What is Mercury Retrograde and How Do I Thrive During This Period?

Hey there, beautiful souls! Did you just get a text from your ex, or an old friend? Is your technology acting wonky? Are you finding it difficult to communicate clearly? Well, loves, it's the time of year when Mercury is retrograde - from April 21 to May 14, 2023 (with the shadow period 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after). But don't worry, I've got you covered with the ultimate thrival guide for Mercury retrograde.

My amazing astrologist once taught me to use the rule of RE in REtrograde as a guide to align my energy and to work with this cosmic power. This means using words that start with RE as a guide in facing obstacles. One word that you shouldn't do though is RE-ACT. Instead, focus on words like realign, rest, reconsider, and reevaluate. By embracing this period of reflection and reassessment, you can come out of it feeling more grounded, centered, and in tune with yourself and others.

But first, let's dive into what Mercury retrograde actually is. Astronomically, Mercury retrograde happens when the planet appears to move backward in its orbit around the Sun. This is actually an optical illusion caused by Mercury's fast spin, which slows down three to four times a year. Astrologically, since Mercury rules communication and technology, this period can bring some challenges, including communication issues, technology problems, and unexpected visits from exes or people from the past. Think about it - just like the moon phases affect the oceans and our own internal moods, since we are made up of over 60% water, Mercury's energy can also affect us since we are all connected energetically based on our astrological profiles.

However, this doesn't have to be a negative experience. With some preparation, guidance, and tools in your toolbox (yes, I'm talking about ASCENTION products), you can navigate this phase with ease.

So, let's get into the rule of RE and what you can work with to tap into this energy.

Realign: This is a great time to realign with your true self and your intentions. Take some time to meditate, journal, or do some other self-care practices that bring you back to your center. Our Ascent to Detox with Smoky Quartz Crystal can help you clear away any negative energy or emotions.

Rest: Mercury retrograde can be a time of delays and miscommunications, so take some time to rest and recharge. This is a great opportunity to slow down and focus on self-care practices. Ascent to Courage with Citrine Crystal can give you the confidence and strength to navigate any challenges that come your way.

Reconsider: Use this period to reconsider your relationships, goals, and priorities. This is a time of reflection and introspection, so take some time to think about what truly matters to you and your relationship with yourself. Ascent to Love with Rose Quartz can help you open your heart and mind to revisit any old plans that you left abandoned or to reconnect with someone who is worth reaching out to (no, this is not an invitation to reach out to your ex. Remember, romantic relationships that start during this time don't often last).

Reevaluate: This is a great time to reevaluate your plans and projects. Don't be afraid to make changes or pivot if necessary. Ascent to Peace with Amethyst can bring you a sense of calm and serenity during this sometimes chaotic period.

But remember, don't react. Mercury retrograde can be a time of miscommunications and misunderstandings, so be mindful of how you communicate with others. Take some deep breaths before responding, and try to give others the benefit of the doubt.

It's important to note that Mercury retrograde can affect different zodiac signs differently, depending on which house Mercury is in at the time. If you're curious about how Mercury retrograde may be affecting you specifically, you can consult with an astrologer or check your astrological birth chart.

In addition, it's also important to remember that not everything that goes "wrong" during Mercury retrograde is necessarily a bad thing. Remember, the universe works for us to deliver experiences that help us grow and evolve to reach our best self. 

Lastly, try to approach Mercury retrograde with a sense of curiosity and openness. Instead of dreading this period, try to embrace it as an opportunity for growth and reflection. You may be surprised by what you discover about yourself and your life during this time.

Don't fret, Mercury retrograde may bring some challenges, but with the right mindset, preparation, and tools, you can navigate this period with ease. Remember to realign, rest, reconsider, reevaluate, and most importantly, don't react. And if you're looking for extra support, my products are here to help you stay centered, grounded, and in tune with yourself and the universe. Let me know how you're experiencing this time period in comments.

Happy Mercury retrograde, beautiful souls!

xo Greta