Like it or not, Mercury retrograde is here—again.
And while we love to hate this recurring astrological phenomenon thanks to its (often negative) effects on love, career, technology and, well, everything good in our lives, it actually has some upsides.
“Mercury Retrograde is notorious for making us approach similar re-words (review, reassess, reexamine),” astrologist Aliza Kelly told E! News in an exclusive interview. “So it's an opportunity for us to deepen our emotional awareness.”
To refresh your memory, Mercury goes into retrograde three to four times per year on average. In a nutshell, this means that Mercury’s motion has slowed so much that it appears to be traveling backwards. And because Mercury is closely associated with communication, you can expect unanticipated changes in relationships, friendships, co-worker dynamics and even your technology function during this time.
The secret to keeping it all together? Look within—but be logical about it.
“This retrograde isn’t about diving into feelings—it’s about reevaluating our ideas, beliefs, and aspirations,” the It's All Magic: 365 Reflections on Astrology, Tarot, and Manifestation author revealed. “The challenge here is to keep our sights high while allowing ourselves to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. It might feel especially frustrating—especially for those of us who just want to go—but sometimes that moment of hesitation is where we find the truest answers.”
The final Mercury retrograde of 2024 spans from Nov. 25 to Dec. 15 in the sign Sagittarius. And it is coming on the heels of the recent supermoon.
“The November 15 Full Moon supermoon in Taurus added emotional intensity to this Mercury retrograde,” Aliza explained. “Taurus is all about stability, and a supermoon magnifies everything—our wants, our needs, and the things we’re not quite ready to release.”
Now that we’ve transitioned into fiery Sagittarius season, to-the-books Mercury will offer more conflict than usual as these two opposing astrological phenomena’s basic principles clash.
“Mercury doesn't love to be in Sagittarius,” Aliza shared with E!. “Mercury is meticulous and detail-oriented, whereas Sagittarius energy is about the big picture, expansion, adventure, and truth-seeking. And, during its upcoming retrograde, this tension will be amplified further.”
But not to fear, the new year is almost here. And this Mercury retrograde may just be the catalyst you need to jumpstart those resolutions.
“This Mercury retrograde is a prelude to 2025,” she noted. “It’s a reminder to reassess our vision and prepare for what’s ahead, rather than just plowing forward. Sagittarius energy is expansive, but during a retrograde, it’s inwardly expansive—it’s a time to check our internal compass before setting off on a new journey.”
And this is actually a good thing when it comes to looking at the year ahead. “Consider it a gift,” Aliza continued. “Instead of rushing into 2025, we’re being asked to pause, reflect, and make sure the direction we’re heading is truly aligned with our authentic selves. The foundation you lay now is setting the tone for the entire next year.”
For more on how each zodiac sign will be affected by 2024’s final Mercury retrograde—and expert-backed tips on how to deal—keep reading.
Aries
Symbolized by the ram, strong Aries will be pushed to do some soul searching during this retrograde. While the fire sign should “expect some old relationship themes to resurface,” astrologist Aliza Kelly exclusively told E! News, “in career, plans might slow down or require a different approach.”
But no need to panic. Thanks to Mercury retrograde, “miscommunications are in the air,” she continued. So instead of leaning into your impulses, she advises Arieses to slow down and “use this time to think before acting.” You’ll be happy you did.
Taurus
Tauruses, we know how much you value your me time. But over the next month, your public life will be truly tested. While this may be challenging, take it as a chance to step out of your comfort zone.
“Love will ask for deeper honesty,” Aliza noted of this earth sign, whereas “career changes may feel like two steps forward, one step back.”
In that same vein, “friendships could challenge your boundaries, she continued, “but it's an opportunity to reinforce them.” To stay zen, “reflect on what you value and why,” the astrology expert advised, adding, “Get comfortable with discomfort.”
Gemini
Symbolized by the twins, Geminis are known for being a tad hot and cold. Because the dynamic of your romantic relationships are bound to get confusing during this time, it’s extremely important to “double-check everything you say,” Aliza continued.
Meanwhile, expect your career life to get just as messy. But don’t fret. Use this time to settle in and review your goals.
And don’t forget about your friends. “Friendships require authenticity, so don’t be afraid to reconnect where you’ve drifted,” Aliza explained. “Slow down your usual quick wit” and “think twice before speaking.”
Cancer
Buckle up Cancers, because this Mercury retrograde is shaping up to be a wild ride. Good or bad, “relationships might bring up unspoken feelings,” the It's All Magic: 365 Reflections on Astrology, Tarot, and Manifestation author revealed. And through it all, “friends will be your anchors, but make sure you're expressing your needs clearly.”
