Mercury Is Retrograde Again—Here’s What You Need For Your Survival Kit
Yup, it’s back again. For the third and final time this year, Mercury stations retrograde—aka appears to move backward—from October 13 to November 3. The astrological event is known for making technology more glitchy, disrupting communication, messing with travel plans, and generally just screwing things up. (Thanks for nothing, Mercury.)
If the looming threat of a retrograde planet puts you on edge, never fear: These six products may help you weather the astronomical storm that is Mercury’s reverse orbit—a Mercury Retrograde Survival Kit, if you will. There’s no promising you won’t delete that important work file or run into your ex at the grocery store, but there are ways to make sure you have your files backed up and get a good night’s sleep so you can keep your cool when fit hits the shan. Check out these go-to items for making it through MR alive and well, and then get back to living your best life, orbit patterns be damned.
Mercury Retrograde Protection Candle
When nothing seems to be going your way, you need to surround yourself with peaceful vibes. This candle was literally made to “burn away any bad-Mercury-retrograde vibes” with its calming lavender and chamomile scents and cool blue crystals on top. Breathe in the good vibes, breathe out the bad.
Buy: Mercury Retrograde Protection Candle, $30 from Uncommon Goods
Tile Pro (pack of 2)
Technology and communication issues is a hallmark of Mercury retrograde season, which means things like misplacing your keys or phone could happen a lot more. You can clip a Tile onto just about anything—your keys, purse, water bottle, etc.—and use your phone to make the gadget ring when your stuff’s gone missing. No need to frantically tear through your house looking for keys again!
Buy: Tile Pro (pack of 2), $59.97 from Amazon
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
A recharged brain is so much better at dealing with mishaps than one that only got four hours of shut-eye. This highly-rated pillow spray helps you fall asleep faster with its soothing mix of lavender, vetiver, and chamomile, which reduce anxiety and enhance sleep. Spray a bit onto your pillow, pull on the covers, and let the soft scents put your mind at ease so you can take on the next day like a pro.
Buy: This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, $29 from Anthropologie
Sorry for Mercury Retrograde Tote Bag
Listen, things are going to happen. You’re going to lose your cool after the sixth time just missing your train and having to wait 10 minutes for the next one. Let your bag apologize for you with this “I’m Sorry For What I Said While Mercury Was In Retrograde” cotton tote from designer Random Acts of Cotton. (And if you really like the sentiment, you can also buy it in shirt and mug form.)
Buy: Sorry for Mercury Retrograde Tote Bag, starts at $24.99 $16.24 from Society6
The Lamare Be You Affirmation Cards
When the day-to-day feels unpredictable, it’s easy to be hard on yourself. Be sure to take some much needed self care time, however that looks to you. One way to stay mindful during turbulent Mercury in retrograde season? Invest in this pack of affirmation cards. With 40 gorgeously illustrated cards in each pack, you can hang these up on your mirror, keep them at your desk, or use them as bookmarks. They make a thoughtful gift for your BFF, too.
Buy: The Lamare Be You Affirmation Cards, $22.95 from Etsy
SanDisk Cruzer Glide Flash Drive
If ever there were a time to be extra careful about backing up important files, it’s when the planet of communication is in retrograde. Keep a flash drive on hand at work, and make sure you’ve copied critical documents onto it. Somehow that PowerPoint you’ve been working on for months and have to present tomorrow is going to crash without saving, so it’s always good to come prepared.
Buy: SanDisk Cruzer Glide Flash Drive, $6.49 from Amazon
GeoCentral Mini Stone Gift Box
Whether or not you believe in the power of crystals, you can’t deny that they make for some very pretty decor. This crystal gift set comes in three varieties—Clarity, Love, and Calm—designed to bring positive energy to your space. Each set includes two different types of crystals that work together to improve focus, enhance self-awareness, or increase serenity. Choose the one you need most, or get all three for optimal functioning.
Buy: GeoCentral Mini Stone Gift Box, $12 from Anthropologie