
The Final Mercury Retrograde Of 2024 Is Here—How This Bold Energy Will Shift Your Perspective

The final Mercury retrograde of the year arrives this month, and this is an opportunity to close one chapter and prepare for a new one. Mercury retrogrades are the time of the year when you take a step back, assess where your life currently is, and be a little more flexible with how things are playing out for you. When Mercury is in retrograde, miscommunications and misdirections are more likely; however, this isn’t the time to fear where you are headed; it’s more about looking at things from a different perspective right now.
Mercury enters Sagittarius on November 2, will be retrograde from Nov. 25 until Dec. 15, and will be in this sign until Jan. 8, 2025. Mercury in Sagittarius is bold and outspoken but, in retrograde, can come across as impulsive and brash. Thinking before speaking is important right now, and so is considering your values and interests before committing to something new. Since Sagittarius rules long-distance travel, this isn’t the best time to plan a new trip or to rush the ones already in place.
Consider where you want to be, and take your time getting there.
What to Expect from Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius
A little more than a week after Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius, Mars goes retrograde in Leo. With these important transits happening in fire signs, energy can be misdirected right now. It’s about looking at the full picture and not overwhelming yourself with too many options or interests. Take your passions and align them with your heart and willpower, without confusing inspiration with ego. Emotions are running high, yet this activation is creating a breakthrough in personal development before the year ends.
Read below to see how this Mercury retrograde transit will be for you. Read for your sun sign and rising sign.
ARIES
Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius, and you are focused on the bigger picture right now, Aries. With Mercury retrograde in your 9th house of adventure over the next few weeks, this is the time to expect the unexpected and to go at your own pace. Don’t rush the clarity that is meant to bloom for you right now, and take things one day at a time.
Even if you don’t have all the answers you need right now, there are still some important truths and insights to gain. You are in the process of reinventing yourself and your life, and the universe is helping you get the space in order to do so. If you are traveling over the next few weeks, remember to be flexible and to go over plans thoroughly.
TAURUS
Mercury goes retrograde, and you enter a time of change and rebirth, Taurus. This transit, for you, is an opportunity to gain balance, perspective, and empowerment. Your commitments and close partnerships are being addressed right now, and you are seeing where your needs are being met and where they aren’t. You are on a journey of letting go and allowing more, and this is the time to focus on being more flexible rather than controlling outcomes.
This retrograde could also be affecting your shared finances and earnings, and this is a good time to take another look at the money coming in and the money going out and make sure things are in order here. Trust your intuition right now, Taurus.
GEMINI
Mercury goes retrograde in your sister sign, Sagittarius, and you are ready for a fresh perspective in love. This retrograde will highlight your 7th house of partnership, connection, romance, and inner harmony, and your heart is figuring things out right now. Confusion or disagreements are more likely within your relationship dynamics, and this is the time to address what your partnerships need.
If you have been feeling out of balance when it comes to love, then this is the time to get things back on track.
This Mercury retrograde is helping you gain a new perspective and reminds you that you deserve the love you are looking for. Use this time to forgive, grow, and use better judgment regarding matters of the heart and the relationships you are building in your life right now.
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CANCER
This Mercury retrograde transit for you is a chance to gain some renewed clarity regarding your health, well-being, and work life. You could be feeling more pressure to perform and have it all together on the job, and there is a need to delegate, let go, and take care of your health more right now, Cancer.
This transit will highlight where some cracks are seeping, where you may need to build stronger foundations and healthier daily routines, and also how you can manage a better work/life balance. Your daily lifestyle may feel a little more difficult to find consistency in right now, and this is because new avenues and perspectives are waiting for you to grab ahold of. Overall, use this time to listen to your inner voice and do more of what feels right for you and your body.
