Most people know about Mercury Retrograde now, even if they aren’t interested in anything pertaining to astrology or witchcraft. It’s kind of interesting but it’s also very annoying. Annoying? Shouldn’t it be a good thing that more people are in the know about it? Definitely, just as I think witchcraft becoming more mainstream and trendy isn’t necessarily a bad thing—and if you’re a small town witch living in the Bible Belt, like I am, it can be quite helpful when places like Spencer’s are selling magickal tools—but like with everything, there’s a downside to that. Speaking on the latter, that’s going to be an entirely different blog post as I do recognize the fine balance that needs to be made in that arena.
However, with Mercury Retrograde becoming more widely known, I have run into the issue where people use it to avoid accountability, responsibility, and use it rather flippantly. Of course there have been witches who will do the same, so this isn’t me snubbing my nose at non-magickal practitioners. Another issue I’ve encountered, especially in magickal groups on social media, are new witches who have become so terrified to do anything during this time period which is the exact opposite of what astrology is meant to do.
Astrology is meant to be empowering! It’s a system that can be used to navigate life more smoothly. If we know communication, for example, can be spotty during Mercury Retrograde, we can practice being mindful and really choosing our words. It’s always about choice. Additionally, retrogrades can be profound periods of transformation, shifts, and learning.
As Silver Ravenwolf says in her book, The Ultimate Book of Shadows For the New Generation Solitary Witch (which I highly recommend), “Retrogrades can help you catch a big wave of long-term energy and ride it through to completion.”
Unfortunately, fear has taken over. I have seen a few people who absolutely need to buy something or do something but it falls under the realm of Mercury which has left them panicking. To tell you the honest truth, if you need it, do it. Buy it. BUT, and yes, there is a but here, make sure to really read the fine print. Know the “in’s and outs” of what you’re doing, be clear, so that way there won’t be many, if any, surprises! Need a new computer for work and it cannot wait? Research the one you want. Read reviews. Find out everything you can about it and how it works (if you’re not entirely up-to-date on its operating systems). Then buy it.
We cannot stop living our lives simply because a planet is retrograde! I know Mercury is the one that most people know and seems to get them in a tizzy! It’ll be okay.
So what exactly is Mercury Retrograde?
First off, let’s take a look at Mercury as a planet in astrology. In Ancient Roman mythology, Mercury was the Messenger of the Gods, the counterpart to the Greek god Hermes. This is the fastest moving planet within our solar system which also means it has the most retrogrades a year. Mercury retrogrades three times a year for three weeks. See why I say we cannot just stop living when it is retrograde?
Mercury deals with the mental realm, the element of air*, which would encompass communication, travel, technology, learning, creativity and inspiration, mail, etc.. It’s our mental processes and how we express them.
Retrogrades turn the energy inwards, asking us to delve deep into these areas and question. It’s a journey and opportunity to gain clarity about ourselves, our lives, and our visions for the future. Unfortunately, because the energy is more inwards and concentrated, that which is ruled by the planet has a habit of going awry.
This is why Mercury Retrograde is known for communication mishaps, lost mail/emails,
technology malfunctions, travel issues, etc..
As our society has come to depend on these things, I believe is where a lot of the fear stems from but as I stated earlier, this doesn’t have to be the case. It means being more aware, cautious, and mindful—NOT panicked or fearful.
For example, If you’re taking a trip, give yourself plenty of extra time to get to and from places, double-check you have everything, and don’t rush.
Working on a computer? Make sure you constantly save your work and back it up.
It requires extra steps but it’s about being prepared.
I have found that the best tools I have for Mercury Retrograde are patience and laughter. Shit happens and sometimes you just have to laugh it off. Of course, this can be difficult if your car were to break down and it’s the only one you have (totally happened here before the retrograde!). In that case, breathe. Just breathe.
To summarize, since I feel I was sort of scattered—hello, Mercury:
Mercury rules communication, travel, technology, learning, etc.
