On April 21, Mercury will go retrograde in the sign of Taurus. During this stretch, which ends on May 14, you may hear all sorts of things being blamed on the planet of communication’s retrograde period, from technology mishaps to misunderstandings with friends and loved ones.
But what exactly is Mercury retrograde, why do people make such a big deal about it and is there anything that can be done to avoid its pitfalls and blunders?
What is Mercury retrograde?
Dossé-Via Trenou, creator of the KnowTheZodiac app and author of “Signs & Skymates: The Ultimate Guide to Astrological Compatibility,” says, “Mercury retrograde is actually an optical illusion; for a period of three weeks the planet of communication appears to be rotating backwards due to its proximity to Earth, but it actually isn’t doing so. This optical illusion alters the way we communicate, travel, create, and connect with ourselves and each other.”
Effects of Mercury retrograde
You may have heard people warn of electronics going haywire during the Mercury retrograde period, and that’s because of the planet’s connection to all things involved in communication.
“Let’s look at the meaning of Mercury and then see how we can use his mercurial power,” Constance Stellas, an astrologist and author of the Guided Astrological Journals, says. “Mercury was the messenger god and he ruled all communication and thought-filled connections between people as well as documents. Thinking clearly, thinking slowly, reaching for words, remembering names — all these functions are ruled by Mercury.
Though it may sound like cause to head inside and lock the doors, Stellas says there are some upsides to the turbulent Mercury retrograde period. “The message during retrogrades should be to slow down and take a mental vacation. Re-flect, re-do, re-imagine.”
As Mercury’s retrograde period approaches, here are our favorite gift ideas — for giving and for self-giving! — that can help you to navigate the chaos of technology gone awry and communication gone hinky, and to soothe you when inevitable disruptions occur.
Birthdate Co., the company that makes those customized birthday pillar candles you've definitely seen all over Instagram, is offering a limited-edition candle designed for 2023's Mercury retrograde periods. The single-wick candle is lavender sage scented, and contains a carnelian crystal to dispel negative energy and promote positivity.
Space enthusiasts and astrology lovers alike will love this very cool planetarium projector, which beams accurate star patterns on a ceiling or wall for any date and time you specify. The projector can replicate more than 8,000 stars and 60 constellations, with adjustable speeds to simulate the Earth’s rotation.
"Since Taurus is the first Earth sign of the zodiac, and Uranus, the planet of change and revolution, is also in the sign of Taurus, this Mercury retrograde cycle is all about connecting to one’s roots and grounding ourselves amidst change," Trenou says. Gardening and working with plants, with their literal roots, is a good way to ground oneself.
"It’s advised to simplify our lifestyles, detox our minds and our social media accounts, and spend more time in nature and stillness as we embrace the massive waves of change that we are currently traversing on personal and collective levels," Trenou advises. A guided botanical journal can encourage you to spend more time outdoors, connecting with nature.
Mercury's retrograde period is infamous for technology mishaps, so if you need a new case or grip for your phone, the time to order one is right now! PopSockets just rolled out a new set of astrology and zodiac designs to choose from when customizing one of their grips, wallets or phone cases.
Yoga mats have a life span, and if yours is in need of replacing, this is a smart time to do it — don't get tripped up (literally) by a mat that no longer lies flat. Lululemon's dual-sided, oversized and super-cushy Reversible Mat is our pick for best yoga mat.
"Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of relationships. Mercury’s retrograde through Taurus is an ideal time to reflect on patterns in past relationships, and make conscious choices about what we want from love and friendship moving forward," Trenou says. Her newly released book provides an exploration of astrological compatibility, starting with your relationship with your own self, and she recommends it for the Mercury retrograde period. "Use Mercury’s retrograde to dive into your natal chart with the intention to love and accept yourself and others wholeheartedly."
Travel delays and problems are often associated with Mercury retrograde. Make lost luggage and other personal items a thing of the past with a set of Apple AirTags, which we love for its combination of simplicity and functionality.
To help you survive the turbulent retrograde period, "get a personal crystal," says Stellas. "You can find one at a mineral store or a new age shop. Go to the store and see if a quartz crystal 'winks' at you; if it feels comfortable in your left hand, or if it just appeals to you. If so, that is a personal crystal for you." If you can't make it to a new age shop, buy a crystal set and see which among them most speaks to you.
Manifestation candles make a nice gift — if you want to make it a gift to self, no one will argue! These 6-ounce natural soy wax scented candles are handcrafted with crystals and herbs, and are available in five variations: Love, Abundance, Sweet Dreams, Happiness and Healing.
"Soothing" and "calming" are key words to bear in mind during this time of upheaval. "Mercury retrograde is a great time to slow down," says Annabel Gat, a senior astrologer at Vice and the author of “The Moon Sign Guide” and “The Astrology of Love & Sex." "I’m not sure how bath products, pajamas or a beautiful journal to vent out your Mercury retrograde confusion could go wrong!"
Another entry in the "clever and useful" category of gifts is the Lost and Found Labels from Tile. Just stick them onto jackets, lunchboxes, water bottles or anything else easily left behind and loseable. Activate the labels with the Tile app, and then if anything is lost, people who have found the item can (hopefully!) scan the QR code and access the return details.
The popularity of weighted blankets inspired other uses for the anti-anxiety technology, like this weighted bathrobe for adults. The super soft, quilted robe comes in three weights — 12, 15 or 17 pounds — and a choice of soothing gray or calming navy.
To help you prepare for planetary disruptions, "Pick up a copy of The Llewellyn’s 2023 Daily Planetary Guide," Stellas says. "It's perfect for keeping track of what the planets are up to throughout the whole year."
Anything that makes life a little easier will be welcome during mercury's retrograde period. This little thing is such a handy tool, anyone will thank you for it! It has a tiny ceramic blade that precisely and easily cuts through boxes and packaging tape but is safe to the touch, and a built-in magnet so you can stick it on the fridge for easy access.
It may not look like much, but our associate manager of business development, Hayley Kinne, says of this back and neck massage tool, "I truly don’t know how I endured my regular shoulder stress spasms before this magical, massaging miracle device entered my life."
"Another great practice during Mercury retrograde is a screen fast," Stellas says, "or at least carving out times when you are not glued to the internet, computer and phone." One way to start making a break from screens is to use a paper planner, like this weekly planner with plenty of room to jot down to-dos, goals and notes in addition to appointments and events.
"Don’t forget the value of journaling," Stellas says. "If you’re looking for an individual guide, check out my Guided Astrological Journals for every sun sign."
Mercury retrograde encourages us to slow down, and for many people that means tucking into a good book. For fans of reading in bed, this handy, bendable neck light is a game-changer. Complete with three color modes (yellow, warm white and cool white), three brightness levels and up to 80 hours of light from the included rechargeable battery, it’s also great for camping or hands-free repairs.
To usher in a new perspective, as well as to calm the mind, Stellas suggests buying a kaleidoscope. "Watching the different patterns as you turn the dial calms the mind," she says.
For a turn on traditional scrapbooking, this photo album journal is a great way to revisit the past during Mercury retrograde. Choose from white inside pages or black sheets with transparent photo insert bags.
