Have you ever had a week when nothing seems to go smoothly—your computer crashes, plans fall through, or conversations just don’t land right? You might be experiencing more than just coincidence. Many people notice patterns like these during a time known as Mercury retrograde—a period that invites us to slow down, reflect, and reset.
Even if you’ve never heard of it, understanding this energetic shift can help explain why things feel a little “off”—and how remote Reiki can help you feel more grounded and balanced in the middle of it all.
What Is Mercury Retrograde?
Astronomically, Mercury retrograde is a natural phenomenon that occurs three to four times a year. From Earth’s perspective, the planet Mercury appears to slow down and move backward in its orbit. Of course, the planet isn’t actually reversing—it’s an optical illusion caused by the difference in orbital speed between Mercury and Earth as they move around the Sun.
Ancient astronomers across cultures—from Babylonian to Greek to Chinese—have observed and recorded this motion for thousands of years.
In modern astrology and wellness communities, Mercury retrograde has come to represent something deeper: a time when Mercury’s energetic influence is believed to shift inward or become distorted. Because Mercury is associated with communication, travel, technology, and thought, these areas may feel disrupted during retrograde. You might experience:
Miscommunications or misunderstandings
Delays, tech issues, or changes in plans
Revisiting people, emotions, or opportunities from the past 🌱 (Not always a bad thing!)
It’s Not All Bad: A Time to Reflect and Reset
While Mercury retrograde often gets blamed for chaos, it actually brings a valuable opportunity: to pause, review, and reconnect with yourself.
I first heard about Mercury retrograde about 15 years ago in New York, through yoga classes and at acupuncture school. At the time, I thought it was just one of those horoscope topics you’d find on the last page of a fashion magazine—I wasn’t into it at all.
But gradually, I started hearing about it more often. Some of my friends would joke, “My computer’s not working—are we in Mercury retrograde?!” whenever something went wrong with their phone or laptop.
Over time, I began to notice something: during these periods, things often did feel confusing—plans would get canceled, or things wouldn’t go as planned. But I also found myself reconnecting with people I hadn’t seen in years, or suddenly finding something I thought I’d lost.
So yes, Mercury retrograde often gets a bad reputation, but I’ve come to see that it’s not all negative. It can also bring meaningful moments, reconnections, and clarity. I now view it as a time to slow down and make space for the unexpected—a time to take care of the inner world before rushing ahead.
How Remote Reiki Supports You During Mercury Retrograde
When the world around us feels unpredictable or “off,” it’s even more important to find stillness within. Remote Reiki—a gentle energy healing practice that works across distance—can help you:
Ground scattered energy and calm your mind
Clear emotional or energetic blocks
Strengthen your intuition and inner clarity
Even if you don’t fully believe in astrology, many people notice emotional or energetic shifts during these periods. Reiki offers a safe, calming space to release what no longer serves you and return to center—no matter what the planets are doing.
🧠 Science Note: While Reiki is still being studied, research suggests it may help reduce anxiety and stress by calming the autonomic nervous system.¹ This can be especially helpful when Mercury retrograde feels overwhelming.
This Retrograde: April 21–May 15, 2025
The current Mercury retrograde runs from April 21 to May 15. That makes the first half of May a perfect time to:
Reflect, revisit unfinished tasks, and edit instead of start new projects
Double-check communication and be flexible with plans
Receive Reiki to stay centered, grounded, and emotionally balanced
Let Reiki Help You Move Forward with Clarity
Once Mercury goes direct again on May 15, you may feel ready to move forward—but you don’t have to wait until then to feel better. Whether you’re navigating confusion, facing big decisions, or just feeling unsettled, Reiki can help restore flow to your energy and calm to your mind.
If you’d like to experience this gentle support during Mercury retrograde, I invite you to try a remote Reiki session—from wherever you are.
¹ Reference: Baldwin, A. L., Wagers, C., & Schwartz, G. E. (2008). Reiki improves heart rate homeostasis in laboratory rats. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(4), 417–422.
(Note: This is one of several studies exploring Reiki’s effects on stress and the nervous system.)
🕊️ Book your session now at: Book Your Session
Stay Connected
🌟 Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Get wellness tips and exclusive promotions delivered to your inbox.
📸 Follow Us on Instagram: Join our community for wellness inspiration from Japan—or somewhere in the world.