As if 2021 hasn’t been enough of a year, we are about to head into our third Mercury Retrograde. The first hit us early this year, from January 30th to February 20th—hello my Aquarius friends! The second was a summer stunner from May 29th to June 22nd—a Gemini season if there ever was one. 

And this third and final retrograde is coming knocking on our doors from September 27th and October 18th, while we are in Libra. 

We’re facing down another retrograde, and if you are anything like me, you feel the effects! I want to give you everything you need to make the most of this retrograde—instead of feeling dragged down, I want you to get to October 19th and feel refreshed, renewed, and ready to finish the year strong!

What is Mercury retrograde?

When it comes down to it, Mercury retrograde is an optical illusion! Mercury is a fast-moving planet. While it takes 365 days for Earth to orbit the Sun, it only takes Mercury 88 days. Mercury retrograde is when the planet seems to slow down and actually move backward—from West to East instead of East to West. 

Astrologers believe that this phenomenon has an effect on all of us here on Earth. It’s said to trigger a bit of misfortune in the areas that Mercury rules. You can expect to feel disruptions in technology, communication, and travel during a Mercury retrograde.

How does Mercury retrograde affect us?

According to astrology, Mercury is responsible for all things related to technology, travel, and communication. So during a retrograde, it is typical to experience issues in those areas of your life. What might this look like for you?

• Emails are mysteriously not delivered

• Laptops break down

• Friendships come to difficult ends

• Secrets are revealed

• Flights are canceled

• Misunderstandings abound

Mercury retrograde also has an impact on your mental clarity and your overall mental health. You may experience an increase in anxiety or a sense of brain fog—if you find yourself struggling to find the right words, it may be retrograde. 

This time of backward movement also brings a bit of nostalgia with it. Don’t be surprised if you’re thinking about your past a lot—or even reaching out to old friends… or lovers.   

What crystals can help during Mercury retrograde?

While your first instinct might be to bury your head in the sand for three weeks and wait for the retrograde to pass, the reality is that isn’t going to work for most of us.

Thankfully, there are some wonderful crystals to keep you sane, safe, and happy during any Mercury retrograde. 

Labradorite

Labradorite is the perfect crystal to help you with the reexamining which retrograde usually dregs up. Labradorite is a protective crystal that allows you to see the parts of you that remain hidden even from yourself. It will bring these parts of yourself to the surface and give you a safe and secure space to examine them, allowing you to continue to grow.  

Fluorite

Stress abounds during Mercury retrograde, so finding a crystal that can help you stay focused and clear-headed will help relieve some of that stress. Fluorite brings order to any chaotic thoughts that tend to pop up during retrograde. This allows you to handle any retrograde complications with a clear mind and a calm, can-do attitude. 

Prehnite

The premier anti-anxiety crystal, Prehnite is a great companion to have throughout Mercury retrograde. Its energy will help bring calm to your heart and mind—so say goodbye to any stress or worry you may have associated with the retrograde.

Lapis Lazuli

Are you struggling to communicate with those around you? Don’t worry, this is a completely normal side effect of Mercury retrograde! Thankfully, Lapis Lazuli can help you build a solid line of communication between the internal and external. This, in turn, gives you everything you need to not only communicate your true feelings with yourself but also share them with those around you.

Black Tourmaline

Does Mercury retrograde leave you feeling out of control? Then you need Black Tourmaline in your life! This may be the best crystal for retrograde as it works to alleviate anxiety, fear, and stress. Black Tourmaline is connected to the Root Chakra, making it an extremely grounding crystal that connects you directly to the earth. It is also a protective crystal, keeping you safe from the negativity that surrounds us all during Mercury retrograde. 

Satin Spar / Selenite

Mercury retrograde is the ideal time to clear your auric field of any lingering negativity. Satin Spar or Selenite is a wonderful crystal to cleanse your aura and unblock any blocked energy. It also prompts calm and peace because of its high vibrational frequency. It can help to clear your other crystals, as well—we love a multi-purpose crystal!

With these crystals, you’ll have no problem making it through the next Mercury retrograde unscathed! You may even find yourself better off than when you started!

Keep shining, Crystal Lover!