Introduction: Why This Retrograde is Crucial
The Mercury Retrograde occurring between November 9th and 29th, 2025, is set to be one of the year’s most profound and intense periods. The movement begins with Mercury stationing retrograde at 6th degree of Sagittarius and concludes as it stations direct at 20th degree of Scorpio. This means Mercury will be moving backwards from the optimistic and fiery energy of Sagittarius into the deep and intense waters of Scorpio.
This retrograde will not be limited to typical communication and travel glitches. Its critical aspects with Mars, Juno, Lilith, Saturn, and Jupiter will force a vital revision of our past beliefs, financial partnerships, and shadow selves. Old debts will be settled, veils of secrecy will lift, and the consequences of previous celestial events will finally materialize.
Section 1: The Two Phases of the Mercury Retrograde
We can divide this retrograde into two distinct phases based on the nature of its energetic impact:
Phase 1: The Test of Ideas and Action (Sagittarius – Nov 9-15)
As the retrograde begins in Sagittarius, our communication, belief systems, philosophical views, and long-distance travel plans come under scrutiny.
| Critical Dates | Transit and Meaning | Impact and Focus |
| Nov 9 (Stationing Retrograde) | Mercury (6 Sag) & Mars (9 Sag) & Juno (12) Closeness | The retro starts with the energy of action (Mars) and relationship commitment (Juno). The risk of making impulsive promises, hasty legal decisions, and experiencing aggressive communication is high. Old partnerships (Juno) may resurface with anger or conflict (Mars). |
| Nov 13 | Mercury & Mars Exact Conjunction | Peak Intensity: The day when anger and communication mishaps reach their highest point. Any rushed decision or travel plan carries major risk. Step back and avoid confrontations. |
Phase 2: Disclosure of Secrets and Deep Reckoning (Scorpio – Nov 19-29)
As Mercury retrogrades into Scorpio, the focus shifts to debts, loans, inheritances, power struggles, and psychological depth.
| Critical Dates | Transit and Meaning | Impact and Focus |
| Nov 19 | Sun, Mercury (Retro), and Lilith Conjunction (29 Scorpio) & Neptune Trine (29 Pisces) | The Zenith of Transformation. Consciousness (Sun), intellect (Mercury), and the shadow self (Lilith) converge. Financial manipulations, sexual/emotional secrets, and power struggles, both collective and personal, may surface. The Neptune trine offers intuitive and spiritual support for resolving these issues but heightens the risk of confusion or delusion. |
| Nov 22-23 | Mercury (Retro) – Saturn (Retro Pisces) & Jupiter (Cancer) Trines | Karmic Resolution Support. Crises revealed during the retro (Scorpio) find potential for a constructive and lasting solution through emotional maturity (Saturn/Pisces) and nurturing growth/protection (Jupiter/Cancer). |
| Nov 24 | Mercury (Retro) & Venus (Scorpio) Exact Conjunction | Relational Financial Reckoning. A re-evaluation of love, values, and money. A definitive conversation about a financial debt, payment, or commitment with a past lover or business partner may occur. |
| Nov 29 (Retro Ends) | Mercury Stations Direct at 20 Scorpio | The retrograde ends. Mercury then continues direct motion in Scorpio. Secrets uncovered, financial adjustments made, and relational decisions reached during the retro must now transition into concrete action. |
Section 2: Key Recommendations During This Retrograde (SEO Focus)
Important Practices (To Be Done)
To harness this intense energy in your favor:
- “Legal and Philosophical Review”: (Sagittarius Theme) Re-examine your beliefs, long-term career visions, and ethical principles. Double-check legal documents, contracts, and academic work.
- “Financial Detox”: (Scorpio/Venus Theme) Review credit card debts, taxes, shared resources, and insurance policies. A major financial agreement or debt payment decision may be finalized around November 24th.
- “Shadow Work”: (Scorpio/Lilith Theme) This is an excellent time to start therapy, engage in subconscious work, and explore the roots of emotional trauma.
- “Karmic Resolution (Water Trine)”: (Around Nov 22-23) Approach emotionally challenging issues with intuition and compassion (Jupiter/Saturn) rather than pure logic (Mercury).
What to Avoid (To Be Mindful Of)
- Impulsivity Due to Mars (Nov 9-15): Absolutely refrain from initiating legal proceedings, making major travel bookings, or engaging in aggressive arguments.
- Risk of Deception (Nov 19): Be extremely skeptical of financial partnerships, banking transactions, or investment offers that seem mysterious or overly enticing.
- New Commitments: Postpone long-term commitments like starting a new business, signing a major contract, or getting engaged until after the Shadow Period ends, following November 29th.
