How to thrive in mercury retrograde

Our experts provide their top tips for getting through the final Mercury retrograde of this challenging year

What does retrograde actually mean?

Our resident moonologer Yasmin Boland says: “Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and takes only 88 days to go around it. This is important to the whole Mercury retrograde phenomenon. In astrology Mercury is the trickster, the messenger of the Gods and the planet of communication. “We all have a Mercury. Yours could be in Aries, Taurus, Gemini, or any of the other of the 12 signs of the zodiac, but Mercury didn’t stop moving the day you were born. It continues to move through the 12 signs of the zodiac. When a planet goes retrograde, the planet appears to go backwards in the skies, reversing through the degrees of the zodiac. Of course, planets don’t actually turn around and start moving backwards. Mercury’s shorter orbit creates an optical illusion in that it appears to speed past Earth, slow down and then move in a backwards loop, giving us Mercury retrograde.

“Think of Mercury as the ‘brain’ planet and think of it being a bit ‘addled’
when Mercury is in retrograde. It’s like we are all speaking different languages. There are mixed messages and cross-communications. Errors do abound. Travel plans, especially, can go awry, as can anything to do with writing, publishing, computers and transport.”

Harness crystal power

Helen Gould from The Candle Co. (thecandlecoltd.etsy.com)
“Here we go: it’s the last-ditch attempt of 2020 to throw an astrological hissy fit, with a Mercury retrograde across both Scorpio and Libra. But before you run for cover under that duvet, I want to share a secret with you.

I used to hide away and walk on eggshells every time Mercury went into retrograde. I found that trying to communicate, travel or even use my computer never went well. But that was before I knew the power of lapis lazuli crystal, and before I understood why those in the know always carry these beautiful blue crystals with them as an essential part of their crystal first aid kit.

This is a great time to meditate with lapis lazuli as it will help you focus on the here and now, as preparation for when the effects of the retrograde have passed, and you can move forward with a clear plan to reach your goals. These crystals can be used for relaxation within a scented candle as you enjoy a long, hot bath.”

Adopt a positive attitude

Sara Denny from Thyme Keepers (thymekeepers.co.uk)
“The tri-yearly Mercury retrograde is known to bring chaos and upend electrical and communication devices, as well as play havoc with your serenity. Working in an office environment can become challenging. Need to call the boss? Your phone has no signal. Need to access those files? USB corrupt. That urgent print-out that was asked for? Unknown printer error!

Everything happens for a reason, even when everything is turning to chaos. Now, a little bit of stress can concentrate our focus and improve our resilience to mental challenges, providing we take good care of ourselves
during these times. Treat yourself to the occasional pamper, drink plenty of water, and eat lots of fresh fruit and veg. Though, the most important thing is to adopt a positive attitude. Daily affirmations and my loved ones help me focus. Staying in a fit spiritual condition is vital: filling the heart up leaves no room to spit venom. There’s nothing like a walk to step away from the chaos, rebalance our inner calm and kick-start our coping mechanisms
once again.

I like to use the calming and soothing energies of crystals. I recommend using rose quartz and lace agate. I withdraw from my desk and face the window, taking in the view of nature with the crystals in my hand, and accept the situation. No matter what Mercury retrograde brings us, there is always room to meditate for a few minutes.

Remember: you are strong enough, you are brave enough, you are intelligent enough to get through all of this. It will pass.”

Manifest magic

Gemma Williams, manifesting mentor (manifestinggurus.com)
“I actually really enjoyed Mercury retrograde: as a manifesting mentor, I concentrate on the positive rather than the negative. It’s the perfect time to relax and recharge the soul, slow down and listen to your body. Detox and declutter and get rid of what no longer serves you within the mind, body and soul. Your home’s energy is also extremely important. When we declutter the home, we are inviting in fresh energy. Pamper yourself, too! Self-care is so important, and it’s the best way to recharge in retrograde.

I recommend a variety of crystals for retrograde, including rose quartz, which helps with relationships and communication. Some people get frustrated and anxious in retrograde, but blue lace agate crystal can keep us calm and help with fears. Selenite is also one of my favourites, and I put this
in my goddess pamper boxes. It cleanses the aura and removes old energy, giving us the energy reset we need, as well as protection. Hematite and tourmaline are also ideal for keeping us grounded; they absorb any toxic emotions holding you back and remove stress, anxiety and worry. Amethyst is a great protection crystal to use throughout retrograde, and it’s a powerful healing stone, helping to purify the mind and clear out negative
thoughts. I run a VIP manifesting online spiritual development group and create magical goddess boxes for my ladies. They are perfect for retrograde – pamper yourself and have a goddess bath.”

Call upon angels

Daisy Foss, angel expert (daisyfoss.com)
“To thrive during this time, it is so important to be in the moment and recognise the ‘new now’. It is the only place you can be yourself and traverse the amazing planetary energies of Ascension.

To truly benefit from the planetary retrograde, ask for help from the many angels associated with Mercury. There is Seraphiel, who holds the highest rank of the Seraphim and is known as the ‘angel of silence’, and Archangel Raphael, who is a master healer and the ruler of the planet Mercury. So breathe in the light, which opens up your mind enabling you to think, perceive and communicate better. You can call in as many angels associated with the planet Mercury as you wish to at any time, such as Ahaij, Aiediat,
Ahadiel, Cochabel, Gheoriah, Miel, Michael and Yehakel.

When you invoke these angels, you feel their serenity in your heart; their love and light is flowing through you as a momentary presence: the ‘new
now’ energies. This October, the energy of the cosmos will make you stronger, bolder and much more expressive as you reclaim your power. Ask the angels to help you evaluate the people and things in your life that are important to you right now. In this moment, enjoy the ride, and don’t look back or into the future; be present fully in the ‘new now’ as you awaken to your new reality.”

Trust your intuition

Eleanor Grace, psychic expert (gracedestiny.com)
“Virtual conferences, meetings and live video-streams have transformed this year into a necessary ‘new normal’ way of communicating. The last Mercury retrograde of the year could bring confusion and misunderstanding to our more virtual and distanced world. So, lets get prepared for this little period between October 23rd and November 3rd, and discover what this astrological transit could mean for you.

This retrograde motion falls in Scorpio, which brings more hidden elements out into the open. How good are you at listening to your inner voice? You will need to rely upon your intuition to enable you to handle any sudden surprises or unusual turns of events during this time. Intuitive responses to
any situation will help you to thrive and give you the best advantage in achieving order through other people’s chaos! Perhaps consider a few meditations with calming crystals associated with the planet Mercury, such as green aventurine.”

Protect your energy

Robert Lee, psychic medium (psychicrobertlee.com)
“People often ask me how they can protect their energy during retrograde. Personally, I burn lavender incense daily in my living room and I light my Himalayan salt lamps. I use Himalayan bath salts in the shower to wash away any negative energy. I make a strong decision to not start any new projects or work with anyone new. In fact, I try to keep my work schedule to a bare minimum. I carry a tiger’s eye to protect me from other people’s energy when outside my home. I get my admin to double-check my booking
system, so I know that no mistakes have been made: I’m not good with
paperwork in retrograde!

I transfer everything from my phone to my iPad to make sure it’s all saved, as retrogrades can sometimes affect electronics. I try to listen to my gut instinct as best as I possibly can because I’ve been known to go against it
in retrograde. I try my best to engage my brain before talking to friends and family. I also take stock of everything that happens during the retrograde, and ensure that it will personally help me move forward in my life as a whole.”