by Megan Field
Mercury retrograde gets a bad rap in pop astrology. “Communication breakdown! Electronics on the fritz! Typos galore!” Why even leave the house, right?! Wrong.
Here’s the thing—Mercury isn’t doing anything to us. Mercury is just a symbol for our mind and perception.
When Mercury stations retrograde, our subconscious creates unexpected snags in the matrix. Why? To prevent us from getting too comfortable with the status quo of our day-to-day lives. It’s a time to be present, reflect on where we’re at, and course correct as needed.
Without Mercury’s games we can forget our soul-centered purpose, become hyper focused on end goals, and forget that the journey is what we’re really here for.
What to do during Mercury retrograde
Retrogrades are all about the “re” words—re-vision, re-work, re-do. As the planet itself appears to be moving backwards from our viewpoint on Earth, we’re also asked to go back over things. Instead of taking on new projects and setting new goals, focus on finishing and fine-tuning what you’ve already started.
Mercury retrograde is often viewed as negative or problematic, but here are some helpful ways to use these periods to your advantage as a business owner:
- Revisit your brand strategy
Are your offerings and marketing efforts helping you achieve your bigger picture goals? - Review your brand assets
Are the visual aspects of your brand (logo, fonts, colours, photos, etc) still working for your brand? Is there anything missing? Anything you can let go of? - Refine your messaging
Is it clear, concise, and driving traffic strategically toward your offers? - Update your website
Do all your buttons and links work? Are your images crisp and loading quickly? Is there anything you can get rid of? - Reflect on your day-to-day routines
Are you optimizing your time or are you spinning your wheels on tasks that drain you? Is there anything you can outsource (bookkeeping, copywriting, design, etc)? - Review your finances
Get cozy with your numbers so you can make intentional adjustments to help you reach your business goals. - Declutter your physical and digital workspaces
From your desktop to your inbox, it’s a great time to tidy up. - Take a break
Have you been deeply entrenched in the grind? How can you create more space for relaxation? Mercury retrograde is a great season for a social media detox. - Make plans
This isn’t an ideal time to act, but it is a great time to get dreamy about the future.
What not to do during Mercury retrograde
As the planet of communication and commerce retraces its steps, it’s best to steer clear of the following when possible:
- Acting on impulsive decisions
- Racing to get things done
- Charging ahead on new projects (plan and brainstorm instead)
- Letting clutter pile up
- Launching new offerings or campaigns (instead, focus on behind the scenes work)
- Buying electronics
- Signing contracts
Think of Mercury’s retrograde cycles as opportunities to refresh the inner workings of your business, your daily routines, and work tasks and you’ll be rewarded with blessings from the winged messenger Mercury!
As we clear out the cobwebs of our mind and day to day life, we lighten the load on our psyche and take the time to reinvigorate our inspiration and purpose.
Additional Mercury magic for business owners
Mercury is the planet associated with communication and business. Merchandise, merchants, and commerce all have the same root related to Mercury.
Merchants (the OG entrepreneurs) needed to have great communication because they were constantly buying and selling, seeking out new products and ideas, and sharing information with potential customers. Just like the modern day entrepreneur, their hands were in many pots and they needed the mercurial adaptability and vigour to thrive.
If you have an altar or a simple shelf, you can leave an offering for Mercury to bless your business and help you along your journey. Incense, the symbol of Mercury, or a small glass of alcohol or water are simple and accessible offerings along with a prayer or intention. Your ritual can be done on Mercury’s day of the week (Wednesday) or if you want to mitigate negative effects of a retrograde period, proceed with your ritual on the day Mercury stations retrograde.
Mercury retrograde and your birth chart
Look to your birth chart during each Mercury retrograde and find the house it will be moving through during that time. Note the topics of that house. These will be more specifically activated for you. Consider reviewing, restructuring, and clearing out anything related to these house topics.
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The overarching theme of any Mercury retrograde is that there’s no need to rush. A healthy dose of patience can go a long way. We can expect delays but with an ultimate resolution that will free up more space for your mind to play and cast new spells like Mercury, the great magician.
Mercury retrograde journal prompt
Assess what’s working in your business and what’s not. How have the last 3–4 months been going? What needs adjusting? You can return to these questions during the next Mercury retrograde as they happen three to four times per year and last about three weeks each.
Wish your brand felt more like you? Take our Brand Tarot Quiz for a virtual reading and unveil your personal brand style.
