Mercury stations direct on January 1st. By the end, you’ll feel more secure in who you are and more inspired by what you’ve learned.
Libra
Home is where the heart is and where your mind is for most of this time, Libra. With Mercury retrograding in your 4th House of Home and Roots, this could serve as a time of reconnecting with family members you’ve grown apart from (if that is something you want to do). It may also have you revisiting memories from your childhood and reflecting on how you were raised and how those dynamics impact you now. Remember that your family and upbringing are only a small part of the person you are, and you can choose to live differently if you want to. Arguments may arise between you if you’re trying to do things differently from your relatives, especially older ones, but you should stay true to what is right for you.
Once Mercury reenters your 3rd House of Communication and Community, it will be easier than ever to stick your foot in your mouth—especially in digital formats. You may not come across the way you want or be misunderstood, even with the best intentions, so think things through before speaking. It’s also a good time to back up and secure your tech—with the holidays making things hectic, you don’t need additional stress. Once Mercury goes direct on January 1st, you’ll feel more assured in the choices you made for yourself, so hold tight.
Scorpio
It’s no time to be reckless with your words, Scorpio. With Mercury in Retrograde starting in your 3rd House of Communication and Community, you may feel this transit’s stereotypical effects more distinctly. So double-check your texts and emails, back up your tech, and be prepared for delays. It’s also easier to be misunderstood during this period, and old conversations may show up around this time—especially if they didn’t end on the best note. Whether you’re the one who needs closure or someone is requesting it from you, it’s time to look at your communication style and see what needs to shift. Are you clear in your wants and needs? Do you ghost when things get hard? Do you try too hard to force conversations from those who are unresponsive? Sitting with these questions can help form a path to make necessary changes.
Money is also on the brain, especially once Mercury moves back into your 2nd House of Income and Values. Money defines so much of our lives, and it can sometimes become a way for us to heal wounds or distract us from emotions we should sit with. It may be tempting to max out your card, especially when things get intense emotionally, but know that it won’t fix the issue and will cause more down the line. That being said, don’t live in fear of spending money on yourself or others for the holidays—keep an eye on your budget.
Sagittarius
Your finances are asking for your attention during this period, Sagittarius. Naturally, with the holidays, spending can rack up quickly—and with this retrograde in your 2nd House of Income and Values, you’re feeling the hit immensely. Money is a naturally stressful topic, but this time is ideal for reflecting on what pushes you to spend—is it impulse? Based on wants? When you’re feeling emotional? Your spending habits can say a lot about what you value or how you see yourself, so while you’re working on budgeting, look closer at what is driving your purchases.
Later, values become more prominent as the planet spins back into your 1st House of Self and Identity. Your confidence may feel shaken, especially if you feel as though people don’t see or respect the person you are. You could be more sensitive to those who may not appreciate what you bring to the table, but now is a great time to ask yourself in what ways you can be more authentic to yourself and better ways to show it. Just stay away from making any permanent changes to yourself yet—that tattoo or intense hairstyle can wait until after the New Year when things are clearer.
Capricorn
The transit starts in your 1st House of Self and Identity, Capricorn—you could be feeling some insecurity surrounding who you are or that you don’t know who you are currently. You may feel disconnected from yourself, and finding your way back involves patience and reflection—things that can be hard to do during the holiday season (and your birthday if you’re an early-on-the-season Cap). Being honest with who you want to be and how to best honor that is meant for you these next few weeks, but be prepared for others to not really “get” what is happening with you—not everyone has to understand as long as they can respect you. Avoid making dramatic changes to your appearance, especially permanent ones like tattoos, since your mind may change once Mercury stations direct in the New Year.
If that wasn’t enough, Mercury will later backspin into your 12th House of Subconscious and Isolation, dialing up the intense feelings and reflections to 11. This period may involve more of how you view and treat yourself, especially regarding the shame you’ve piled on for past mistakes. You have room to grow, so reflect on the patterns, beliefs, and habits you’ve outgrown. It’s okay to set down the guilt—you weren’t meant to keep beating yourself up over things that have already happened.
Aquarius
It’s a good time to reflect, Aquarius, so take advantage. With this transit starting in your 12th House of Subconscious and Isolation, you may feel a strong desire to withdraw, which could benefit you (though you might want to give a heads-up to your loved ones so they don’t take it too personally). There is so much about yourself you haven’t fully realized yet—and it’s worth exploring what those aspects might be. It may be uncomfortable to dig up those pieces you’ve buried, but everything rises to the surface eventually. Becoming a main player in its arrival is to your benefit.
Later, Mercury will shift back into your 11th House of Friendships and Networking, which could bring about some old friends you haven’t seen in a long time. It’s good to reconnect and bond; remember that some connections can be rekindled, and others should be left in the past. Use discretion. You may also feel out of place amongst some of your social groups, and it’s worth examining why that could be. Are you setting yourself apart and outgrowing connections, or are you not doing enough to keep them alive? Only you know the answer. When the retrograde stations direct on January 1st, you’ll better grasp who you are and who you want in your life.
Pisces
If you’re feeling disconnected, it makes sense, Pisces. With Mercury going into retrograde in your 11th House of Friendships and Networking, miscommunications could be causing drama in your friend group, and it’s best to get to the bottom of it. However, you may come across some old friends you’ve drifted apart from—they could still have some lessons left to teach you, and they are worth paying attention to. It’s okay to be nostalgic and feel more reflective, but remember that the people you surround yourself with matter.
Later, when Mercury moves back into your 10th House of Career and Public Image, it could be time to reassess some aspects of your work life. If you feel you deserve a promotion or raise, this period could be a reflective time to figure out how to get there—though you may feel overlooked in the process. You may have unresolved issues with authority that come to light during this time, so be prepared for some tough conversations there. You’ll also want to watch what you post on social media—even if you think you selected the “close friends” option, your posts may still find their way to the wrong people, so avoid passive-aggressive messages. When Mercury stations direct on January 1st, you’ll have a stronger idea of who your people are and where you want to be in your career.