Have you been feeling frustrated, tense, or stressed out due to the energy created by Mercury retrograde? If so, you’re not alone.
Even people unfamiliar with astrology are likely to have heard the ubiquitous phrase, “Mercury is in retrograde” – that’s how infamous this transit is.
Your car may break down on the way to work. Your computer suddenly freezes. You answer your phone just as it stops ringing. Your credit card stops working out of the blue. The package you’ve been waiting for gets lost or delayed.
As Mercury rules communication, information, technology, and short-distance travel, these are the areas of our lives that are most affected or interfered with when this planet is retrograde.
That’s why it’s so important to be aware of and prepared for this transit.
The same can be said for emotionally and mentally preparing for difficult transits such as Mercury retrograde. When you’re aware of the setbacks you might encounter, it feels easier to manage them if and when they pop up.
And while Mercury retrograde isn’t all bad – it’s a great time for reconnecting, revisiting, revising, and recollecting – we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief knowing that this planet is soon going direct. So get ready because this energy is not only relieving; it’s exciting.
This time around, Mercury will be moving direct into the sign of Sagittarius on January 1st, 2024.
The power of new beginnings is stronger than ever, and we’re going to show you how to harness it!
What Does it Mean When Mercury Goes Direct?
When a planet’s orbital path slows considerably, it is said to be retrograde. A planet in retrograde appears to be moving backward, but this is merely an optical illusion. Once that planet resumes its natural flow, it moves direct again – or at its normal pace.
When a planet is retrograde, its energy feels different than it usually does, as it is not operating as smoothly as it normally does. And when Mercury is retrograde, you’ll feel its effect on communication, information – including technology – and travel.
However, when it begins going direct again, or rather, moving at its normal pace again, the energy starts to even out and resume its normal flow. For Mercury, this means communication will be more clear, transportation and technology will be more reliable, and our minds will experience more clarity.
Interested in learning more about planets in retrograde? Check out: Your Ultimate Guide to Retrogrades
What Does it Mean When Mercury Goes Direct in Each Zodiac Sign?
Mercury’s effects are different for each sign, and we’re here to give you a rundown of what to expect now that it’s moving at its normal pace once again.
Aries
When Mercury goes direct in fiery Aries, the desire for a fresh start and new experiences is palpable – especially as Aries is the first sign in the astrological calendar.
A sense of ambition can be felt, and because Mercury is once again moving at its normal speed, it’s easier to plan for future goals.
Taurus
Taurus is a calm and sensible sign, bringing some much-needed relief after a Mercury retrograde period. However, when this planet goes direct in Taurus, you can expect a sense of loyalty to wash over you, enhancing your communication with friends, family, and even colleagues.
Allow yourself to be vulnerable with those you love for a deeper connection.
Gemini
Mercury rules over the sign of Gemini, making this a particularly beneficial transit – especially after a rough retrograde period. When Mercury goes direct in Gemini, communication is more open, honest, and clearer than ever.
This is an excellent time to share your thoughts and ideas, as those around you will be surprisingly receptive.
Cancer
Cancer is a cozy sign that likes to retreat into its shell or home and relax away from the worries of the outside world. However, when Mercury goes direct in Cancer, you may feel encouraged to take a trip outside of your comfort zone and try new things.
Remember that fortune favors the bold during this transit.
Leo
No one is quite as adept at being the center of attention as Leo, a planet ruled by the center of our solar system – the Sun. So when Mercury goes direct in Leo, we feel like stepping out of our shells and allowing our charm to shine.
Putting yourself out there is favorable when Mercury is direct in Leo, as those around you will also feel gregarious and welcoming.
Virgo
Virgo is another sign ruled by the planet Mercury, and it is more than giddy to swoop in and create order in the wake of chaotic Mercury retrograde. You may feel like tidying and organizing right after Mercury moves direct in Virgo, as Virgo encourages you to get things in order.
This can be a very productive transit, indeed.
Libra
Libra is a sign known for communication and negotiation skills. Therefore, the new energy of Mercury direct can be particularly beneficial, especially after the communication mishaps experienced while this planet was retrograde.
Enjoy the peaceful nature of your interactions with others during this transit!
