29 December 2022–19 January 2023
Many of us are in the nebulous stage betwixt Christmas and New Year where we are unwinding and unsure of what day it is. Enter Mercury retrograde from 29 December to 19 January to bring in an extra dose of rest, reflection and and renewal as we say goodbye to one year and hello to another.
This particular Mercury retrograde will be in Capricorn (specifically from 24 degrees to 8 degrees, so if you have any planets or angles between these you will be feeling it even more). Mercury retrogrades often bring exes back into your life (either literally or in your thoughts and dreams) and with this particular one beginning with a conjunction to Venus, relationships will be at front of mind.
Venus also represents our values and self-worth, so when it comes to creating intentions for 2023 you may find you focus more on what is important to you rather than what you think society deems important. As one of my favourite quotes puts it: Don't climb mountains so that people can see you. Climb mountains so that you can see the world (David McCullogh Jnr).
With Mars retrograde until January 13, don't expect a lot of forward momentum during the first month of the year. Things will begin to build in February with March looking like the month where we really take the reins and make a move. I will talk more about this in my Astrology for 2023 Webinar on January 14 (Book here).
The Full Moon in Cancer will be conjunct Mercury Retrograde, throwing up all the watery feels (January 6 if you are in the Northern Hemisphere, January 7 for Southern Hemisphere). You will be forgiven if your heart and mind are on overload, in particular about the women in your life and your mother. But lean into this with curiosity. Our feelings give us clues as to what is really going on. Ultimately it is up to ourselves to find comfort and security and learn how to heal and nurture our inner child.
During 2023 all of the Mercury retrogrades will happen in Earth signs, bringing our thoughts to material security, health, the environment and the personal mountains we climb. Again, this is something I will talk about in more detail during the Astrology of 2023 Webinar.
Mercury retrograde in Capricorn themes
During a Mercury retrograde in Capricorn we are reflecting on our place in the world. Where are you headed in life? Is the work you do something you want to be known for, or is a change needed?
Goals are Capricorn’s wheelhouse, so this is an excellent time to rethink and refine your goals. If you don’t already have goals in place, do some brainstorming or a workshop to help you map them out.
With Capricorn ruling the knees, an old knee issue could flare up, or you might cause an injury. Think about the way you are going after your goals and see if you need to adjust your approach in any way so that you are the good CEO in your life.
Mercury in Capricorn tells it like it is. It is a strategist and concerned with the facts and practicalities. Use this time to examine how practical your life is. Are there any processes that you can improve?
This retrograde can also have us thinking about the structures in society. There could be some bigger issues that are uncovered in regards to corporations, especially as collectively we are going through a change in how we do work.
Issues regarding your father or the caregiver who played the archetypal father role in your life may come up to be examined and worked through. This could also take the place of a boss or leader who you have had issues with.
General Mercury retrograde things
Don’t buy new technology unless you absolutely have to.
Don’t sign a contract unless you absolutely have to. If you do, make sure you go through all the clauses with a fine-toothed comb and/or are okay with terms changing further down the track.
If you book a holiday be aware that plans may change e.g. you may experience travel delays so give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport etc. and have duplicates of your travel documents.
Your personal experience of Mercury retrograde in Capricorn will depend on where Capricorn is in your birth chart.
Aries and Aries rising: The retrograde will be in your 10th house of career and social standing.
Taurus and Taurus rising: The retrograde will be in your 9th house of adventure, travel, education and belief systems.
Gemini and Gemini rising: The retrograde will be in your 8th house of shared resources, sex, intimacy and psychology.
Cancer and Cancer rising: The retrograde will be in your 7th house of relationships.
Leo and Leo rising: The retrograde will be in your 6th house of health, habits and daily work.
Virgo and Virgo rising: The retrograde will be in your 5th house of pleasure, creativity and children.
Libra and Libra rising: The retrograde will be in your 4th house of home, family and foundations.
Scorpio and Scorpio rising: The retrograde will be in your 3rd house of communication, siblings and neighbourhood.
Sagittarius and Sagittarius rising: The retrograde will be in your 2nd house of money, personal resources and values.
Capricorn and Capricorn rising: The retrograde will be in your 1st house of self, identity and how you meet the world.
Aquarius and Aquarius rising: The retrograde will be in your 12th house of subconscious and spirituality.
Pisces and Pisces rising: The retrograde will be in your 11th house of community, organisations, groups and personal hopes and dreams.
I hope to see you on January 14 to go into the Astrology of 2023 in more depth, including how to map out what it means for you. A recording will be sent to everyone who registers, so if you can't make it live you can watch in your own time (and also use it as a reference throughout the year).
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