An astrologer shares what you can expect during this summer’s Mercury retrograde and what…
Getty Images
E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more.
We hate to break it to you but Mercury retrograde is back. Sorry! Fortunately, Stephanie Gailing, astrologer and author of the book, The Complete Guide to Living by the Moon, shared with E! News what we can expect during the Mercury retrograde and what can be done to survive it.
What Is Mercury in Retrograde?
Just a little refresher, Mercury goes retrograde about three to four times a year, and when a planet goes retrograde, it slows down and gives the appearance of moving backwards in the sky. Since the planet Mercury is associated with communication, travel, commerce, and information, you may experience delays, misunderstandings, issues with phones and computers, and pretty much anything and everything that has to do with those areas. Negative energy alert.
What to Expect During Mercury Retrograde August 2024
This fall’s Mercury Retrograde will last from November 25 to December 15, and occurs in the astrology sign of Sagittarius. But, since Mercury is usually ruled by Gemini (Sagittarius’ sister sign), there may be some heightened effects of the move and those signs might experience communication a little more intensely (think big picture reveals). Gailing advises, “It can be a great time to go back to a conversation you had previously—whether with a lover, friend or client—and clean up misunderstandings you may have had.”
Whatever your zodiac sign, it’s important to practice resiliency, flexibility, and allow yourself some patience and self-care. From a Mercury retrograde crystal set to a Mercury retrograde candle, plus some crystal jewelry and essential oils, these are some products that can help you stay cool, calm, and collected this Mercury retrograde period.
A Protection Candle to Get Rid of the Negative Energy
Mercury Retrograde Protection CandleTo start, this Mercury Retrograde Protection Candle will help to burn away the negativity surrounding the chaotic energy so you can go about your days in peace. It’s made with “stress-relieving flowers” like lavender and chamomile, as well as crystals like blue kyanite and quartz to help you relax and recharge.
Energizing Eye Masks That Make It Look Like You Got a Full Night’s Sleep
grace & stella Under Eye Mask (Gold, 48 Pairs)With all the negative energy and miscommunication of Mercury in retrograde, you might not be getting all the sleep you need. But, these gold under-eye masks can reduce puffiness and dark circles so you look refreshed. Just apply and notice glowing results in just 20 minutes.
A Cute Charger for When Your Tech Breaks Down
Yoobao Portable ChargerIn the Mercury retrograde period, it’s good to be prepared for anything. And since tech has a way of breaking down or leaving you hanging, this portable charger is the ideal way to get ready. It’s compact with a super cute strawberry design, and can charge several devices at once.
A Soothing 6-Pack of Shower Steamers
Cleverfy Aromatherapy Shower Steamers – 6 PackYou may feel the need to practice some extra self-care over the next few weeks. If so, this variety pack of aromatherapy shower steamers is exactly what you need. It comes with six shower melts in lavender, menthol/eucalyptus, vanilla, watermelon, grapefruit and peppermint. They’re super easy to use—all you have to do is place one in the corner of your shower and let it work its magic.
An Astrology Deck to Help Figure Out What It All Means (and What’s Coming Next)
The Astrology Deck: Your Guide to the Meanings and Myths of the Cosmos by Lisa StardustWith this interactive deck (written by cult-favorite astrologer Lisa Stardust) you can find out how retrogrades, moon phases, sun signs, and more, impact love, friendship, career, and personality. It also comes with an instructional booklet and an interactive birth chart so you can start making your own astrological readings, and reviewers report that it’s fun and easy to use.
A Stylish Tarot Card Necklace That Corresponds With Your Zodiac Sign (for Good Vibes)
18K Gold Tarot Card NecklaceSurround yourself with glam and good vibes with these gorgeous tarot card necklaces from Etsy. Each pendant features a card from the major arcana, and since each zodiac sign is associated with at least one tarot card, be sure to get the pendant that most resonates with you. Virgo signs could benefit from getting The Hermit, while Geminis should definitely get their hands on The Lovers.
A Purpose Planner to Keep Your Life on Track When Retrograde F***s it Up
Roterunner Purpose Planner UndatedMercury retrogrades can put your life in total chaos, so this undated purpose planner can be super helpful. There’s spaces for you to write down your visions, goals, strategies, and daily schedules. Plus, it’s compact enough to take with you on the go.
A Helpful Workbook for Communication & Boundary Setting
The Set Boundaries Workbook: Practical Exercises for Understanding Your Needs and Setting Healthy LimitsTruth be told, there’s nothing wrong with being a nurturer. For some zodiac signs like Cancer, taking care of their loved ones brings total joy and fulfillment. However, it’s super important to know when to say “no,” and this workbook is a step-by-step guide to setting, communicating and enforcing healthy boundaries with others.