Scorpio
Scorpio is a sign that knows how to go with the flow, but it prefers a steadier vibe when possible. That’s why Mercury is comfortable and confident when it goes direct in Scorpio.
This energy makes it easier to connect with your close loved ones on a deeper, more intimate level, as Scorpio is not one for superficial or surface interactions.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius is a sign with lots of momentum, and it isn’t happy when Mercury is retrograde, slowing down its ability to move at high speeds. However, when Mercury goes direct in Sagittarius, we feel relieved and able to move at our own pace once more.
If you’ve been feeling stuck or dragged down by Mercury retrograde, you’ll dig these high-speed vibes.
Capricorn
There’s no sign quite as motivated and hard-working as Capricorn, and we can all enjoy this ambitious energy when Mercury goes direct in this sign. This is the time to work hard towards your projects and goals, as your energy levels are sky-high.
Just don’t forget to make time for rest so you don’t become overwhelmed.
Aquarius
Aquarius is the sign that most connects to technology, an aspect of life deeply affected during Mercury retrograde. However, when it moves direct in Aquarius, we experience an overwhelming sense of relief when it comes to technology and the sharing of information.
You can expect transactions of all kinds to go more smoothly during this time.
Pisces
Pisces is one of the most intuitive signs of the zodiac, deeply connected to emotions and instincts. However, these aspects can feel off when Mercury is retrograde. When it moves direct in Pisces, our intuition is once again heightened and palpable.
Pay attention to the instinctual gut feelings you have during this transit.
How to Make the Most of Mercury Direct
While this transit will bring a sense of relief automatically, there are a few things you can do to get even more out of this harmonizing transit.
1. Wake Up, But Slowly
When Mercury goes direct, it’s almost as if we’re waking up from a very deep sleep. Our minds have felt foggy, and our thoughts unclear for the past few weeks. You may have experienced a lot of internal tension or cloudiness, and you must give your body and mind time to wake up slowly.
Practice soothing activities like meditation and yoga to help get you back on track.
Work with mentally healing stones like fluorite and aquamarine to clear your mind and help you focus. Give yourself time to feel back to normal, as Mercury retrograde can be challenging emotionally and mentally.
2. Plan Carefully
When Mercury goes retrograde, we finally feel like we’re ready to resume our projects and focus on our goals. However, Mercury moving direct is the best time to start planning rather than acting on your dreams.
That means no sudden movements just yet.
Don’t jump right into situations that have been put on hold while Mercury was retrograde. Rather, take the time to plan carefully and get your thoughts in order before making any big decisions.
Make lists of everything you want to attract in life or create a vision board. Then, pouring your energy into your manifestations will help the Universe create a path for you to follow and reach your goals.
While you may feel like moving forward with all of this ambitious energy, it’s important to be patient and thoughtful with your goals, dreams, and visions.
3. Take Action
Allow Mercury to take a few days or even a week to get back on track, just as you allowed yourself to wake up slowly from the foggy vibes of Mercury retrograde. Then, let Mercury get those creative juices flowing once more before taking any action.
Once the energy has really settled out, it’s time to act on those plans you’ve been working on!
Have a business meeting, apply for a new job, start that new project, or sign the contract you’ve been waiting to sign. Give Mercury and yourself a bit of breathing room after it moves direct again, and then get to work on those dreams!
Mercury will help the right information get into the right hands once it’s had time to get its mojo back.
Use Mercury Direct to Your Advantage
When Mercury is direct once more, the flow of information and communication is smoother and more effective than ever, meaning that it’s time to put yourself out there and try a new approach.
Are you looking for a new friendship or relationship?
Are you itching for a promotion at work?
Is it finally time to start that blog you’ve been meaning to create?
This philosophy of trying something new or trying a new approach to certain challenges can be applied to any aspect of life. The key to your success in this venture is to take the things you’ve already learned about life and yourself and synthesize that information to create a brand-new plan of attack.
Don’t forget to stay on top of your daily horoscope during this critical time frame of transits so you know exactly what to expect and what to do with this exciting energy! It’s go time.
What new beginning are you starting now?
Related article: 10 Myths about Mercury Retrograde