LEO
Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius, and this transit highlights your 5th house of romance, creativity, passion, and happiness, Leo. This retrograde is an opportunity for you to address what and who makes you happy and how you can show up more for these fortunate experiences in your life. You are looking at if you’ve been making your happiness as much of a priority as it should be this year and also taking a look at what sources help you align with that energy altogether.
This time is about being a little bit more flexible, doing things differently, and being open to a new perspective. Relationship developments are also providing your heart more clarity right now, and you are balancing your needs with the needs of your partnerships and creative ventures.
VIRGO
Your ruling planet Mercury goes retrograde before the year ends, and this is helping you rebuild your foundations, Virgo. Mercury will be retrograde in an area of your life that has to do with your home, history, family, and emotional stability- and you are getting a new grasp on things here.
Where you have been planting your seeds and building for your future are coming up for review during this time, and you are gaining clarity on which of these foundations is stable enough to continue to build upon. You could be feeling less secure than you would like to right now, and this change of pace is helping you reassess your goals and figure out what is worth it for you and the legacy you want to live.
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LIBRA
Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius, and the focus turns towards your communication channels, Libra. Mercury retro is already a more chaotic time when it comes to communication, and with this retrograde also happening in your 3rd house of insight and communication, you may feel this heaviness a little more right now.
This transit, for you, is about taking your time getting your message across, being patient while traveling and running errands, and giving yourself space to gain some new clarity.
Meditation, journaling, and talking to someone who can support you are therapeutic, and know that your voice deserves to be heard. You are looking at ways you can take up more space and show up in the world without letting your insecurities keep you away from true connection, vulnerability, and understanding.
SCORPIO
This Mercury retrograde is happening in your 2nd house of income, values, assets, and self-confidence, and you are taking a step back to assess your current reality, especially financially, Scorpio. This is a good time to go over your spending habits and earnings, to find greater balance here, and to think about some of your financial goals moving forward.
Look at your resources, skills, and talents, and make sure what you are receiving is equal to or greater than what you have been giving. Less is more right now, and this isn’t the best time to overspend or overindulge, as you need more time to grasp your current stance on things, and how to increase your overall wealth and abundance.
SAGITTARIUS
With this Mercury retrograde happening in your sign, it’s hitting a little closer to home for you, Sagittarius. This is a good time to refine your goals and direction in life and how you want to show up right now. You deserve to be able to change your mind when you need to, and you are thinking about some of the things you have done and what you want to do moving forward.
Miscommunications are more likely while Mercury is in retrograde, but you can use this as a source of empowerment, knowing that you are living in your truth and allowing yourself room to grow in the process. Remember to be a little kinder to yourself during this transit and to give yourself the grace you need right now.
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CAPRICORN
This Mercury retrograde for you, Capricorn, is about rest and taking care of your emotional world. You are being given the opportunity to spend more time alone, to gather your strength, and to heal before you enter the new year. A lot has happened, and there have been many changes in your world this year. This Mercury retrograde is here to help you find acceptance and closure.
You are in a preparation stage right now, and things can feel a little more lonesome in this energy, but with a different perspective, you can see just how much of this space your heart truly needs right now. The past is coming up for you to see things in a new light, and you are ready to gain some renewed insight, closure, and healing.
AQUARIUS
This Mercury retrograde highlights your friendships, community, and your hopes and dreams, Aquarius. You are being reminded of the importance of connection, but more significantly, of good connections. You are looking at who and what surrounds you right now and gaining clarity on whether this energy matches who you are and the things that you stand for.
Your social circle and the people around you are shifting as the power dynamics do, and you are finding your place and purpose amidst this change. It’s about identifying who and what makes you feel good and aligning things in your life to bring in more of that energy. Don’t be discouraged right now; find your people and ask for support.
PISCES
Your career and ambitions are the focus during this Mercury retrograde, Pisces. You have a lot to address here, and you are gathering your skills and talents and reminding yourself that you are worthy of your dreams. Miscommunications and setbacks are more likely within your professional world, but they are here to ask you if what you are striving for, is really what you need right now.
