On September 9, Mercury will go retrograde for the third time in 2022. During this period, which ends on October 2, you can hear all sorts of things blamed for retrograde periods. from technology mishaps to misunderstandings with friends and loved ones.
But what exactly is Mercury retrograde, why is it so hard on people, and is there anything that can be done to avoid its pitfalls and mistakes?
“Three or four times a year,” says Annabel Gata senior astrologer at Vice and author of “Moon Sign Guide” and “Astrology about love and sex“,” Mercury stops moving forward through the signs of the zodiac and begins to move backward, or at least just appears so! Mercury doesn’t actually move retrograde in space, just in astrologers’ moths.” The term “retrograde” refers to the appearance of the planet moving backward in the sky.
You may have heard people warn about electronic devices being swept up by Mercury’s retrograde cycle, and that’s because the planet is connected to all things communication.
“As Mercury turns its steps through the zodiac, delays as well as misunderstandings can occur due to Mercury’s communication rules,” says Gat.
While that sounds like an excuse to go inside and lock the door, Gat says there are some downsides to Mercury’s tumultuous retrograde period. “This can also be a great time to revisit the past and slow down in general. People may be more absent-minded at this point; however, people can also find items that have been lost before. Chats can be reviewed; Messages that have been lost may appear. Things can “turn around” – but sometimes that reversal is just what you need! ”
As Mercury turns retrograde for the third and final time in 2022, here are some things that can help you navigate the chaos of technology that has gone awry and communication difficult. and to soothe you when the inevitable interruptions occur.
$ 24 at Anecdotal candles
Made for anyone who needs a good reason to light a candle when things don’t go right, Anecdote Candles’ Astrological Storm candles are made to smell like the moon and retrograde mercury. Top notes include hints of apple and pear, with base notes of exotic violets, sandalwood and frankincense.
$32 at Anthropologie
“Gentle” and “calm” are key words to keep in mind during these tumultuous times. “Mercury retrograde is a great time to slow down,” says Gat. “I’m not sure how bath products, pajamas or a nice diary to clear up your Mercury retrograde confusion can go wrong!”
$28 at Amazon
If a bath isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to bring a relaxing spa-like experience into your home. Klei’s facial steam is made with a combination of flowers and herbs to help calm the mind and unclog pores. And if you decide that the tub is for you, it can also be used as a soaking tub.
$65 at Nordstrom
This particular upstream period begins in September, when in many places the weather is finally starting to turn cool after a long, hot summer. This is the perfect time to upgrade or replace your pajamas with one that’s just the right weight to take you from the warm nights of early autumn to the chilly early winter.
$199 at Bearaby
A weighted blanket mimics the feeling of being hugged, which signals to the brain that it’s safe to release stress – which can be beneficial during times of stress. The Bearaby Napper’s woven design allows airflow, making it the perfect choice for those who find the standard weight blanket too hot or for those looking for a warm weather alternative. ; Our reviewers called it “among the the best weighted blankets we’ve ever tried. “
$14 at Urban dresser
For a traditional scrapbook use, this scrapbooking diary is a great way to revisit the past during Mercury retrograde. Each page has a liner to write the date, name and caption, and a space for the corresponding instant photo.
$69.99 at Amazon
If you’re looking for Mercury retrograde gift ideas, pairing a photo diary with a mini snapshot camera makes a thoughtful and unexpected gift for a friend or loved one experiencing stress.
$69.99 at Amazon
“Mercury retrograde can make us meet friends from the past, or even revisit nostalgic style,” says Gat. “A book about a past setting or era can be fun to read!” This beautiful coffee table book about the art deco era definitely fits the bill!
$466.98 $299.11 at Amazon
Since Mercury retrograde is a time to revisit the past, Gat suggests investing in a reissue of a book or album, such as this massive 40th anniversary box set in Blondie’s archives. If pop-punk is an era you don’t want to go back to, list of re-release dates for this album may provide some inspiration.
$99 at Urban dresser
“Famous astrologers advise against making big purchases or buying electronics during Mercury retrograde,” says Gat. “But if there’s an item you’ve been wanting to make for a long time, now might be a good time to reconsider buying it. Mercury retrograde is all about the word ‘re’, so let’s go back to that. revisiting the shoes you really wanted to buy but didn’t at the time might work.” The tape recorder is of course a “re-re” and a necessary investment if you’re going to buy an album. resell.
$19.95 at Amazon
Slowing down is the main theme of Mercury retrograde, and quiet times are also a great time to pick up a new hobby or devote yourself to researching a new topic. “If someone is interested in learning more about astrology but doesn’t have the time for it to decide they want to participate in Mercury retrograde, why not check out my two books, ‘The Guide’ Moon sign’ or ‘Astrology about love and sex“” Gat suggested.
$14.99 at Amazon
A smart way to deal with the chaos of Mercury retrograde is to slow down. Go ahead and cancel plans you’re not very excited about, or remove certain items from your to-do list. Use recall time to read or listen to music while relaxing with a soothing cup of tea; Look for herbal teas like lavender, shiso, or mint that can help soothe numb nerves.
$30 at Etsy
If you’re looking for a Mercury in upstream gift ideas, this spa-themed gift set fits the bill. This set features bath salts, sprays and body oils, all made with essential oils and crystals – everything you need to stay calm during Mercury’s tumultuous retrograde.
$39 at Etsy
Mercury retrograde kits come in many forms! For those with a more spiritual inclination, ritual kits provide a convenient introduction to cleansing rituals; This kit includes cleansing plants and intention candles, along with candle holders and abalone shells for the plants and instructions for using them to create a ritual of your own in reverse. line of Mercury.
$26 at Uncommon goods
If rituals aren’t really your thing but you like the vibe of wellness products and yourself designed with Mercury in mind, then this essential oil roller is for you. friend! Infused with essences with warm vanilla and musk notes, this roller is formulated to banish negative energy around you with green lace onyx and a floral, spicey scent.
$22.22 at Etsy
The expression candle makes a beautiful gift – if you want to make it a gift for yourself, no one can argue! This lemon and aromatic expression candle is designed to provide grounding during turbulent and uncertain times.
$18.99 at Amazon
Beauty massage rollers have become incredibly popular, and if you’ve had your eye on one but haven’t pulled the trigger yet, this is a great time to treat yourself. We especially like rock rollreduces puffiness and soothes inflamed skin, while providing a soothing facial massage.
$12.99 at Amazon
Of course, one of the main themes of Mercury retrograde is the risks of technology – and there’s no such thing as a soothing tea when you’re in an accident involving an expensive piece of tech. If you’re prone to bumps, protect your phone with a tested military-grade phone case. This slim silicone phone case offers plenty of protection without being as bulky as similar models, and it comes in 26 color options.
$49.99 at Amazon
As Gat says, this isn’t the time to splurge on big new purchases, but it might be the time to buy items you already have your eye on. If you don’t have a mobile phone charger yet, it’s time to buy one; Anker chargers are our pick for best portable charger.
$129.99 at Amazon
Because technology risks are so common, another smart investment to make during a Mercury retrograde is an external hard drive to back up your important documents. Our reviewers praised My Passport for its storage space and “Fashionable but sturdy package. “
