By Aparna Patni
Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius, Scorpio, Libra: 20 Days of Infallible Vedic Remedies for Communication, Business and Introspection

Mercury known as Budh in Vedic astrology governs intellect communication reasoning commerce technology and the faculty of discrimination that allows individuals to distinguish truth from falsehood. The retrograde motion of Mercury occurs when the planet appears to move backward through the zodiac as observed from Earth's position in space. This phenomenon represents a significant period in the astrological calendar inviting individuals to engage in introspection reassessment and karmic completion.
The third and final Mercury retrograde of 2025 commences on Monday November 10 2025 at 12:31 AM and concludes on Saturday November 29 2025 at 11:07 PM spanning a duration of 20 days. This particular retrograde begins in Sagittarius but moves through the Vedic sidereal system spanning from approximately 6 degrees 52 minutes of Sagittarius back into the depths of Scorpio eventually retracing into Libra according to the sidereal Vedic calculation system.
This retrograde cycle differs notably from the previous two Mercury retrogrades of 2025. The November retrograde carries distinct characteristics because Mercury traverses signs of varying astrological significance beginning in Sagittarius ruled by Jupiter and moving backward through Scorpio a sign of intense emotional and psychological depth governed by Mars before progressing into Libra ruled by Venus.
Retrograde motion in Vedic astrology called Vakri Gati represents the apparent backward motion of a planet through the zodiac from Earth's perspective. This optical phenomenon occurs due to the relative orbital positions and speeds of Earth and the planet. Vedic astrology interprets this phenomenon as a spiritually and karmically significant event during which the planet's energy becomes internalized and intensified.
When a planet moves retrograde it is considered to be in a state of heightened potency but turned inward rather than outward. Retrograde planets in birth charts signify unfinished business from past lives karmic debts and unresolved lessons. These periods compel individuals to work harder to achieve success in the domains governed by that planet requiring patience persistence and conscious effort to overcome obstacles and fulfill incomplete karmic contracts.
The November 2025 retrograde presents a unique journey through distinct zodiacal energies. Mercury begins its retrograde motion in Sagittarius the sign ruled by Jupiter and characterized by expansive energy philosophical thinking optimism and the pursuit of higher knowledge.
When retrograde in this sign Mercury in Sagittarius manifests as inflated or misleading information scattered reasoning philosophical confusion and difficulty in organizing broad concepts into practical application. The retrograde energy in Sagittarius compels individuals to examine whether their beliefs are genuinely held convictions or merely adopted philosophies.
On November 18 2025 Mercury slips back into Scorpio the eighth sign governed by Mars. Scorpio represents emotional depth psychological investigation secrecy transformation and the hidden realms of the psyche. Mercury's movement into Scorpio marks a significant shift compelling Mercury to dive deeply into psychological motivations hidden truths and emotional undercurrents.
As Mercury continues its backward journey it moves into Libra the seventh sign ruled by Venus and characterized by balance harmony fairness justice and relationship dynamics. Mercury's retrograde movement through Libra emphasizes restoration of equilibrium reassessment of relationship balance and correction of misjudgments. This journey reflects the soul's movement from intellectualization to emotional honesty to relational healing.
| Activity | Do's | Don't's |
|---|---|---|
| Documents | Review contracts multiple times, check all fine print | Sign important legal documents, make binding commitments |
| Communication | Carefully check every message before sending, listen attentively | Assume without clarification, argue over misunderstandings |
| Purchases | Postpone non-essential purchases, review warranties | Purchase new electronic devices, vehicles or major tech items |
| Projects | Complete pending tasks, review and revise past projects | Initiate new business ventures or major new projects |
| Psychology | Engage in journaling, meditation and introspection | Worry about past events, take on unnecessary mental stress |
An additional complexity involves the planet's combustion also called Asta. Mercury becomes combust from approximately November 15 to November 26 2025 with peak combustion reaching around November 21. Combust Mercury loses independent strength and struggles to express its qualities clearly leading to increased confusion subjective thinking and difficulty in distinguishing truth from illusion.
However the Sun and Mercury conjunction also creates the Budhaditya Yoga a powerful yogic combination associated with enhanced intelligence. Yet during the retrograde and combust phase this yoga's positive expression becomes temporarily obscured requiring conscious effort to access its benefits. Jupiter's protective influence over this transit suggests that those who turn inward may access profound spiritual insights despite surface-level confusion.
On Saturday November 29 2025 at 11:07 PM Mercury stations progressive (direct) resuming forward motion. This moment marks a significant shift as Mercury awakens and begins to move forward with renewed clarity momentum and purposefulness.
When Mercury becomes progressive communication channels begin to clear technology stabilizes travel becomes smoother and mental fog dissipates. Delayed projects can now move forward with greater ease.
This Mercury retrograde period is a valuable opportunity for self-knowledge and spiritual insight. The key lies in working with retrograde Mercury's backward-looking nature by deferring unnecessary new initiatives while attending thoroughly to existing projects and relationships.
1. What are the exact start and end dates for the November 2025 Mercury Retrograde?
Answer: The Mercury Retrograde begins on Monday November 10 2025 at 12:31 AM and ends on Saturday November 29 2025 at 11:07 PM lasting 20 days.
2. Why should travel be postponed or approached with caution during Mercury Retrograde?
Answer: Mercury rules travel and transportation so the retrograde increases the likelihood of delays cancellations errors in navigation and technical breakdowns in vehicles making flexibility essential for travelers.
3. What is the effect of Budhaditya Yoga during Mercury Retrograde?
Answer: Budhaditya Yoga (Sun-Mercury conjunction) normally grants enhanced intelligence but during the retrograde and combust phase its positive expression is temporarily obscured increasing confusion and difficulty in decision-making.
4. What is the emotional significance of retrograde Mercury in Scorpio?
Answer: Retrograde Mercury in Scorpio encourages psychological depth work brings hidden truths to light and offers opportunities for resolution of unprocessed emotions psychological wounds and past karmic patterns through self-examination.
5. When will Mercury resume its progressive motion after the retrograde?
Answer: Mercury will resume progressive (direct) motion on Saturday November 29 2025 at 11:07 PM though its residual influence will continue until December 16 2025 as the post-retrograde shadow period.
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