“It’s Mercury Retrograde, so gift yourself with a nice deep breath.”

Huh? 

Okay, I know. Mercury Retrograde is filled with ominous amounts of mystery that we all tend to contemplate and worry about. But, this phenomenon of a cycle is also filled with wonderful opportunities for inner-growth, reflection, and movement along our life path. And…all we have to do is allow it in with ease and zero resistance!

Really? 

Really! It seems like it would be easy for all of us to slow down with a nice deep breath, to reflect, and to allow the negative symptoms of what this “cycle” brings to touch us with positivity, but I get it. I do – I really do.

 

It’s not easy to slow down. It’s hard to listen, to receive, and to be okay with the cycle that we’re in. 

 

So, instead of creating panic within, let’s just have an easy conversation about Mercury Retrograde. No drama, no pressure, no anxiety, no chaos – let’s just take a breath, settle into our seats, and chat. Let’s begin to understand the meaning of this cycle, how to handle the symptoms it brings, and how it influences our daily lives.

 

What is Mercury Retrograde?

 

Mercury Retrograde is a common phrase that us “spiritual folks” tend to throw around because…well, it’s popular and influential! But, from my own personal experience, I’ve noticed we all tend to stay on the surface with this topic because it keeps us safe. It’s almost as if our minds just jump into the silly symptoms that are going to arise, and we prepare like the plague is coming. But, there’s more to it. The planet Mercury is actually pretty dang special!

Mercury is known as “messenger of the gods” or… according to google, that is! But, more so, it’s the planet in our beautiful sky that influences and directs our forms of communication as well as how we handle and process our thoughts and feelings. I like to think of Mercury as being logical, but curious, and a seeker – one that loves opportunity, deeper understanding, and processing. The way we hold ourselves, the way we walk and talk, and even how we journey throughout our lives is involved with our sense of expression. And, Mercury influences all of that. But, don’t just take my word for it! After all, there are so many amazing articles out there about the planet, Mercury, who have been written by actual astrologers! (and those astrologists are quite gifted, if you’d ask me).

 

But, what about retrograde?

 

Now that we have grasped an understanding of “Mercury” in our own way, let’s talk about retrograde. Retrograde means that the planet or a planet has slowed down. When a planet like Mercury is moving slower, it gives off the optical illusion that it is moving backwards. And, this idea interacts with how we see ourselves and the world, and our normal “flow” comes across as… a bit messy.

However, how can we see this translucent “confusion” as a positive experience? Sometimes, we need to just take a breath with ourselves, slow down, and reflect. And, this planet is showing us exactly how to accomplish that.

 

What should I expect during a Mercury Retrograde cycle?

 

Mercury Retrograde will last for a short period of time (usually a couple of weeks), and it will also be “semi-influential” for about a week before and after its main cycle. The days before and after retrograde’s cycle are called the “shadow” phase(s) of retrograde. Mercury’s symptoms, however, will remain strongest and most prevalent during its main cycle.

During retrograde, the most common symptoms you will experience are the following:

• unclear communication
• conflicts with friends and family
• travel plans falling through or delays
• technology acting up or breaking
• our energy feels scattered and we misplace things
• our emotions are heightened and we feel anxious
• we’re restless and sleeping is more difficult than normal
• things feel more chaotic than normal

 

These symptoms are only a list of the most common and natural symptoms that we usually experience during this time, but nothing is set in stone. It can just be wise for us to be aware of this cycle, what we may experience, and how we can move forward with positivity and ease. Our intuition will serve us and guide us along the way, showing us what we truly need to know as we walk along our life path. But, for the sake of preparing, let’s traverse this topic even deeper.

 

Here are ten tips to follow during the cycle of retrograde:

 

Try your best to sign contracts before or after retrograde.

 

Although contracts may not seem too important, our communication is important for them. It might be best for us to stray away from signing contracts that involve long-term situations or leases. However, if you are in a situation that is temporary, Mercury Retrograde may actually work in your favor with signing a contract. This tip of holding off with “contract signing” is mainly for anyone that’s looking to sign a permanent or long-term lease. During this time of Mercury Retrograde, it might be wise to just hold off from making large decisions or signing contracts that ground us into a permanent situation. In other words, just have a little bit of patience with yourself and wait it out!

