December 18, 2016 – Mercury goes Retrograde AGAIN! Starting out in firey Sagittarius and moving into Capricorn come the Winter Solstice on Wednesday, December 21st. Each of the four Retrogrades of 2016 have all been in Earth signs and this one can leave us a little in the dumps as it will affect not only the usual suspects (communication, travel, electronics), but our wallets can be feeling this one or at least our Root Chakras which represent our stability, our feeling of wealth and safety. Expect to have feelings of buyer’s remorse from overindulging this holiday season.
As each Sign embodies both positive and negative traits, so does the Sea or Mountain Goat of Capricorn and I must wonder what this Mercury Retrograde will bring out in people. Will it be something better or worse? As taken from astrology-zodiac signs.com the traits are:
Strengths: Responsible, disciplined, self-control, good managers
Weaknesses: Know-it-all, unforgiving, condescending, expecting the worst
Capricorn likes: Family, tradition, music, understated status, quality craftsmanship
Capricorn dislikes: Almost everything at some point
We all feel the effects of Mercury Retrograde to some degree, however, the Earth Signs are the most affected – Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo, whom I might add is ruled by Mercury as well as Gemini. Gemini, being the Twins, could flip personalities for a few weeks; extroverted Gems will become introverted and vice versa. The Earth Signs, especially Capricorn and Virgos, will feel as if they were thrown off their mountain. Feelings of loss of stability and control could send them over the edge and further out of control. I think of a particular Capricorn that I am acquainted with who is extremely emotionally unstable due to deep seeded insecurities (an afflicted Cap at best) – I am almost afraid to see what this Retrograde brings out in him.
Root Chakra – Now is the time to work on that Root, get it strong and clear by using and carrying Red, Black or Brown stones and crystals with 
you in your pants pocket; wearing these colors also works as a Root boost. These stones and colors will help keep you grounded, feeling stable and safe. Some good stones to use would be Garnet, Carnelian, Hematite, Black Tourmaline, Black Obsidian, Smokey Quartz, Jet, Moqui Marbles, Ruby, Petrified Wood, Mookaite, Mahogany. Don’t ignore your other Chakras in the process by taking a few minutes each morning or evening to do some deep breathing and focusing on each of the Chakras for a few breaths. This would be a good time to begin a practice of mindful breathing each day to start your day and settle you down at night; sweet dreams are assured when you breathe away the cares of the day before you lay you head.
As always, remember the basics of Mercury Retrograde: Check all emails, texts and social media posts before you hit send/post. Make sure they are going to the correct recipient. If you are traveling this holiday season, check reservations twice and save an electronic AND a paper copy; leave early as delays are expected. DO NOT sign any contracts, start a new job, start a new relationship, no first dates; by all means DO NOT GET MARRIED or divorced – things do not stick after the retrograde when you begin something new. Promises made are misunderstood or people change their minds after Mercury goes Direct and there may be months to years of regret for mistakes made during a Mercury Retrograde.
My best advice is always to do anything with the prefix of “RE” – so re-lax, re-treat, re-store – get the idea? Take this time to fully nurture yourself and give yourself a break for a few weeks – most will look forward to some R&R after the holidays.
I actually get excited when Mercury turns Retrograde as I am an extroverted Gemini; geeze – I have 5 planets in my chart that are in Gemini so I love to crawl into my Rising Cancer Sign’s shell and curl up with a cozy blankie, a good book a cup of tea or really coffee and the Hallmark channel. I make no plans and I just veg out for a couple of weeks. I make sure that I take care of things that need taking care of in advance, I put my feet up and make sure that I get plenty of rest. Give yourself permission to do the same and en-JOY! Xoxo Kim