Of course, as if this year hasn’t been energetic enough, we are about to close out 2023 with a final Mercury Retrograde. And, it’s coming in strong along with a New Moon in Sagittarius. The energy coming at us will be a mixed bag of tricks, and may feel contradictory on some levels.
While some things might get a bit mixed up, as is common with Mercury Retrogrades, this also might prove to be a time when you see old problems brought into a brand new light. It could end up being a season where greater clarity and expansion also drop in … making sense of things that have been energetically baffling us or keeping us stuck.
I posted about the incoming energy earlier today, and had someone ask:
“Is there anything we should do today to become more prepared for the possible tech chaos of Mercury Retrograde?”
Which of course, prompted me to write this in response.
First, this is a time for grounding.
Grounding into Mother Earth, herself. We need to make sure we are nourishing our bodies with root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, celery, and the like) that provide an energy of grounding. We also need to stay extra hydrated and be sure to get plenty of rest and quality sleep.
It’s a nurture phase. We would also do well to connect with nature. Walking on the grass or among the leaves. Leaning or hugging a tree (yes, I actually do this), and breathing in the crisp fall or winter air, depending on where you live (I’m in Austin, so more fall-like for me).
Slow down and really connect to nature. Feel the way Mother Earth grounds your nervous system, and helps you feel centered.
With Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn, an earth element, it will be even more critical to remember to ground yourself for the remainder of 2023. Mercury stays retrograde until January 1st. So, this is truly a clearing out pashe and completion for any loose ends that need to be tied up.
The energy of this retrograde may cause issues with money, travel plans for the holidays, and communication (specifically how you talk to people).
I see it as an opportunity to clear some much needed things up, and create space for what’s coming in the New Year. Because, I don’t know about you, but I’d definitely like to put closure on a few things from this year. 2023 has been a beast of a year, no doubt!
It’s a season to wrap up any unfinished business, both personal and professional. Think of it as a one-last ditch effort to purge out all that no longer serves you to clear the deck and create a clean slate for 2024.
This includes all habits that are keeping you stuck, or staying small, miscommunications that need to be resolved or aired out, strategies that no longer serve you, and any outdated ideas you might still be clinging to.
Now, depending on how you’re wired, you may find Mercury tends to jack with you a little bit more than other people. I know I find this to be true for me as a Cancer Sun and Sun Rising with a Saggitarius Moon. I also have a great deal of sensitivity that shows up in my Human Design chart, which means I feel energy quite a bit whenever it shifts.
As such, I have gotten much wiser about how to protect my own energy and to focus on what serves me best during this time.
One of the things that works extremely well for me is to make sure I am creating and executing deliberate practices that ground me. Again, with this Mercury Retrograde being in Capricorn this is even more important.
You can use your Human Design to better understand what you need to fully ground yourself by looking at your Conscious and Unconscious Earth (the second planet on either side of the graph).
This is your source of balance with your Sun sign. In order for you to be in the full expression of your gifts, you must learn how to balance things out and harmonize with what grounds you.
We all have cycles of work and cycles of rest. Knowing what grounds you helps you set up your environments and establish necessary boundaries to replenish, restore, recharge, and realign yourself
This will keep you centered and balanced during any upheavals. Use the post retrograde period as a time to reflect on what you’ve gained throughout the course of the year, and get yourself prepared for the upcoming year. This gives you some time to ramp up for the expansion and abundance as we begin to explore new opportunities. “New Year” doesn’t actually start until January 22nd according to universal Human Design.
Let this Mercury retrograde clear out what’s needs to be cleared, and write down all that you desire for 2024. This New Moon is bringing new ideas and fresh perspectives to the table. Writing down our dreams and desires allows us to align to this energy and manifest faster.
While we will feel a greater sense of clarity and purpose, thanks to the Sagittarius New Moon, conflicts may also arise with the incoming Capricorn Mercury Retrograde. Be sure to prioritize your own self-care during this period … grounding being a big part of that equation.