You are thinking a lot about how you show up in the world, what you want to be known for, and what successes you still want to obtain. This isn’t the time to let anyone’s idea or vision of you define who you are; rather, define that for yourself. Show up as you want to be seen, and don’t count yourself out right now, Pisces.
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Tayler Barakat is a Mystic who has studied Astrology for over a decade. She does intuitive astrology and tarot readings for people all over the world, and her work focuses on healing and empowering individuals. Follow her on Instagram @taylerbarakat_ and check out her website www.listentothevirgo.com.
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Summer style is less about trends and more about transcendence.
This season allows for a sense of playfulness and freedom. My astrological placements—Cancer Sun, Aries Rising, and Aquarius Moon—influence my adventurous style, yet I also rely on a set of reliable, foolproof pieces. Everyone has such a collection of staples, and they are the foundation of a consistent and harmonious personal style.
Style Tips from 8 Creatives Who Are Owning Summer
With that in mind, we asked eight dynamic creatives—from New York to Los Angeles—to break down the summer outfits that make them feel most radiant, powerful, and fully aligned with their highest selves.
These women are dressing for ease, for expression, and for every mood that warm weather brings—whether it’s sprinklers at the park, rooftop hangs, or midday outfit changes on the fly.
“Every day is different, but if I had to dig deep into my core, my go-to look is some type of tank, long short, and a cool shoe. Seems basic, but trust—every piece speaks for itself in my closet. I’m a statement piece girl.”
Her Summer Staples: A fun sandal (think colorful dad sandal with a twist—like her furry pink Marni pair), bold earrings, and lots of layered jewelry to make up for the lack of layers in warm weather.
Style Signature: Bold colors and geometric patterns.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Keep trying new things each season—you’ll figure out what’s definitely for you and what’s not.”
Artist | New York City, NY
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“I’m a mom, so tulle is perfect. It dries quickly after splash parks, it’s hard to stain, breathable—and still brings drama and ease equally.”
Her Summer Staples: Tulle dresses or skirts, novelty crossbody bags (“One looks like a pack of ramen!”), and stylish clogs that give height without sacrificing comfort.
How She Accessorizes: Always a hat (she’s bald and prioritizes sun protection) and oversized sunglasses for drama.
Style Signature: All the prints—floral, animal, geometric—and a fearless use of color.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Show up and show out in what makes YOU feel good. Find silhouettes that work for your body and make them your signature.”
Kerstina Renee (she/her)
Creative Partner | Brooklyn, NY
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“I wait all year for summer so I can have my legs out! I feel my most radiant in anything that puts them front and center.”
Her Summer Staples: Minimalist yet edgy pieces—think sheer tops, short shorts, mini dresses, and lace-up sandals that add height.
How She Accessorizes: Statement bags, rings that dial up any outfit, and pieces that can flex from errands to lunch dates.
Style Signature: Neutral tones, bold colors, pastels, geometric and animal prints.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Dress for you first. Yes, you can wear that to buy groceries. Your style is your expression—have fun with it.”
Ilianna Ayala Garcia (she/her)
Plus Size Model & Content Creator | New York City, NY
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“Summer style for me is ease, glow, and effort that feels effortless. A flowy skirt or dress, body shimmer, SPF, and I’m that girl.”
Her Summer Staples: Zelie For She halter maxis, Birkenstocks or Dolce Vita block heels, Lorvae and DEZI sunglasses, and Villa Fresca swimwear. Oh—and a portable fan is always in hand.
How She Accessorizes: Layered necklaces, statement earrings, dainty anklets, and headwraps for both fashion and function.
Style Signature: Soft pastels, animal prints, and silhouettes that highlight ease and confidence.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “For my plus-size beauties: anti-chafing shorts from Thigh Society or Megababe’s stick. Also, grab a micro tagging gun to discreetly secure undergarments—freedom to move without worry!”