Retrogrades draw the energy inwards which can cause issues to occur with the above themes.
Be mindful, take your time, have patience, and be aware. Read the fine print on everything.
Laugh it off when you can.
Retrogrades are great periods for introspection, meditation, learning, studying—for really digging deep into yourself.
I didn’t include this above but journal! Journal, journal, journal! You’d be surprised at things that happen, people who come up, during these periods and they may seem unconnected but considering old friendships love to appear during these times, it’s interesting to go back once it stations direct and see what all happened. To see how it was connected.
Not only that but journaling allows us to grow as we gain insight and clarity.
Now, Mercury will be in a sign (like Gemini, Aries, etc.) and that will also determine how it’s going to affect us. This particular Mercury Retrograde is in the sign of Gemini but you’ll have to forgive me for leaving it at that because I’m still very green to astrology myself. The last thing I would want is to give you false information so if you’re interested, there are plenty of articles you can find on Google about Mercury Retrograde in Gemini.
So, what are the three Mercury Retrograde periods for 2021?
Lucky for us now, the first one was from the 30th of January to the 20th of February in Aquarius
29th May, 2021-22nd June, 2021—Mercury in Gemini. This is where Mercury is right now!
27th of September-18th of October in Libra
Do note that we can usually feel the shift a week or so before it stations retrograde as well as a week after it stations direct.
In order to help with this Retrograde, I created some journal questions which you can find below.
Likewise, I wrote an Angel Prayer that is included below the Journal Prompts, if you would like to use it (either as is or as a springboard for your own).
Remember, my friends. Stay empowered. Be mindful, cautious, and patient during this time. There isn’t anything to fear.
Journal Prompts:
What weight do your words have with others? Are you talking to communicate or to fill silence?
What value do your words hold? Do you always tell the truth? Gossip? Do people take what you say with a grain of salt or do they trust your words?
Speaking of trusting words, do you honor your promises—both to yourself and to others?
What is something you would like to learn? Why? What has kept you from learning it? Why?
What is something you’d like to do with your life? List the reasons you want to and what’s holding you back. Does it seem feasible or not? What if you reworked it through a different lens? What if you found a way to compromise between the two lists? Are you only thinking in yes or no? Can you recognize the vast array of options in the middle? Can you see all the choices? If not…meditate on it.
What role does social media play for you? Are you quick to react to something or do you learn more about it first? What type of posts do you write? Are they educational or purposeful or meaningful? Or are they inflammatory, condescending, and snobby?
Angel Prayer
I call upon the Archangel Gabriel to assist me in slowing down and being mindful of the words I choose to speak in order to ease any miscommunications. Please help me receive any messages from Spirit and others with clarity and understanding. Allow my words to be slow and purposeful, responding to others instead of reactionary.
I call upon the Archangel Uriel to illuminate any lessons I need to take away from this time as I know these periods offer profound moments of insight and transformation, if I am willing to put in the effort. If I’m open to learning and changing.
I call upon the Archangel Metatron to help me understand the lessons that arise during this time. Allow me to see the vision, the point of reference that can be achieved if I listen. Please assist me in decoding any journaling I do so I may glean the big picture instead of getting caught up in the tiny details.
I call upon Archangel Zadkiel to fill my heart and mind with compassion during this time, when people can be difficult. Allow me to recognize their words may not actually be meant for me, that they are simply looking for a way to vent—not because this is acceptable but so that I don’t lose my inner sense of peace or calm to their turmoil.
I call upon Archangel Michael to surround and cocoon me in your protective light. Keep me safe as I continue living. Watch over and protect me when I’m driving, traveling, and walking.
I ask all of my angels, especially my Guardian Angel, to assist me in navigating this Mercury Retrograde, shifting my mindset until I recognize it as a time for clarity, insight, awareness, and purpose. Help me move out of a place of fear and into a position of empowerment. Open my heart to the lessons I’m being taught and my mind to the changes I need to make.
Thank you Angels and Archangels. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you
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