How to Survive Mercury in Retrograde

Mercury, the planet of communication, intellect, travel, and decision-making, will be in retrograde in Virgo and Leo from August 5 to 28. This is the second-to-last retrograde of the year, with the final one falling over November 25 to December 15. During this time, misunderstandings, technological difficulties, unrest, and relationship problems arise more frequently. 

So, how does this planetary shift affect you, and how can you preserve your health best during this retrograde?

All About Mercury 

This planet is the closest to the Sun and zips around it at 29 miles (47 kilometers) per second, or 105,947 miles (170,505 kilometers) per hour, making it the fastest in our solar system with an orbital speed nearly 60% faster than Earth's. One spin around the sun is equivalent to 88 Earth days. It is this quickness that made the Greek’s coin this planet as a direct descendent of Hermes, Zeus’ messenger and the god of travelers. Hermes oversaw finance, commerce, messages, travelers, thresholds, and trickery. Additionally, he provided medicinal aid to the sick and guided souls to the underworld. 

Mercury may be the smallest planet in our solar system (with Pluto reclassified as a dwarf planet), but it has a significant spiritual impact on Earth's inhabitants. Mercury rules the mind, and its position in your chart can indicate whether you think analytically or intuitively. It governs our self-expression, thought processes, and ability to gather and share information. This influence can impact various aspects of our daily lives, such as learning, curiosity, and decision-making.

Due to Mercury's rapid movement, its zodiac placement will either be in the sign prior to our Sun sign, the same as our Sun sign, or the sign following our Sun sign. For example, if you are a Pisces Sun, your Mercury will be in Aquarius, Pisces, or Aries. This can drastically change how one’s Piscean energy will be expressed. A Pisces Sun Aquarius Mercury may be able to detach from their feelings in a way that a Pisces Sun Pisces Mercury cannot. 

What is a Mercury Retrograde?

When Mercury is in retrograde, it slows down significantly, creating an optical illusion in our solar system. As Mercury passes Earth in its orbit, it appears to slow down and move in the opposite direction around the Sun. This is similar to driving in the fast lane and passing a car in the middle lane on a highway. The car in the middle lane appears to be moving backward, but it is actually moving forward. 

This planetary slow down not only causes illusions in the sky, but illusions in our daily lives. When the planet of intellect and thought processes is in slumber, our judgment can also take on this sleepy quality too, making discernment harder to obtain. Our senses of the crown chakra are dulled, causing loss of patience, poor judgment and misunderstandings. 

What Does a Retrograde in Virgo/Leo Look Like?

The Mercury retrograde from August 5 to 28, 2024, will start in Virgo before moving into Leo on August 14. When Virgo is influenced by Mercury retrograde, the typical Virgo traits of precision, organization, and meticulousness can falter. This can be a time when plans need revising, and attention to detail might become more challenging. You might encounter disruptions in your work or health routines, leading to potential misunderstandings or delays in your daily responsibilities. 

Leo rules the fifth house, which governs creativity, pleasure, children, love affairs, risk-taking, and the father. This means the retrograde from Aug 14 - 28 will be particularly impactful in these areas. During this time, you might experience disruptions or delays related to creative projects, romantic relationships, or parenting matters. Communication issues could arise in your love life, and you might find that plans involving children or personal pleasures face unexpected challenges. It's a period to reconsider your approach to these aspects of your life, to address any unresolved issues, and to reflect on how you express your creativity and manage risk.

Sagittarius Mercury Retrograde

Before 2024 comes to a close, Mercury will enter retrograde in Sagittarius from November 25 to December 15. Sagittarius, a fire sign ruled by Jupiter and spanning from November 22 to December 21, is known for its restlessness, independence, and honesty. Sagittarians are often very straightforward, sometimes to a fault, and may feel restricted if they aren't engaged in a quest for knowledge or new experiences.

When a Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius occurs, we feel the restlessness our Sagittarian siblings know well. It’s a time for reevaluating personal beliefs and philosophical views, as well as reflecting on your educational pursuits and life goals. Challenges with travel plans or long-distance ventures might arise, so it’s wise to double-check details and stay adaptable. 

Additionally, you might find yourself revisiting old interests or passions related to travel and learning, and the retrograde phase encourages reflection on past experiences and aspirations. Overall, this period calls for introspection and reassessment, particularly in areas of philosophy and exploration.

