Mala Beads for Mercury Retrograde

Bright Mercury brings us illuminating guidance and amazing connections. Under its influence, sparks of insight blaze about our mind's eye, seeking and perhaps, attaining true wisdom. In astrology, Mercury represents our way of thinking, speaking, writing, and how we communicate in general.

The following crystal stones and mala beads are great for use in meditation during a Mercury retrograde as they are associated with finding calm, communicating well, and our insights:

• Mercury's gemstone crystal is Agate as it brings about emotional and intellectual balance, calmness, and promotes confidence. Available in a variety of colors from blue to green, brown, yellow, pink, white, orange, black, purple, gray, and red.
• The "divine crystal" of intuition and insight, Amethyst supports connections with the higher self and the spiritual realm. Its stunning purple shades are perfectly aligned with the Crown and Third Eye Chakras.
• Howlite connects us with the higher consciousness, this beautiful white stone with a gray matrix is a pleasure to hold, as its subtle energy calms and soothes.
• Sodalite's striking appearance in a deep denim blue with white or black spots or banding. Sodalite is said to enable better communication, especially when being creative or writing, as it increases intuition.

Pictured Above: Slices of Agate, the gemstone crystal for Mercury.

Mercury, Messenger of the Gods

In Greek mythology and astrological analysis, Mercury also known as Hermes, is a rather rowdy celestial character who is quite clever, cunning and full of tricks. Mercury functioned as an enabler of all kinds of endeavors that broke down barriers, whether for good or ill. He helped healers and robbers alike.

He was also revered as the ruler of merchants, trade and profit, and travelers. Mercury literally means mercalus "market"  and commercium "commerce."

Held in his left hand, Mercury's symbols are the caduceus staff, which shows that we find the middle way of truth by reconciling opposites. In his right hand, he holds a scroll, to guide true wisdom in which our advancement of insight can lead us.

What is a Planetary Retrograde? 

During a planetary retrograde, a planet in the distant skies will appear to be moving in a backward motion when viewed from Earth. The word retrograde stems from the Latin word, retrogradus, which means "backward step."

All planets in the Solar System travel along the same journey around the Sun, never pausing or turning backward in the opposite direction, though occasionally they all appear to do just that. This appearance is actually an optical illusion brought on by that planet's particular rotation around the sun. 

Because Mercury is the closest to the Sun and completes its orbit in just 88 days, the planet is in retrogression three or four times each calendar year, lasting about three weeks at a time. (see a list of dates below)

What to do during Mercury Retrograde

Now that you know what Mercury is and how retrograde works let's mix the two together and take a look at the effects of this astronomical event and some tips to consider during the next retrograde cycle.

Astrologers suggest that as Mercury moves through its retrogression stages, our ideas and decisions can change radically. Remember Mercury is that tricky clever governor of thinking, speaking, writing, and communication. This retrograde time is a breaking down of barriers and that requires paying extra attention to details. Being mindful and taking things slow can transform what may be a disadvantage to an advantage.

• Retrograde is a time to review, reevaluate, release, revisit, and restructure.
• Try to keep an open mind and be flexible.
• Find some quiet time for relaxation and meditation in a peaceful environment.
• Review your current intentions, take a good look at these goals and determine whether they are benefiting you and if you need to make revisions or abandon them completely.
• If you're worried about contracts and other opportunities, share your plans with a trusted friend or family member to help review all the options before you sign on the dotted line.
• Take it easy, slow down and give yourself extra time when traveling around town or long distances.

Mercury Retrograde Calendar

Below you will find a calendar list of dates Mercury will be in retrograde from now until 2025.

2024

December 13, 2023 - January 1, 2024 
April 1- April 25, 2024
August 4 – August 28, 2024
November 25 – December 15, 2024

2025

March 14 – April 7, 2025
July 17 – August 11, 2025
November 9 – November 29, 2025