Retrograde season usually brings shudders of horror among astrology fans, but there’s always a silver lining in every cloud.

　　As frustrating as a planet in retrograde can be, it also brings the opportunity to build character, cause us to rethink our life goals and relationships, and assess which direction we want to move in.

　　Mercury retrograde in particular can feel like one long glitch – and I mean “glitch” as in technological glitch! Phones breaking, laptops malfunctioning, miscommunications, messages not reaching the intended person – these are all common themes of Mercury retrograde, which governs over communications. When this planet appears to be going backwards, so do our communication styles.

　　The next time Mercury will go retrograde in 2020 is on October 14. However, it’s best to be prepared in advance so you can use this energy appropriately, and to your utmost advantage!

　　Read this next: Grounding Meditation for Retrograde Season

　　

Doing a Tarot Reading During Retrograde Season

There’s always a way to make the most of a planet in retrograde, and one way of doing that is to do a Tarot spread during this uncertain season – and let’s face it, Tarot makes everything better!

　　One thing Mercury retrograde has a habit of doing (which all planets have a habit of doing when they appear to go backwards) is drudging things up from the past. This isn’t always the most pleasant of experiences, but it is a great to learn and move forward.

　　Below is a Tarot spread focusing on exactly this. This Tarot spread concentrates on issues from your past you may need facing up to and what type of issue retrograde season will fling your way. Tarot can help you prepare for what’s to come, and it’s always good to prepare for the retrograde planets.

　　Note: This Tarot spread can be adapted and used for any planet currently in retrograde! Check out our 2020 Retrograde Guide for reference to see which planet is in retrograde right now.

　　

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 so you can see how this would work.

　　

Card 1: 2 of Cups

The 2 of Cups indicates a relationship from my past is still affecting my present. As the planet in retrograde is highlighting a “problem” to me, this relationship is in the negative – meaning it’s one which had a negative impact on me and has probably resulted in gloomy outcomes for me and pessimistically affected my behavior.

　　

Card 2: 8 of Swords

The 8 of Swords represents someone who feels trapped. As this is relating to a relationship from my past, we can assume that this past relationship has caused me to feel trapped within my own mind.

　　There is fear associated with the 8 of Swords – if I have been hurt in the past, this card would be a common one to get if I didn’t want to open my heart again for fear of getting hurt.

　　

Card 3: 3 of Pentacles

As to what I can do about it to fix the issue – talk about it!

　　The 3 of Pentacles is a powerful card for communication, but as it’s a Pentacle, this communication is all about being tangible, rational and looking at ways a solution can be found before putting them into practice.

　　The 3 of Pentacles is a card of teamwork, indicating that a solution to this can be found if I open up and speak with people I trust who can help me move on.

　　This card also indicates that those I speak with about it – whether it be friends, family, a counselor, etc – will help me on my journey of healing by being there for me during the process. It is a positive card for working together.

　　This card highlights the fact that I am not alone in this, and help is there if I reach out for it.

　　

Card 4: Strength

This card represents the lesson for me to learn, and is the most spiritual card in the spread, as the lesson is a spiritual one and comes from a higher place.

　　The Strength card shows that the experience I have had in this relationship and the steps I must take in order to overcome the repercussions is all about becoming a stronger person. It is one of those life lessons that builds character and makes you stronger and wiser from the experience – often to pave the way for something better!

　　

Use Tarot During Retrograde Season!

Remember, retrograde season doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. As you can see from the spread above, there is light at the end of the tunnel, especially when you use Tarot to assist you on your journey!

　　Try this Tarot spread during retrograde season and see what it has to tell you. The Tarot essentially sends us messages from the Universe which we need in order to help us. The messages may not always be easy to hear or pleasant to experience – but often, the most challenging experiences provide the most potential for growth and reward.

　　As long as you’ve got Tarot to help you overcome your hurdles, you’ll always have a steadfast ally standing by your side!

　　Related article: 6-Card Tarot Spread to Help You Make a Decision