How to Handle a Mercury Retrograde 

To navigate a retrograde, we must be proactive with our interpersonal skills, travels and distress tolerance. Effective communication becomes crucial—take extra care to clarify your messages and confirm understanding with others. Be patient and give people the benefit of the doubt, as misinterpretations are more likely. Avoid heavy conversations, and if they cannot be abstained from, make sure your body language and tone of voice is calm, and that your communication comes from a place of clarity and kindness.

Retrogrades have a way of stirring up old feelings and memories, often bringing the past to the forefront of our minds. During these times, it's important to be aware of the urge to dwell on the past, as excessive rumination can hold us back and hinder the progress and growth that lies ahead. Instead, use these reflective moments to gain insight and clarity, but remain focused on moving forward, embracing the opportunities and experiences that await.

Mercury also governs travel and technology, making it essential to take extra precautions during its retrograde periods. Ensure all important files are backed up, as technical glitches can be more frequent. Allow extra time for travel to accommodate potential delays; packages may arrive late or get lost, flights could be delayed, and car troubles might arise unexpectedly. Prepare ahead for long waiting times, traffic jams, and slower computing speeds. Being proactive and patient can help you navigate these disruptions with ease.

Although we can plan ahead for disasters, it does not change that they’ll come. To truly survive a retrograde, we must laugh at our misgivings and radically accept what cannot be changed. Through this acceptance, the challenges can feel less insurmountable. Embracing a lighthearted perspective and focusing on what we can control allows us to navigate these periods with grace and resilience.

If you are trying, the universe is on your side.

Crystals for Mercury in Retrograde

• Amethyst 
• Properties: Promotes calm, balance, and peace. Known for its ability to soothe the mind and emotions.
• Chakra: Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) and Third Eye Chakra (Ajna).
• Sodalite
• Properties: Enhances logic, truth, and inner peace. It is great for communication and intuition.
• Chakra: Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) and Third Eye Chakra (Ajna).
• Fluorite
• Properties: Known for clarity, mental enhancement, and decision-making. It helps to clear the mind of stress and clutter.
• Chakra: Depends on the color of the fluorite, but commonly associated with the Heart Chakra (Anahata) and Third Eye Chakra (Ajna).
• Lapis Lazuli
• Properties: Promotes wisdom, inner truth, and self-awareness. It is also good for enhancing intellectual ability.
• Chakra: Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) and Throat Chakra (Vishuddha).
• Clear Quartz
• Properties: Known as the "master healer," it amplifies energy and thought. It also aids in clarity and memory retention.
• Chakra: All Chakras, but especially Crown Chakra (Sahasrara).
• Blue Lace Agate
• Properties: Brings tranquility, peace, and nurturing energy. It is excellent for communication and expressing emotions.
• Chakra: Throat Chakra (Vishuddha).

Tarot Spread for Mercury in Retrograde

1. What areas of my life need reflection and reassessment during this retrograde period?
2. How can I better manage communication challenges that may arise during this time?
3. What past issues or unresolved matters should I revisit and address now?
4. How can I improve my self-expression and creativity despite potential disruptions?
5. What lessons or insights can I gain from any misunderstandings or setbacks during this retrograde?
6. How can I stay grounded and focused on my goals when facing potential delays or changes?
7. What aspects of my personal or professional life are most likely to be impacted by this retrograde, and how should I prepare?

Prayer for Mercury in Retrograde

Universe, may you fortify all four of my watchtowers– from North, East, South to West–with the protections necessary to not only survive this retrograde, but to thrive in it. May you be my intuition when mine is blocked and a gentle guide in uncertainty. Mold my being into the Strength card, soft hands wrapped around a lion’s mouth, a courageous soul without fear.  

Conclusion

Navigating Mercury in retrograde, particularly during its transit in Leo from August 14 to 28, 2024, requires awareness, adaptability, and patience. This period, marked by potential misunderstandings, technological glitches, and disruptions in our daily lives, calls for careful communication and a proactive approach to managing travel and technological needs. Embracing tools like crystals, tarot, and prayer can provide additional support and grounding.

Understanding the impact of Mercury in retrograde allows us to better prepare and mitigate its challenges. Whether it's through backing up important data, double-checking travel plans, or enhancing our interpersonal communication, taking these steps can help us navigate this period with more ease. Reflecting on past experiences and reassessing our current paths can lead to valuable insights and growth.

Ultimately, by maintaining a lighthearted perspective, practicing acceptance, and focusing on what we can control, we can turn the challenges of Mercury in retrograde into opportunities for personal development and resilience. Remember, if you are trying, the universe is on your side.