Sometimes Mercury retrograde (M Rx) is experienced most in the week before it actually starts, other times it's felt at its worst during the first half of the Rx period.  Neither rule seems to be applying now.  I don't do predictions per se, it's a mugs game.  But the period of 15-18 January hits so many of the charts i have in my files that there's no way I can safely warn eveyone on my list.  At that time there is a kicking eclipsed full new moon, Mercury stands still on top of Pluto for three days, and also Jupiter leaves Aquarius and enters Pisces for the first time since '98.  This period is likely to be hugely experiential for many, so forewarned is forearmed, and - really  - don't go making big decisions or plans anew in the immediate short term because they won't work out the way your expect.  There's more information to come that will change things, and you won't be aware of the full picture until the end of the month.  From now to the 15th I anticipate a growing sense of frustration at what seems to be a malaise in getting things sorted.  Patience levels at misunderstandings are getting more volatile, and there could be things said or done in a moment of blind verbal anger that will be regretted in a few weeks time.  The wise person keeps their own counsel and agrees not to finalise anything until after the 18th.