Retrograde season often causes anxiety among astrology followers, but it also brings opportunities for reflection and growth.
Although a planet in retrograde can be frustrating, it encourages us to reassess our priorities, relationships, and goals. This period can prompt constructive inner work that ultimately strengthens character and clarifies direction.
Mercury retrograde frequently feels like a prolonged technological glitch: phones acting up, laptops misbehaving, miscommunications, and messages gone astray. Because Mercury governs communication, when it appears to move backward our ability to convey and receive information can become disrupted.
Mercury will next go retrograde on October 14, 2020. Preparing ahead allows you to make the best use of this energy and minimize avoidable problems.
Read this next: Grounding Meditation for Retrograde Season
Doing a Tarot Reading During Retrograde Season
There are constructive ways to work with retrograde energy, and one effective approach is doing a Tarot reading. Tarot can bring clarity and guidance when retrograde periods stir up old issues.
Retrogrades often resurface matters from the past. This can be uncomfortable, but it also provides a chance to learn, heal, and move forward with greater awareness.
The following Tarot spread targets unresolved issues from your past and highlights the themes retrograde season may present. Using Tarot during retrograde can help you prepare and respond with intention.
Note: This Tarot spread can be adapted for any planet currently in retrograde. Refer to the 2020 Retrograde Guide to see which planets are retrograde at any given time.
Mercury Retrograde Tarot Spread
Question: What does Mercury Retrograde Want Me To Focus On?
Card 1: The issue to focus on
Card 2: How it is affecting me
Card 3: What I can do to fix it
Card 4: The lesson for me to learn
Below is an example spread to illustrate how this reading might unfold.
Card 1: 2 of Cups
The 2 of Cups suggests a past relationship is still influencing the present. When a retrograde highlights a problem, it often points to unresolved emotional patterns. In this case, the relationship likely had negative consequences that continue to affect current behavior and expectations.
Card 2: 8 of Swords
The 8 of Swords indicates feeling trapped, often by one’s own thoughts. In relation to the past relationship, this card suggests lingering fear and mental confinement—hesitation to open up again due to past hurt.
Card 3: 3 of Pentacles
The 3 of Pentacles points to practical, collaborative communication as the way forward. This card encourages discussing the issue with trusted people—friends, family, or a counselor—so you can build a tangible plan for healing.
As a card of teamwork and craftsmanship, the 3 of Pentacles reassures you that support is available and that working together with others can lead to real progress and constructive solutions.
Card 4: Strength
Strength represents the core lesson of this spread. It is a spiritual card that speaks to inner resilience and courage. The experiences from the past relationship and the steps needed to heal are framed as opportunities to grow stronger and wiser, preparing you for healthier future connections.
Use Tarot During Retrograde Season!
Retrograde season need not be all frustration—Tarot can be a valuable tool for navigating its challenges. This spread illustrates how retrogrades can bring important lessons and the chance for meaningful change when approached with openness.
Try this Tarot spread during a retrograde and pay attention to the insights it offers. Tarot serves as a mirror to the inner landscape, bringing messages that help you confront and overcome obstacles. Though not always comfortable, these lessons often yield the greatest growth.
With Tarot as an ally, you have a supportive practice to help you move through retrograde periods with clarity and purpose.
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