Big Ideas, Big Questions: Mercury in Sagittarius

Your horoscope for this mind-bending transit. Plus, pre-retrograde predictions

What: Mercury in Sagittarius

When: Nov. 2, 2024 - Jan. 8, 2025 

Who’s Impacted: EVERYONE, but esp. Mutable signs (Sagittarius, Gemini, Virgo, Pisces) and the other fire signs (Aries, Leo). 

Takeaway: the planet of communication takes a long stroll through the jovial fire sign, thanks to a mid-cycle retrograde; thoughts, writing, news, and the truth move at a similarly stalled pace. 

     2024 has been hella exhausting and the mental fatigue is real. Thankfully, the planets have your back with a transit that is sure to fire up your thinking. On Nov. 2, Mercury entered invigorating fire sign Sagittarius, where it will stay until Jan. 8, 2025, which is an unusually long time for Mercury to be in a sign—and it’s thanks to an end-of-year retrograde. Normally, I post horoscopes on the day or the day before a transit is set to happen, but it seems more prudent to post these horoscopes a little later since Mercury has already moved into its pre-retrograde shadow phase. I already talked in-depth about the significance of the pre-retrograde shadow in my weekly forecast, but here’s a quick refresher: 

     In the three phases of retrogrades—pre, retro, and post—the pre-retrograde shadow phase gives us a preview of the themes, lessons, and mix-ups we’ll see (way) more of during Mercury Retrograde. It can be a time of deceleration, too. Because when we’re in the pre-shadow phase, Mercury begins to slow down and inch its way over the area (degrees) of the zodiac sign it’ll revisit during the retrograde. If it sounds confusing, don’t worry. Pre-retrograde shadow is the dress rehearsal, the movie trailer that drops hints of the upcoming retrograde’s plot twists. Of course, the big question for this pre-retrograde shadow is: What will those plot twists be?

     Known for its big-picture focus and love of ideas, Mercury in Sagittarius values the “wow factor” over small details. So from Nov. 2 through Jan. 8, you, me, the media, and any would-be presidential candidate (you know the one) are all more likely to exaggerate for effect or add a touch of drama to make a story resonate. In other words, tall tales, exaggerations, and wide extensions of the truth are par for the course. In fiery, Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius, Mercury, the messenger and megaphone of astrology, gets even louder, bolder, and potentially more controversial with the messages it sends. It is very in-your-face—especially during that pre-retrograde phase.

     Now, I’m not here to spoil the fun of Mercury in Sagittarius, because it can be a really great transit for big, bold ideas and honest conversations. Nor am I here to stir up your anxiety, because I don’t want to do that. However, I do want to be real and honest with you. Based on what we’ve already seen/heard, and based on what we know about Mercury Retrograde, I think certain groups are going to try and amp up efforts to spread more misinformation and disinformation, especially during the height of the pre-retrograde shadow and retrograde transit. I think we’re heading into a period where conspiracy theories and more incendiary rhetoric are going to run wild. 

     So, it’s important to stay aware of this, to practice critical thinking and media literacy, and to not believe everything you read or see. I’m not attempting to sow distrust in anything (except maybe Truth Social), I just want you to be prepared. Both Mars and Mercury will be retrograde in the beginning of December, so things might get messy / confusing / chaotic; they might already feel that way for you. My main worry is that certain people are going to add more fuel to that fire. If that is the case, please remember: you are not at the mercy of astrology or the media; you are not at the mercy of anything or anyone else. You still have free will, free choice, and astute critical thinking skills; you still have your power. No one and no thing can take that from you. Anyway!