Mercury is in retrograde for the second time this year. Ugh. Expect the usual chaos: communication going awry, travel plans becoming a nightmare, and technology issues galore. This bout of Mercury retrograde began on May 29 and lasts through June 22. It’s retrograding through Gemini, so expect plenty of miscommunication.
While chaos is all but guaranteed during this celestial phenomenon, there are some ways to mitigate the damage. One way to do so is by revamping your space for optimal energy flow, #goodvibes, and less stress.
Each Zodiac sign is affected by Mercury retrograde differently, so what works for, say, a Leo’s home would probably cause a Capricorn to rip their hair out. (Okay, it’s not particularly difficult for a Cap to reach that point, but you get it). As such, The Spruce has laid out how each Zodiac sign can revamp their space to survive Mercury retrograde and, who knows, maybe even thrive. Maybe.
-
01 of 12
Aries (March 21 to April 19)
Aries, now is not the time to be hasty. While it’s difficult for you to sit still and let things happen as they will, you’re going to have to find a way to keep yourself busy in ways that are not totally life-altering. (Yes, this means not quitting your job, sorry.)
One way to keep yourself from making rash decisions during this unstable period is by tackling weekend organization projects to keep your home life running as smoothly as possible. Until the end of retrograde on June 22, plan to have your weekends be all about simplification and decluttering. Be sure to keep the process simple, too. Take stock of what spaces of your home aren’t working as well as they could be, and go from there.
Whether it’s your kitchen pantry, clothing closets, home office, or garage, pick one Saturday or Sunday and dedicate that day to reorganizing and restyling your chosen area. Consider purchasing some specialty organizers. After all, simple doesn’t mean something can’t be stylish, too!
-
02 of 12
Taurus (April 20 to May 21)
The Spruce / Candace Madonna
If a Taurus loves anything, it’s routine. It helps Taureans feel secure. So, as you already know, the chaos that ensues during Mercury retrograde is not your favorite thing that’s ever happened. However, you can still find ways to enhance your routine within the rubble, and this is by redecorating your bathroom.
Pick out a fresh new shower curtain, reorganize your medicine cabinet for optimal morning and evening routine flow, and get all the organization cubbies for your toiletries, towels, and whatever else.
-
03 of 12
Gemini (May 22 to June 21)
Gemini, the communication pitfalls of this Mercury retrograde will feel super stressful for you, especially since Mercury is retrograding in Gemini. As such, focusing on the social spaces of your home and finding ways to make the conversation flow best will be imperative to feeling on top of things during Mercury retrograde. Get some new, comfy throw pillows for your couch, consider some new dining table chairs, curate the perfect bar cart. Whatever you do, focus on creating a welcoming, fun vibe for your friends and family.
-
04 of 12
Leo (July 23 to August 22)
Leo, technology may not be in your corner during this time of mayhem. Stick to the elements of your home that aren’t technologically-dependent. Some examples of spots to focus on could be creating a beautiful reading corner, making your bedroom the safe haven you need, or finding ways to incorporate greenery into your space.
Continue to 5 of 12 below. -
05 of 12
Virgo (August 23 to September 22)
Spacejoy / Unsplash
Sorry, Virgo, but your ruling planet is Mercury, so you’re always going to be hit particularly hard by Mercury retrograde. Ever-so-organized, this season of cosmic calamity will be more annoying to you than that time your coworker reorganized your Google Sheet without asking. (Not that you’re still seething about that, nope, not you!)
Nevertheless, Virgo, you’re an Earth sign, grounded and very practical. Getting your home in alignment with these qualities will be vital to getting through this retrograde in one piece. Focus on adding elements to your space that bring you back to Earth. A great way to do this is by investing in a few new houseplants.
Not only do houseplants reduce stress and liven up a room, caring for your new greenery will also fuel you with the responsibility and purpose you crave, especially during this tumultuous time.
-
06 of 12
Cancer (June 22 to July 22)
Spacejoy / Unsplash
Cancer, you’re the ultimate water sign, sensitive to even the slightest shifts in energy. As such, Mercury retrograde really brings out the stress in you, particularly right now as you’re feeling stagnant despite the universal upheaval.
Your best design bet during this particular Mercury retrograde is to focus on the general movement through your home. Add runners to your hallways, clear up any clutter that’s taking up valuable space, rearrange your furniture in a way that adds more space. You don’t have to feel confined within your own home, Cancer, and if you do, now is the time to remedy that issue.
-
07 of 12
Libra (September 23 to October 22)
Trinette Reed / Stocksy
Libra, you’re probably itching for an adventure but, unfortunately, travel is ill-advised during Mercury retrograde. However, you can still find fun within your own home. During this Mercury retrograde, create designated ”worlds” in each part of your home to reach that travel itch that’s been bugging you. For example, make your bedroom feel like a hotel room, make your bathroom a gorgeous spa-like atmosphere, and design your kitchen to feel like a European restaurant.
-
08 of 12
Scorpio (October 23 to November 22)
Ralph Ravi Kayden / Unsplash
Scorpio, you are a little moody but you’re patient. As such, finding a space in your home to create the ultimate zen corner will help. Hang up some mood lighting, add comfy floor pillows, find decor that makes you feel most like yourself, and spend as much time in that bunker as possible. June 22 will come before you know it.
Continue to 9 of 12 below. -
09 of 12
Sagittarius (November 23 to December 21)
Beazy / Unsplash
Sagittarius, you’ll be feeling the weight of communication woes during this time. Keeping the conversations going will be difficult but not impossible. Like Gemini, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in the gathering spaces of your home will make hard conversations flow with more ease and keep your closest relationships intact. To do this, add tons of smart lighting, keep things streamlined, add cozy textures such as pillows or throw blankets, and, when in doubt, have your bar cart stocked.
-
10 of 12
Capricorn (December 22 to January 20)
Sorry, Capricorn, you’re really not vibing right now, are you? Your tendency to be a little rigid and stuck to routine makes Mercury retrograde particularly grueling for you given its tenuous nature. But you can still work with the chaos. In fact, it might be good for you to learn to go with the flow a bit more, and let loose! Which is why you need to focus on spaces of your home that are enjoyment-focused, not work-centric.
Redecorate your dining room, rearrange your living room, add fresh lighting to your backyard patio for the #vibe. Whatever you do, understand that this period will pass, so you might as well find fun where you can!
-
11 of 12
Aquarius (January 21 to February 18)
Sure, Aquarius, you hate routine but the instability of Mercury retrograde will even cause you to feel totally off and stressed. During this period, especially in your home, it’s advisable to be all about balance. Figure out what spaces of your home feel particularly off-kilter. Is it your desk drawer? Organize it! Does your bookshelf look cluttered? Style it! Does your bedding feel old and worn? Invest in some new sheets and a duvet cover.
-
12 of 12
Pisces (February 19 to March 20)
Kelly Riggin / Unsplash
Pisces, you’re one of the signs least bothered by Mercury retrograde. Lucky you! You tend to go with the flow no matter the situation, so when things go askew, you reroute and make do. Having said that, though, you could still stand to make things work a little easier in your space during this time.
So, bring on the feng shui! Feng shui is all about the optimal flow of qi, the universal energy that affects all of us. There are certain feng shui rules for getting that qi just right in each room of a home, so adhering to those particular guidelines will be vital. If you’re a little stuck on where to start, make a list of the rooms where the vibe feels a little off, and then start implementing that particular room’s feng shui principles.