When Mercury appears to move backward in the sky this November, it creates a cosmic shake-up that touches every conversation, text message, and heart-to-heart talk you have with the people you care about.
From November 9 to November 29, this retrograde journey moves through two powerful zodiac signs, bringing unique challenges to how we express ourselves and understand others.
Whether you’re navigating a romantic relationship, a close friendship, or family bonds, understanding these planetary shifts can help you communicate with more clarity and compassion during this tricky time.
Text Messages Get Lost in Translation
Your perfectly worded text might land completely wrong during this retrograde period. What you meant as a joke could read as criticism, and your casual comment might seem cold or distant. Mercury’s backward motion scrambles the energy behind our digital words, making misunderstandings almost inevitable.
Before hitting send on anything important, read it twice—maybe even three times. Ask yourself how your partner might interpret your words if they’re having a bad day. Better yet, save those big conversations for face-to-face talks where tone and body language can help.
Remember that emojis and punctuation carry extra weight right now, so use them thoughtfully to soften your messages.
Old Arguments Rise from the Ashes
Suddenly, that fight from three months ago feels fresh again. Mercury retrograde loves bringing up unresolved issues, especially when it moves through emotional Scorpio during the second half of November. Past hurts, forgotten promises, and lingering resentments bubble back to the surface without warning.
Instead of getting defensive, view this as an opportunity for genuine healing. Those old wounds are resurfacing because they need proper closure, not because the universe wants to torture you. Approach these conversations with curiosity rather than blame.
Ask your partner what they truly need to feel heard and understood about these past situations, then really listen to their answer.
Timing Becomes Your Biggest Challenge
Plans fall apart, people run late, and that perfect moment for a heart-to-heart never quite arrives. During the Sagittarius phase early in the retrograde, scheduling mishaps create friction between partners who usually sync up perfectly. Someone forgets date night, or you both show up at different locations for the same meeting.
Build extra buffer time into everything relationship-related this month. Confirm plans the day before and again a few hours ahead. Set phone reminders for important commitments, and don’t take it personally when your partner spaces out on something.
Everyone’s internal clock gets scrambled during retrograde, so patience becomes your superpower.
Secrets and Hidden Feelings Demand Attention
As Mercury slips into Scorpio’s depths after November 18, the things you’ve been avoiding saying suddenly demand to be spoken. Maybe you’ve been hiding doubts about the relationship’s direction, or your partner has fears they haven’t shared. This retrograde phase acts like truth serum, making secrets feel unbearably heavy.
Create safe spaces for vulnerable conversations where both people can share without judgment. Start by revealing something honest about yourself to set the tone. Scorpio energy rewards emotional bravery, so don’t shy away from discussions that feel uncomfortable.
These revelations, though scary, often strengthen bonds by building authentic intimacy.
Your Listening Skills Get Put to the Test
Hearing what someone says and truly understanding their meaning become two very different things this November. Mercury retrograde clouds our ability to process information accurately, making it easy to tune out or jump to conclusions. You might find yourself formulating responses before your partner finishes talking, missing their actual point entirely.
Practice reflective listening by repeating back what you heard in your own words. Say things like, “So what I’m hearing is…” or “It sounds like you’re feeling…” This simple technique catches misunderstandings before they snowball into bigger problems.
Put your phone away during important conversations to show genuine presence.
Overthinking Replaces Clear Communication
Every word gets analyzed to death during this retrograde cycle. Your partner’s simple “okay” response suddenly means they’re angry, right? That brief pause before they answered your question clearly signals something’s wrong. Mercury’s backward dance sends our minds into overdrive, creating problems that don’t actually exist.
When you catch yourself spiraling into worst-case scenarios, pause and ask directly instead of assuming. Say, “I noticed you seemed quiet earlier—is everything alright?” Direct questions cut through the mental fog that retrograde creates. Most times, you’ll discover your worries were completely unfounded.
Trust that your partner will communicate their needs honestly.
Patience Becomes Your Relationship Superpower
Everything communication-related moves slower and requires more effort during Mercury retrograde. Conversations that normally flow easily now feel like wading through mud. Your partner might need extra time to express themselves, or you’ll struggle to find the right words for your feelings. Frustration builds quickly when connection feels this hard.
Remind yourself daily that this is temporary cosmic weather, not a permanent relationship problem. Take breaks during difficult discussions rather than forcing resolution. Sometimes walking away for ten minutes creates more clarity than pushing through when everyone’s exhausted.
Celebrate small communication victories and remember that smoother sailing returns after November 29.
Lover of good music, reading, astrology and making memories with friends and spreading positive vibes! 🎶✨I aim to inspire others to find meaning and purpose through a deeper understanding of the universe’s energies.