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By Jolie Kerr, CNN Underscored
2:13 PM EDT, Mon March 25, 2024
What’s in this guide
- What is Mercury retrograde?
- When is Mercury retrograde?
- Effects of Mercury retrograde
When Mercury is in retrograde, you may hear all sorts of things being blamed on the planet of communication’s retrograde period, from technology mishaps to misunderstandings with friends and loved ones.
But what exactly is Mercury retrograde, why do people make such a big deal about it and is there anything that can be done to avoid its pitfalls and blunders?
What is Mercury retrograde?
Dossé-Via Trenou, creator of the KnowTheZodiac app and author of “Signs & Skymates: The Ultimate Guide to Astrological Compatibility,” says, “Mercury retrograde is actually an optical illusion. For a period of three weeks, the planet of communication appears to be rotating backward due to its proximity to Earth, but it actually isn’t doing so. This optical illusion alters the way we communicate, travel, create and connect with ourselves and each other.”
When is Mercury retrograde?
The last Mercury retrograde of 2023 ended on Jan. 1, 2024, but Mercury will be in retrograde three more times in 2024:
- April 1, 2024, to April 24, 2024
- Aug. 5, 2024, to Aug. 27, 2024
- Nov. 25, 2024, to Dec. 15, 2024
Effects of Mercury retrograde
You may have heard people warn of electronics going haywire during the Mercury retrograde period, and that’s because of the planet’s connection to all things involved in communication.
“Let’s look at the meaning of Mercury and then see how we can use his mercurial power,” Constance Stellas, an astrologist and the author of the “Little Book of Self-Care” series and the “Guided Astrological Journals,” says. “Mercury was the messenger god, and he ruled all communication and thought-filled connections between people as well as documents. Thinking clearly, thinking slowly, reaching for words, remembering names — all these functions are ruled by Mercury.”
Though it may sound like cause to head inside and lock the doors, Stellas says there are some upsides to the turbulent Mercury retrograde period. “The message during retrogrades should be to slow down and take a mental vacation. Re-flect, re-do, re-imagine.”
As Mercury’s retrograde period approaches, here are the best products —including some of our favorite gift ideas —to help you navigate the chaos of technology gone awry and communication gone hinky, and soothe you when inevitable disruptions occur.
To help you prepare for planetary disruptions, “Pick up a copy of 'Llewellyn’s Daily Planetary Guide,’” Stellas says. “It’s perfect for keeping track of what the planets are up to throughout the whole year.”
Editor Favorite
Travel delays and problems are often associated with Mercury retrograde. Make lost luggage and other personal items a thing of the past with a set of Apple AirTags, which we love for their combination of simplicity and functionality.
Space enthusiasts and astrology lovers alike will love this very cool planetarium projector, which beams accurate star patterns on a ceiling or wall for any date and time you specify.
Editor Favorite
Anything that makes life a little easier will be welcome during Mercury’s retrograde period. This little thing is such a handy tool, anyone will thank you for it! It has a tiny ceramic blade that precisely and easily cuts through boxes and packaging tape but is safe to the touch, and it has a built-in magnet so you can stick it on the fridge for easy access.
Mercury retrograde encourages us to slow down, and for many people that means tucking into a good book. For fans of reading in bed, this handy, bendable neck light is a game changer. Complete with three color modes (yellow, warm white and cool white), three brightness levels and up to 80 hours of light from the included rechargeable battery, it’s also great for camping or hands-free repairs.
CNN Exclusive Deal
The Moon Pod, a favorite among our staff, is a cloudlike chair designed to mimic the sensations of flotation therapy. Use it during Mercury retrograde to unwind and relax. Use code CNNPOD15 to get an extra 15% off (in addition to any of Moon Pod's sitewide sales), now until March 31.
It may not look like much, but our manager of business development, Hayley Kinne, says of this back and neck massage tool, “I truly don’t know how I endured my regular shoulder stress spasms before this magical, massaging miracle device entered my life.”
Best Tested
When Mercury retrograde makes life overwhelming, shine some light on the problem: Research shows that a lamp with light intensity of 10,000 lux set 16 to 24 inches away at a 45-degree angle from the eyes for 30 minutes can help to treat mood disorders. The Verilux light was our pick for the best SAD lamp, earning high marks for its well-designed controls and slick packaging.
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it can be a challenge to find time on busy mornings to make something healthy and filling. With easy instructions and simple ingredients, the Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker lets you create quick and delicious sandwiches, making this kitchen problem solver one of our favorite gadgets.
When it comes to recommending travel products, we love what we think of as "problem solvers" —especially during Mercury retrograde, when things tend to go wrong. Tranomos Elastic Sleeves slide over toiletry bottles, so you'll never worry about liquids making a mess of your bags again.