Zewiditu Jewel (she/her)
Co-Owner, Cloudy Donut Co. | New York City, NY
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“I never imagined I’d become a traditional woman in the sense that what works for me is for me. I don’t dress for the season—I dress for myself.”
Her Summer Staples: A crisp, controlled palette of black, white, and denim with occasional beige. Her beloved chocolate brown Row loafers and an ongoing hunt for the perfect white shoe.
How She Accessorizes: With timeless impact—her signature red lip, MAC’s “Ruby Woo,” which she’s been wearing since 2002.
Style Signature: White, black, denim—with yellow as her seasonal spirit color.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “You are that girl. Anytime you need a reminder, look in the mirror. Everything you’ve been through, everything you’ve done. Own that sht. Wear that sht.”
Joelle Everett (she/her)
Brooklyn, NY
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“I love the big-bottom, small-top silhouette. Not only do I find it super flattering, I would describe my style as a mix of masculine and feminine, so a cute crop top with baggy jeans, or jorts, and a small tank is my go-to.”
Her Summer Staples: As a huge sneakerhead, her Sambas and Onitsuka Tigers are in heavy rotation alongside trucker and bucket hats which is absolutely hair dependent.
How She Accessorizes: Necklaces. She loves a good stack.
Style Signature: Neutral tones, animal prints, jewel tones are her absolute faves (deep purple, navy blues, forest greens, amber) — she thinks they look expensive, but are still colorful and fun.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Your style should be a personal reflection of who you are and how you feel. Every time I get dressed, I think about the fact that I'm communicating with people without having to say anything. I use my outfits as an opportunity to send messages and speak without talking.”
Tracey Wiley (she/her)
Digital Creator | New Orleans, LA
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“When it comes to my summer uniform, give me all the color, flow, and breeze-friendly fabric! Living in New Orleans, the heat doesn’t play fair — so I don’t even try to fight it in anything clingy. My go-to? A beautiful, bold, and colorful maxi dress. It's effortless, breathable, and moves with me (not against me).”
Her Summer Staples: Right now, she’s been carrying her àjò wallet by Awelewa By Monica everywhere. It’s functional and stylish. She can't live without a linen set from Zara.
How She Accessorizes: For jewelry: big rings, stacked bangles and a bold necklace, sunglasses, and a good head scarf for effortless glam.
Style Signature: Neutral tones, bold colors, animal prints.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Wear them clothes, sis! Be confident in them and have fun with your wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to play with color, mix high and low pieces, or bold prints. Dress for how YOU want to feel, not just how you want to look. And please stop saving your ‘good clothes’ for a special occasion! Every day is an occasion.”
Tristan Swimms (she/her)
Co-owner of The Common Collective | Denver, CO
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“I enjoy a mini short with crispy ankle socks, Wales Bonner Sambas and a vintage baby tee. I feel the prettiest when my fit gives sexy and comfortable — with a cool mix of brands I appreciate.”
Her Summer Staples: Must-haves include mini shorts or bloomer shorts, thin vintage baby tees, Sambas, oversized Stüssy zip-ups, baggy Japanese denim, colorful one-shoulder crop tops, backless tops, tennis skirts, and strappy platform shoes.
How She Accessorizes: It’s always gold jewelry for Tristan. She advises that you find you a good pawn shop for the best value of real gold.
Style Signature: Bold colors and denim, prioritizing a mix of sexy and comfortable styles.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Find your confidence in the balance between sexy and comfortable. The fit doesn’t always have to match — but it should spark compliments that start conversations.”
The Common Thread?
These style stars may vary in aesthetic, but the thread that runs through each of their summer uniforms is the same: intentionality, expression, and comfort. Whether you’re a statement-piece maximalist or a neutral-loving minimalist, there’s one rule this season: wear what makes you feel free.
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Featured image courtesy of Tristan Swimms/@tristanswimms