Here's How To Finally Make Mercury Retrograde Work For You

It's one of the most common astrological events of the year, so why is everyone terrified of Mercury retrograde? Mercury retrograde, as challenging as it may be, is a fresh chance to redefine your sense of self. "Retrograde planets open up a new and much deeper understanding of an individual. They are a rather unique experience in consciousness; describing so much of what actually happens within an individual whether or not it finds its expression into [their] outer life," astrologer Martin Schulman writes in "Karmic Astrology: Retrogrades and Reincarnation."

Mercury is known by astrologers as the planet that rules communication and influences day-to-day communication, technology issues, and relationships in general. When Mercury goes retrograde, it's a chance to choose your words carefully and double-check all of your details. And in this fast-paced world, everyone needs a moment to regroup and refocus on the things that matter most. "Mercury retrograde is the only event that affects everybody across the board," astrologer Susan Miller tells Vogue. "However, it does affect Virgo and Gemini more because they are ruled by the planet. When Mercury retrogrades, the conditions are changing, but we can't yet see the direction things are moving in. The world is in flux during this time."

So, all the social media hype aside, there's no need to fear Mercury retrograde! It actually has a purpose, and if we work with it instead of dreading it, we can make the most of it.

Mercury retrograde can be a time that is ripe with new and unusual ideas thanks to Mercury influencing our intuition and ability to process information. This makes retrograde energy potent with creative ideas that might not normally cross our minds; however, it's best to use this time to finish up those pesky projects you've been putting off instead. "Mercury retrograde deals with reflecting, reassessing, and recommitting," astrologer Lisa Stardust explains to Veranda Magazine. While other astrological events may be ideal for things like manifesting and starting new projects, Mercury retrograde slows things down just long enough for you to revisit old plans and tie up any loose ends that are holding you back.

Of course, there's also the chance Mercury retrograde will also bring up old conversations (and exes) that you've been meaning to avoid. While it can be tempting to ghost them, it's probably best to get ahead of the conversation before Mercury retrograde complicates things. According to Horoscope.com, the best thing to do in a situation like this is to take things slow and double-check all communications before pressing send. There's a good chance the themes that arise during Mercury retrograde are part of a larger pattern that you can recognize through tools like journaling, meditation, and more.

Every now and then, retrograde energy swings through to remind you that you need to slow down and refocus. Mercury rules your thoughts and governs communication. Instead of seeing Mercury retrograde as a roadblock, see Mercury retrograde as a time to go back and revisit all of your plans and ideas. "During a Mercury retrograde cycle, there is an opportunity for you to slow down and process your intuition before you speed ahead with your plans," explains intuitive astrologer Kari Samuels on her blog. "There are subtle intuitive messages that you have missed that are vital for your soul's purpose. Without taking the time to regroup, you would have overlooked them."

This is a time to shift your perspective from seeing Mercury retrograde as an external phenomenon happening to you and instead see it as something influencing you to make an internal change for yourself. "No matter how much you work on yourself, if your lifestyle patterns, habits, and environment don't change to reflect your internal growth, you will always feel trapped in old versions of yourself," astrologer Jupiter Jewel shared on Twitter. And although it's easy to take things personally during this time, try to let them roll off your shoulders instead. Mercury retrograde is as good a time as any to embrace self-care.

In our forward-moving and hustle-obsessed culture, the slowdown brought on by retrogrades can be a real drag. Frustrations and ego clashes are common during these transits, however, these reactions can often be coming from a place of fear or lack of control. Thankfully, these are normal reactions to the energy of Mercury retrograde and can act as a guide for where you need to focus inward. "I celebrate Mercury Retrograde as an auspicious time, because in our go-go-go world, this is when we are meant to pause and review what we've already done to figure out what's slipped through the cracks instead of charge forward heedlessly," astrologer Jennifer Racioppi shares on her blog. "We're meant to notice that the beat changed. We need to pay attention, listen, and recalibrate."

Mercury Retrograde offers a rare chance at a cosmic do-over. If you want a second chance at a relationship, a project, an idea, or a conversation, Mercury retrograde gives you the chance to step back and gain a new perspective on things. "Mercury retrograde is a saving grace! Without it, we would never have the well-supported time to rest, reflect, to rethink our life direction, to reimagine ourselves in the world," astrologer Rebecca Gordon tells Dear Gabby. "During Mercury retrograde, we become more perceptive and introspective. Allow for change." Now that you know this, you can embrace — or at least tolerate — Mercury retrograde rather than hating every second of it.