As we have been in an energetic and astrological spin cycle, it's safe to say that this year has been pretty intense! And now, we have the upcoming Mercury retrograde to think about.
It's super important we know that every planet retrogrades – though the biggest terror on everyone's lips has become somewhat hyper-villainised.
Mercury retrograde is actually a strikingly powerful moment in our astrological year. But as with the moon's phases and change of seasons, it's important to note how we nurture ourselves at this time and how we use and move through specific energies that we believe have been sent to destroy us.
So what actually is retrograde? Basically, Mercury retrograde means Mercury is going or appearing to go backwards. As Mercury's orbit of the sun is quicker than ours (88 days to our 365 days), it creates an optical illusion when looking at it from the earth that Mercury is going backwards. In that time, as Mercury laps the sun quicker than us – just like the moon pulls our emotions and the planet's water during her phases – Mercury powers and governs our communication! So it can create lots of interesting times for us, such as feeling unsure of our decision-making, low dips in energy or erratic moods. These are just some of the niggles this sunshine lapping brings us!
Prepare to get in your feelings.
For me, this is a critical time to retreat inwards and look at how we communicate with ourselves. Communication is key in how we manifest our lives and how we use the power of this vibration to tend to ourselves with more care.
Luckily for us, we have three retrogrades this year in April, August and December. I say this is to give us more practice in harnessing and conquering our energy on a higher level in the game of life.
So how do we achieve this? We need to tend to our energy by working on our personal vibration, our core energy of self-strength that allows us to feel a deep connection to our sense of self and our home, which enables us to live as we know we deserve, not just as we desire.
It's basically manifestation in full motion, so when the skies above us flip and change, we can pull in on our internal energetic resources to make the most out of these powerful universal shifts and use these uncontrollable healing forces to our benefit, rather than feeling uprooted, spun around and cast into despair.
Crystals can also be used for extraordinary strength work to influence the flow of and frequency of our energetic body and our auric field. In these times of significant shift, whether that's a retrograde or the moon turning full, we can work more intentionally with our crystals to direct the flow of energy that is of most use to us and to soften the healing effects from the powerful interplanetary pulls.
Written in the stars 🌠
The pieces I feel super powerful to work with at this time are:
Pyrite
The crystal of fire energises our internal flame and directs the fire from the sun and fires of change into that fire to light you up, not burn you out.
Citrine
The crystal of flow is a stellar piece that works with abundance, so if you are looking to manifest a particular frequency or to heal a specific irritation, she's your girl to usher our what's not serving you and guide in all that is.
Apophyllite
The crystal of racing your vibration, this is important in these times of change or perceived pullbacks.
Blue Calcite
The crystal of communication works as a great energy purifier by soothing the voice whilst absorbing tensions. It's great to lower blood pressure!
Lemon Chrysoprase
Known as the body balancer – lemon chrysoprase assists in the release of old cycles. We can call her on board to help us move out of these times of introversion and introspection by feeling empowered rather than lonely.
Pink Tourmaline
The aura cleanser – pink tourmaline is a great cleanser, as it helps clear and alleviate any tension or trauma without you needing to experience it all over again.
Selenite
This crystal soothes the energetic body and promotes connection. She is protective without being overly grounding. If things are going 'backwards', she's your girl for when you need a guide to move you forward.
Aquamarine
The irritation easer – a piece to use during retrograde or cycle changes when we get annoyed. Aquamarine will soothe your nerves so you can navigate these astrological intermissions with grace and, dare I say, fun!
Its the overhang of languishing.
So how do we use these crystals? Read the descriptors above and lean into which is 'drawing you in' – that's your vibes calling. You are the greatest knower of your needs, please remember that! Try not just to pick up the pieces when stuff hits the fan. Work with them by holding them as often as you 'remember'; that's intuition calling. Search for crystal pendant necklaces here.
When we feel we need them most, skin-on-skin contact always feels more comforting, tucking them in our pocket, in your bra, in your wallet, your purse, wearing them in jewellery form… or keeping them in plain site where they will catch your eye – reinforces their connection with you.
So, as we approach these turns of phases, a few days before the new or full moon phase or the retrograde is upon us, write a letter, a commitment and all that you are ready to release to yourself on paper. Get intentional. Place the crystal that resonates with you at this time on top of the paper for these few days. The crystal will align with your asks at this time, so as we step through the threshold of the moon cycle, or retrograde, take that crystal in your hand or place it around your neck as a necklace, and pop it under your pillow for healing sleep or place it in that go-to spot and let them be your anchor. Let the crystals work with the intention you have set in your letter. Let them quite literally be your energetic rock.
