Your holiday gift arrives early from the cosmos: the year’s last Mercury retrograde is over on December 15. But the shadow period lingers till January 2, so continue to think before you speak as you flow through the holidays. A misguided verbal “gift” can’t be returned!
Sweet relief! On Sunday, December 15, Mercury retrograde is over in Sagittarius, ending a cycle that began on November 25, just before Thanksgiving in the U.S.
As the communication planet ends its backspin through this nomadic sign, regroup and get your travel plans back in motion, especially if they were stalled before the holidays.
Mercury is also the planet of technology and scheduling, both of which can snag spectacularly while in reverse, even for us astrologers! Tali missed a flight this Mercury retrograde cycle, misreading her 11:14AM departure time as 11:40AM. She and her dachshund, Lux, huddled in a Delta Lounge (and wrote some horoscopes!) before catching the next available flight at 4PM.
Since Mercury rules the mail, packages may have been delayed in delivery no matter how many times you checked tracking data (frustrating!). Or maybe, like us, you scooped up some Black Friday maxidresses, only to find out a day later that all items but one were sold out. The chaos begins to clear on December 15, just in time for the holidays. But…
Beware the Mercury retroshade!
For a couple days before or after a planet is retrograde it goes through a period called “stationing,” when it’s adjusting to the U-turn. You may feel the effects from winding down (or ramping up), like the lingering fumes of a car with a bad exhaust system.
That’s not the only adjustment. For approximately two weeks after Mercury’s backspin, the planet lingers in its “retroshade”, AKA the shadow period. Here’s how we explain the shadow:
• After moving backwards through the zodiac from November 25 to December 15, Mercury has to make up the distance it lost.
• This retrograde began at 22°40’ of Sagittarius on November 25. Mercury will have retreated all the way back to 6°28’ of Sagittarius on December 15, ending the retrograde.
• The cosmic messenger will take until January 2, 2025 to return to 22°40’ Sagittarius—the degree it was at on November 25, when the retrograde began.
Lean more about Mercury retrograde in astrology.
DISCOVER YOUR ASTROLOGY ADVANTAGE
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"Atomic Habits meets The Wisdom of the Enneagram..."
DISCOVER YOUR ASTROLOGY ADVANTAGE
"Atomic Habits meets The Wisdom of the Enneagram..."
What to do when Mercury retrograde ends
At last! After three weeks of scrambled signals, people start to see eye-to-eye once again. Some of the chronic mishaps and frustrating misunderstandings of the past few weeks will start to dissipate. Technology blips may sort themselves out—though Tali will never find the AirPod that slipped from her ear and tumbled down an elevator shaft.
Holiday planning should also begin to solidify as people sort out their schedules and actually commit to plans. It’s safe to make that menu for your New Year’s Eve dinner party or figure out who’s staying in the guest bedroom and who needs to get themselves an Airbnb.
While Mercury reverse-commuted through blunt Sagittarius, you may have experienced some aggressively stormy misunderstandings with people in your life. If you lost your temper with the ones you love, stop justifying it. Sure, they may have pushed every one of your buttons and legitimately overstepped some bounds. But now, as Mercury corrects course, you’re able to see past the smoke that’s been pouring out of your ears. Make amends, not excuses.
On a lighter note, if you held off revising contracts or upgrading mobile devices, you can begin sorting through the legalese and figuring out the features of that iOS update.
When is the next Mercury retrograde?
The buzzy planet powers forward until March 15, 2025, when it slips back into Aries for its first of three Mercury retrograde cycles in 2025.
Your Mercury Direct Horoscope
Below are horoscopes for every zodiac sign for when Mercury retrograde is over in Sagittarius on December 15. You may read for your Sun sign or your Rising sign (ascendant). Visit our Cosmic Calculators if you want to calculate your Rising sign or discover more about your personal astrology.
Jump to
Aries (March 19-April 19)
It’s safe to speak your mind again, Aries. Communicator Mercury has been retrograde (backward) in your candid ninth house for the last three weeks. During this time, some of your frank comments could have rubbed people the wrong way. On December 15, the expressive planet turns direct, helping you be honest without fearing backlash. As the ninth house also rules travel, you might have good reason to pull out your passport over the next few weeks, once Mercury retrograde is over (including the shadow period). If not, you could “travel” metaphysically through a self-help book, personal growth workshop, or spiritual seminar.
Aries horoscopes, read more!
Taurus (April 19-May 20)
Intimacy is the name of the game starting December 15, as mental Mercury turns direct in your eighth house of emotional bonding. The communication planet was retrograde since November 25, stirring up some dark feelings. Jealous or obsessive patterns could have risen up, or a “ghost of lovers past” might have made an unwelcome reappearance. The intensity levels have been sky-high, but once the Mercury retrograde is over, relief comes with the planet’s course correction. It will be easier to parse through your feelings and start making sense of them. Therapy or spiritual pursuits can support your process.
Taurus horoscopes, read more!
