Most importantly, this means that we get to start 2019 off on the right foot, at least where Mercury is concerned (Uranus, the planet of change and innovation, will still be retrograde at the start of the new year). Given the areas of our lives that Mercury touches — communication, online exchanges, and social grace — this is no small blessing. If you view the month of January as a clean slate and an opportunity to start a new chapter in your life, consider Mercury's direct energy to be an additional source of confidence and motivation.