As We Get Full-on Into Mercury Retrograde, Don’t Forget to Keep It Moving (AKA Sweating)

For the week of December 11–17, astrologer Jennifer Racioppi is here to offer day-by-day celestial advice—with a wellness twist. Here's what the stars have in store for everyone (no matter what your sun sign is), when it comes to food, fitness, sleep, sex, and more. 

Monday, December 11

With 2017 quickly closing out, I know time feels like sand slipping through your fingers. However, instead of rushing around and spinning off center, I encourage you to pace yourself. Manage your energy—not your time—by focusing on really good self-care. Limit sugar. Do your best to get 25 minutes of cardio in. Bend time by staying focused, and in flow, with your work. Repeat an affirmation to yourself that reminds you of this truth: everything is unfolding exactly as it should. Try this: "I have enough time to accomplish my goals."

Tuesday, December 12

Retrograde Mercury meets up with the sun today, meaning your intuition may feel off-the-charts. So allow yourself to tap into the benefits of the often dreaded Mercury retrograde and midwife some intrinsic soul direction today. Tell your ego to step aside and see what wants to come there. Ask yourself this: Where will guidance lead me today? How can I be more aligned with my truth? If I were 5 percent more authentic, what would I do? Don’t be surprised if a huge "aha" drops into your consciousness. But be forewarned, your technology may go off the rails. So take the good with the bad as you ride the waves of Mercury in retrograde.

Wednesday, December 13

With the moon traveling through Scorpio in the waning crescent phase things may feel dark, especially in the northern hemisphere, where we are days away from the winter solstice. If things feel heavy and ominous, don’t just complain about what no longer works for you, do something to change the situation. Loosen your grip and surrender what no longer works. Stay reflective, and in tune with your truth. Use this potent waning moon period to resign what you no longer need. Get clear: What do you need to leave behind in 2017?

Thursday, December 14

With the longest nights of the year upon us, and a dark waning crescent Scorpio moon too, give yourself permission to rest. Manically busy schedules often lead to what Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors call yin deficiency. By overriding the rhythms of nature (and our bodies), it’s easy to deplete kidney chi and run into chronic adrenal fatigue. The antidote? Work with seasonal and lunar rhythms by prioritizing downtime. Minimize the intake of sugar and alcohol. Swing by the party, but try not to be the last to leave. Don’t over-caffeinate—sleep instead!

Friday, December 15

With the sun in Sagittarius, making a harsh angle to Chiron (the wounded healer) in Pisces today, your ego may receive a curveball from your soul. If your core wound gets triggered, don’t be afraid to embrace the healing powers of your tears. (Yes, a good cry is healing.) Mercury in retrograde motion meets up with Venus today too, meaning that your personal values may feel extra clear today. So take advantage. With changes in consciousness afoot and potent cosmic year-end medicine here, now’s the time to reassess, and realign. Make conscious and prudent decisions.

Saturday, December 16

Early in the morning, the sun in Sagittarius makes a cosmic, manifesting, trine to Uranus, who rules revolution and change today; meaning you may midwife important soul direction via your dreams. Pay attention to clear directives upon waking. To capture this, keep a journal next to your bed and try to write your thoughts as soon as you wake up. As the day goes on (and before hitting up the holiday gatherings) take time to exercise, too. But go easy on the high-intensity activity. With the new moon soon to arrive, prioritize gentle, sensual and slow movement instead.

Sunday, December 17

The last new moon of 2017 occurs in the sign of Sagittarius at 1:30 am ET on the 18th at 26 degrees. Making today a potent day to work on your intentions for the upcoming lunar cycle. Sagittarius, a sign with natural athletic capacities, highlights the ability to get into action with fitness. So don't wait for 2018 to get into action on your wellness goals. Think through intentions for how you want to feel in your body and life. You want to wake up on the 18th ready to claim your vision for the next lunar cycle. Even with Mercury in Retrograde (also in Sagittarius), and the year-end upon us, you can make headway when it comes to wellness. And good news, Mercury stations direct on the 22nd! Holler.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women's health—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success.

Want some advice for the whole month of December, and beyond? Here's why RockStar Shaman Alyson Charles says breaking into song is a great idea this month. And for 2018, we've rounded up the top Wellness Trend predictions for the year.