Gemini (May 20-June 20)
Communicator Mercury goes direct (forward) in your seventh house partnership sector on December 15 after being retrograde since November 25. Your creativity is now at its best when done within a group, so when you’re back to work on Monday, rally your colleagues for an impromptu brainstorming sesh. Also, expect to be pleasantly surprised when the official naysayer on your team is actually onboard for a change! If you’ve been butting heads or dealing with crossed wires with a loved one, when the Mercury retrograde is over, you should see an improvement. Have an honest conversation to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.
Gemini horoscopes, read more!
Cancer (June 20-July 22)
Slow and steady is a savvy way to win, so apply that time-tested logic to your wellness regimen. Creative Mercury was retrograde (backward) for the last three weeks, but on December 15 it turns direct in your sixth house of self-care, conjuring innovative ways you can stick to a fitness plan. Mercury’s forward motion also amps up your motivation, a perfect time to establish a sustainable exercise routine. Keep it simple: Even a tracking app can help you stay on the wellness wagon.
Cancer horoscopes, read more!
Leo (July 22-August 22)
Ever since communicator Mercury went retrograde (backward) three weeks ago, getting your message across has been a challenge. On December 15, garrulous Mercury turns direct in your live-out-loud fifth house, restoring your silver-tongued status. Romance also figures front and center, so unleash your inner coquette.
Heads up: wires could still get crossed during the shadow period, so just double-check you’ve got the right email address or number before sending any racy invitations or photos. If you’ve got a writing project or another venture brewing, your creativity will soon start flowing in full force.
Leo horoscopes, read more!
Virgo (August 22-September 22)
Let the homefront harmony begin. On December 15, communication planet Mercury turns direct (forward) after a three-week retrograde tour through your domestic fourth house, helping restore peace to your palace. You might have locked horns with a stubborn relative or felt friction with a roommate. Address any miscommunications and conflicts in the name of resolving them—not placing blame. Take the high road and be the first to say, “I’m sorry.”
Virgo horoscopes, read more!
Libra (September 23-October 22)
You’ve had your fair share of foot-in-mouth moments for the past three weeks, since Mercury turned retrograde in your chatty third house. On December 15, this cycle ends, clearing up chaos and crossed wires. You might have been frustrated with people misinterpreting your message, no matter how simply you tried presenting it. Tension could have cropped up with a neighbor, sibling or coworker. As Mercury powers forward, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that your words will have their intended impact. Did travel plans get foiled? You have the cosmic green light when Mercury retrograde is over to tap the “Book Now” button.
Libra horoscopes, read more!
Scorpio (October 22-November 21)
Financial friction eases up starting December 15. Over the past three weeks, work or money matters have been frustrating. Mercury was retrograde (backward) in Sagittarius, your second house of logistics, creating confusion since November 25. With the communication planet correcting course, workplace tension and budget breakdowns will start to clear up. Any difficult clients or colleagues will become much more manageable, too, once Mercury retrograde is over. You now slide back into a grounded groove, managing your finances and maintaining routines with ease. Whew!
Scorpio horoscopes, read more!
Sagittarius (November 21-December 21)
Expressive Mercury has been retrograde (backward) in Sagittarius since November 25—and you’re ready to change your name to Miss Understood. Good news: On December 15, the quicksilver planet powers forward, putting an end to this disruptive three-week phase. From now on, you can stop worrying if people really “get” what you’re saying—and you’ll only need to explain yourself once! Timing is back on your side, so pull back the curtain on a passion project you’ve been waiting to debut. For best results, wait until the retroshade (shadow) clears up on January 2 for your big reveal.
Sagittarius horoscopes, read more!
Capricorn (December 21-January 19)
Since November 25, mental Mercury has been retrograde (backward) in your twelfth house, riddling your world with energy vampires. On December 15, Mercury powers forward, bringing much-needed relief. You could receive a well-deserved apology, or you might even decide to extend the olive branch yourself. Your creative powers also get a boost for the next three weeks, so capture any flashes of insight. Pay close attention to your dreams once the Mercury retrograde is over, as they will be filled with insight. Keep a journal bedside to ensure you don’t miss any messages your subconscious may send.
Capricorn horoscopes, read more!
Aquarius (January 19-February 18)
Hard to tell who’s got your back lately, Aquarius? Your social circle has been riddled with miscommunication since November 25, courtesy of communicator Mercury traveling retrograde (backward) through your eleventh house of groups. Thankfully, the quicksilver planet turns direct on December 15, clearing up confusion with your friends and collaborators. Use the next three weeks for some serious networking. Say “yes” to any invites to holiday parties or industry events. The people you meet once the Mercury retrograde is over could become important players in the future.
Aquarius horoscopes, read more!
Pisces (February 18-March 20)
Ready, set, go for those goals! You might have shelved your dreams over the last three weeks while mental Mercury was retrograde (backward) in your tenth house career sector. But, the speedy planet powers forward on December 15, supporting your efforts to advance your aspirations. You might also have experienced crossed wires with clients and higher-ups. Communication will now flow with ease once the Mercury retrograde is over, giving you the green light to forge ahead with your lofty aims.
Pisces horoscopes, read more!
Check this page anytime to find out: Is Mercury Retrograde Right Now? And follow your daily horoscope to never miss a detail!
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