planetsPinWe are in a time of strange alchemy where we have all been met with our personal and collective shadows in an effort to grow our souls, go bigger and learn to use our innate power. 2016 has taken on a cataclysmic tone with the numerous personal, political and social hurdles we’ve faced. And, it seems 2017 will bloom from the same tainted soil. But don’t lose yourself just yet!

There is always magic to be found in trying times.

As the year draws closer to the end we find ourselves in the dreaded Mercury Retrograde. Mercury being the planet that rules communication, technology, progress, travel, clear thinking, and commitment. When the retrograde hits, Mercury’s fast energy begins to lag, pushing us deeper into the dark spots of our lives. Communication becomes jumbled, misunderstandings ensue, setbacks are plenty and the past seems to awaken with a vengeance.

The Secret To Dealing With An End-Of-Year Mercury Retrograde

The SECRET is leaning into the ride, and shifting your intention from being inconvenienced to actually slowing down, paying attention and going inward. The space is being made to gather up loose ends and lay things to rest. How fitting to end this wild, crazy year with the planetary message to rest, relax and release!

The Winter Solstice comes in tandem with the retrograde and the end of the year. The winter is really here now inviting us into the warm respite of night, prompting introspection and cultivating patience. All the angles of deep, fertile darkness have aligned to help us transition from, not only, the old year, but an old way of being, thinking and living.

Let yourself become still and silent.

Carve out a bit of personal time to defragment. Open and honest. Look at your particles and parts as they spiral through your personal atmosphere. Name the tone, intention and clarity of theses parts. Asking yourself: What can I let go of, and what can I hold onto for the year ahead?

As you hold space for yourself consider slowing down physically, mentally and spiritually. Think before you act. Double-check your work. Ask questions. Slow down some more. Rest and relax whenever you need it… meaning to take breaks, naps, and go to bed early. Look over written communication. Take the path of least resistance. Finish old projects. Say goodbye to people and things that have run their course!

Black Tourmaline & Amethyst to the Rescue!

To ease anxiety, tension and fear carry Black Tourmaline with you. Cradle this stone in your palms when things feel mentally and emotionally rough to sooth yourself. Look into its inky black surface and feel a sense of inner stillness and peace. Name your worries and let the stone absorb them.

To promote mental and emotional clarity carry Amethyst. Holding a piece of amethyst to your third-eye or crown chakra will align your mental and emotional selves to bring about trust and acceptance of inner wisdom, intuitive hits and epiphanies. Amethyst is a wonderful stone to tuck under your pillow while you sleep.

Rosemary To Counter Anxiety

Dab a bit of rosemary oil on your pulse points when you are feeling frazzled. Rosemary offers psychic protection when we are vulnerable, and helps us find clarity amongst our scattered thoughts, ideas and memories. Rub a bit into your palms, especially the fleshy mount at the base of the pinky, and the pinky finger.

Use the affirmation: I hold loving space for myself to cultivate patience, realign my energy and let go of resistance.

Now you have a powerful kit for working with, rather than against the heavy planetary and energetic inertia pressing upon us as the year-ends. You are ready to move into the new experience of 2017.