If you pay any close attention to astrology, you are likely already familiar with the notion that Mercury went into retrograde on April 2 in the sign of Aries.
Whether on your Instagram feed or in your WhatsApp group chat, you will hear this blamed for a whole host of misunderstandings and feelings of unease and uncertainty.
The turbulent period, which is said to last until April 24, is set to be a rickety one. It is associated with technological difficulties and communication going awry - and if you’ve been feeling a bit off-kilter or out of sorts, now you know why.
What is Mercury retrograde?
To best prepare for Mercury retrograde, we need to understand what it really is. Sally Kirkman is an astrologer, author and podcaster with over 30 years of astrology experience. She explains: “[Mercury] is the communication planet and it turns retrograde for three weeks at a time, three times in the year.”
What are the effects of Mercury retrograde?
Many believe that Mercury retrograde has a way of imparting pandemonium whenever it hits. The period is centred around communication chaos and misunderstandings. This stretches not just to humans, but also to technology and transport. Experienced a train strike or broken printer as of late? Guess which pesky planet is to blame.
What will help us get through Mercury retrograde?
The main question in mind is how to survive Mercury retrograde. Luckily, there are effective ways to combat astrology-induced stress. Kirkman advises: “All the re-words; retreat, revise, review, redo and reflect. It’s a time to turn inwards. Pick up from things from the past. Sometimes you reconnect with people from the past.”
To help you get through the rocky Mercury retrograde, we’ve curated a round-up of products to soothe inner turbulence and the process of re-doing, revising and reflecting.
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Papier Joy Hardback Notebook
A good journal or notebook is essential for getting through the period. Per Kirkman’s recommendation, journaling is a great activity to throw yourself into for thorough reflection.
Kirkman says: “It’s a real time to go inwards and give yourself some time and space to think things through rather than taking direct action.”
Buy now £23.00, Papier
This Works Stress Mood Manager
This Works is an absolute go-to for any anti-stress product. Simply spray this serene fragrance onto your skin to reduce tension and anxiety. Notes of ylang-ylang, neroli and patchouli, created through fMRI brain imaging technology, restore ease to an anxious state of mind.
Buy now £16.00, John Lewis
Gabar No.II Ground Eau de Parfum
Sometimes we could all do with a lesson in grounding. Luxuriate in the swirling, arboraceous scents of Gabar’s No.II Ground Eau de Parfum. Housed in 98 per cent recyclable packaging, inside this sophisticated A-line bottle lies notes of coriander, saffron, pink pepper, ginger, orris, fig, bedroom, cedarwood, oud, sandalwood, vetiver and musk. That’s a whole lot of aromatic goodness packed into just 50ml.
Buy now £120.00, Liberty
Tara and Gems Tourmaline Bracelet
Stay grounded with a black and pink tourmaline gem to wear daily. Not only is it a strikingly feminine piece, but the jewel will repel feelings of negativity and increase emotional stability.
Buy now £40.99, Etsy
The Body Shop Breathe Calm Balm
Calm balm is a quickfire way to alleviate anxiety and the Body Shop’s version is one of our favourites. An affordable choice, the vegan product can be applied to pulse points and is made with 99 per cent ingredients of natural origin, including eucalyptus, rosemary and olive oil emulsions. The scent isn’t overbearing, meaning it’s also ideal for office days.
Buy now £12.00, The Body Shop
Wellbeing Essential Oil Blends Collection
NEOM is widely considered the master when it comes to aromatherapy. Founded by trained aromatherapist Nicola Elliott, NEOM is known for producing wonderfully effective, organic and pure aromatic blends. The natural fragrances are designed to specifically target certain areas of well-being, and it certainly helps that they smell delightful.
This gift set includes four different essential oil blends targeted toward sleep, stress, energy and all-round happiness. Though you can use these oils with NEOM’s Wellbeing Pod, the brand also recommends popping a few drops into your evening bath or even using an oil as the base for a therapeutic massage.