A Black Tourmaline Bracelet That Protects Against Bad Vibes
Moon & Stone Black Tourmaline ‘Guardian Of Good Vibes’ BraceletWant your own personal bodyguard against bad vibes? Then you need a black tourmaline bracelet. This comes from Moon & Stone (who have a whole Mercury in retrograde section), so you know that the crystals are hand-picked and sustainably sourced.
An Affirmation Card Deck for Banishing Negative Thoughts
J. Southern Studio Mercury Retrograde Ritual Kit DeluxeProtect yourself from the bad vibes with this Mercury Retrograde Ritual Kit. It includes a gold candle for confidence, a black candle for banishing negativity, lemongrass essential oil to represent Mercury, black tourmaline for protection, clear quartz to enhance positive vibes, labradorite for healing, a mini lavender bouquet, holy palo santo wood from naturally fallen branches in Ecuador for sealing in good energies, and more.
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
If Retrograde Messes With Your Situationship, Here’s a Kit to Get Through It
Breakup KitIf interacting with a former love brings up some uncomfortable feelings, this breakup care package from Easy could help cheer you up. There are three sizes of boxes to choose from. The small zen box comes with a candle, a customized matchbox, body butter, vegan lip balm, an amethyst crystal necklace and more.
A Bundle of Crystals That You Can “Jam in Your Bra” for Protection
Moon & Stone Jam It In Your Bra Bundle: For Everyday SupportWhat travels with you almost every day? Your bra. This crystal bundle is designed for you to easily slip it into your bra for everyday support. With it, you get smoky quartz for grounding, rose quartz for self-love and compassion, sunstone for optimism, a selenite bowl for recharging and more — you get a total of 9 hand-picked, ethically sourced crystals here. Totally necessary. Also check out Moon & Stone’s Mercury retrograde section.
An Affirmation Card Deck for Banishing Negative Thoughts
I Am Everything Affirmation Card DeckThe chaos of Mercury retrograde may do a number on your self-esteem. This I Am Everything affirmation card deck comes with 30 powerful cards that can help you shut down the negativity and welcome the positivity. It’s a great one to incorporate into your morning routine.
A Set of Aura Cleansing Sprays to Increase Your Aura Points
House of Intuition Aura Cleansing Spray Gift Set More aura points? Yes, please. This aura-cleansing set comes with 4 sprays that you can use in a room, on your face, on your body, or on your hands. The scenes are healing, energetic, and can amplify your aura’s natural vibrancy. And, be sure to check out House of Intuition’s Mercury Retrograde section that includes a crystal grid, crystal set, ritual cleansing kits, and more.
A Fun Budget Binder for Keeping Money in Order Amidst the Chaos
Custom Mean Girls inspired pink Budget BinderThis fun Mean Girls-inspired budget binder includes 8 zipper envelopes that you can use to put cash in (and you can even customize how they’re labeled). It’s great for saving and staying on task. So fetch!
A Healing Candle That’s Been Programmed with Intentions & Magic
House of Intuition Healing Magic CandleIf you need spiritual guidance during this time, you may want to consider getting this Healing Magic Candle. It’s lightly scented and dressed with crystals that can help with the healing process. And, be sure to check out House of Intuition’s Mercury Retrograde section that includes a crystal grid, crystal set, ritual cleansing kits, and more.
A Graphic Tarot Deck for Gaining Daily Insights
Mystic Mondays Tarot Card DeckTarot can be helpful in figuring out what may be going on with the people around you. The Mystic Mondays tarot deck (one of our favorites) features gorgeous colorful art, and the cards are thick and sturdy, yet easy to shuffle. It’s a really great deck and the book it comes with is super helpful as well.
An At-Home Red Light Therapy Device for Some TLC
Solawave 2-in-1 Skincare MiniWhenever I get stressed out (especially in a retrograde season), my skin takes a toll. Keep your face bright and refreshed with this at-home red light therapy device — the Solawave mini. It easily fits in the palm of your hand and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles all over your body.
An Essential Oil Blend Designed for Clear Communication
Plant Therapy Mercury Retrograde Essential Oil BlendAs we know, communication breaks down in this retrograde period. But, if you have this essential oil blend made up of lemon, cypress, cedarwood, and more, it can help to support clear communication, promote listening, and encourage patience. Use it in your favorite diffuser or on your yoga mat when you’re practicing.
A Funny & Fragrant Candle to Laugh Through the Chaos
Smells Like Mercury’s In Retrograde Again CandleBecause you can never have enough candles, here’s another option. With scents like vanilla bean, pink grapefruit, comfort spice, eucalyptus lavender sage, and more, plus a message that can give you a little chuckle, you’ll always know when Mercury in retrograde is in the air.
Looking for a new lipstick? Then check out the best lipstick for your zodiac sign.
—Originally published Feb 19, 2020 at 3:51 PM PT.
