We’ve all heard the warnings: “Don’t sign contracts! Don’t buy electronics! Don’t make big decisions!” Mercury retrograde has built a reputation as the ultimate cosmic troublemaker. And if you practice manifestation or spellwork, you’ve probably also been told to avoid money spells during this period. But is that really true? And why would Mercury retrograde interfere with something like abundance magic?
Is Mercury Retrograde Really That Bad?
Despite the dramatic headlines, Mercury retrograde isn’t some evil force waiting to ruin your life. Astronomically, it’s just an optical illusion, the planet appears to move backward from Earth’s perspective. Spiritually, though, it carries weight: it’s linked to miscommunication, delays, and revisiting unfinished business.
It’s a time for reflection, not for rushing. Yes, it can feel inconvenient, emails get lost, travel plans go sideways, old flames pop up, but beneath the chaos lies a purpose: to draw our attention to what we’ve been ignoring. After all, if life never glitched, how else would we slow down long enough to notice what truly needs to be fixed or healed?
Why Money Spells Get Complicated
Money spells usually thrive on clarity. You set an intention, channel your energy, and send a clear signal to the universe about what you’re ready to receive. But Mercury retrograde? It’s like trying to send an important email with a bad internet connection. Messages get scrambled, signals cross, and instead of attracting financial flow, you might invite delays, confusion, or even surprise expenses.
That doesn’t mean money magic or any spellwork is impossible during Mercury retrograde. It simply means the conditions aren’t ideal.
Spells cast in this energy often manifest sideways: results show up in unexpected forms, opportunities come with complications, or abundance appears but with hidden strings attached. In other words, Mercury retrograde doesn’t block your magic, but it can twist it, reshaping the outcome in ways you didn’t plan for
When Money Magic Does Make Sense
Mercury retrograde is about revisiting, reflecting, and realigning. If your spellwork is rooted in these themes, it can still be powerful. For instance:
- If Mercury is retrograde in your 2nd or 8th house (money, resources, debts, investments), you might benefit from spells focused on releasing financial blocks, rebalancing your relationship with money, or calling back funds that are already owed to you.
- If you’re focusing on gratitude or generosity, rather than desperate “I need money now” energy, your spell is more likely to align smoothly. Retrograde periods reward patience and mindfulness, not quick fixes.
As I said, Mercury retrograde is not the best time for fast-cash manifesting, but it can be excellent for healing money wounds, repairing your mindset, and planting seeds for long-term abundance.
Alternatives to Casting During Retrograde
If you’d rather not risk it, you can still work with Mercury retrograde energy in productive ways that support your financial journey:
- Review and reflect. Revisit your budget, debts, or past spending patterns. This is the perfect time for financial clarity.
- Cleanse your money energy. Light a candle, burn sage, or visualize yourself releasing old blocks around abundance.
- Practice gratitude. Write down three financial blessings each day, anything from a steady paycheck to a friend buying you coffee. Gratitude raises your vibration faster than desperation ever could.
- Have important conversations. Mercury rules communication, so use this time to talk openly about money with partners, family, or coworkers.
- Plan for the future. Instead of casting new spells, draft a vision board, journal financial goals, or research opportunities you’ll act on once Mercury goes direct.
Mercury Retrograde Is What You Make of It
Mercury retrograde doesn’t have to derail your magic… it invites you to shift focus: from chasing fast results to strengthening your foundations. If you treat it like a cosmic reset button, it becomes less of an obstacle and more of an ally.
So, will a money spell during Mercury retrograde always backfire? Not necessarily. But will the energy challenge you to get clear on your intentions and be honest about your relationship with money? Absolutely.
Either way, rituals and spells are tools. The real magic is you, your mindset, your clarity, and your willingness to align with abundance. Mercury retrograde simply reminds us to pause, reflect, and make sure we’re building something that will last.
Extra Tip: Work With Your Own Chart
If you really want to cast spells or manifest dreams during Mercury retrograde, don’t just follow the general rules. Look at your personal transit chart. Where Mercury is retrograding in your houses makes all the difference.
- 9th house: Travel plans may hit snags or get delayed, but this won’t necessarily block your manifestation work. It might actually be a good time to revisit studies, spiritual practices, or old dreams of expansion.
- 10th house: Misunderstandings at work or conflicts with authority figures are possible, but the retrograde energy here doesn’t cancel out your magic. In fact, it could help you refine your career goals before pushing forward.
- 12th house: This is trickier. Manifestations here can backfire, or intentions may twist into the opposite of what you hoped for. It’s better to focus on healing, rest, and spiritual cleansing rather than active spellwork.
- 2nd/8th houses: If Mercury retrograde is moving through your 2nd house of money and self-worth, especially if it’s opposing the 8th house of shared resources, this isn’t the best time for financial magic. Delays, confusion, or unexpected expenses could pop up instead of the abundance you’re seeking.
Pay attention to where Mercury retrograde activates your chart. It won’t affect everyone the same way, and knowing your placements helps you work with the energy instead of against it.
