The Daily Gemini

The final Mercury retrograde of 2025, running from November 9 to November 29, is gearing up to be the most intense. This famous optical illusion, caused by Mercury’s slow orbit, is notorious for bringing disruption and disorder to communications, travel, and technology. It’s a period that’s become impossible to ignore, and this month, we’ll be diving deep into its theatrics—make sure your life preserver is securely fastened.

Compounding the chaos, four other planets are simultaneously retrograde (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune). Prep for emo interactions with people you’ve long forgotten or deep-seated resentments to surface. Our words may feel out of our control, resulting in potentially regrettable statements. Take this advice seriously: do not drunk dial, email, text, DM, or lurk your ex’s social media between November 9 and 29. Expecting empathy or civility during this time is a gamble not worth taking.

🗺️ The Retrograde Timeline

The story of this transit actually began with the pre-retrograde phase (or “shadow”) on October 21 in Sagittarius. Looking back at the events from October 21 to November 9 will reveal the themes and issues that will consume your energy most during the actual retrograde. This is the first time we’ve traced over these particular astrological degrees.

During the core retrograde, November 9–29, we backtrack over these degrees, dealing with the consequences and reviewing the initial conflicts. Once Mercury stations direct on November 29, the post-retrograde phase (“retroshade”) lasts until December 16, when the planet moves past the point it first entered the shadow on October 21. This final period is for making concrete decisions based on the discoveries and observations of the past weeks. Now that Mercury is moving forward, you can assess matters with a keen eye and execute your plans.

💥 The Astrological Intensity

Mercury begins the retrograde in Sagittarius, making us more erratic, opinionated, and demanding. Essentially, we’ll have no chill. This can lead to highly reactive and irrational exchanges.

• Key Dates:
  • November 12: Mercury retrograde links up with Mars in Sagittarius, setting the stage for arguments due to misunderstandings or confrontation.
  • November 17: Mercury links with Pluto in Aquarius, piling onto the issues from the 12th. Matters can reach a fever pitch, so tread lightly and prevent conversations from escalating.
  • November 19: Mercury backs up into Scorpio. This shift allows for deep introspection about relationships and feelings after hours (or days) of processing. Your spy senses are overactive, so paranoia is a risk—the key to calm is avoiding crashing over a tidbit of gossip. Address serious issues openly and with a heavy heart. Moments after this move, Uranus and Neptune retrogrades reveal secrets.
  • November 20: The Sun forms a conjunction to Mercury retrograde just hours before the New Moon, spotlighting the themes of the transit.
  • November 24: We might break boundaries when Venus and Mercury retrograde in Scorpio come together, forcing us to deal with situations and people from the old days.

✨ Thriving Through the Transit

Yes, this Mercury retrograde is going to be tough, but the best way to thrive is to not gaslight yourself. Acknowledge your feelings and don’t compromise your needs, even if it creates conflict with those unprepared to hear them. Speaking your truth and being as direct and clear as possible is vital. You must clarify and simplify your words several times to get your points across. Miscommunications are rampant, so checking messages for typos and clarity before sending is essential.

Since this Mercurial moonwalk will fuel our tempers and emotions, all the watery planet energy is making us long for the past. This reckoning is actually the universe giving us another chance to mend fences, heal hearts, and right our wrongs.

There could also be travel issues, so allotting an extra half hour to get to your destination helps lessen anxiety and stress.

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🌟 How the Retrograde Affects Your Sun Sign

This retrograde’s journey through Sagittarius (November 9–19) and Scorpio (November 19–29) will hit different areas of life for each sign.

Sun Sign	Retrograde Effect
Aries	Focus on travel, education, and legal matters. Expect delays in large projects or misunderstandings over philosophies. Then, face deep emotional issues and shared finances/debt.
Taurus	Dealings with shared resources, intimacy, and debt. Be extra cautious with investments. The shift to Scorpio highlights issues in one-on-one partnerships and contracts.
Gemini	Core focus on relationships and partnerships (romantic and business). Expect exes to resurface or unresolved relationship issues. The shift addresses daily routines, work, and health.
Cancer	Chaos in daily work, health routines, and pet care. Tech issues at the office are likely. The shift to Scorpio focuses on creativity, romance, and children.
Leo	Miscommunications in romance, dating, and creative projects. Old flames are likely to reappear. The shift to Scorpio highlights home, family, and domestic life.
Virgo	Major issues in the home and with family members. Delays in real estate or home repairs. The shift to Scorpio hits communication, short trips, and siblings.
Libra	Trouble with siblings, short travel, and general communication. Check your messages and directions twice! The shift to Scorpio focuses on money, income, and self-worth.
Scorpio	Instability in personal finances and self-worth. Old income streams might dry up or you may overspend. The shift to Scorpio is the most intense, hitting your identity and personal goals.
Sagittarius	Confusion around identity, personal goals, and how you present yourself. You might feel scattered or uncertain. The shift to Scorpio highlights secrets, closure, and your subconscious mind.
Capricorn	Need for solitude, introspection, and dealing with secrets or hidden enemies. Watch your dreams. The shift to Scorpio focuses on friendships, groups, and long-term hopes.
Aquarius	Misunderstandings with friends and social groups. Group projects could stall. The shift to Scorpio focuses on career, reputation, and life direction/status.
Pisces	Direct impact on career, public reputation, and authority figures. Be extra careful when communicating with your boss. The shift to Scorpio affects travel, higher learning, and beliefs.