Best Tested
Never worry about a low battery warning again! This 10W Qi charger perched over a plastic bowl got high marks in our review of wireless chargers for its good looks; one reviewer said it's "perfect for dumping your pocket’s contents at the end of the day, and the fake wood grain and golden underglow give it a certain je ne sais quoi."
Travel mishaps are a common theme of Mercury retrograde. If you'll be traveling during this period, consider investing in the Travelon Anti-Theft Essential Messenger Bag. which our reviewer calls "a no-brainer for every trip from traversing a new city to carrying through the airport and onto the beach."
Actually Curious builds bonds and brings people together with prompts that encourage players to explore and share their dreams and ambitions. Actually Curious, an Underscored favorite, is a card game for adults that builds empathy and trust, making it perfect for playing during Mercury retrograde.
Combine the restorative power of journaling with a planetary guide to Mercury retrograde with this informative book that includes astrological calendars through 2030.
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If mercury retrograde is calling you to warmer climates, The Bug Bite Thing can spare you the agonizing itchiness that comes with being bitten by pesky insects. We tried it and think it's a great gadget to pack for outdoor activities, whether they be at home or in a more tropical destination.
Editor Favorite
We can't say enough good things about the Ember mug. It keeps hot drinks hot for hours on end, and it recharges via a charging coaster.
Mercury is the planet that rules all forms of communication, including reading, making it a great time to dive into books about the ways in which this powerful planet operates.
Birthdate Co., the company that makes those customized birthday pillar candles you’ve definitely seen all over Instagram, is offering a limited-edition candle designed for Mercury retrograde. The single-wick candle is lavender-sage scented and contains a carnelian crystal to dispel negative energy and promote positivity.
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“Another great practice during Mercury retrograde is a screen fast,” Stellas says, “or at least carving out times when you are not glued to the internet, computer and phone.” One way to start making a break from screens is to use a paper planner, like this weekly planner with plenty of room to jot down to-dos, goals and notes in addition to appointments and events.
"Don’t forget the value of journaling," Stellas says. "If you’re looking for an individual guide, check out my Guided Astrological Journals for every sun sign."
Of course, one of the main themes of Mercury’s retrograde period is technology mishaps — and no amount of calming teas will help when you have an accident involving an expensive piece of tech. If you’re prone to clumsiness, protect your phone with a drop-tested military-grade phone case. This slim silicone phone case offers a lot of protection without the bulkiness of similar models, and it comes in 26 color options.
“It’s advised to simplify our lifestyles, detox our minds and our social media accounts and spend more time in nature and stillness as we embrace the massive waves of change that we are currently traversing on personal and collective levels,” Trenou advises. A guided botanical journal can encourage you to spend more time outdoors, connecting with nature.
Just because Mercury retrograde is known to make technology go haywire doesn't mean you can't use this time to add a bit of astrological flair to your gadgets! This keycap set from Flyte is the perfect way to show your respect to the planet of communication.
"Mercury retrograde may find us running into friends from the past, or even revisiting a retro style," says Annabel Gat, an astrologer and author of "The Moon Sign Guide." "A book about a scene or era from the past could be fun to peruse!" This gorgeous coffee table book about the art deco era certainly fits the bill!
Editor Favorite
Created for anyone who needs a good excuse to light a candle when things go wrong, Anecdote Candles’ Astrological Storming candle was created to smell like full moons and Mercury in retrograde. Top notes include hints of apple and pear, with bottom notes of exotic violet, sandalwood and incense.
Best Tested
Trenou recommends mindful practices like yoga to help weather the Mercury retrograde period. "It may take us more time to get our points across, and tempers may run high as patience wears thin. Remembering to breathe through misunderstandings rather than blowing up out of frustration is key." If your yoga mat is in need of replacing, this is a smart time to do it —don't get tripped up (literally) by a mat that no longer lies flat.
Best Tested
Because technology mishaps are so common, another smart investment to make during Mercury retrograde is an external hard drive for backing up your important documents. Our reviewer gave My Passport high marks for storage space and its “stylish yet rugged package.”
Best Tested
“Astrologers famously advise against making big purchases or electronics during Mercury retrograde,” Gat says. “But if there is a purchase you have been itching to make for a long time, now could be a good time to reconsider purchasing it. Mercury retrograde is all about the ‘re’ words, so revisiting those shoes you really wanted to buy but didn’t at the time may work out.”Record player is, of course, an “re-” word and a necessary investment if you plan to purchase a rereleased album.
Manifestation candles make a nice gift, but if you want to make it a gift to self, no one will argue! These 6-ounce natural soy wax scented candles are handcrafted with crystals and herbs and are available in five variations: Love, Abundance, Sweet Dreams, Happiness and Healing.
