We're almost at the finish line of another huge year navigating challenging astrological activity. But 2023 isn't finished with us yet!

Mercury, planet of communication and the mind, is getting ready to station retrograde again. It will be in its shadow phase or in retrograde through the whole month of December, basically, disrupting our thoughts, what we say, our travel and our tech for the Holiday Season.
But wait! Don&rsquo;t panic or hide under the duvet. I&rsquo;m going to share with you how to use this energy productively.
While <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/soul-spirituality/mercury-retrograde-in-virgo-the-survival-secret-for-12-constellations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mercury Retrograde</a> is famed for shoving a stick in the wheel of our best laid plans. This is a natural occurrence that takes place three times a year for around three weeks. Ironically, I am writing this article from the runway of <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/ibiza/dancing-is-healing-the-secret-to-ibiza-s-magnetic-nightlife" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ibiza</a> Airport, where we are waiting for clearance to take off to Madrid - a short one hour away, yet the Captain has announced that we will be waiting here at least until that time due to heavy fog in Madrid.
Typical Mercury Retrograde trickery at play!
Rather than get frustrated wishing I was back in the comfort of the private lounge where they serve cava on tap, I am accepting the situation and using the time productively by finishing this article! Afterall, written <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/soul-spirituality/navigating-digital-dating-how-to-deal-with-ghosting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">communication</a> is another Mercury ruled theme. So take a pause with me. Here&rsquo;s what you need to know about Mercury Retrograde.
When a planet retrogrades it appears to stand still before apparently retreating back over the degrees it has already covered. However, it&rsquo;s not actually going backwards - it simply appears that way from our vantage point on Earth. Symbolically, it represents a slowing down and inversion of the energy of that retrograde planet (in this case Mercury) which then has an impact on us.
Mercury is the fastest moving planet in the Solar System, much like our changing thoughts and rapid day-to-day movements. It&rsquo;s known as the trickster planet because it is neither masculine or feminine like the others, but adaptable to the planet it is in closest contact to. Where we find Mercury we find frivolity, cunning, wit, intelligence, mutability, and an avoidance of responsibility.
So then, three times a year during Mercury&rsquo;s backspin we get to experience things not going the way we expect, revisiting ideas and decisions we made concrete previously, and a need to be more considered with our communication, thoughts and day to day activities through a process of frustrating delays, problems and conversations. This is why so many of us find Mercury Retrograde a challenging time.
Most of us are not aware of the planetary activity that is taking place so are unprepared for the slow-paced review period. What&rsquo;s more, with most of us navigating normal life racing around, distracted and scattered we fall victim to Mercury&rsquo;s desire for us to take our time, slow down our mind, practice patience, and presence.
Mercury Retrograde is a time to revisit, recalibrate and realign with information we&rsquo;ve received or downloaded over the previous 3 months. It&rsquo;s a valuable reset - just like any review process we have in life.
It&rsquo;s also a time to not sweat the small stuff, like; flight delays, car troubles and petty quarrels.
They may feel like a big deal but in the grand scheme of things, they are not.
Key dates to remember for this transit:
November 25th. Mercury entered it&rsquo;s pre-shadow phase at 22 degrees Sagittarius
The time before the official retrograde period. This is when the planet appears to slow down before retracing the degrees it has already covered. It&rsquo;s common to experience Mercury Retrograde happenings during this shadow phase.
December 12th. Mercury Retrograde commences at 8 degrees Capricorn
Often it&rsquo;s the days around this time when the energy is strongest and we may experience delays and frustrating conversations, or hear and see people from our past (including that boomeraging ex).
January 1st. Mercury stations direct in Sagittarius at 22 degrees
As Mercury slows and begins forward motion again a new perspective is gained. Things can feel different than before and during the retrograde period, which is why it&rsquo;s a good idea to not start anything new. More on that below.
January 20th. Mercury leaves it&rsquo;s post-shadow phase at 8 degrees Capricorn
Finally, we&rsquo;re in the clear and in new territory! Logic and <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/soul-spirituality/the-power-of-mindfulness-cultivating-inner-peace" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mental clarity</a> returns, and we are blessed (hopefully) with more insight and awareness thanks to the retrograde period.
How you can use this retrograde period for massive gains:
What to focus on
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
 <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Re-check your travel plans, schedules and be prepared for unexpected delays</li>
 <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reconnect with previous business contacts, clients, prospects and opportunities</li>
 <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fix items that need repairing</li>
 <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Revisit forgotten spots in your local neighborhood</li>
 <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Finish off remaining tasks and loose ends</li>
 <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Declutter and rediscover treasured items</li>
 <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Take your time with local travel and journeys by road</li>
 <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Back up and declutter computerized items</li>
</ul>
What to avoid
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
 <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Finalise new contracts and negotiations - whether in business or personal</li>
 <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Launching a new business venture or starting a new job</li>
 <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Buying big ticket or high value items</li>
 <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tasks that require a high level of detail</li>
 <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drunk dialing your ex (to be honest, that&rsquo;s never a good idea!)</li>
</ul>
As for me? My flight took off 10 minutes after the delay announcement and landed in Madrid on time. I&rsquo;m finishing this article in a long forgotten local cafe that I discovered and loved when I was last here four years ago.
That&rsquo;s Mercury Retrograde for you!

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 Alicia Orre is a Success Coach and Astrologer living in Ibiza. She uses her unique combination of coaching, astrology and intuitive gifts to empower others to be great.
 Collect your free Full Moon meditation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aliciaorre.com/practicalmoonmagic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>&nbsp;
 Connect with her on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aliciaorre/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">instagram&nbsp;</a>
 Learn more about Alicia&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aliciaorre.com/aboutme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>&nbsp;
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Take A Pause: I Bet You Don’t Know This About Mercury Retrograde

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