Buy now £72.00, NEOM
Eleanor Bowmer Zodiac Bone China Mug
Crafted from dishwasher-safe bone china, this beautifully kaleidoscopic Aries mug by Eleanor Bowmer is sure to increase the joy afforded by one’s daily caffeine intake tenfold.
Buy now £11.95, John Lewis
Lavender Essential Oil
If you’d prefer a single essential oil for portability and price, then opt for lavender oil. Whether dropped into a diffuser or gently applied to a pillow for a good night’s slumber, the oil will effortlessly ease nerves and anxiety with its soothing scent and anti-stress properties.
Kirkman says: “Virgo in particular, when Mercury is turning retrograde, does link to the mind and nervous system, so lavender oils can be good.”
Buy now £2.97, Amazon
Anthony Doerr All the Light We Cannot See
A scintillating read is a brilliant way to distract an agitated mind. Promising both an engrossing read and intricate themes of light, Anthony Doerr’s best-seller All the Light We Cannot See tops our list of recommendations.
Kirkman says: “Sometimes things that are hidden come to light when Mercury turns direct.”
Other fiction reads we’ve loved recently include Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan and The Wall by John Lancaster.
Buy now £9.99, Waterstones
OK Tarot: The Simple Deck for Everyone - 78 tarot cards & 48pp guidebook
The absolute winner when it comes to starter tarot decks, this hand-drawn and pretty pink deck features some beautifully simple illustrations by artist and author Adam J. Kurtz.
If you’re looking to take the bells and whistles away from your practice, this minimally illustrated set is your answer. Plus, it comes with a detailed 48-page guidebook written by the man himself featuring interpretation guides for each symbol. This is a deck full of hope, happiness and positivity.
Buy now £18.09, Amazon
Personalised 9ct Gold Spinner Necklace
Crafted from timeless and durable 9ct gold, this wonderfully understated spinner necklace can be engraved with the mantra of your choosing – though we’re particularly enamoured by the delicately stamped ‘this too shall pass’.
Buy now £300.00, NOTHS
Aries No Problemo T-shirt
Shrug off the retrograde blues with the ‘No Problemo’ tee from Aries. Easy to wear and easy to style, the top will come in handy for all casual occasions.
Buy now £47.00, END.
Neal’s Yard Organic Aromatherapy Candle - Balancing
Bring harmony into the home with a helping hand from Neal’s Yard. The beloved brand’s Balancing candle contains bergamot and relaxing patchouli organic essential oils, and is crafted with organic beeswax and plant-oil blend. This is hand-poured around a textile wick. No synthetic ingredients in sight.
Buy now £36.00, Neal’s Yard
Cass Art Professional Watercolour Quarter Pan & Brush in Travel Pouch
If writing doesn’t come naturally, we’d suggest painting. Cass Art’s watercolour set contains 18 vibrant shades housed in a portable case for those on the move. Watercolour paints are an especially soothing medium and are perfect for capturing nature, skylines and cityscapes. Organise a night in with friends to paint the stress away.
Buy now £39.95, Cass Art
Scilla Rose Men's Bracelet With Calming Aroma Oils
Who said anxiety bracelets were just for women? Scilla Rose’s calming bracelet for men comprises Blue Tiger Eye which releases inner brilliance and attracts tranquillity, plus the rare Northern Starlight Bead which fosters serenity through acupressure and revitalising energy. Add a few drops of the Mengrove Blissful Woods Oil provided to the bracelet to promote calm during wear.
Buy now £54.00, NOTHS
IONES Therapeutic Pure Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt Lamp
Believed to help boost blood flow, improve sleep and even increase levels of serotonin in the brain, this extra-large, chakra-balancing salt lamp is a perfect gift for meditative and holistic birthday beauties out there. Not only does a salt lamp produce a gorgeous, warm pink hue that elevates the cosy vibes, but it also supposedly helps to purify the air around it. An essential homeware accessory for your early twenties, we think.
Buy now £32.99, Amazon
