10 ways to make Mercury Retrograde work for you

It seems like every Mercury Retrograde, the internet loses its mind. I often get questions like, should I cancel the job interview? Is it really that bad to reach out to my ex during retrograde? I’m gonna be honest: trying to hide away and avoid this energy entirely? It makes the transit  more chaotic in how it comes out. I prefer to work with the energy, and finding ways to lean into it. And when I do it? I actually have an easier time! 

So how does that work? Here are a 10 ways I’ve found to lean into the energy. 

1. Enjoy old media

Mercury is the planet of communication and information. Retrograde is the illusion of it going backwards in the sky. To me, this is a perfect excuse to reread some of my favorite books, tv shows, or movies. Since Mercury is often associated with children, I go back to some of my favorites from when I was a teenager.

A few of my favorite rereads and rewatches

Sometimes the nostalgia factor just reminds me of things I enjoy. Other times, I realize how far I’ve grown and evolve as a person. Both get me in the mood to reassess and review, perfect for retrograde season. 

2. Clean out the tech

Listen, I know some folks can do the whole inbox zero thing? Me? Not in this lifetime. Instead, I use Mercury Retrograde as a perfect time for clearing out my tech stuff, especially email newsletters I’m just not reading.

Another easy review? Going through my phone. What apps am I no longer using? What photos are no longer needed? I’ll probably keep the dozen of images of my cats, but I don’t need the out of context astrology charts saved forever. 

Finally, I’ll also go through my paid subscriptions and review what I’m paying for. Most of the time? I may keep it as is, but it has helped me stop some small recurring payments that I haven’t made time to cut. 

3. Give your car or bike some TLC

Mercury rules how we travel. It’s so common for folks to have issues with how they travel, especially if the retrograde is in your 3rd or 9th house. We can’t always control the random things on the road, but Mercury retrograde can be a good time to check in. Have you done your routine maintenance? What is about due and could use fixing? 

And if things have piled up, it’s a good time to do a deep clean, reorganize. You deserve to make your day to day travel a better experience!

4. Update your tech

I try to do this before Mercury retrograde, but better late than never! It’s a good time to check your devices and make sure they’re up-to-date. For instance, my computer is due for a system update and probably my phone. So, I get that done before it causes more headaches.

5. Reflect on your natal Mercury

All of us were born with a Mercury sign. It can show you how you like to communicate, learn, travel, and so much more. It can be a great time to check in with yourself to see how that’s working for you. 

-How do you like to communicate?

-What’s your preferred way to learn?

-What’s your relationship to technology?

I have my Mercury in Gemini. I’m reviewing my relationship to technology. How can I unplug more? How can I have  a better balance/healthier relationship with my phone? 

6. Review a specific part of your life

Mercury is currently retrograde in Leo. It’s a great chance to look at Leo themes and the topic in your life. Take a look at the chart below to see what topics may be coming up for you. And you could spend a little time asking yourselves these questions

• What is working for you in this area?

• What is frustrating you? 

• What would ease look like here? How might you get there?

For instance, if you’re a Leo rising, maybe you think about personal style, or your workout routine. If you’re an Aquarius rising, it’s a great chance to look at your close relationships and how they’re going. 

7. Finish a project

People get up in arms about Mercury retrograde. Here’s the kicker: the issue is if you’re starting something. 

However, this is a perfect time to review and finish things. Retrogrades generally have the vibe of verbs that start with re: revise, review, renew, refresh etc. You know, like that one house project you’ve said you’re gonna do for months, but still isn’t quite done.

Check your to do list. What’s been on there the longest? Mercury retrograde can be a perfect time to finally get it done.

8. Reconnect with old friends

Life can get busy. Mercury retrograde is a great moment to pause and think about who you haven’t talked to in awhile. Sometimes, I scroll deep through my messages just to see who I haven’t talked to in a month or so.  It’s also a great way to catch myself if I’ve forgotten to respond to folks and renew those conversations.

Pro tip: Struggling to keep up with folks? Consider adding calendar reminders every couple of months! It can be a great way to give yourself a gentle nudge. 

9. Clear out your document drawer/file

Photo by Liz West

We probably all have it: that one space with odds and ends papers we keep holding onto… for what again? If you’re not sure you need it, it’s time to let it go and give yourself space for new things to come into your life. If you’re worried you might need the file, scan it and save it. 

If you want to make space for change in your life, clearing out old stuff can help make space for new things to enter. 

10. Automate something

Mercury is a planet of details and this can be a time when we realize some detail isn’t working in our lives. What can you streamline and not have to think about? Some ideas include

• Create a subscription for toiletries and home goods you’re going to buy

• Set up automatic savings. Try something small like $10-$25 dollars every month. Next Mercury retrograde you can update it. 

• Set notifications up for monthly or quarterly tasks like oil changes for your car, or cleaning your appliances. 

If you’re confused on how this might show up for you, a reading with an astrologer can help make it more tangible. This question is perfect for a mini reading. We can break down the area of your life, and find ways to make it targeted and relevant to you.