Mercury Going Retrograde Is Just *One* Thing Creating Cosmic Drama This Week

The planetary movement known for creating transit nightmares—and making cellphones go kaput—has a lot of company this week. But the good news? All that celestial change can work to your benefit, says astrologer Jennifer Racioppi. Here's her best advice for getting the most out of the intensity of the next seven days.  

Monday, November 12

Yes! It's a new week, with new opportunities to step into the highest (and happiest) version of your life. With the waxing crescent moon gaining momentum in the practical sign of Capricorn, you might feel the impetus to dig deep and do the work. You know the work I am talking about. The work of looking at your purest desires and motivations, and understanding where your shadow (the part of you that you suppress, repress, and deny) derails you. Acknowledge what holds you back, and do your absolute best to move forward anyway. With the sun in a sextile to Pluto, while the moon conjoins powerhouse Pluto, you can get things done. Go for your desires. Make a push on behalf of your dreams.

Tuesday, November 13

Today, a day ripe with revelations, offers you the capacity to not only catch your breath but deepen it, too. As we approach mid-November (how’d that happen?), take a moment and expand your lungs with (at least) five deep cleansing breaths. Given how intense 2018 has felt astrologically, I am sure you’ve grown substantially over recent months. Acknowledge it. Even if you haven’t accomplished your goals, you’ve deepened your understanding of who you are and where you want to go.

Given how intense 2018 has felt astrologically, I am sure you’ve grown substantially over recent months. Acknowledge it.

We quickly approach yet another important cosmic turning point. Later this week, Venus, the planet of love and beauty, stations direct. The same day, Mercury, the planet of communication will go retrograde. So, take a moment today to connect with you are, right now. It’s perfect exactly as it is, and it’s setting you up for where you are going to go next! Trust the moment.

Wednesday, November 14

With the moon waxing in Aquarius today, your inner rebel might want to take the wheel. If so, let her. Aquarius—a sign that represents revolution, evolution, and change—loves to do things its own way. Given this influence, you might feel less inclined to acquiesce to your standard routine. Rather than force it, allow yourself to innovate and improvise. Lead with your intuition and gut instincts instead. Give yourself permission to deviate from your norm, and remember that true innovation stems from the ability to dare to do it differently. This may feel vulnerable, but trust that vulnerability is guiding you to your ultimate highest good.

Thursday, November 15

The waxing quarter moon perfects this morning at 9:54 a.m. Eastern, meaning we find ourselves at the halfway point between the recent new moon and the upcoming full moon. When the sun and moon square, or make an awkward angle, as they do at the time of the waxing quarter moon, the cosmos invite us to reconcile our ego’s desires with the needs of our heart. So, take time to consider what your soul needs today. Simultaneously, Mars (the planet of action) makes a fortuitous connection with Uranus, which beckons change! This happens right before Mars, the planet of action, finally moves out of Aquarius and into Pisces. (Mars stayed in Aquarius for an exceptionally long time due to its retrograde journey this summer and will now travel in the sign of the fish for the remainder of the year.) What does this mean? This influence encourages you to connect with your spiritual side, and lead with love! Take time today to really listen to the voice of love within, and honor your feminine side.

Friday, November 16

Venus, the planet of love and beauty stations direct today, after traveling retrograde for six weeks. Simultaneously, Mercury, the planet of communication, goes retrograde. With one retrograde cycle coming to a conclusion and another beginning you might feel a wee bit dizzy today.

With one retrograde cycle coming to a conclusion and another beginning you might feel a wee bit dizzy today.

To offset this, take time to get grounded. Connect to the earth and your body. Slow, mindful walking and core exercises help you to find your center. Focus on form and intention while moving. Try to eat mindfully too, chewing each bite thoroughly, intentionally tasting your food. Doing so connects you to the present moment. Remember, Mercury retrograde offers a potent time to review, revise and reconnect. And, even more importantly, Mercury in retrograde motion supports you as you deepen your connection with your intuition. Use this time to your advantage. It's here to help you, not just make you crazy!

Saturday, November 17

After an incredible amount of cosmic change this week, due to the significant astrological shifts, keep the motto “go slow to go fast” top of mind this weekend. With Mars, the planet of action, now in Pisces—the same sign the moon travels in today—acclimate to this new cycle. Mars in Pisces emphasizes emotions, psychic gifts, empathy, and compassion, as well as the drive to express oneself through art. The trick to working successfully with this transit, especially with it occurring in tandem to Mercury traveling retrograde, is to lead with love.

After an incredible amount of cosmic change this week, keep the motto “go slow to go fast” top of mind this weekend.

Mars in Pisces supports us to connect with our passion, creative capacity, and open our heart. The downside? We might pick up, heavily, on the emotions of others. Instead of being an emotional sponge, stay focused on your passions. To elicit this, carve out time to write, paint, dance, cook, or stretch. Doing so helps you to reconnect to who you are, and supports you to stay centered in the process.

Sunday, November 18

With the moon moving out of emotional and sensual Pisces today, and entering into Aries at 10:55 a.m. Eastern, you might feel your passion blazing like a bonfire. Aries, after all, has a "go big or go home" mentality, and with the ruler of Aries—Mars—traveling in sensitive Pisces, you want to use this energy productively. So, let the spirit of this transit move you. Put your all into your efforts and execute self-care Sunday with intention. No matter how you choose to spend your time, be it batch cooking for the week, or chilling with family and friends, conjure gratitude and purpose. But stay mindful of toxic emotions. Unless you find yourself spending your time at the theater, steer clear of unnecessary melodrama! If you find yourself getting sucked into unhealthy responses, turn to your exercise practices to release your energy physically. Don’t forget about the power of journaling, either. Writing proves incredibly fruitful now. You've got this, you really do!

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 to catch up on Racioppi's advice? Here are her insights from last week.