Usually, Mercury Retrogrades get a bad rep. Because they’re known to really shake things up, people tend to look at them as these things to be worried about — and usually, I’ll speak to my more astrologically-inclined friends, and they’ll tell me that this isn’t the case. But the current retrograde we’re experiencing — from November 25 to December 15 — might actually be one you have to worry about.
Okay, let me not spook you — this doesn’t mean that you and your partner are headed for a breakup, even if breakup day is just around the corner. But let’s just say that the current retrograde we’re experiencing is definitely going to be one that will test your relationships. Mercury retrograde is happening in Sagittarius, so your relationship is going to be feeling the effects of opposing energies.
“Sagittarius desires honesty and freedom, whereas Mercury retrograde causes confusion and delays,” Anastasiya Pochotna, dating and relationships expert at Flirtini, tells Betches. “This combination may cause difficult concerns, for example, whether you and your partner share your beliefs, future ambitions, or even your desire for independence.”
But this doesn’t mean total doom and demise: sure, this retrograde might reveal cracks in your relationship, but if you address them head on you can end up in a relationship that’s even stronger.
Now, if you’re worried about the state of your relationship as we navigate this retrograde, take a deep breath — there are ways to team up with the astrological forces at play and use them in your favor.
“Embrace Sagittarius’s love for discovery by exploring your issues rather than dodging them,” Pochotna says. She encourages you to address things if something feels off and to talk about things as much as possible. Asking your partner where they see your relationship heading long term or how they feel you two can best support each other’s independence is a great conversation starter that can strengthen your and your partner’s bond.
But more than talking, this retrograde is the time to really sit back and reflect — because if you’re speaking without thinking, you might end up causing more problems than you’re trying to solve.
“Retrogrades slow us down, so don’t rush decisions,” Pochotna says. She says you want to temper Sagittarius’s blunt tendencies with kindness. She explains that instead of blurting out all of your anger and frustration, you should try being mindful of the way you phrase things. Are you just saying things to be defensive, or are you framing the conversation in a way that actually encourages dialogue? And what’s your reaction when things don’t go your way?
Retrogrades can be an extremely taxing time, but letting yourself get overwhelmed isn’t going to help either. Your best plan of action during this time is to let things happen and go with the flow.
“Flexibility is your secret weapon even if it stresses you out,” she says.
Now, if you’ve noticed that your relationship has already fallen victim to Mercury retrograde, it may be more of a blessing than you think. The universe isn’t out to get us — even if it may feel like it sometimes. Things may just fall apart so that better things can fall together.
If you notice that your relationship is breaking at the seams, Pochotna explains it could just be that Sagittarius energy forcing you to confront some big truths you’ve been avoiding. Could it be that you’re holding onto a relationship that doesn’t even exist anymore? But again, remember that this doesn’t have to be the case. Maybe you’re just experiencing turbulence because the universe is giving you the chance to build something even stronger together.
“If you’re both willing, this retrograde is perfect for revisiting those ‘we’ll deal with it later’ conversations,” she says. The best way out is through, and the only way to do that is to focus on the bigger picture of your relationship. Why did you guys get together? What do you love about your partner? And is the relationship still worth fighting for?
You might realize that you and your partner just need a new game plan for how you navigate issues. But sometimes, it really just could be that your relationship has run its course. And if that’s the case, don’t give up all hope on finding love. Breakups fucking suck, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the line for you, Pochotna says.
“Sagittarius teaches us that endings aren’t failures; they’re opportunities for growth and new paths.”
