Mercury Retrograde
- Hannah
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
What is a Retrograde?
Planets move at different speeds, and retrogrades are an optical illusion. They occur when a planet appears to be moving backwards through the sky, which is caused by either the Earth overtaking slower-moving outer planets or the Earth being passed by faster-moving inner planets.
All planets eventually go into retrograde, and when they do, it can have an impact on the energies available to us. Retrogrades are simply a time for reflection and introspection, and depending on the planet and the sign they occur in, it gives you a different theme to work with.
Mercury Retrograde Overview
Mercury Retrograde gets a bad reputation; it is often misunderstood. It gets blamed regularly, but the reason is simply that it is the most common retrograde. It happens on average three times a year, lasting around three weeks at a time. In comparison, other planets go into retrograde once or so a year, often for months.
Mercury is the planet of communication, technology, transport, commerce, finance, speed, intellect, and transition. It stems from the Roman god Mercury, who served as the winged messenger for deities. As a planet and deity, Mercury represents adaptability, language, travel, and the rational mind.
When in retrograde, you may notice challenges in any of these areas, but if you see these as indicators of areas that need some attention, then it becomes an opportunity for growth, which is what retrogrades are all about.
As we mentioned, depending on the sign that the planet is in, it also impacts the energies to work with. In the case of this Mercury Retrograde, we have two different themes to work with. Between the 26th February to the 9th March, the Mercury retrograde will be in the sign of Pisces; from the 10th March to the 20th March, the Mercury Retrograde will be in the sign of Aquarius. Here is what they both mean:
Mercury Retrograde in Pisces
Pisces is the current sun sign we are working with. It is the final sign of the zodiacs, represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions. Pisces is the sign of emotions, empathy, intuition, spirituality, creativity, and the duality of the conscious and subconscious.
This combined with the energies of the Mercury retrograde provides you with the opportunity to reflect on communication, especially with authority figures, and consider transitions or opportunities for change, especially in the area of career. It is also an opportunity to contemplate your feelings and the balance between feeling and rationality.
Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius
Then, as the retrograde continues, the energies shift to Aquarius, which is the most humanitarian of the signs, it focuses on change for the greater good, creative solutions, and forward-thinking.
In combination with the Mercury retrograde, this means that there is a potential for confusion and misunderstanding, which provides you with the opportunity to work on your communication and contemplate how you can creatively and effectively explain your ideas and thinking. It is also a chance to reevaluate and challenge your own perceptions.
How to Navigate the Mercury Retrograde
Retrogrades don't need to be difficult or challenging. They can be quite easy to navigate as long as we are conscious, aware, and open to possible changes. They are here to show us areas we can make changes for our highest self, it doesn't need to be the whole retrograde. You can just contemplate the areas mentioned for a short period, identify anything that needs changing, and commit to making those changes.
For example, you might identify that you aren't great at effectively replying to emails at work, or responding to text messages with your loved ones, and make the conscious choice to carve out some time each day to respond. It can really be that simple.
Crystals to Support the Mercury Retrograde
While I don't believe retrogrades are something to worry about, they are an opportunity for growth, we can all find support with our crystals to help navigate any energetic changes. As always, I recommend you work with crystals that you are drawn to, as this will provide the best experience and outcome for you. But if you are looking for some inspiration, then here are some crystals I recommend.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is great for calming, releasing, and letting go of things that no longer serve you, which means it will aid you throughout this period in releasing behaviours, thoughts, and beliefs that may come to light that no longer support you in being or becoming the person you want to be.
Labradorite
Not only does Labradorite help you navigate difficulties and see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it also helps to facilitate changes and new beginnings. It encourages you to be open to discovering, exploring, and consider opposing beliefs.
Clear Quartz
Clear Quartz is ideal for any purpose, during the Mercury Retrogade you can work with it in balancing energies, finding calm, navigating difficult circumstances, and supporting you in overcoming challenges which may arise.
Amazonite
Finally, Amazonite. A common theme with any Mercury Retrograde is communication issues, and Amazonite is great at supporting and facilitating open communication. It provides a calm, clear way to effectively communicate in a way that others are likely to understand.
Mercury Retrograde doesn't have to be something to fear; shift your views to see this as an opportunity for growth, and work with these energies to support you on your journey.
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