What to Do When Mercury Retrograde Ends: 4 Things to Consider

by Rose Claire

On August 11, the latest Mercury retrograde ends, with the speed-demon planet going direct.  

Image courtesty of Ania Samoilova

Astrologers spend a lot of talking about what to do when Mercury goes retrograde, but a question that is often missed is what to do when Mercury retrograde ends.

Common sense suggests we go back to doing what we always do, but astrological wisdom offers a slightly different perspective. Here are four things to consider now that Mercury has stopped moonwalking.

1.     Remember the Shadow Period: Yes, Mercury has gone direct, and the greater challenges of the retrograde period are sloughing off. But, there is still a shadow period with residual effects for roughly another 14 days, which means it might take a little longer for everything to feel right moving forward. For example, it may be smart to wait a little longer before making a major purchase or to stop double and triple checking your communications. Trust your intuition: If it feels right, go for it. If not, keep the pause button pushed until you feel ready.

2.     Stay in Self-Care Mode: Mercury retrograde reminds us to slow down and take time for ourselves, but when it ends, it’s all too easy to jump right back on the hamster wheel. While it may feel like it’s “go time,” give yourself permission to slow down the spinning or jump on and off the wheel to care for yourself. Hopefully, you embraced Mercury retrograde’s gift of self-care and now you can embrace weaving that into your daily life.

3.     You May Still Feel Anxious: Anxiety often accompanies Mercury retrograde because Mercury rules anxiety, but that doesn’t mean it magically disappears when Mercury goes direct. It may have been amplified during the retrograde period, but if it lingers, it’s a call to take a more serious look at its causes. After all, Mercury retrograde tends to shine a light on areas in our life we need to look at. So, if you experienced heavy anxiety during the past few weeks, or if it still feels like it’s hanging with you, take a deep breath and get some help learning to manage your anxiety. It could be Mercury retrograde’s greatest gift to you.

4.     Challenges Still Occur: It’s easy to get into a pattern of black and white thinking during Mercury retrograde, with all good things happening outside of Mercury retrograde periods, and all challenging times occurring during Mercury retrograde. But that’s not reality. While challenges can notch up during Mercury retrograde, it doesn’t mean that you won’t experience issues with communication, technology, travel, anxiety and commerce during times when Mercury is direct. They will still happen, perhaps not quite as frequently or intensely as Mercury retrograde periods, but they will still be there. Hopefully, you paid attention to these areas during the Mercury’s backward shuffle and learned something about yourself and how to handle these issues. If you did, then you’ve expanded your coping toolbox, and if you didn’t, it’s time to get to work on what tools you need to move forward.

Mercury Retrograde is mixed blessing. It poses real challenges during its backward spin and then opens the door to opportunities that can be fully realized outside of retrograde times. Allow yourself to explore those opportunities and take advantage of the ones that feel right. And, as you navigate life outside of Mercury retrograde, remember, Mercury retrograde may be over, but you are spiritually primed for growth in both challenging and positive ways at all times, so welcome it.

Rose Claire is available for an astrology or astrocartography reading. Discover the secrets of your natal chart or where in the world is best for your work, romance, fun and health. Click here to book.