Slowing down is a major theme of Mercury retrograde, and a period of quietude is also a great time to pick up a new hobby or devote yourself to the study of a new subject. “If someone who has been interested in learning more about astrology but hasn’t had the time for it decides they want to jump in during Mercury retrograde, why not check out my two books, ‘The Moon Sign Guide’ or ‘The Astrology of Love & Sex,’” Gat suggests.
To help you survive the turbulent retrograde period, Stellas says to “get a personal crystal. You can find one at a mineral store or a new age shop. Go to the store and see if a quartz crystal ‘winks’ at you, if it feels comfortable in your left hand or if it just appeals to you. If so, that is a personal crystal for you.” If you can’t make it to a new age shop, buy a crystal set and see which among them most speaks to you.
“Use Mercury’s retrograde to dive into your natal chart with the intention to love and accept yourself and others wholeheartedly,” Trenou says. Her newly released book provides an exploration of astrological compatibility, starting with your relationship with your own self, and she recommends it for the Mercury retrograde period.
Another entry in the “clever and useful” category of gifts are the Lost and Found Labels from Tile. Just stick them onto jackets, lunch boxes, water bottles or anything else easily left behind and losable. Activate the labels with the Tile app, and then if anything is lost, people who have found the item can (hopefully!) scan the QR code and access the return details.
Mercury’s retrograde period is infamous for technology mishaps, so if you need a new case or grip for your phone, the time to order one is right now! PopSockets just rolled out a new set of astrology and zodiac designs to choose from when customizing one of its grips, wallets or phone cases.
Best Tested
As Gat says, this isn’t the time to splurge on big new purchases, but it may be the time to buy items you’ve had your eye on. If you don’t already have a portable phone charger, this is the time to get one. The Anker charger was our pick for best portable charger for phones.
Take disconnecting up a notch with a trip designed to keep you rooted in nature —and far away from Mercury retrograde’s technology mishaps. Getaway’s tiny cabins provide the perfect place for undistracted time to slow down, disconnect from work and technology, and reconnect to yourself and/or others.
If crystals and ritual candles aren't your thing but you like the vibe of wellness and self-care products designed with Mercury retrograde in mind, this essential oil roller is for you! Made from essential oils with notes of warm vanilla and musk, this roller is formulated to ward off surrounding negative energy with blue lace agate quartz and a flower-filled, spice-infused scent.
The popularity of weighted blankets inspired other uses for the anti-anxiety technology, such as this weighted bathrobe for adults. The super-soft, quilted robe comes in three weights —12, 15 or 17 pounds —and a choice of soothing gray or calming navy.
For a turn on traditional scrapbooking, this photo album journal is a great way to revisit the past during Mercury retrograde. Choose from white inside pages or black sheets with transparent photo insert bags.
If you’re looking for a Mercury retrograde gift idea, pairing the photo journal with a mini instant camera makes a thoughtful and surprising present for a stressed-out friend or loved one.
To usher in a new perspective, as well as to calm the mind, Stellas suggests buying a kaleidoscope. "Watching the different patterns as you turn the dial calms the mind," she says.
Editor Favorite
Massaging beauty rollers have become wildly popular, and if you’ve had your eye on one but haven’t pulled the trigger, this is a great time to treat yourself. We especially like ice rollers, which reduce puffiness and calm inflamed skin in addition to providing a soothing, gentle facial massage.
In keeping with Gat’s advice regarding purchases during Mercury’s retrograde period, if you’ve been considering adding a foot massager to your arsenal of self-care tools, go ahead and splurge. This heated shiatsu foot massager is the perfect way to show your feet some TLC and to build some instant stress relief into a difficult time.
"Soothing" and "calming" are key words to bear in mind during this time of upheaval. "Mercury retrograde is a great time to slow down," Gat says.” Given that, "I’m not sure how bath products, pajamas or a beautiful journal to vent out your Mercury retrograde confusion could go wrong!"
If baths aren't your thing, there are plenty of other ways to bring the relaxing experience of being at the spa into your home. The Wildflower Wellness facial steam is made from a blend of flowers and herbs that calm the mind and clear out pores. And if you decide a bath is for you after all, it can also be used as a bath soak.
Editor Favorite
A weighted blanket mimics the feeling of being held, which signals to the brain that it is safe to release tension — which can be beneficial during times of stress. The Bearaby Napper’s woven design allows for airflow, making it a perfect choice for people who find standard weighted blankets too hot or for those who are looking for a warm weather alternative. Our reviewer counts it “among the best weighted blankets we’ve ever tried.”
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Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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