Mercury retrograde in Capricorn starts today (ends January 18, 2023). There are many ways to understand what that could mean in terms of the astrology. In addition to looking at your own natal chart, it’s helpful to take a simple approach by looking at the planet and the sign the retrograde is in.

Retrogrades happen when a planet appears to be moving backward in the sky from our viewpoint here on Earth. Retrogrades are periods of time to reflect on past situations. Events from the past that you though were over and done with may be brought to your attention in some shape or form. These could be recent events or something that happened a while ago.

Because we are now in a Mercury retrograde, look at the topics that are associated with Mercury. These topics include logic, the mind, communication, and the processing of information. It is also associated with travel and business dealings. That’s why when Mercury is retrograde (moving backward), there tends to be mix-ups in communication, problems with computerized devices that process information, and travel delays. These mix-ups and problems can be the result of past actions, such as poor planning, ignoring problems that need to be fixed, or being careless in your speech.

With this Mercury retrograde in Capricorn, think about some of the best qualities associated with the sign of Capricorn. Capricorn is about being a leader and an example to the world. It’s about ambition, having a good reputation, being successful, and holding themselves and others to a high standard of integrity.

During this retrograde period, look at your behavior, as well as the people and situations in your life. Pay attention to where integrity may be lacking. There may be ways for you to resolve problems from the past where there could have been more honesty.

Understand that as humans, we all make mistakes. But it is still important that you create boundaries. If people in your life are disrespecting you by not acting with integrity, then it’s time to rethink your relationships and how your deal with them. This includes personal relationships and business/job/career relationships

By the same token, think about whether you are living up to the same standard of integrity that you place on other people. Be honest with yourself, first and foremost. Then, think about whether you are showing the world your true self or if you are trying to make a good reputation for yourself based on a false identity.

Here’s the lesson for us all for this Mercury retrograde in Capricorn: Say what you mean and mean what you say.