Just in case you’ve forgotten, Mercury Retrograde 101 states that when the planet of communication slows down and moves backward in the sky, this is not the time to make any important decisions or start something new. Mercury Retrograde is a time to review, recalculate, recalibrate, and return to the past. In fact, it’s the perfect time to disengage and turn within. However, just in case you had to jump the gun and start something new, here are our tips on how to make the best of even the trickiest timing situations. Because sometimes that contract just can’t wait three weeks!
Review Everything Thoroughly
Let’s say you do have to sign a new contract during this time and you can’t delay it. The best thing to do during this time is to have an expert (like a lawyer) review the contract with you. That way, you’ll know there’s nothing hidden in the fine print. Even if you don’t have a legal counsel, be sure to read through the details at least three or four times and maybe ask a friend to give it a read-through too. This can apply to many different situations, so apply this advice wherever it fits—especially around things like travel.
Make an Effort to Communicate More Clearly
Confusion is the MO during Mercury Retro, so people are very rarely on the same page. However, don’t just accept that connecting is a lost cause. In fact, take the extra step to be even more precise and articulate in how you’re communicating your thoughts. If there’s a tricky conversation you need to have—like, maybe you need to tell your boss that you need to adjust your workload—try writing down the points you want to say and maybe role-play a practice convo with a friend…or at least your mirror.
Reconfirm Your Plans
Double- or triple-check everything, bb. Mercury Retrograde often brings cancellations. Flights get missed. Texts are forgotten. Emails go unread. Everyone’s plans shift, and we often see a bit of chaos when it comes to our cal. But that’s why if there’s v imp stuff you want to see happen, just stay on top of it. If you’re traveling, make sure you turn on your airline app alerts so you know ASAP if your flight is delayed, and it’s a good idea to get travel insurance too.
Learn Flexibility
When it comes to life, we like to know what to expect. So when things get a bit wonky, it can make us feel all over the place. Breathe, chill out, and go with the flow. In fact, the more that you learn to roll with the punches and be flex, the more you’ll actually enjoy this time. Your favorite coffee shop is closed for the week? Check out that place that just opened up down the street and you might find your second favorite!
Let Go of the Drama
Yes, of course, drama can pop up during Mercury Retrograde—especially scandals or secrets or exes from the past. When this happens, it doesn’t need to make your life a living hell. In fact, you don’t even have to engage with it at all. Think of Mercury Retrograde as an opportunity to be the bigger person, own up for things that didn’t work out, and just be kind. Trust me, that’ll go a long way, and before you know it, you’ve averted a full-scale social war.
Laugh at the Challenges
Laughter goes a long way when life feels like it’s going up in flames around you. Keeping a positive attitude is sort of like your very own mini Mercury Retrograde protection spell. When something chaotic goes down, do not have a complete meltdown. Take a step back and ask what this is trying to teach you, then smile. The universe is deliberately trying to redirect you elsewhere to something better, I promise!
Know You Aren’t Being Cursed
PSA: Mercury Retrograde is not an excuse to be mean or deliberately pessimistic. In fact, it can be a blessing in disguise. You just have to reframe your perspective and think outside the box. Yes, sometimes difficult things happen during these periods, but they’re here to ultimately turn your journey toward a more aligned direction.
Be Okay With Change
Alright, let’s be real. You can’t completely avoid the effects of Mercury Retrograde—so be prepared to go with the flow. Here’s an example: Let’s say you start a new job during Mercury Retrograde. This doesn’t mean you’re doomed to lose the job quickly, but odds are that something major will happen that causes it to change. Let’s say your manager ends up leaving soon after you start and you get a new manager. Just do your best to recognize that you’ll have to recommit to the situation in a different way.