Weather 
The most maligned of astrological transits is upon us.
This time, Mercury, our planet of thought, speech, travel and exchange, is going retrograde in drunk pirate Sagittarius, and later, tender villain Scorpio.
Mercury officially stations retrograde on November 9 at 2:01 pm EST at 6°51 Sagittarius, the planet will slither back into Scorpio on November 18th.
Mercury stations direct on November 29, and re-enters Sagittarius on December 11th, but won’t clear its post-retrograde shadow until December 16.
As the fastest-moving planet in our solar system, Mercury goes retrograde three to four times a year. When you factor in the shadow period of the retrograde — and as a recovering goth kid, I always consider the shadow — we spend up to six months a year at the mercy of Mercury’s slow-down showdown.
Retrogrades represent periods of time when a planet appears to move backwards in the sky, slowly re-treading territory it had already covered.
“Asking questions, taking second looks and making edits are all encouraged during a Mercury retrograde. November will definitely be a month of ‘guess and check’, especially since Mercury is in detriment (or has a lot of natural difficulty working within) Sagittarius to begin with!” Rachel Ruth Tate, certified astrologer at Casinos Analyzer, told The Post.
Tate shared that while Mercury is not typically a luminary associated with sex and relationships (that’s more the territory of Venus and Mars), it does directly influence communication, discord and the soft space between connection and conflict.
Tate notes that when Mercury dips into Scorpio later this month, things are primed to get deep and dirty.
“Expect details to be lost in translation, dates to be mixed up and sexy plans to change at the last minute while Mercury is retrograde. Give people the same grace you wish to receive. While Mercury is retrograde in Scorpio, some deep and intimate topics may come up (including fantasies!), so permit yourself to explore, physically and emotionally.”
Tate shared that during this latest Mercury retrograde, the last of 2025, a select few zodiac signs will pave the road to ruin or richness in their relationships.
“With any retrograde, there can be a ‘make or break’ vibe for romances, as well as a general questioning of whether or not a relationship is viable,” said Tate.
Sagittarius and Gemini
For these mutable babies, Tate predicts there may be more breaking up than breaking through.
Bear in mind, though, that what staggers in or surfaces during a retrograde does not always stick, so this may be more of a temporary parting than a full-scale or long-lasting severance.
Cancer and Leo
“Cancers and Leos are likely expanding romantic commitments and enjoying the fruits of time invested in partnerships,” explained Tate.
For these lovers, this retrograde allows them to reflect on the state of their respective unions and carefully and compassionately find a way forward that supports both parties. Think skipping into the future holding hands versus staggering into tomorrow feeling worlds apart.
Taurus and Libra
Good news for the loins and love lives of these Venus-ruled signs.
“Taurus and Libra will likely be getting busy – and maybe even kinky – in the bedroom. A good sense of humor and some new sex toys might be just the ticket to pleasure,” said Tate.
When Mercury is retrograde, Tate explains that we all tend to be “verbally approximate.”
To combat confusion, she recommends truly trying to glean what a person means, beyond the pitfalls and verbal stumbles of what they’re saying.
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.