In terms of your professional life, she shared, “expect a few twists and turns.”And over the next month, refrain from jumping to conclusions by looking at the whole picture. Most importantly, keep your emotions at bay by checking “in with your loved ones before making assumptions.”
That means no jumping to conclusions without knowing the whole story. Yeah, we’re talking to you.
Leo
Leos, we hear your roar, but this might be the time to dial it back. Symbolized by the proud lion, Leos tend to jump the gun when it comes to relationships. But this time around, remember that, as Aliza put it, “romantic spontaneity is wonderful—until it isn’t.” So “make sure your heart is grounded” to ensure that it doesn’t get broken.
At the same time, “friendship dynamics might shift, revealing who’s truly got your back,” and we know how much you value loyalty. So to stay sane in the midst of this heightened astrological energy, “revisit creative projects,” Aliza recommends, and above all “express your feelings with grace.”
Virgo
For detail-oriented Virgos, this one might be a doozy—mainly because we know how much you love to be in control. See the glass half full during this Mercury retrograde by using misunderstanding “as a chance to deepen connections.” Aliza told E!. After all, “friendships need flexibility.”
Though ambition is one of this earth sign’s most beloved qualities, “career may feel scattered” during this time, she explained, adding that it’s time to “let go of needing it all to make sense right now.”
Though this sign is really good at planning their day down to the water breaks, this is not the time to be so strict with your routines. “Perfection is not the goal,” Aliza continued. “Learn to embrace uncertainty.”
Libra
Ruled by Venus—the planet of money and love—Libras are known for being hopeless romantics. But when it comes to love over the next month, “try not to take things personally,” Aliza suggests. Platonic relationships will also “test your diplomacy,” so “make sure you’re not over-extending.”
At the same time, your professional life may be getting mundane, but that’s why Aliza says this is the perfect time to “lean into the unknown.”
While you may feel the urge to get timid under this intense astrological energy, there’s no better time to “speak your truth,” Aliza added. “Avoid trying to keep the peace at your own expense.”
Scorpio
Scorpios may have a hard shell, but they’re all ooey gooey on the inside. And this is the perfect time to drop the tough act to embrace their soft side.
“Vulnerability is the key to love right now—don’t hold back,” Aliza urged. During this time, lean on your friends to carry you through any turmoil, because, as she noted, “close friendships will reveal themselves as your true support system.”
The expert’s best advice? “Be open to change,” she recommended, “even in long-term relationships.”
Sagittarius
Sagittarius is nothing if not passionate. Ruled by Jupiter, this fire sign is known for diving into projects head-first—in love, friendships, career and pretty much everything else. Long story short, they’re far from casual when it comes to their pursuits.
But during the final Mercury retrograde of the year, Aliza advised, “Love might ask for a bit of extra patience.” Meanwhile, she stressed that “friendships are a great place to reconnect with , Aliza advised, “Love might ask for a bit of extra patience.” Meanwhile, she stressed that “friendships are a great place to reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while.”
In terms of career, slow down, because it’ll be “asking you to revisit old ideas.”
To keep your cool, “reevaluate big plans,” Aliza continued. “Make sure your vision aligns with your values.”
Capricorn
Though they come off as cool, calm and collected, Capricorn only stays that way with a ton of pre-planning. But now is the time to let their guard down in every aspect.
“Let love surprise you by releasing control,” the astrologist shared. “Career projects might feel like they’re dragging—trust the timing.”
At the same time, keep your friends close during this time, because they’ll be “a great source of joy,” she added. And above all, “Allow yourself to be flexible. Sometimes the detour is actually the destination.”
Aquarius
Aquarii truly dance to the beat of their own drum. And while this may have gotten them into a few pickles in the past, it’ll serve them well during the upcoming retrograde.
“Career projects are shifting,” Aliza revealed, “and your flexibility will serve you.” But tread lightly because “Communication breakdowns are likely—be mindful in love.”
When it comes to friendships, she warns against letting your innate individuality get in the way. Indeed, as she put it, “friendships need you to ground your often-abstract ideas into shared realities.”
Though Aquarii have a serendipitous spirit that attracts people from all over, now is the time to tone down your extroverted nature. So stay in and watch a movie, write that journal entry and “find ways to ground yourself amidst mental chaos,” she noted. “Balance innovation with stability.”
Pisces
Pisces are known for having their heads in the clouds. And at this time, “love feels dreamy but unclear,” Aliza warned. “Focus on clarity where you can.”
To that point, the best way to get through Mercury retrograde this time around is to “stay tethered to reality,” she explained. “Find ways to be clear and direct.”
Though you may be tied up in romantic pursuits as of late, your friends are “your grounding force,” she added. “Be sure to nurture those bonds.”
While you may feel distracted from work lately, Aliza recommends getting back on track by thinking “of it as part of the creative process.”