Starting on May 29 and lasting until June 22, the Mercury’s backward dance in Gemini is going to mess with our communication, uncover secrets, and send us into a glitch-filled frenzy. And this is going to be the most potent Mercury retrograde of 2021. This period is going to be filled with the classic Mercury retrograde mess-ups to worry about: travel, communication, technology, and information. But also, we should remember that it’s happening in impulsive Gemini, which is ruled by Mercury, meaning that the planet is most comfortable in this sign. Therefore, this will allow Mercury to reach its full-on trickster splendor – so many people will fall victim to its ‘jokes’. Moreover, this Mercury retrograde is happening right in the midst of eclipse season and forming a conjunction with the new moon eclipse that’s happening on June 10, magnifying its power even more.
In this article, we will share with you some important information about this period and some tips to make Mercury retrograde a harmonious time for you.
What Is Mercury Retrograde?
Retrograde is a special type of movement of the planet, when from the Earth it seems to us that it’s going backward, although the planet simply changes direction relative to the Sun. All planets periodically become retrograde. For some, it happens every few months or every few years. But Mercury is usually the record holder in this “marathon”: a retrograde period occurs on average 3-4 times a year.
Mercury is the only planet whose retrograde effect is felt by most people on Earth. It is believed that during the retrograde period, Mercury has a detrimental effect on people, but if you properly use the energy of this period, you can benefit from it.
Mercury is the planet of contacts, contracts, information, intellectual activity, communication, and commerce. It is associated with travel and transport, negotiations, training, and signing documents. Mercury is responsible for memory, speech, oratory, logic, and intelligence. Therefore, its retrograde movement may negatively affect all the above.
You may feel this retrograde period in different ways, here are some of its effects:
- exposed secrets;
- arisen scandals;
- frequent anxiety;
- gatherings are prone to turning into gossiping;
- restlessness;
- misunderstandings within relationships;
- delays;
- obstacles;
- mistakes, etc.
What Zodiac Signs Will Be Affected the Most?
Because the retrograde is happening in mutable Gemini, the other mutable signs will feel this particular period the most.
- Virgos (mutable earth): will feel it in their 10th house of career.
- Sagittarians (mutable earth): will feel the effect in their 7th house of partnership.
- Pisces (mutable earth): will feel it in their 4th house of home life.
Geminis will find this Mercury retrograde especially intense, but Geminis and Virgos generally feel all Mercury retrogrades more acutely than others. That’s because both signs are ruled by Mercury.
The Dos During Mercury Retrograde
So, in the period of Mercury retrograde, the following actions will be favorable:-
#1: Finish things
If you want something new to happen in your life, make room for it, finish things before moving forward. Think about how many things you need to finish, delegate, or get rid of before you can move on and bring new relationships, abundance, and wealth into your life. This period is perfect for finishing old relationships, getting rid of toxic people, sorting out your feelings and emotions. You can also quit your old job.
#2: Deal with unfinished and running projects and documents
You can finish the article, or finish the book you’re working on. It is good to restore order, throw away all unnecessary papers, archives, and media.
#3: Meet with friends
This is a good time to meet with friends and family members you haven’t seen in a long time.
#4: Analyze your mental attitudes
Pay attention to how your thoughts and attitude shape your reality. Think about – what thoughts you can let go of to improve your life? Are there any mental programs, blocks, or stereotypes that prevent you from reaching your goals? Well, now it’s the perfect time to let them go.
#5: Engage in spiritual practice
This is the time when we all need to focus more on our spiritual sides. Meditate, purify and calm your mind, chant mantras, pray and work with positive affirmations.
The Don’ts During Mercury Retrograde
During periods of retrograde, all Mercurian affairs develop slowly, there is often confusion, the risk of mistakes increases. New projects are slowed down, transport, and mail services are disrupted. It is more difficult to study and engage in intellectual work, to conduct negotiations. During such periods, equipment breaks down more often, and communication operators have problems with their work. Therefore, take note of what is still better not to do in this period to avoid trouble:-
#1: Making purchases
Especially it is better not to make any big purchases, because later you may be disappointed. For example, you may find hidden defects in the things you buy.
#2: Signing contracts, making transactions, opening a business, and starting a project
During Mercury retrograde, there is a very high probability of making mistakes.
#3: Getting a new job
Those getting new jobs during the retrograde period are usually disappointed with their jobs later. You may not be satisfied with the conditions, some additional information may be open some disadvantages or difficulties the job has, etc.
#4: Making important decisions
Later you most likely will regret about such decisions. They may bring you more troubles than satisfactions.
#5: Starting a training or course
If you start a training or take a course during the retrograde period, the study will be very difficult or the knowledge gained will not be useful.
#6: Making big purchases
Anything you buy during Mercury retrograde has a chance to disappoint you in some way. Don’t buy real estate, cars, or anything that requires big money being paid. Most likely, such purchases will not be useful, or will be unnecessary in the future, or will break down.
#7: Borrowing money
It will be almost impossible to return the money back.
#8: Starting a new relationship
Relationships started during retrograde period will not be long-lasting and will not become serious.
#9: Moving, buying real estate, signing the rent
Any operations with real estate will face delays and obstacles.
Spiritual Tools For Mercury Retrograde
#1: Mercury Mantra
To neutralize the negative influence of Mercury retrograde on your life, chant the Mercury mantra 108 times daily:
Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaya Namah
Chanting this powerful mantra gives:
- invincible self-confidence;
- astonishing concentration power;
- laudable intelligence;
- commendable communication;
- business skills;
- calmness and peace;
- wisdom;
- knowledge;
- enlightenment.
#2: Gemstones
To pacify the effect of Mercury retrograde, you can wear gemstones throughout this period.
Emerald is Mercury’s primary gem! It is the closest in representing Mercury through its crystalline structure that helps distribute Mercury’s cosmic rays that the planet emanates. Wearing emerald can help balance the influence of the planet and re-establish balance and harmony in your energetic field and mitigate difficulties cause by the retrograde period.
Jade can be used as a valid substitute for emerald when working with Mercury gems.
Peridot can be used to strengthen relationship and connections. This stone pacifies retrograde Mercury and balances your life. It can be worn for health in general and to increase wealth and happiness in life.
Aventurine is connected to Mercury and known as a lucky stone. It is great for overall health and well-being. Aventurine can be used to regulate pitta dosha in Ayurveda and is connected to Anahata Chakra.
#3: Yantra
Mercury Yantra (also called Buddha Yantra) helps to decrease the negative impacts of Mercury. This yantra also:
- helps to boost intellect;
- improves studying abilities;
- helps in personal development;
- improves memory;
- helps to develop oratory and communicative abilities;
- attracts success;
- improves the financial situation, etc.
Display the Buddha Yantra in the North sector of your house and chant the Mercury mantra 108 times while looking in the center of the Yantra. Perform this practice daily or, at least, every Wednesday.
The Bottom Line
Mercury retrograde period is part of the natural cycle intended to be a time of reflecting and re-doing things that need our attention. This is the time to slow down and relax. In our fast-paced world, it can feel like a punishment but, truthfully, it can be a blessing. The retrograde offers us an opportunity to tidy up, chill out, and get crystal clear on exactly what we need to do to further align with our highest purpose.