 

If you choose to travel, be flexible with your plans.

 

Mercury Retrograde is known to mess up our travel plans. Planes may be delayed, hotels and transportation can be off, and life can just seem pretty hectic. If you choose to travel during Mercury Retrograde, have patience with yourself, and be flexible! The smallest of things can occur and your vacation, all of the sudden, might become a bit bothersome. Who wants to miss their ride, lose their wallet, or break their phone? I sure don’t! Be cautious, aware, and gentle on yourself! Mercury Retrograde doesn’t mean you should stop living, but know that the slow-down of this planet will also ask you to slow down with your daily routine and be aware.

Clean out your closet.

 

Mercury Retrograde is the perfect time for relaxing, reflecting, and releasing any old energy that is no longer serving you. A great way to do this is by clearing out your closet, your kitchen pantry, and any place where there may be stagnant energy. Another great tip is by moving your furniture around. The main goal is to mix up our energy and to get things moving! This cycle of reflection is all about releasing the old that is no longer serving us, so we may move forward with positivity.

 

Spend time in meditation or journal every day.

 

Our world moves at a fast pace…have you noticed? And, we don’t always like to slow down. But, there’s a good reason for why things get messy when we travel and move around swiftly during this cycle. It’s because the energy of Mercury that exists in us is calling for us to take a breather! During this cycle especially, allow yourself to reflect for a few minutes every day. Breathing, meditating, and journaling about your feelings is a great way to help communicate to your own self what you may need and desire as you move forward along your life path.

 

Be gentle on yourself.

 

Normally, life is crazy. We run around, go to our jobs, and have a daily routine. And, our emotions come and go…they ebb and flow as we move. But, during the few weeks that we are in this cycle, our emotions may be heightened. And, it can be a positive experience for us to be gentle and calm with how we handle ourselves and our emotions. Our energy will easily fluctuate with the change that Retrograde brings to Mercury’s pace, which means the pace of our emotions will change, too!  Gift yourself with a gentle mindset, a gentle heart, and a kind perspective during this time. You deserve it.

 

Receive healing from others.

 

Have you ever wondered when the best time is to receive healing? Sometimes, seeing a friend or even visiting a healer can be a positive move along your life path. When we receive from a perspective that is outside our own, it can be a beautiful experience. During this type of retrograde cycle, our soul calls for reflection and healing.

Even having a bonfire to burn old memories, patterns, and items can make a world of differences!

 

Set an intention for what you wish to achieve on during retrograde.

 

Have you ever set an intention for yourself before you went on a retreat? I like to think of Mercury Retrograde as if we are heading off into the mountains on a retreat. And, setting an intention for what you want to heal or what you want your experience of Mercury Retrograde to be like can contribute to creating positivity and movement along your journey. You can even ask your Higher Self and Guides to fill you with love and light during this time, helping you remove any blockages along your life path that are preventing you from creating a loving alignment with your heart.

 

Be clear and honorable with your communication.

 

I think, normally, we communicate like we’re breathing because communication is just a natural part of our existence. But, what if we slowed down and paid more attention to how we communicate? During this time, allow yourself to feel into your heart so you may hear what it has to say. When we listen to our own selves and communicate our own needs to our own minds and bodies, we can create with honor and ease as we explore our own worlds.

Being heard and understood by someone is the greatest experience in the world.

 

Be patient with yourself, and with your reality.

 

If there is anything to keep in mind during retrograde, it is patience. Technology may break, transportation may be off, and our emotions may be all over the place. But, what matters is not what happens to us, but how we react to what is occurring around us. If things aren’t working how you want them to, take a deep breath and be patient with yourself. If your computer isn’t working right or your traveling isn’t up to par, just breathe through it. It may just be a slight moment of confusion or a bit of chaos, but you are strong and capable of conquering and creating anything!

 

You’ve got this. 

 

To receive more tips about spirituality, feel free to check out more posts from my journal or give me a follow on instagram. And, hey – who knows! Maybe we’re called to connect in a more personal way. Feel free to check out my sessions page if you’re in the mood to have an intuitive chat or a remote healing!

 

Talk soon,

 

Erika