MERCURY RETROGRADE RITUAL

It’s easy to feel out of control when Mercury goes retrograde. The topsy-turvy feel of old messes resurfacing, static-riddled communication, and stagnation. This ritual brings grounding and clarity, and helps ‘even out’ energy during this harried time.

ITEMS NEEDED

• Black or white chime candle

• Fire-safe dish

• Olive oil (good because it is energy-neutral)

• Cinnamon

• Salt

• Pen and paper

• Straight pin (to draw on candle)

WHAT TO DO

• List 5 things you’d like to release during this retrograde. Think: Where do you feel blocked? Where would like a second chance? Has something unwanted returned to you? List these items.

• If you cannot think of 5 things, write a prayer or request.

• Write your full name in a circle around your list. Fold away from you and set aside.

• Use the straight pin to carve the symbol of Algiz into the candle, representing protection). If preferred, use another symbol that is meaningful to you.

• Anoint the candle by applying oil to your fingertips on both hand and moving from the center upward, and from the center downward.

• Roll the candle in cinnamon. Melt the bottom just a bit and stand the candle upright in the middle of the fireproof dish.

• Sprinkle a circle of salt around the candle.

• Light the candle and say:

Circle back so I can see,

with clearer eyes, then release thee.

Unknot these ties, my lesson’s learned.

Release these burdens, let them burn.

• Burn your list over the candle’s flame, dropping the paper into the fireproof dish to fully incinerate to ashes.

• Allow the candle to burn out completely.