How to survive Mercury retrograde 2023: Top items to buy

Reflection is key

f you pay any close attention to astrology, you are likely already familiar with the notion that Mercury went into retrograde on August 23 in the sign of Virgo.

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 September 15, 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.

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.”

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.

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. This [Mercuy retrograde] is in Virgo and Virgo is all about detail and craft, work and routine. It’s a good one for getting things done like writing or research. Re-doing things is a great way to use the Mercury retrograde phase.”

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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Liberty’s Mercury Retrograde beauty kit promises good vibes only during Mercury retrograde. Energy-harnessing, restorative gifts from an array of brands are designed to calm and create a sense of balance. The kit, which is worth over £250, includes a sun-peppered washbag, a deck of tarot cards and crystals - plus much more.

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.”

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.

Calm balm is a quickfire way to alleviate anxiety and the Body Shop’s version is one of our favourites. An affordable, lightweight 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 days in the office.

Balance your mind, body and spirit with this hand-chosen, reiki-cleansed and energised amethyst wand by Psychic Sisters. Safely sealed in a recyclable cardboard tube, this sizeable amethyst is sure to help banish your blues.

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.

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.”

This crystal incense holder is a fabulous choice for the extra spiritual lot among us. Indeed, many people choose to use crystals during their meditative practice, and combining the powerful, natural mineral with aromatherapy is believed to help focus intentions and help with manifestations.

Choose between amethyst for stress relief, rose quartz for love, and clear quartz for warding off negative energy.

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.

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.

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.