What to do During Venus and Mercury Retrograde

Have you noticed old feelings resurfacing lately? A conversation you thought was finished, a memory of someone you once loved, or a small voice asking - Am I really enough?

If so, you are not alone! Right now we are moving through a double retrograde. Venus, the planet of love, beauty and self-worth, has been retrograde since 3 October. Mercury, the planet of communication, joined her on 24 October. Both turn direct together on 13 November. This is not a time to fear or live with worry or apprehension expecting the worst. It is a sacred pause, a time to slow down, live intentionally, look within and lovingly review your life especially around relationships, communication and your relationship with yourself. Call in the angelic energy to help you review and reset.

What a retrograde really is?

When a planet is retrograde, it appears to move backwards in the sky. Spiritually, I see it as the Universe gently pressing the pause button. So many of the words for this time begin with “re” - review, reflect, release, reconnect, realign.

Venus retrograde, the planet of love asks us to look at how we love others and how we love ourselves.

What do I truly value? Where have I settled for less than I deserve?

Mercury retrograde, the planet of communication asks us to look at how we speak, listen and express our truth.

Are my words kind? Am I truly heard? Am I expressing my truth?

Together, they bring one beautiful theme into focus - the way we love and the way we express that love, beginning with the conversation we have with ourselves.

Reviewing love and self-worth

In my own journey of embodying Self Love, and in my work with many women, I have seen again and again that the love we receive from others mirrors the love and value we give ourselves.

If I want love, I need to love myself.

If I want to be valued, I need to value myself.

Venus retrograde is a precious invitation to look at this mirror with honesty and authenticity, and with kindness rather than judgement.

Take your journal, light a candle and introspect

1. Where in my life am I giving more than I receive?

2. What do I truly value in love, and am I honouring it?

3. Which old relationship or memory is asking for healing or forgiveness?

4. How do I speak about myself when no one is listening?

5. How can I honour myself as someone deeply loved this week?

If a past love reaches out during these weeks, don’t panic! It does not always mean you are meant to go back. Sometimes it is simply an opportunity for closure and forgiveness, so that your heart can move forward lighter.

Reviewing communication

Mercury retrograde is known for mix-ups - delayed messages, misunderstandings, technology playing up! And yet there is a deeper gift here. It invites us to communicate more consciously, to express our truth with wisdom and discernment.

A few communication practices for these weeks

1. Pause before you reply. If a message stirs you up, take three deep breaths before answering, or sleep on it.

2. Listen to understand. So often, when the other person feels truly heard, the conflict softens.

3. Say what you really mean. Kindly and clearly. You can say no with love, you can disagree with love, you can honour yourself with love.

4. Revisit, don’t rush. Retrogrades are wonderful for completing old conversations and offering apologies, and less ideal for big new commitments. Double-check the details before you sign anything.

5. Notice your inner dialogue. The most important conversation of all is the one you have with yourself.

Calling on the angels

You never have to do this inner work alone. Two archangels are especially lovely companions during this double retrograde. Archangel Chamuel, the angel of love, helps us open our hearts, heal old relationship wounds and find our way back to Self Love. His energy is a soft, beautiful pink, like a warm embrace. Here is a simple invocation prayer -

"Beloved Archangel Chamuel, please enfold me in your pink light of love and help me recognise my own worth. Please help me embrace myself with appreciation, love and kindness. As I hold this appreciation, love and kindness within, it is reflected back at me in all my interactions. Thank you!"

Archangel Michael watches over our throat chakra, our centre of communication and truth. He helps us speak our truth with courage and kindness, and he cuts the cords that keep us tied to old hurts. Here is a simple invocation prayer -

"Beloved Archangel Michael, please help me express and listen with truth, courage and kindness. Please help me choose the right words at the right time. Show me loving and peaceful ways to communicate in all my relationships. I am heard and I am understood. And I extend the same to others. Thank you."

A love and self-worth ritual for the retrograde weeks

Do this once during the retrograde, or whenever your heart feels heavy. It takes about 15 minutes.

Create your space. Be in a space where you won’t be disturbed. Light a candle and, if you have one, place a rose or a rose quartz and/or amethyst crystal beside you.

Close your eyes and deepen your breath. Call upon Archangel Sandalphon to ground you.

Invite the angels. Call in the Presence of Archangel Chamuel and Archangel Michael with the invocations above, or simply ask them to be with you.

Ask Archangel Chamuel to open your heart with his pink light of unconditional love.

Write a letter to yourself. Begin with “Dear one, I am sorry for…” and then “Dear one, I am proud of…” Let the words flow without pausing and editing anything.

Ask Archangel Michael to take away anything that no longer serves you, and see it dissolving into his light.

Give thanks. Once you feel complete, place your hands on your heart and say, “I AM worthy of love. I AM love. I AM open to loving relationships and connections that honour me.”

Keep your letter somewhere safe. When Venus and Mercury turn direct, read it again and notice what has changed.

Moving forward with an open heart

On 13 November, Venus and Mercury both turn direct. Mercury takes until the end of November to fully settle, so be gentle with yourself as the lessons of these weeks integrate. What you reviewed in the stillness will become the clarity you move forward with.

Everything is unfolding with divine timing. This retrograde season is happening for you - a loving invitation to come home to yourself.