Your Ultimate Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide

Is the solar system’s resident bad boy doing the moonwalk again? When Mercury stations retrograde, it means we’re deep in a period of slowing down and taking a step back to reassess things.That’s easier said than done, though. To help you make it through this infamous transit in peace, three of our resident astrologers have assembled a survival guide with all the things you need for travel, relationships, technology, and more. Godspeed!Meeting prep I find that it best helps me to be prepared for work five to 10 minutes earlier than usual, in the event of any tech mishaps, and to be open to communicating my difficulties with my team so that we are all aware and on the same page. – LBA lot of double-checkingBack up your data. Double-check for typos and grammar, or a word that has been incorrectly auto-corrected! Did you send your email to the wrong co-worker? Double-check the BCC. – JuliaTime for breaks (and delays)It’s always a good idea to leave some space in your schedule during retrogrades for rest. If we overbook ourselves, we can end up feeling frustrated in our communications, and rushed from one appointment to the next. If you work with clients, it’s important to let them know about any delays and be considerate of theirs. With many of us using technology and our laptops to work from home now, try to have patience when things freeze up, and have your phone handy in case the internet cuts out so that you can inform your co-workers, clients, boss, etc. – JuliannaA designated space for meditationThis is a time to listen to your own thoughts and find better understanding of yourself so that there are fewer misunderstandings with the people you share your sacred living space with. Meditation gives us the opportunity to clear the stagnant thoughts that are not serving us, and to reconnect to our deepest selves. – LBCleaning and home renovation suppliesMercury retrograde is a time of review, renew, and redo! It’s a wonderful time to repaint, clean, and clear the house. Fix that creaky door or floorboard. Clear the cobwebs. Scrub down your window sills, the bathtub, and your shoes. Wash your bedding, clothing, towels, pillowcases, dishes, and food and water bowls for your animal friends. Donate clothing you haven’t worn in ages (or create a different style with old clothes).And don’t forget to feed and hydrate your animal companions! Remember, this is not the time to move at our usual, “direct” pace. We can be more forgetful during this time warp, so really take a deep breath and make sure everything is accounted for in your daily routine. – JuliaRelaxing vibesRetrogrades are a good time for rest, so you want to make sure your home feels nice and relaxing. Perhaps some candles or incense will help you feel more at ease. Home should feel like a sanctuary, especially during stressful times and when we are spending so much more time there. – JuliannaGet all the necessary tune-upsIt might not be the best time to buy the latest gear. (Think read reviews, not “buy now.”) Have you thought about sending in your equipment for repairs? Or finally buying that missing keyboard letter? This is the time to check it off your to-do list. – JuliaPut your devices downSometimes we need space, but there is nothing like a phone that continues to freeze, a router that will not connect, or a webpage that will not load while we are on a time limit. These things are frustrating and bring some serious tension, but taking a break and giving ourselves a few moments to take some conscious deep breaths when they malfunction will serve our spirits significantly in the long run. – LBTurn it all offYour electronics need breaks, too. Tech doesn’t entirely have the awareness and consciousness to slow down like we’re able to with the change of pace that comes with Mercury retrograde, so it may not function properly at times. And, if not fully rested, they can go haywire! (Remember to keep liquids away from your electronics, too — thank us later.) – JuliaMake time to date your partnerRelating is hard, but Mercury retrograde can bring up a lot of difficult things. Since Mercury rules the mind, discussions can get very heated and communication can be challenging. If we are willing to spend intentional time with our partners, though, you may feel more supported and grounded. – LBCommunicate extra clearlyWith the planet of communication retrograde, misunderstandings can arise in our relationships. Be sure to double-check text messages before sending them. You can even say things like, “Does that make sense?” to ensure the other person understands what you’re trying to communicate. Don’t jump to conclusions or assume, and keep the lines of communication open. – JuliannaListenListen to one another, give each other a voice, honor one another’s viewpoints, sit with your emotions, and process how you feel before acting on them. – JuliaGive each other some spaceUnderstand that we may be more prone to misunderstandings and miscommunications with each other, so it’s best to get some space to gather our thoughts, our emotions, and recharge our energy. – JuliaReconnect with old friends.Are you worried it’s been too long? They’re probably thinking about you too, or have at some point recently. If the relationship wasn’t toxic and just lost its spark, it’s okay to get back in touch — no harm done! If this is something you can’t get off your mind, your subconscious is probably telling you this is something to revisit during this retrograde, whether it’s for closure or a quick catch-up on old times! – JuliaAn organized planMercury retrograde can be a little wonky in travel sometimes, so I try to be on top of my organization and communication skills. Where are we going? Do we have a GPS? Car charger? Do we have enough gas? Where are the service stations? Who is our emergency contact? Have we already booked our accommodations? These are important questions to ask ourselves because whatever learning experience Mercury strives to teach us will be showing us just how important it is to communicate and have a plan. –LBPatienceMercury is known as the traveling messenger and moves faster than any other planet. When retrograde, this can cause travel delays and can leave you feeling like you’re not “moving forward” as quickly as you’d like. Take your time when you can, expect the unexpected, and bring a good book if you’re going on any long trips! — JuliannaA list of necessitiesKeep track of things you’ll need, and double- (or triple-!) check it before locking the door. Keys? Cellphone? Wallet? Sunglasses? Camping supplies? Work supplies? Birthday present? Shopping bag? Ticket? Luggage? Passport? — JuliaAlternate plans (just in case!)Right now, we may not be thinking our clearest. Really look within and ask yourself if this trip is something you’d like to do right now, or whether your funds allow it. If not, are you able to virtually travel? What about exploring your neighborhood and finding new worlds right where you are? — Julia

Blue orca agate for healing in communication

A journal, to declutter your mind

Lavender Epsom salts for relaxation

A big ‘ol chunk of raw rose quartz, to keep your heart open and centered. (Use it as a talking stick if you’re having arguments with your partner.)

Hemimorphite, a soft-blue, calming, and tranquil stone (raw recommended)

Meditation and breathwork. Before you get out of bed, place one hand on your heart, and one hand on your belly. Take several deep breaths, feeling your belly move up and down. Whenever things feel frustrating or like they’re not going your way, you can close your eyes, and return to your breath. Retrogrades are a great time to practice the art of surrender.

Anything you’ve wanted to study in-depth over the past few months, whether it’s tarot, an astrology class, or something within the endless information you can find in blogs and articles online. Have you been thinking about getting an astrology reading? Sanctuary astrologers are available for in-app readings. Chat with one today!