Use this time to reflect and revitalize your outlook on life

It’s that time again! Mercury is in retrograde – that dreaded period when the inexplicable or unexpected seems to happen, when everything that can go wrong, does! Delays or interruptions during travel, computer and technological glitches, confusion, miscommunication, a sense of instability, lost time or misplaced belongings, maybe even just a sense of being in a fog and not being able to think as clearly. When the world seems to turn upside-down, our natural instinct might be to retreat and withdraw and take cover until the storm passes. But let’s face it: life goes on, regardless of how the planets align. While it’s true that it’s best to wait to make big life-changing decisions, this time can also be an opportunity to slow down and be present. Use this period to your advantage and create your own respite: take extra care, be more reflective in your choices and intentional about your outlook on life.

So: what, exactly, is Mercury Retrograde? Put simply, it is a three-week period during which Mercury appears to move backward across the sky as it laps the Earth. Mercury is the planet that rules the mind, intellect, communication, mental clarity and common sense, so it stands to reason that these functions would become the most vulnerable during this time. The simplest task might become overly complicated, or the most well-meaning comment might be misconstrued or misinterpreted, or a silly mistake can carry unintended consequences. The things that normally would be smooth-sailing seem to lead us directly into rocky waters.

Stay Well Aware and Well Prepared

The good news is, this period doesn’t have to mean all-out catastrophe! Try to anticipate potential pitfalls and prepare accordingly. A few basic strategies can help provide some guardrails during this turbulent time: give yourself extra time, plan carefully, think and re-think through decisions, be intentional and clear when you speak or communicate, double-check your work, stay flexible and try to go with the flow, practice forgiveness and hold off on significant purchases or big decisions. Use this time to practice the things that begin with “re-“ — reflect, revise, reevaluate, realign, and either recommit or recalculate, if necessary. Ultimately, you will come out the other side revitalized!

The Mercury Retrograde Kit

Use these powerful tools as part of a daily practice during this 3-week period

The Mercury Retrograde Kit is a way to help keep you focused, flexible, clear-headed and intentional during this time. Seize this opportunity to recalibrate your intentions and tap into your inner strength.  The kit includes:     

Amazonite – Harness its calming and soothing energy to navigate through times of anxiety and stress.  Open up your positive energy so you are able to stay flexible and go with the flow.

Lapis Lazuli – Tap into your inner wisdom for authentic and honest communication and trust your instincts in making decisions.

Shungite – Protect against the harmful effects of electro-magnetic frequencies (EMFs) from tech devices. Detoxify and purify your mind, body and spirit.

Hematite – Use this powerful grounding tool to pull negative energy from the body and restore balance.

Horehound Herbs – Associated with the planet Mercury, this herb helps with mental clarity and focus.

Selenite Charging Plate – To cleanse, charge and amplify the power of your crystals.

Your Practice

1. Place your candle upright in a small fireproof bowl filled with rice or sand. Light your candle to activate your ritual.
2. Place your Selenite plate in front of your candle with your tumbled stones on top. Leave your stones in place for 1-5 minutes to charge and cleanse.
3. Pick up your stones and place them in your canvas bag. Sprinkle a pinch of Horehound herbs over your stones in the bag. Pull the drawstring closed.
4. Hold your bag in both hands and say your intention or affirmation out loud to program and activate your bag.
5. Carry your bag with you in your pocket or purse throughout the day to help you stay mentally clear, keep grounded and go with the flow.
6. At night, take your stones out of your bag and place them on your Selenite plate to cleanse and recharge for the next day.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 every day during the Mercury Retrograde period.

Mercury Retrograde doesn’t have to spell disaster if you are prepared and use this three-week period wisely. Take extra time and care during your daily life and, most importantly, keep the faith. Although it comes around a few times a year, remember: this too shall pass.