Post by Yvonne & Adria

The last mercury retrograde was the most severe for me. I feel as if I lost a whole month of my life and there was no way to get it back.

Everything that happened to me was probably minor in comparison to people who had no idea why everything was going wonky.

I read this article in the Old farmer’s Almanac that made me think. It was by a writer from the The 2007 Old Farmer’s Almanac, http://www.almanac.com/content/mercury-retrograde-and-zodiac-signs. This article was so spot on, that I felt it had to be shared.

Primarily, there is something to be said about following astrology and taking note of what signs Mercury is Retrograde in. This cycle it was in Capricorn and Aquarius, and it affected my house and moving projects ever more. My oil boiler broke and I had to replace it with gas boiler. It was an ordeal to say the least. Everything I did seemed only to delay the process. Until finally the installation came days after the retrograde.

Had I known it was going to be so difficult, I would have done a crystal layout to mitigate the effects of the Mercury trickster. In this case, I might have created a layout using garnet and other Capricorn-associated crystals. It not only would have lightened the overall effect, it might have stopped some of the nonsense before it got bigger in my life.

So knowing that Merucry cycles through four times a year, I’ve noted the next few retrogrades and am recommending the following crystal remedies.

The second Mercury Retrograde of 2016 occurs in Taurus (23^o 36″) on April 28 at 5:20 pm Universal Time, 1:20 pm Eastern Daylight Time and at 10:20 pm Pacific Daylight Time.

Mercury goes direct in Taurus (14^o 20 minutes of arc) on May 22 at 1:20 pm Universal Time, 9:20 am Eastern Daylight Time and 6:20 am Pacific Daylight Time.

Mercury enters the Pre-Shadow on April 14 and is last in the Post-Shadow on June 7. In Taurus, the crystals that would have the most effect would be jade, sapphire, malachite and amber.

Jade today is often used in jewelry. The people who know Jade’s powers use it for protection. It protects your loved ones, possessions; and your beliefs from your doubts.
Those born under the sign of Taurus are also known for being “down to Earth.” They are the doers and the realists.

Jade is also historically used for helping disordered kidneys.

Sapphire is another traditional Taurus zodiac stone. The “Stone of Prosperity” is also what it is known as. It strongly symbolizes trust, sincerity, and faithfulness. When it is worn, it brings you enlightenment and joy.

Malachite is yet another traditional crystal associated with Taurus. This stone helps release stress and balance the left and right brain. It’s one of the only stones that can activate all chakras. Malachite is a excellent protector of children.

Amber is often associated with Taurus. Amber is worn to bring the power of the sun and combine it with the earth energy of ancient times to your life. Wear Amber to connect to the natural, primal energies of Nature. Enjoy the power of this “Gold of the Sea.”

The third Mercury Retrograde Cycle of 2016 occurs in Virgo (29^o 05″) on August 30 at 1:04 pm Universal Time, 9:04am Eastern Daylight Time and 6:04 am Pacific Daylight Time.

Mercury goes direct in Virgo (14^o 49″) on September 22 at 5:30 am Greenwich or Universal Time, and 1:30 am Eastern Daylight Time, 10:30 pm, September 21,  Pacific Daylight Time.

Mercury enters the Pre-Shadow August 10 and is last in the Post-Shadow on October 6. The crystals that would mitigate a Virgo Mercury retrograde include: carnelian, chrysoberyl and aventurine. Carnelian would reduce back pains, purify blood, and reduce depression. It also works to clear the mind of unwanted thoughts, help you focus, and increase motivation. Chrysoberyl helps with such ailments as allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems. A diabetic should carry this stone to help with blood sugar balance. Chrysoberyl also assists you in striving for success and stronger confidence. This stone is also a creative inspiration and can help you let your imagination roam free. And finally, aventurine is a talisman of luck. It is also powerful when used to reduce stress, build confidence, or to improve creativity. Also’ if you like to gamble, be sure to keep an Aventurine in your left pocket for good luck.

he fourth Mercury Retrograde Cycle of 2016 occurs in Capricorn (15^o 08″) on December 19 at 10:56 am Universal Time, 5:56 am Eastern Time and 2:56 am Pacific Time. Mercury goes direct in Sagittarius (28^o 51″) on January 8, 2017 at 9:43 am Greenwich or Universal Time, and 4:43 am Eastern Time, 1:43 am Pacific Time. Mercury enters the Pre-Shadow on December 1 of 2016.

When Mercury goes into Capricorn again, we might take solace in using ruby, hematite and obsidian.

Ruby is prescribed by crystal healers for aiding the circulation of blood.

This stone is also related to love. It is said to be filled with love and affection. Ruby is a symbol of friendship, love, and royalty. You can use this crystal to aid you with setting goals and keeping them, bringing passion to life, balance the heart, motivation, and creativity.

Ruby is also said to be a nurturing stone that works very well when a mother gives birth to a baby. This stone will protect both mother and child and keep both healthy as can be.

Hematite aids in grounding. Called the “Stone of the Mind,” hematite is used to enhance relationships and communication.

This stone is very useful for supporting your goals, hopes, and dreams. Sorting out your thoughts and mind is a lot easier when you have Hematite by your side. Hematite is a strong stone that helps the formation of red blood cells.

Obsidian is volcanic glass. This stone blocks out mental stress and tension to help you relax. It promotes compassion and strength. While a change in lifestyle of any sort you should keep an Obsidian stone near by because it will provide you support and protection. If you suffer from arthritis pain, Obsidian is a great stone to have.

Whether you love it, hate it or ignore it, Mercury will still do it’s March around the sun and then occasionally step back as we do ours