Mercury in Sagittarius ☿ 2019

Artist: Kokab Zohoori-Dossa

Dec 9 – 28, 2019

Mercury: patron of travel, communication and the human mind; orator, poet, soothsayer, healer, lucky star and underworld guide. With magical caduceus in hand, Mercury leads freshly discorporated souls from the lower to the upper worlds.

As Mercury governs mental processing, it is his influence which determines our perception and style of communication. In Sagittarius, communication gets very interesting. As of yesterday (the first day of the Sagittarius solar cycle), I am already feeling the heat and fire. I’m curious whether others experience Sagittarian influence in this way. I think it is the questing, seeking element of Sagittarius which provides so much heat. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, administrator of justice. As such, Mercury in Sagittarius is quite blunt and honest – all I can say is there is NO holding back. This transit is a master class in Truth, and it seems that some of us are very ready to step into that assertive, fiery role. Seeking Truth means saying something when everyone else is silent. It means being an ally, a whistleblower, a dissenter. It is the core of authenticity.

What is unique about Sagittarian fire is how quickly it moves. Once the spark arrives and the kindling is lit, nothing can stop the flames from mounting into a grand blaze. Under this influence, we feel that we have to act now. This is different from the impatient fire of Aries because it involves a journey or an unfolding. The fire of Aries tends to be purely impulsive, moving for the sake of moving. Sagittarius, as the last fire in the trilogy, is more refined, representing the fire of spiritual and moral curiosity.

After our recent Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio I can confirm that, under scorpion influence, we have somewhat of a choice whether to speak or remain silent. We can hide out and internalize if we want. Not so with Mercury in Sag – we have to speak. The centaur thrives on change and movement, releasing all in the heat of the moment. What better way to invite change than by communicating high on veracity? What comes out during Mercury in Sag is not novel. We know already what we must acknowledge and accept.

Saying this for myself, cuz I really need to work on it: let’s not cross into judgment or self-righteousness. Stay close to the rock of your being. It is always better to be in harmony in with others, even those with whom we disagree. Truth is not always warmly received, even by Sagittarius. That’s the funny thing about the centaur. He is so eager and curious that he can be deeply in denial about vital truths. He may not see himself clearly, or his path. He may not be able to identify his own moral shortcomings. But at the end of the day, Sagittarius is a pretty genuine dude. He is usually the first to rise above pettiness. If you’re struggling to do that, cool your tongue with a brisk walk and meditation. Look out across the starry night. Shake loose the darkness and ascend.

Mercury has been retrograde in Sagittarius for the last two winters, so think back on the holiday season of 2017 and 2018 to identify important lessons that might pop up again now. On Dec 19 (the same day that Venus enters Aquarius), Mercury squares Neptune in Pisces. This usually spells uncertainty, last minute changes to plans, and/or disillusionment, but there is also an opportunity for some really deep sleep! The Winter Solstice comes two days later on Dec 21. On Christmas Day we have a solar eclipse!

This transit is especially favorable for Aries and Leo and generally unfavorable for Gemini, Virgo and Pisces. Fire people, you’ve been warned though: keep it in check before you’re suddenly dropping verbal bombs at the family gathering. Or maybe that’s exactly what you need to be doing! I don’t know!

If you were born with Mercury in Sagittarius, these few weeks are your Mercury Return. To find your personal Mercury sign, click here.

Affirmation:  seeking Truth not ego