If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past few decades, chances are you’re familiar with the term “Mercury Retrograde” and its association with times when everything feels a little out of sorts.
Mercury will begin its retrograde shortly after midnight Eastern time on August 5, bringing with it a touch of celestial commotion as we enter the summer season. This challenging astrological transit is well-known for causing confusion, technological issues, and difficulties in communication. It is advisable to step back, avoid starting new projects, and allow yourself some flexibility with your plans. The current Mercury retrograde will continue until August 28th, giving everyone a generous three and a half weeks to navigate this unique period of backward-moving energy. What’s the positive news? There are several strategies you can employ to navigate the challenges that often arise during this retrograde period.
Swift and agile Mercury, as per astrology, governs aspects such as communication, timing, technology, and logistics. During certain periods throughout the year, it undergoes retrograde motion, resulting in temporary disruptions, obstacles, and chaos in various aspects of our lives. Imagine the frustration of making embarrassing email typos, misinterpreting important conversations, or finding yourself stuck in traffic at the most inconvenient moment. Depending on the specific areas of their chart affected, some individuals may find these transits quite bothersome, while others may navigate them with ease. The level of inconvenience can also be influenced by the precautions taken to minimize any potential drama.
Often misunderstood, Mercury retrograde can reveal hidden benefits with a deeper understanding of astrological transits. During these backspins, it can be beneficial to take a moment to reflect on past ideas, be mindful of your communication, and evaluate your current plans. By taking proactive measures to anticipate the typical disruptions caused by Mercury retrograde, you can potentially harness its energy to your benefit.
If you want to stay ahead of this backspin, here are some simple yet powerful rituals to assist you in preparing for the summer’s Mercury retrograde.
Journaling: Pre- & Post-Retrograde
Journaling during Mercury’s transit can be a valuable practice for connecting with your inner self and harnessing the power of communication. Prior to the retrograde commencing on August 5th, it would be wise to compile a comprehensive list of your ongoing logistical plans, projects, and goals. Separate the projects that are currently underway from those you plan to start.
During Mercury retrograde, it can be challenging to initiate new projects. However, if you jot down your brilliant ideas and save them for later, you’ll feel more confident and at ease. Instead, you can dedicate your attention to carefully reviewing and enhancing whatever you are currently working on.
When the retrograde begins, it’s important to pay attention to any recurring themes that may arise. Have you encountered any obstacles? Have you noticed a recurring pattern where you revisit something you believed was already settled? Make sure to take notes! After the retrograde concludes on August 28, take the time to carefully write down your reflections and use the insights gained to inform your future plans.
Grounding with Protective Crystals
Working with crystals can be a helpful practice during chaotic cosmic moments, such as Mercury retrograde. It allows you to tap into the earthy and mystical energy of crystal healing, providing a grounding effect. Black tourmaline is highly regarded for its exceptional protective properties. It is believed to have the capacity to absorb and transform negative energy. Therefore, if you find yourself dealing with numerous logistical challenges during the retrograde period, having black tourmaline nearby can prove to be quite beneficial. Smoky quartz is a highly effective crystal known for its protective properties. It is particularly useful for grounding individuals during stressful periods and is believed to alleviate any travel-related complications. If you have a vacation scheduled during this time, smoky quartz can provide a soothing influence.
Whether you decide to infuse your crystal with a specific intention before Mercury goes into retrograde, practice meditation to clear your mind, or simply carry it with you in your purse during this period, these soothing energies can serve as a valuable resource for navigating difficult astrological movements.
Master the Art of Calming Breathwork to Keep Your Chill
Mercury retrograde can be quite challenging because of its influence on various practical aspects of our daily routines. These include activities like messaging, using electronic devices, and navigating from one location to another. Although backspins can be quite stressful, incorporating a calming breathwork ritual into your routine can assist in slowing down, cultivating a sense of calm, and minimizing the inevitable mix-ups that occur when rushing during the retrograde.
Incorporating a breathing-focused meditation into your daily pre-retrograde routine can be beneficial. Additionally, there are quick and simple breathwork techniques that you can utilize before, during, and after the backspin to maintain a sense of calm.
Take note of the popular “pursed-lip” breathing technique. This method entails inhaling and exhaling slowly through tightly pursed lips, mimicking the act of extinguishing a candle in a slow-motion manner. Additionally, there is a breathing technique known as the “double inhale.” This method mimics a physiological sigh and has the potential to leave you feeling rejuvenated and better able to concentrate. No matter what you decide, connecting with your breath can be a valuable tool for maintaining a sense of stability, managing stress, and remaining calm in the face of any challenges.
Candle Work
Candle work, which utilizes the power of fire, is a powerful technique that allows one to manifest their intentions. Retrograde is an opportunity to embrace a slower pace and confront the obstacles that come your way. To effectively manifest your desires, it is recommended to carefully write down a list of your intentions on a piece of paper. As you do so, ensure that you maintain a focused mindset and concentrate on your desires. To enhance the process, consider lighting a candle to create a serene and conducive atmosphere.
Yellow is often linked to Mercury and Wednesdays and is said to be connected to qualities such as focus, intellect, and mental processes. During this time, using a yellow candle can be highly beneficial. It has the potential to invite fresh ideas and inspiration while also helping to remove any mental obstacles that may be present. If you don’t happen to possess a yellow candle, white candles can serve as a suitable substitute.
If you want to elevate your candle ritual, consider adorning it with bay leaves (known for their protective and success-bringing properties), cornflower (to promote peace within your home), and fig leaves (believed to attract positive fortune). For business owners, incorporating cinnamon into their lives can bring about a sense of prosperity and abundance.
Spiritual bath
If you find yourself unsure, you can always rely on the tried-and-true method of indulging in a soothing Epsom salt bath. In addition to providing practical relief for tension and sore muscles, Epsom salts possess powerful properties that can purify, bless, and cleanse.
Consider incorporating a few drops of basil or eucalyptus essential oils into your routine. Basil is known for its ability to enhance concentration and promote protection, peace, and happiness. On the other hand, eucalyptus is valued for its ability to clear the airways. It is important to conduct an allergy test prior to use and ensure that they are kept away from your pets.
Meditation
Meditation is a timeless practice that has been extensively studied for its numerous benefits. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing anxiety disorders and even boosting immune function. No specific steps are needed, so don’t worry about getting it right or wrong! If you have no prior experience, we have previously provided guidance on how to begin, and there are numerous additional free resources available.
If you’re struggling to maintain focus, utilizing binaural beats can prove to be quite beneficial. There are numerous playlists available that cater to your specific requirements. Want to add an esoteric touch? Consider incorporating a feather, symbolizing the air element, and a cloth bag of allspice, known for its ability to alleviate mental stress, into your practice. Furthermore, it is advisable to keep the latter with you at all times, providing an extra layer of protection, especially during this specific period.
If our work has made a positive impact on your life, we kindly ask for your support so we can continue our work. Thank you!
Now, you can follow Conscious Reminder on Facebook & Instagram!
∼If you like our article, give Conscious Reminder a thumbs up, and help us spread LOVE & LIGHT!∼