Section 3: Zodiac Sign Insights – Karmic Retro Effects
The unique combination of these transits affects each sign’s houses differently. Read for your Rising Sign (Ascendant) for the most accurate interpretation:
| Sign (Rising) | Area of Impact | Special Transit Reflection and Warning |
| Aries | 9th (Sag) / 8th (Sco) Houses: Law, philosophy, foreign affairs / Shared finance, debt, inheritance. | The Mars influence gives you a combative spirit. Avoid faulty communication in legal or academic matters. A secret related to shared finances (partner’s income, inheritance) may be disclosed around November 19th. |
| Taurus | 8th (Sag) / 7th (Sco) Houses: Shared resources, crises / Relationships, partnerships. | Your deepest psychological issues and the trust theme in your relationships are tested. Discussions about financial secrets with your partner (8 House) may become necessary. The Venus conjunction around Nov 24 brings a profound conversation to determine the value of a partnership. |
| Gemini | 7th (Sag) / 6th (Sco) Houses: Partnerships, marriage / Daily routine, work environment, health. | The Mars & Juno effect may cause tension in your marriage and business partnerships. Commitments in relationships are questioned. Pay attention to detail errors in work projects. An old health issue may be constructively resolved with Saturn’s help around Nov 22. |
| Cancer | 6th (Sag) / 5th (Sco) Houses: Work routine, health / Love, creativity, children. | The Jupiter (Cancer) trine favors you in navigating this retro. An old creative project or hobby resurfaces. A past romance may reignite, but be wary of emotional manipulation due to the Scorpio theme. |
| Leo | 5th (Sag) / 4th (Sco) Houses: Love life, hobbies / Home, family, roots. | The Mars effect may lead to impulsive decisions in your love life or concerning children. A financial or emotional secret related to the family (4 House) may be exposed around Nov 19under Lilith’s influence. Postpone real estate purchases and renovations. |
| Virgo | 4th (Sag) / 3rd (Sco) Houses: Home, family, parents / Communication, local environment, short trips. | Misunderstandings with family and parents may arise. Be careful with contracts, correspondence, and short journeys. The Saturn trine around Nov 22-23 helps you resolve communication issues maturely and permanently. |
| Libra | 3rd (Sag) / 2nd (Sco) Houses: Communication, contracts / Material values, income. | The Venus conjunction on Nov 24 affects your income house. Re-evaluate your income sources, debts, and expenditures. Deep, financially-focused conversations with siblings, neighbors, or regarding commercial agreements may take place. |
| Scorpio | 2nd (Sag) / 1st (Sco) Houses: Financial values / Personal identity, image. | The Lilith-Sun-Mercury conjunction is directly in your sign. You feel the most personal and powerful impact. Your self-expression, self-worth, and image are questioned. A personal financial secret or a confrontation with insecurity may occur around Nov 19. |
| Sagittarius | 1st (Sag) / 12th (Sco) Houses: Personality, appearance / Subconscious, secrets, limitations. | With the Mars & Mercury conjunction, avoid making impulsive decisions around Nov 13. This retro forces your personal transformation via the subconscious (12 House). Secrets revealed on Nov 19 may affect you deeply and personally. |
| Capricorn | 12th (Sag) / 11th (Sco) Houses: Subconscious, hidden enemies / Social circle, hopes, career goals. | The Saturn (Ruler) trine offers structural support. Old friendships and social network connections may re-emerge. Review your career goals. Gossip or hidden hostilities (12th House) directed at you may be exposed. |
| Aquarius | 11th (Sag) / 10th (Sco) Houses: Social circle, hopes / Career, public status. | The Mars effect around Nov 13 may lead to arguments with friend groups or in your social circle regarding future goals. Be cautious in communication with authority figures in your career. An old career opportunity or job offer might be re-evaluated after Nov 29 |
| Pisces | 10th (Sag) / 9th (Sco) Houses: Career, reputation / Law, foreign affairs, higher education. | Neptune and Saturn (Retro) are in your sign! A period to question your career goals and public reputation. Uncertainty in legal, foreign, or academic matters (Neptune) may be resolved and structured with Saturn’s influence around Nov 22 |
Conclusion: The Retrograde That Transforms, Not Hinders
The November 9-29, 2025 Mercury Retrograde is a unique opportunity to combine the freedom of Sagittarius with the transformative power of Scorpio, forcing us to re-examine not just our communication, but our existential commitments and deepest secrets. The Lilith-Sun conjunction around Nov 19 particularly promises a true awakening centered on themes of power and honesty.
