November 24 – December 15
(22°35′ to 6°28′ Sagittarius)
Pre-shadow period occurs November 7 – 24
Mercury turns retrograde on November 24 at 6:43 p.m. (22°35′ Sagittarius)
Stations direct on December 16 at 12:57 p.m. (6°28′ Sagittarius)
Post-shadow occurs from December 16, 2024 – January 3, 2025
Note: Times are approximate based on pacific time.
In general, Mercury is the planet that astrologically represents travel, communication, and our thought processes. Known as the Messenger of the Gods, Mercury’s role is to speedily deliver clear and precise information. Retrograding 3–4 times a year, when the planetary trickster strikes, many of our daily activities go haywire.
Mercury rules electronics and is often blamed for all types of technical mishaps with cell phones, electric devices, and computers — warranting an important time to back up your computer files. In general terms, machines of all kinds tend to act strangely and take on a Murphy’s Law theme.
Remain flexible and prepare for delays and miscommunications of all kinds. It is best to avoid signing any contractual agreements as matters begun during Mercury retrograde periods tend to take unexpected twists and turns in the future. During Mercury retrograde periods we often find ourselves revisiting past projects or situations that, once again, need our attention. It is also a time period, however, when we often hear from, or feel compelled to reach out to old friends or lovers whom we haven’t spoken to in some time.
Although Mercury retrograde periods can seem frustrating, they often provide opportunities to review or finish up old projects, contact old friends, or clean out the closet and garage. Mercury retrograde periods are an opportune time for introspection and deep thought, especially a couple of days directly before and after the exact retrograde day occurs.
Note: Planets do not actually move backwards (retrograde). A retrograding planet is the result of an optical illusion per its orbital relative speed from our point of view on Earth.
Previous 2024 Retrograde Periods
April 1 – April 24, 2024
(27°13′ to 15°58′ Aries)
Pre-shadow period occurs March 18 – April 1
Mercury turns Retrograde on April 1 at 3:15 p.m. (27°13′ Aries)
Stations Direct on April 24 at 5:54 a.m. (15°58′ Aries)
Post-shadow occurs from April 24 – May 13, 2024
August 3 – 28
(4°06′ Virgo to 21°24′ Leo)
Pre-shadow period occurs July 16 – August 3
Mercury Retrogrades on August 3 at 9:56 p.m. (4°06′ Virgo)
Mercury Stations Direct on August 28, 2024, at 5:12 a.m. (21°24′ Leo)
Post-shadow occurs from August 28 – September 11
© 2024 by Linda Kaye
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