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Writer's pictureKimberlee Marsh

Navigating Mercury and Mars Retrogrades: What to Expect as the Holidays Approach


As 2024 draws to a close, we’re gearing up for two astrological events that are sure to slow us down and create some havoc for the holidays! Like it or not, Mercury and Mars are getting ready to turn backward, setting the stage for a period of reflection, reevaluation, and potential cosmic chaos. Whether you're planning a holiday getaway, making big purchases, or just trying to keep things running smoothly, these retrogrades are here to remind us that sometimes we need to slow down and reassess before moving forward.

In this workshop, we’ll dive into what these retrogrades mean, how they’ll affect your plans, and how you can best navigate the energies of Mercury and Mars as we head into the busy holiday season.

Mercury Retrograde: Time to Rethink, Revisit, and Reconnect

First up, we have Mercury retrograde, which kicks off in Sagittarius on November 26th and lasts until December 15th. You’ve probably heard the warnings by now — Mercury retrograde can wreak havoc on communication, technology, and travel. But in Sagittarius, a sign associated with adventure, exploration, and big ideas, the disruptions may feel a little more intense.

- Travel Woes: Sagittarius rules long-distance travel and foreign adventures, so with Mercury in retrograde, be prepared for potential delays, miscommunications, and travel hiccups. Whether you're flying to see family or hitting the road for a vacation, expect the unexpected. Double-check your itineraries, and have backup plans in place.

 

- Shopping Struggles: If you're hoping to score the perfect gift or snag a Black Friday deal, think twice before making major purchases. Mercury retrograde is notorious for causing issues with electronics, so if you’ve got your eye on a new gadget or tech item, be sure to read the fine print on return policies. Hold off on big-ticket buys if you can — you might end up regretting it later.

 

- Legal and Diplomatic Delays: Sagittarius also rules higher education, legal matters, and diplomacy. If you've been putting off signing contracts or finalizing agreements, now might be the time to revisit them — but expect some delays or misunderstandings. It's a good time to tie up loose ends rather than start fresh.

 

Mars Retrograde: The Long Pause for Reflection

Next, we have Mars retrograde, which will last from December 6th, 2024, through February 23rd, 2025. While Mercury retrograde is a short-term slowdown, Mars retrograde brings a much longer period of inward reflection, reorganization, and recalibration — making this a significant astrological event to pay attention to.

 

- Mars in Leo: Mars will begin his retrograde in Leo, where the energy will be more fiery and expressive, but still introspective due to the retrograde. Leo is all about self-expression, creativity, and leadership, and Mars in Leo will prompt you to revisit how you assert yourself in the world. You may feel the urge to reexamine your passions, creative projects, or even your leadership style. It’s a time for reworking old goals, refining your self-image, and aligning your outward energy with your inner desires.

- Mars in Cancer: Then, Mars, the planet of action and desire, will slip back into the emotional waters of Cancer, a sign that governs family, home, and emotional security. During this time, you may feel a pull to reassess your emotional life, family dynamics, and living situation. It's a time for rethinking where you direct your energy and how you nurture and protect yourself and others. If you've been neglecting self-care or avoiding emotional matters, Mars in Cancer may bring those issues to the surface.

 

Navigating Mercury and Mars Retrogrades: Tips for the Holidays

 

1. Don’t Rush: With both Mercury and Mars slowing things down, now is not the time to rush into new projects or make impulsive decisions. Take your time with travel plans, purchases, and communication. Double-check details, plan for delays, and leave room for flexibility.

 

2. Use Time to Reflect: Both retrogrades are opportunities for reflection. Use this period to tie up loose ends, revisit past projects, and reassess your long-term goals. Whether you’re finishing up work before the year ends or reevaluating personal goals, take advantage of the slower pace to gain clarity.

 

3. Be Prepared for Emotional Moments: With Mars in Cancer, emotional issues may come to the forefront. It’s a great time to reassess how you nurture yourself and others, but also be mindful of potential family drama or emotional friction. Stay grounded and avoid reacting impulsively.

 

4. Creative Revisions: Mars in Leo encourages revisiting creative endeavors and personal expression. If there’s a passion or project you’ve put on the back burner, this retrograde might be the perfect time to revisit it — with a fresh perspective.

 

5. Wait on Major Purchases: With Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius, hold off on making big-ticket purchases or signing contracts if you can. Wait for Mercury to turn direct after December 15th to ensure smoother transactions and avoid the dreaded buyer’s remorse.

 

It is time to slow down and reassess

 

While both Mercury and Mars retrograde will certainly create some challenges for the holiday season, they also offer an opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign. Rather than rushing through the season, take this time to reassess your goals, revisit past projects, and clear up any lingering issues. You might find that slowing down leads to greater clarity, growth, and purpose moving into the new year.

 

So, whether you're navigating holiday travel, working through family dynamics, or simply trying to get your holiday shopping done, take a deep breath and embrace the cosmic slowdown. This may be the perfect opportunity to reassess and realign your plans before launching into 2025.

 

Why Join the Mercury and Mars Retrograde Workshop?

If you’re ready to dive deeper and understand how both Mercury and Mars retrogrades will impact you personally, I’m offering an exclusive workshop designed to help you navigate these cosmic slowdowns with clarity and purpose.

In this session, we’ll:

  • Explore the Impact of Mercury and Mars Retrogrades on Your Chart: We’ll start by identifying the key areas of your natal chart that will be most affected by both Mercury and Mars retrogrades. Understanding these transits will help you align with the cosmic energies rather than resist them.

  • Analyze Mars’ Movement through Cancer and Leo: With Mars spending an extended period in Cancer and Leo, we’ll discuss how these energies will influence your personal planets. Whether you're dealing with family dynamics, creativity, or career goals, we’ll break down how this retrograde affects you specifically.

  • Develop a Strategic Plan for Reevaluation and Growth: Mars retrograde is an opportunity for deep introspection and recalibration. We’ll create a practical, personalized strategy to harness this retrograde for reevaluating your long-term goals, refining your creative endeavors, and strengthening your emotional foundations.

  • Work with Mercury Retrograde to Fine-Tune Your Communication and Planning: Mercury retrograde often brings communication and technology breakdowns. We’ll look at how this retrograde will impact your interactions and decision-making, and how you can plan ahead to avoid misunderstandings and delays.

Whether you’re looking to revamp your creative projects, reassess family matters, or redefine your personal goals, this workshop will give you the tools to navigate both retrogrades with confidence and intention. By understanding the energies of these transits, you'll be able to take advantage of the slowdown — rather than feeling overwhelmed by it.

This workshop is perfect for anyone who wants to emerge from the retrograde period with renewed purpose and energy, ready to move forward with clarity and focus in 2025.

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