Few astrological events inspire as much panic, memes, and misunderstanding as Mercury retrograde. Brace yourselves, we’re in for a retrograde ride until July 23rd.
The moment someone’s phone crashes, an ex reappears, or an email disappears into the void, people rush to blame Mercury retrograde. But while the jokes can be entertaining, this astrological transit is not actually a cosmic punishment.
Mercury is associated with communication, technology, travel, contracts, learning, and mental processes. When it appears to move backward from our perspective on Earth, astrologers believe those areas of life can become tangled, delayed, or complicated.
Mercury retrograde exposes weak spots in our routines and communication habits. Maybe we speak before thinking. Maybe we avoid difficult conversations until they explode later. Maybe we move too quickly and ignore important details. During retrograde periods, those issues often become impossible to ignore.
This is not usually the best time to sign major contracts, purchase expensive electronics, or rush into life changes without careful thought. But it can be an excellent time for reflection and reevaluation.
Retrogrades are ideal for revisiting old projects, reorganizing your home, reconnecting with your spiritual practice, journaling, or reviewing goals that may have drifted off course. Sometimes the universe is less interested in pushing us forward and more interested in helping us notice what still needs healing.
From a magical perspective, this retrograde is also a reminder that words carry energy. Communication becomes especially important during these periods. Misunderstandings can happen easily. I encourage people to pause before responding, double-check plans, and clarify expectations whenever possible.
A spiritual practice I recommend during retrograde periods is throat chakra work. Because Mercury rules communication, this transit highlights imbalances connected to speaking honestly, listening carefully, or expressing ourselves clearly.
Blue candles, calming teas, journaling, singing, or meditation focused on the throat chakra can all help create energetic balance. Crystals like blue lace agate, sodalite, or lapis lazuli are also commonly associated with communication and clarity. Incorporating certain yoga poses such as Fish Pose and Lion Pose can also help. You can also try diffusing essential oils believed to work on the throat chakra such as lavender, frankincense, or peppermint.
Protection and grounding work can be helpful during Mercury retrograde, especially for people who struggle with feeling anxious or mentally overwhelmed. When schedules suddenly change or technology becomes frustrating, it’s easy to spiral. Grounding practices help us stay centered.
Something as simple as carrying a protective charm, taking cleansing baths, walking barefoot outside, or lighting a candle with intention can create a sense of stability during chaos. Magic is often less about controlling the universe and more about changing how we move through it.
I also encourage people not to blame every inconvenience on astrology. A retrograde does not remove personal responsibility. If problems keep appearing in your life, the retrograde may simply be illuminating patterns that already existed. Astrology offers awareness, not excuses.
Tarot can be especially useful during these periods because retrograde energy naturally encourages introspection. Cards like The Hermit, Justice, or the Eight of Pentacles often reflect the need for patience, reflection, and careful attention.
Most importantly, remember that the retrograde is temporary. Like every astrological season, it eventually passes. The delays resolve. The confusion clears.
If approached thoughtfully, Mercury retrograde can actually become a valuable spiritual tool. It teaches patience in a culture obsessed with speed. It reminds us to listen more carefully, communicate more intentionally, and reflect before reacting.
Perhaps that’s why Mercury retrograde captures people’s attention so strongly. It interrupts autopilot. Sometimes, the universe needs us to slow down long enough to truly hear ourselves think.
Emily Guenther is a co-owner of The Broom Closet metaphysical shop. She is a Memphis native, professional tarot reader, ordained Pagan clergy, and dog mom.
