On September 9, Mercury will retrograde for the third time in 2022. During this period, which ends on October 2, you may hear all kinds of things being blamed on the planet’s retrograde period of communication, incidents technology to misunderstandings with friends and relatives.
But what exactly is Mercury retrograde, why do people do so much of it, and is there anything that can be done to avoid its pitfalls and mistakes?
“Three or four times a year,” says Annabel Gat, senior astrologer at Vice and author of “The Moon Sign Guide” and “The Astrology of Love & Sex,” “Mercury stops advancing through the degrees of the zodiac and begins to recoil, or at least only appear! Mercury does not actually recoil in space, only in the astrologer’s ephemeris. The term “retrograde” refers to the appearance of the planet receding in the sky.
You may have heard people warn that electronics go haywire during Mercury’s retrograde period, and it’s because of the planet’s connection to everything involved in communication.
“As Mercury retraces its steps through the zodiac, delays can occur as well as misunderstandings as Mercury rules communication,” says Gat.
While that might seem like a reason to head inside and lock the doors, Gat says there are benefits to Mercury’s turbulent retrograde period. “It can also be a fantastic time to revisit the past and generally slow down. People may be more forgetful right now; however, people can also find items that were previously missing. Conversations can be revisited; lost messages can resurface. Things can flip “upside down” – but sometimes that flip is just what you need!”
As we approach Mercury’s third and final (phew!) retrograde period in 2022, here are some things that can help you navigate the chaos of technology gone wrong and communication gone wrong, and to calm you down. when unavoidable disruptions occur.
$24 to Candles Anecdotes
Created for anyone who needs a good excuse to light a candle when the going gets tough, Anecdote Candles’ Astrological Storming Candle was created to feel the full moon and retrograde Mercury. Top notes include notes of apple and pear, with base notes of exotic violet, sandalwood and incense.
$32 to Anthropology
“Soothing” and “calming” are key words to keep in mind in this time of upheaval. “Mercury retrograde is a good time to slow down,” says Gat. “I don’t know how bath products, pajamas or a nice newspaper to clear your Mercury retrograde confusion could go wrong!”
$28 to Amazon
If baths aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to bring the relaxing experience of being at the spa into your home. Klei’s facial steamer is made with a blend of flowers and herbs that soothe the mind and clear the pores. And if you decide a bath is for you after all, it can also be used as a soaking bath.
$65 to Nordström
This particular retrograde period begins in September, when in many places the weather finally begins to cool off after a long, hot summer. It’s a good time to upgrade or replace your pajamas with a mid-weight set that can take you from warm nights in early fall to the cold start of winter.
$199 at Oursaby
A weighted blanket mimics the feeling of being held, which signals the brain that it is safe to release tension, which can be beneficial in times of stress. The Bearaby Napper’s woven design allows for airflow, making it a perfect choice for people who find standard weighted blankets too warm, or for those looking for a hot weather alternative; our reviewer calls it “among the best weighted blankets we’ve ever tried.”
$14 to Urban outfitters
For a spin on traditional scrapbooking, this photo album journal is a great way to revisit the past during Mercury retrograde. Each page has a lined section to write dates, names and captions, and space to mount a matching snapshot.
$69.99 at Amazon
If you’re looking for a Mercury retrograde gift idea, pairing the photo journal with a mini instant camera makes for a thoughtful and surprising gift for a stressed friend or loved one.
$69.99 at Amazon
“Mercury Retrograde can lead us to reconnect with friends from the past, or even revisit a retro style,” says Gat. “A book about a scene or time from the past could be fun to read!” This gorgeous art deco era coffee table book does the trick!
$466.98 $299.11 to Amazon
Because Mercury Retrograde is a time for revisiting the past, Gat suggests investing in re-issuing a book or album, like this massive 40th anniversary box set from the Blondie Archives. If pop-punk is an era you’d rather not revisit, this list of album reissue dates may inspire you.
$99 at Urban outfitters
“Astrologers advise against making big purchases or electronics during Mercury’s retrograde,” says Gat. “But if there’s a purchase that’s been itching for a long time, it might be time to reconsider. Mercury retrograde is all about the words ‘re’, so review those shoes you really wanted to buy but didn’t. not done at the time can work.” The record player is, of course, a “re-” word and a necessary investment if you plan to buy a re-released album.
$19.95 to Amazon
Slowing down is a major Mercury retrograde theme, and a period of quietude is also a great time to take up a new hobby or devote yourself to studying a new subject. “If anyone who wants to learn more about astrology but hasn’t had the time decides to take the plunge during Mercury’s retrograde, why not check out my two books, ‘The Moon Sign Guide’ or ‘The Astrology of Love & Sex,” suggests Gat.
$14.99 at Amazon
A smart way to deal with the turmoil of Mercury retrograde is to slow down. Go ahead and cancel plans that don’t interest you too much or remove certain items from your to-do list. Use the recovered time to read or listen to music while relaxing with a soothing cup of tea; look for herbal teas like lavender, lemon balm, or mint that can help soothe ragged nerves.
$30 to Etsy
If you’re looking for a Mercury in retrograde gift idea, this spa-themed gift set fits the bill. The set includes bath salts, spray, and body oil, all made with essential oils and crystals – everything you need to stay calm during Mercury’s turbulent retrograde.
$39 to Etsy
Mercury retrograde kits come in many forms! For those with a more spiritual bent, Ritual Kits offer a hands-on introduction to cleansing rituals; This kit contains cleansing plants and intention candles, as well as a plant candle holder and abalone shell, and instructions for using them to create your own ritual during Mercury retrograde.
$26 to Uncommon Goods
If rituals aren’t really your thing but you love the vibe of wellness and self-care products designed with Mercury retrograde in mind, this essential oil roller is for you! Crafted from essentials with notes of warm vanilla and musk, this roller is formulated to ward off surrounding negative energy with blue lace agate quartz and a floral, spice-infused scent.
$22.22 to Etsy
Manifestation candles make a great gift – if you want to gift this to yourself, no one will argue! This lemon and sage scented manifestation candle is designed to provide grounding during uncertain and chaotic times.
$18.99 to Amazon
Massaging beauty rollers have become very popular, and if you’ve seen one before but haven’t pulled the trigger, now is the perfect time to treat yourself. We particularly like the ice rollers, which reduce puffiness and calm inflamed skin in addition to providing a soothing, gentle facial massage.
$12.99 at Amazon
Of course, one of the main themes of Mercury retrograde is technological mishaps – and no amount of soothing teas will help you when you have an accident involving expensive technology. If you’re prone to clumsiness, protect your phone with a drop-tested, military-grade phone case. This slim silicone phone case offers plenty of protection without the bulk of similar models, and it’s available in 26 color options.
$49.99 at Amazon
As Gat says, now is not the time for big purchases, but it may be the time to buy items that you have your eye on. If you don’t have a cell phone charger yet, now is the time to buy one; the Anker charger was our pick for the best portable charger.
$129.99 at Amazon
Because technology mishaps are so common, another smart investment to make during a Mercury downgrade is an external hard drive to back up your important documents. Our reviewer gave My Passport high marks for storage space and “sleek yet sturdy packaging.”