What Is Mercury Retrograde?
Alright — let’s cut the fluff: Mercury Retrograde. It’s one of the most talked-about astrological events, and yes — some of the chaos talk is real (according to the lens of astrology).
Here’s a clear-as-possible breakdown:
- The planet Mercury rules communication, travel, transportation, technology, and our mental processing.
- When Mercury goes “retrograde” it appears (to us on Earth) to move backwards through the sky. Astronomically it’s an illusion; astrologically it’s a prompt to slow down, review, reassess.
- Typical themes: miscommunications, tech problems, travel delays, contracts needing extra care, things from the past resurfacing. Instead of “everything goes wrong”, the lens is: “What’s been ignored is popping up.”
- It’s not doom and gloom — it’s more “pause and reflect” than “go full-speed ahead.” One writer calls it a reframing:
“Mercury entering retrograde is… a neutral, essential part of life on Earth.”
When is Mercury Retrograde in November 2025?
The retrograde begins 9th November and ends on 29 November.
Note: There are also “shadow” periods (pre- and post-retrograde) when Mercury is slowing or speeding up. Things may still feel “off” in those windows.
For myself someone who is running a small business, creative work, selling crystals, expect that communication, tech systems, travel (even minor errands) might need extra buffer, extra patience, extra double-checking.
Why Use Crystals During Mercury Retrograde?
Because when the cosmic “messenger” slows down, it’s a good time to support yourself energetically: protect your boundaries, ground your energy, stay clear amidst possible confusion. Crystals are one of those tools—just be real about them: they’re not magic bullet fixes, but they can help you feel more centred.
Here are three solid crystals you can use —
1. Labradorite: The Protective Shield
What it is & why it works:
- Labradorite is known as the “stone of transformation” and a protective stone — it’s said to shield the aura, deflect unwanted energy.
- It’s also linked to intuition, helping you see what’s hidden and step into your potential.
- In the context of Mercury Retrograde: when communications glitch, confusion arises, or mis-understandings sneak in — labradorite says: “Hey, keep your boundaries strong, see what’s behind the surface.”
How to use it specifically:
- Wear a piece of labradorite (ring, pendant) through the retrograde period to keep a protective energetic buffer around you.
- Place a slab or tumbled labradorite near your workspace, especially if you do digital work or social media (for your crystals business): it signals “protected zone”.
- In a ritual: hold the labradorite, take 3 deep breaths, set an intention: “I see clearly, I stay grounded, I communicate with integrity.”
- When you feel an email went sideways or you’re irritated by tech glitches: hold the stone, take a pause, ask: “What am I missing?”
2. Black Obsidian: The Grounding & Truth Stone
What it is & why it works:
- Black obsidian is volcanic glass, known for its deep grounding and protective qualities. It’s often described as a “psychic vacuum cleaner” for negative energies.
- It’s also about truth — helping you confront what’s hidden, clear patterns, and anchor yourself in reality.
- For Mercury Retrograde: when things feel shaky, obsidian says: “Plant your roots, see clearly, don’t freak out.”
How to use it:
- Keep a piece in your bag/pocket when you’re out and about — for unexpected delays/travel hitches.
- Put a chunk of obsidian near your front door or workspace to filter negative energies (especially useful if you’re dealing with difficult communication or clients).
- Use in a short ritual: at the start of the retrograde, light a candle, hold the obsidian and say: “I release what no longer serves. I ground into truth. I am safe.”
- After a communications error (e.g., mis-sent email, tech glitch) pause and place your hand on the obsidian and ask: “What is the lesson here?”
3. Amethyst: The Calming & Clarity Stone
What it is & why it works:
- Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz; metaphysically associated with calm, clarity, intuition, higher mind.
- It has soothing properties and is very useful when energy feels chaotic or you’re overthinking.
- For Mercury Retrograde: when your mind is racing, anxiety is creeping in, or you just can’t think straight — amethyst says: “Breathe. Calm. Clear.”
How to use it:
- Place an amethyst cluster near your bed or under your pillow to support restful sleep and prevent worry loops.
- During a meditation or journaling session: hold the amethyst, focus on calming the mind, letting the retrograde energy teach you rather than stress you.
- Use it in your crystal business space: a little amethyst near your checkout or digital desk can help bring a vibe of clarity and calm for you and your customers.
- When you feel reactive / triggered: hold the amethyst, take three long exhales, grounded by the stone’s calming energy.
A Sample Mercury Retrograde Protection Ritual
You want something you can use easily — here’s a ritual that incorporates all three stones, tailored to your vibe (creative, crystal-seller, intuitive).
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Set the space: pick a quiet moment (even 10 minutes). Light a candle or use soft lighting.
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Cleanse your crystals: smudge them, or place under moonlight or on a cleansing surface. Say: “I clear this space, I clear me, of any mistaken words or mis-directions.”
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Sequence the stones:
- Begin with black obsidian: place it at your root/groin area or front of you; say: “I ground. I protect. I face what needs facing.”
- Move to labradorite: hold it, or place it on your heart/third-eye area; say: “I shield. I open. I see clearly.”
- Finish with amethyst: hold it in both hands or place on top of your head; say: “I calm. I create clarity. I align with my highest good.”
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Set your intention: State aloud (or write): “During this Mercury Retrograde (mention dates if you like) I choose to slow. I choose to review. I choose communication with integrity. I stay grounded, protected, and clear.”
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Use during the period:
- When you send an email: hold your labradorite for a moment and ask: “Is this clear?”
- When tech glitches: pause, place hand on obsidian and affirm: “I am safe.”
- Before bed or if anxiety creeps: hold amethyst, breathe deeply and allow yourself to release the day.
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Close the ritual: thank the stones, the space, yourself. Blow out the candle (if used). Place the stones somewhere you’ll see them daily.
Final Notes — Tell It Like It Is
- This isn’t about “retrograde = everything goes wrong” — it’s about heightened possibility for mis-alignment in communication, tech, travel. If you plan, pause, reflect, you’ll use the energy rather than get tripped by it.
- Crystals don’t replace clear thinking, backups, double-checking. They complement your intention and awareness.
- For your personal anxiety/managing tricky communications: this period is a golden op for introspection. Use the energy to review how you communicate (especially with your husband’s sister and family will situation). Maybe ask: “Where am I reactive? Where am I not being heard? How can I state my truth and hold space for calm?”
- Use this as a buffer period — new launches, contracts, heavy commitments: maybe delay or thoroughly double-check. Simpler tasks, clean-ups, revisions, reconnecting with past projects = gold.
We have a product to help with this!
https://sugarycovecrystals.co.uk/products/mercury-retrograde-kit
