Mercury Retrograde is back on July 17, 2025 – cue the collective groan. This astrological transit happens when speedy Mercury appears to move backward, and it’s famous for foiling communication, technology, travel, and decision-making. Emails go missing, texts get weirdly misconstrued, flights delay for no reason – you name it. Emotionally, it can feel really frustrating (yes, that broken printer might just reduce you to tears). But here’s the irreverent silver lining: Mercury Retrograde also forces us to slow down. It’s a cosmic do-over, a chance to reflect, double-check, and tie up loose ends we’ve been avoiding. Think of it as the universe’s way of saying “pause, breathe, and get your past ducks in a row” (while having a laugh at our expense).
So how do you survive this Mercury-induced mayhem without losing your marbles? A little self-care and a lot of patience. To help, we’ve crafted a zodiac-by-zodiac guide featuring candles to keep each sign grounded, calm, and protected during this retrograde. Check your sun sign (and maybe check your rising for good measure), and light up some soothing vibes!
♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19): Fiery Aries, Mercury Retrograde tests your patience big time. You’re zooming ahead on plans when – boom – delays and misunderstandings hit. Rather than barreling through, take a breather. This is a period to slow your roll and practice listening (yes, even you can pause that bold voice!). Double-check travel itineraries and back up your files to avoid tech headaches. When irritation flares (count to ten, friend), center yourself with a comforting ritual. Light Sabrina – an earthy patchouli and bright bergamot blend that mellows your inner fire. Its incense-like warmth helps ground your impulsive energy, so you can think twice before reacting and keep your cool when chaos strikes.
♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Stubborn Taurus, you cherish stability – which Mercury Retrograde loves to disrupt. Last-minute schedule changes or mixed signals from loved ones might leave you feeling unmoored. Remember: flexibility is your friend right now (even if it’s not your forte). Embrace a slower pace and indulge in simple comforts rather than resisting the shifts. A cup of tea, a good book, and some aromatherapy can work wonders when life feels out of control. Burn Willow to create a serene space. Infused with cleansing palo santo and a touch of soothing vanilla and cedar, this candle clears away negative vibes and wraps you in a grounding, calm energy. Let it remind you that even if plans go awry, you’re safe and centered in your own little sanctuary.
♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Oh boy, Gemini – Mercury is your ruling planet, so when it’s on the fritz, you feel it double. Brain fog, tongue-tied moments, and resurrected old dramas in your DMs are all par for the course. It’s frustrating for your normally quick-witted self when words don’t come out right or your devices act possessed. The key for you is to pause before responding. Triple-check messages and think through your ideas thoroughly (you’ll thank yourself later). To help your racing mind find focus, ignite Stevie. This candle’s blend of purifying white sage and calming neroli brings clarity to your thoughts. Hints of jasmine and musk add a mellow sweetness that soothes anxiety. Breathe in its cleansing aroma during those chaotic Zoom calls – it will keep you centered and communicative, even when Mercury throws you curveballs.
♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Sensitive Cancer, Mercury Retrograde can stir up miscommunications on the home front or with family. You might feel pulled between personal obligations and sudden work snafus – all while juggling an emotional high tide. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Remember to retreat into your shell when you need a break; a little self-care and quiet time will recharge you now. Sort out any mixed messages by talking them through calmly (your empathy is your superpower). And don’t let technology glitches drive you to tears – they’ll pass. In the meantime, create a soothing atmosphere. Light Piper to envelop yourself in tranquility. With sweet amber, orange blossom, and a touch of jasmine, this crystal incense-inspired scent is like a gentle hug for your nerves. It keeps you relaxed and patient, even when everyone around you is losing their cool. When the world gets noisy, let this candle’s warm glow remind you to nurture yourself first.
♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22): Bold Leo, you’re not used to hitting the brakes – but during Mercury Retrograde, the universe might insist. Creative projects or travel plans could stall unexpectedly, testing your optimism. You thrive being the star, so glitches dimming your spotlight can bruise that ego. But here’s a chance to shine internally instead: revisit an old passion, or simply rest (even divas need downtime!). Rather than roaring at every inconvenience, try laughing it off – humor is your secret weapon now. Reconnect with friends from the past; a little nostalgic fun feeds your soul without courting new chaos. To keep your mood lifted yet steady, spark up Gillian. This enchanting “Book of Shadows” candle weaves spicy magic with notes of vintage leather, jasmine, and warm amber. It’s sultry and empowering – just like you – but also grounding enough to temper any frustration. Let the luxurious aroma remind you that a brief pause in the spotlight just means a grander entrance later. You’ve got this, drama and all!
♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Meticulous Virgo, Mercury Retrograde is practically your personal gremlin. Plans you organized to perfection start unraveling, and minor errors pop up everywhere – cue the stress. You pride yourself on precision, so these retrograde slip-ups can feel especially personal. The antidote? Embrace a bit of chaos (we know, we know). Give yourself permission to not have all the answers right now. Focus on clearing out what you can control: declutter that closet, finish old to-dos, or journal out those worried thoughts. Purging the mental and physical clutter will ease your anxiety immensely. For extra support, light Marnie during your unwind routine. This candle’s woodsy cedar and pinch of thyme create a clean, calming atmosphere – like opening the windows in a stuffy room. A touch of eucalyptus and patchouli adds an earthy, reassuring vibe. As it burns, feel your tension release and your practical mind reset. Mercury mishaps may linger, but you’ll handle them with steady grace rather than overthinking – promise.
♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22): Charming Libra, relationships are your comfort zone – until Mercury Retrograde turns them into a comedy of errors. Misunderstandings with friends or partners might crop up, or an ex could even resurface out of the blue (social media creeping and all). Normally a peacemaker, you might suddenly feel off-balance trying to keep everyone happy. Here’s your cosmic cue to put yourself on the priority list. It’s okay to say no, reschedule, or escape for a solo spa night when things get tense. Recalibrating your own scales first will help all your connections thrive despite the retrograde craziness. Treat yourself to a beautiful atmosphere that reflects the harmony you crave. We recommend Kate – a candle with elegant notes of wild rosewood and fresh ivy. Its gentle floral and green aroma creates instant zen, conjuring the image of a peaceful garden. As it fills the air, you’ll feel your stress soften. Bask in this tranquility, Libra. When you’re centered and calm, you’ll naturally restore balance in your relationships (and forgive those silly slip-ups) with your signature grace.
♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Intense Scorpio, you secretly kind of enjoy a little chaos – but Mercury Retrograde might push it. Deep conversations could reveal surprises, old secrets may bubble up, or daily routines get strangely disrupted. You prefer to stay in control, so these wildcards can stir up your brooding side. Instead of sliding into mistrust or frustration, view this time as an investigative adventure (one of your favorite things). Reflect on what resurfaces now – there’s a reason it’s coming up, and you have the intuition to decode it. Still, even a detective needs a break from the emotional rollercoaster. When you feel overwhelmed, create a moody chill zone to recharge. Light Wednesday, a haunted black plum candle with gothic floral undertones that speaks to your soul. Its rich, mysterious scent makes your space feel like a cozy lair where you can process and release stress in private. Embracing the darkness (one of your specialties) with this candle’s warm amber and vanilla whispers will leave you feeling protected and ready to face whatever else Mercury dredges up – with that trademark Scorpio smirk, of course.
♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Adventurous Sag, being told to slow down is not your favorite – but Mercury Retrograde might throw some detours in your path. Travel plans, big ideas, or scheduling could get scrambled unexpectedly. Rather than letting restlessness take over, treat it like a cosmic pit stop. Revisit someplace (or someone) from your past that you’ve been meaning to circle back to. Finish reading that book you tossed aside in your last burst of enthusiasm. There is a method to this madness: the pause now will spark even better journeys soon. To keep your spirits bright through the hiccups, turn to Enya. This candle’s fresh wild mint and zesty lime notes are like a breath of crisp air – uplifting and clarifying. Hints of geranium and cardamom add depth that speaks to your love of exploring new flavors. Light it when you’re feeling cooped up or discouraged by delays. It will instantly energize your space and mood, reminding you that a few roadblocks can’t quench your optimism. With a clear head and calm vibe, you’ll be ready to laugh off the mishaps and plan your next grand escapade (just maybe wait until Mercury goes direct!).
♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Steady Capricorn, you’re all about planning and productivity – so Mercury Retrograde hitting your work and goal zone can feel like a cruel joke. Emails not sending, team misunderstandings, contracts needing endless revisions… it’s enough to test the chill of even the most stoic Sea-Goat. Yet, this slowdown holds a hidden gift for you: a chance to reconnect with your personal life. Lean into it. If a project stalls, use the evening off to host a cozy get-together or simply rest (yes, rest, you workaholic!). Rebalance by remembering you’re more than your job. When stress from those hiccups creeps in, create a relaxing ritual to transition out of grind mode. We love Sally for you – a magical greenhouse-inspired candle brimming with fresh eucalyptus, calming lavender, and a touch of vanilla. It transforms your space into a soothing oasis, melting away tension. Light it at the end of a hectic retrograde day to signal “work off, relaxation on.” Its gentle, herbaceous fragrance will help you unwind, recalibrate, and maybe even enjoy a spontaneous moment or two. By the time Mercury corrects course, you’ll be recharged and ready to conquer the world (as usual), with home and heart happily tended.
♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Quirky Aquarius, Mercury Retrograde often sends you messages in morse code. Your phone might act up just when you’re firing off that witty tweet, or a simple conversation turns into a comedy of errors. In group settings, you may feel oddly out of sync or misheard. Don’t fret – your brilliant thoughts aren’t lost, just on a brief delay. Use this time to refine your ideas and reconnect with acquaintances you haven’t talked to in a while. An old friend might reappear with a perspective that sparks a breakthrough for you. Stay open to these reroutes. To support your inventive mind and keep you grounded in the meantime, light Prue. This amber aura candle blends bright citrus and exotic ylang-ylang with a base of patchouli and musk – a combination that’s both stimulating and centering. The vibe is a little mystical, a little down-to-earth, which is exactly your balance. As it burns, let the creative yet calming aroma inspire your brainstorms (journal them for now!) and encourage you to think before speaking when Mercury scrambles the signals. You’ll emerge from the retrograde with genius ideas intact and your social circle still intact, too – no alienating your fans necessary.
♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Dreamy Pisces, Mercury Retrograde can feel like waking up from a nap and stumbling around in daylight – disorienting. Financial mix-ups or miscommunications about money could arise (double-check bank statements!), and you might feel more forgetful than ever. It’s easy for you to drift off into daydreams, but right now a bit of grounding will save you hassles. Make lists, set gentle reminders, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if something seems off – clarity is key. On the emotional side, this transit may stir up old insecurities around self-worth. Be kind to yourself and remember how far you’ve come. Whenever anxiety or confusion hits, turn to meditation, music, or any spiritual practice that recenters you. Lighting a candle during these moments works wonders for you. Try Sade, a eucalyptus and ylang-ylang blend that is as soothing as a soulful melody. Cool eucalyptus and a touch of lavender clear the mental fog, while gentle ylang-ylang and sweet orange linger to comfort your sensitive spirit. Let this peaceful aroma ground you in the present. With your intuition and compassion illuminated, you’ll navigate the retrograde’s twists with grace, turning re-evaluations into creative insights.
Finally, remember that Mercury Retrograde isn’t here to punish us – it’s here to slow us down just enough to catch what we’ve been overlooking. By embracing the redo’s and refreshes (and keeping a sense of humor about the tech glitches!), you can actually come out the other side wiser and more centered. And with the right candle companion tailored to your sign, you’ll stay grounded and protected through all the retrograde ruckus. So go ahead and surround yourself with calming light, breathe deep, and let those delays and miscommunications roll off your back. Better days (and smoother cosmic weather) are coming! Until then, shop our full collection to ride out this Mercury Retrograde in style – you’ve got this!✨
