by Silver RavenWolf
Mercury Retrogrades this year from Wednesday, December 13, 2023, to Sunday, January 7, 2024, with Mercury moving into its storm on December 9, 2023. Hints of what is to come during this retrograde often appear during the storm. You'll be able to feel all sorts of issues begin to slow down or even see them stall for no apparent reason beginning Friday, December 9th.
You may wish to be vigilant and prepared for unexpected financial issues or expenses during this time, especially since Mercury's journey is in the sign of Capricorn, often associated with finances, structure, and guidelines. However, Capricorn is also linked to reward, so if you have been working hard for a bonus that hasn't manifested, it may do so during the Mercury retro.
An excellent working to urge prompt payment uses a stove pot, 3 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of salt, and either peppermint herb (fresh or dried) or peppermint essential oil.
Mix all ingredients together except the water in a small bowl. Write who owes you and the dollar amount on a piece of paper. Roll the paper in the mixture. Pour the water into the pot. Add mixed ingredients. Bring the pot to a boil. Say: "This is a special moment." State your intention that the money owed to you be released blockage and received by you. Let the pot boil almost dry if you can, but beware of fire hazards and monitor your work. Take the pot off the stove. Allow the remainder to cool. Throw in the trash as the magick is done. In my experience, this working concludes well in about 3 days. If it doesn't, reword your intent and repeat the spell.
Note: I know times are hard. If you don't have the money for the honey – that's okay. Don't use sugar; skip that ingredient. All ingredients listed in this intention are natural expectorants. If you have a nice herbal stash, try using anise hyssop (my favorite), horehound, or mullein as a replacement for the honey.
A retrograde is also a marvelous test period to see defects or errors in products, manuscripts, structure, etc. before a launch. Practice, study, and introspection all do well in the cloak of a Mercury retrograde.
Mercury Retrograde Protection Ritual
A Mercury Retrograde is often associated with communication challenges, misunderstandings, and technology disruptions. While no definitive scientific evidence supports the need for protection during Mercury Retrograde, many people find comfort in engaging in rituals or practices that help them navigate the potential challenges. Here's a simple ritual performed in sacred space to protect oneself during a Mercury Retrograde:
Materials Needed:
White or blue candle
Clear quartz crystal, smoky quartz, or black tourmaline (for grounding and protection)
Pen and paper
Salt or protective herbs (e.g., sage, rosemary, hyssop)
Protective essential oils (e.g., frankincense, lavender, rosemary)
A quiet and comfortable space
Ritual Preparation
Gather Materials - Collect the materials for the ritual, including the candle, crystal, pen, paper, salt or herbs, and essential or magickal fragrance oils.
Create Sacred Space - Choose a quiet space where you won't be disturbed. Clear the space of any clutter and create a calm atmosphere. Finish by saying: “This is a special moment.”
Cleansing -Begin by energetically cleansing the space. You can use a smudging tool like sage/sweetgrass/incense/perfume or visualize the space filled with protective and positive energy. Next, cleanse and bless all materials you plan to use. Empower the candle by dressing the barrel lightly with the chosen oil. Hold the candle in both hands and rub briskly back and forth between the palms. Set your intention (such as protection during the Mercury Retrograde) by breathing onto the candle and whispering your chosen words.
Ritual Steps
Light the Candle - Light our Mercury Retrograde Tea Candle, or a white or blue taper candle, representing clarity and protection. Focus on the flame and set your intention for protection during the Mercury Retrograde.
Grounding Crystal -Hold the chosen gemstone in your hands. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Visualize yourself grounded and protected. Feel the energy of the gemstone enhancing your sense of security.
Write Your Intentions -Write down your intentions for protection during the Mercury Retrograde on the paper. Be specific about the areas of your life where you seek clarity and security.
Salt or Herb Circle - Create a small circle of salt or protective herbs around the candle. This represents a boundary of protection. As you do this, visualize the circle as a shield against misunderstandings and disruptions.
Anoint with Essential/Fragrance Oils - If you have protective essential oils, anoint yourself with a small amount. Focus on areas like your wrists, temples, and the back of your neck. As you do this, affirm your intention for protection. Use our Smooth Sailing Mercury Retrograde Magickal Oil to anoint your intention paper.
Affirmations - Stand or sit comfortably and repeat protective affirmations. For example, you might say, "I am protected, clear, and centered during this Mercury Retrograde. I navigate challenges with ease and clarity."
Meditation or Visualization - Close your eyes and spend a few minutes in meditation or visualization. Picture yourself moving through the retrograde period with confidence and grace. Visualize a shield of light surrounding you. Make a point to embrace how you will feel during this time – happy, joyful, confident, etc. Let those feelings flow through you.
Closing - Thank the elements, crystals, and the energy you've invoked for their protection. Blow out the candle, and if you use salt or herbs, dispose of them in a respectful and environmentally friendly manner.
Whether or not you take astrological advice into consideration, it's always a good idea to stay mindful of your finances and be prepared for unexpected events. At the exact time of the retrogradation there are no applying aspects to the moon, often interpreted as “the future is what you make of it”. The door is open for your success!
Remember that the key to any ritual is your intention and belief in its positive outcome. This ritual and the information in this article are a way to bring focus to your intentions and to create a positive and protected mindset during the Mercury Retrograde. Feel free to adapt both the spell and ritual to suit your personal preferences and spiritual beliefs.
visit whispermagick.com to view our Mercury Retrograde products which can be used in conjunction with any Mercury-related work throughout the year
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