Whenever Mercury Retrograde comes around, people start running for the hills to try and avoid this wonky astrological transit. But it doesn’t have to be scary, especially if you know how to navigate it with a peaceful mindset.

Our first Mercury Retrograde of 2022 begins on January 14th and continues until February 3rd. During this three-week period, the planet Mercury appears to be traveling backwards. But it’s an illusion. Just as much as how this retrograde may impact communication, transportation, travel, and technology. Sure, we may see obstacles arise in these areas of our lives during Mercury Retrograde. Still, it doesn’t have to drag us down if we know how to arm ourselves with spiritual protection to get us through this time without losing our heads.

Here are ways to help you navigate Mercury Retrograde more easily:

MEDITATION
Going inward is a powerful tool any of us can use to bring more peace and tranquility into our lives. It can also bring clarity and help ground us, especially during tumultuous times. Since Mercury Retrograde occurs three to four times a year, consider getting a jumpstart on a daily meditation practice to carry you through.

Take as little as five minutes per day to sit in stillness. The goal is not to stop thinking completely, but rather to slow the constant stream of thoughts we have daily. When we do this, we can uncover divine messages and guidance. If sitting still isn’t your cup of tea, no worries. You can meditate standing in the shower, while going for a mindful walk, or you can play some meditation music if the silence gets too loud.

If you meditate before having an important conversation, especially during Mercury Retrograde when communication can be difficult, it may help you speak your truth without feeling anxious about doing so.

SPIRITUAL CLEANSE
Sage, sweetgrass, or palo santo are great tools to use during Mercury retrograde and all year long. Burn a bundle of sage or sweetgrass or use the deliciously fragrant holy tree to clear the space and yourself of any negative or stagnant energy. Simply allow the smoke to waft around your home, making sure to go around windows, doorways and into the corners of each room. Then circle yourself with the sacred smoke, thanking the herbs or palo santo, and asking that it cleanses you of energy that is not your own and release any negativity you may be carrying within.

Clearing the energy around you is essential to a peaceful existence. So, during Mercury Retrograde, when travel plans may be disturbed or computers and other technology may crash, that beautifully cleansed energy will help carry you through without feeling your world is falling apart around you.

BREATHWORK
If you do nothing else, just breathe. When things get stressful in our world, we tend to tense up as a defense mechanism. When tension overcomes us, we often hold our breath without even realizing it at times. So, breathing can allow that tension to dissipate.

You can do this sitting at your desk at work, or in the comfort of your home. Sitting upright, take a deep breath through your nose, filling your belly first and feeling it rise up your ribcage and chest. Hold for a count of four, and release with a gentle sigh out of your mouth. Repeat as many times as you feel is needed to calm you down, or at least for three rounds. Then, check in with yourself. How are you feeling now?

This is an excellent option for navigating Mercury Retrograde. If a challenging situation comes up that creates tension, anxiety, and stress, breathe, and release it. Remember, you can only control your reaction to things. Breathing helps us to keep a level head so we aren’t in attack mode. Instead, we can see the full situation more clearly and then decide the best course of action, if any action is required at all.

HERBS
Isn’t Mother Earth amazing!? She offers us all the medicine we need. Utilizing herbs in our baths, for teas, or as candles, incense, and oil are great ways to keep a clear head during Mercury Retrograde.

Lavender is a personal favorite because it’s wonderful for clear communication and expression. It tastes great as a tea and smells great for aromatherapy. Another option is to hang lavender in your shower. Turn the shower on for a minute or two before getting in. The steam will activate the fragrance and you’ll enter a blissful self-care moment.

Lemon Balm is another option because that lemony scent can uplift our spirit instantly. Consider rubbing a little lemon balm essential oil on your wrists, behind your ears and neck, and on your temples. As you move about your day, you’ll get little whiffs of lemon balm, which will immediately activate serotonin, the key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. Make sure it’s safe to put directly on the skin. It may need to be mixed with a carrier oil like coconut oil.

However, you choose to approach Mercury Retrograde remember that this too shall pass, and it isn’t all that bad. The outcome of these three weeks will be determined by how we step into and through it. You are magic! Don’t forget it.