Mercury Retrograde Isn’t the Problem—Here’s What Is
Mercury Retrograde gets an terrible rap. But what opportunities are you missing during this powerful transit?
If you scroll through Instagram or Facebook, you’ve probably seen funny memes blaming Mercury retrograde for everything going wrong. While they make us laugh, they also send a message that can be harmful: blame Mercury because there’s nothing you can do about it.
But that’s not true. The planets may influence your environment, but they don’t control your choices.
When things feel off during Mercury retrograde, it's a chance to pause and take a deeper look at how you think, speak, and pay attention. Mercury retrograde is not here to punish you—it’s here to help you grow.
Mercury gives you the chance to reflect on three key areas:
Your ability to observe
Your mindset
How you communicate
Let’s explore each of these areas to help you understand what Mercury is really teaching—and how to work with it.
Powers of Observation: Seeing Clearly
Mercury rules over your day-to-day thinking and how you deal with the world. It helps you stay grounded, alert, and sharp. During Mercury retrograde, your power of observation may be tested. Are you truly paying attention? Or are you rushing and missing important details?
If observation is a weak spot, you may notice:
You miss fine print or key details
You forget things easily unless they stand out
You misunderstand something because you skimmed or didn’t fully listen
Mercury retrograde exercise:
Pick a piece of art. Look at the full picture, then divide it into four parts. Study each part closely. Say out loud what you see—colors, shapes, and tiny details. This helps you slow down and improve your focus. Want some extra support? Try holding Tiger’s Eye, Agate, or Labradorite during this exercise to sharpen your focus.
Mindset: What You Choose to Focus On
Your mindset decides what matters to you. It shapes how you see the world. That means what you value
most will stand out—and what you ignore may fade into the background.But your mindset can also hold you back. For example, you might say you want love, but have negative views about dating. Or you may want success, but believe deep down that you’re not worthy of it.
Signs that Mercury is showing you a mindset issue:
You get caught in drama or stress about the wrong things
Opportunities fall apart because you weren’t focused
You feel stuck between two beliefs or unsure about what you really want
Mercury retrograde exercise:
Pick one part of your life—career, health, relationships, or family. Write down what you value most in that area (both what you have and what you want). Then list your personal rules and opinions about it.
Ask yourself: Do these rules support my values? If not, it’s time to shift how you think.
Crystals like Amethyst, Moonstone, or Bloodstone can help you during mindset work and healing.
Communication: Sharing Clearly and Listening Well
Communication is how you share your inner world with others—and how you understand theirs. Mercury rules this area, so during retrograde, communication problems can pop up. This isn’t just about what you say. It’s also about how well you listen, write, and read between the lines.
Signs your communication needs work:
People misunderstand what you’re saying
You misread or mishear instructions
You feel like no one gets your point of view
Mercury retrograde exercise:
Start a communication journal. At the end of each day, write about the conversations you had. What did you say? How did you feel? What did the other person say and feel? Notice whether you remember the words or emotions first. This shows if you are more logical or emotional in your communication style.
To support better conversations, wear or carry Smoky Quartz, Carnelian, or Angelite—especially at work or during sensitive talks.
The Real Message of Mercury Retrograde
Mercury retrograde is not here to ruin your life. It shows you what’s unclear, out of balance, or ready to be fixed. The problem isn’t Mercury—it’s going too fast, ignoring the signs, or not taking the time to check in with yourself.
This is your reminder to pause, reflect, and reset. If you use this time with care, Mercury retrograde won’t be a setback—it could be your next big breakthrough.
May the stars guide your way,
Aleks
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