What Every Black Woman Needs to Know

Understanding Mercury Retrograde

Mercury Retrograde. You’ve probably heard people blaming this celestial event when things go haywire. From missed emails to delayed travel plans, when Mercury goes retrograde, the effects can feel overwhelming. But what is Mercury Retrograde really, and how does it impact Black women?

For generations, Black women have carried the weight of being misunderstood, unheard, and often misrepresented in their personal and professional lives. Mercury Retrograde, which affects communication, technology, and travel, can intensify these challenges—but it also holds the potential for reflection, healing, and empowerment.

What is Mercury Retrograde?

Mercury Retrograde occurs when the planet Mercury appears to move backward in its orbit around the sun from Earth’s perspective. While this is just an optical illusion, astrologers believe this celestial phenomenon disrupts communication, creates misunderstandings, and sparks technological and travel problems.

Typically occurring about three to four times a year, Mercury Retrograde can last for several weeks. But despite its often negative reputation, Mercury Retrograde is more than just a chaotic period—it’s an opportunity for introspection and growth.

Why Mercury Retrograde Hits Different for Black Women

As Black women, we exist at the intersection of many identities, which brings its own unique set of challenges, often compounded by societal forces like racism, misogyny, and cultural bias. Mercury Retrograde can sometimes feel like those challenges are amplified.

1. Miscommunication & Unheard Voices: In a world where Black women are frequently misunderstood or silenced, Mercury Retrograde can highlight these issues even more. Communication breakdowns in the workplace, strained personal relationships, or even misunderstandings within our own communities can feel frustrating. It can feel like you’re saying everything right, but no one’s listening. Sound familiar?
2. Emotional Turbulence & Introspection: Retrograde periods force us to confront unresolved emotions. For Black women, this may mean confronting feelings that have been buried under the pressures of being “the strong Black woman.” You may find yourself revisiting past hurts, family traumas, or old wounds that you thought had healed. This emotional surfacing can feel draining, but it is also a powerful time for healing if you lean into it.
3. The Divine Feminine & Ancestral Energy: Mercury Retrograde presents a prime opportunity for Black women to reconnect with their divine feminine power. Ancestral energy may become more potent during this time, urging you to dive deeper into your spiritual roots and lean into the wisdom of those who came before you. Retrograde is a time to slow down and listen to the whispers of your ancestors, who may have messages for your healing and empowerment.

Using Mercury Retrograde to Heal & Empower

Instead of viewing Mercury Retrograde as a negative time, Black women can harness its power to reflect, heal, and elevate their energy. Here’s how:

1. Engage in Reflection & Shadow Work: Retrograde energy encourages us to look inward. Take this time to reflect on personal or emotional blockages that may be surfacing. Shadow work—acknowledging and healing the parts of ourselves we hide from the world—can help you grow spiritually and emotionally. Use this time to write in your journal, meditate, or perform rituals that honor your journey.
2. Create Space for Rest & Rejuvenation: Retrograde is about slowing down. Black women often find themselves juggling numerous responsibilities without time to rest. Honor this cosmic period by setting boundaries, allowing yourself to rest, and indulging in self-care practices that recharge your spirit. This could be something as simple as taking a bath with healing crystals or spending time in nature.
3. Strengthen Your Spiritual Practices: Mercury Retrograde heightens spiritual sensitivity. Whether it’s lighting candles, meditating, praying, or working with your ancestral altar, this is the time to align yourself with your higher self and your spiritual guides. These practices will ground you and offer clarity during turbulent times.

Simple Mercury Retrograde Ritual for Black Women

You can perform this ritual during Mercury Retrograde to ground yourself and open communication channels:

• What You’ll Need: A blue or white candle, a clear quartz crystal, and a pen and paper.
• The Ritual: Light the candle and hold the quartz crystal in your left hand. As the flame flickers, write down any emotions or challenges that are weighing on you. When you’re finished, hold the paper over the candle (safely) and imagine those burdens being lifted away. Allow the candle to burn for as long as you feel called. Keep the quartz close as a reminder to ground yourself in the coming days.

The Melanated Goddess Circle: A Sacred Space for Your Journey

Navigating Mercury Retrograde doesn’t have to be a solo journey. The Melanated Goddess Circle provides a sacred space for Black women to share their experiences, reflect, and support one another through spiritual growth. Through our monthly gatherings and supportive community, we explore how the divine feminine can be nurtured, even during challenging cosmic periods like Mercury Retrograde.

Whether you’re feeling out of balance or simply want to deepen your spiritual connection, we invite you to join us as we journey through Mercury Retrograde and beyond. Together, we can embrace the lessons this period offers and emerge even more empowered.

Embrace the Flow of Retrograde

Remember, Mercury Retrograde is not something to fear. For Black women, it can be an opportunity to step into your power, reclaim your voice, and find deep healing within. By using this time to reflect, reconnect, and restore, you can navigate the challenges with grace and emerge even more aligned with your divine path.

Would you like to attend a Goddess Gathering during the next Mercury Retrograde? Please register for the next gathering and join our community as we navigate the cosmic energies together.