Mercury Retrograde 2026: Scorpio Secrets, Shadow Work & a Simple Ritual

🌑 Mercury turns retrograde in Scorpio on Saturday, Oct 24, and it's here until Nov 13. Scorpio doesn't do small talk. Expect old secrets, half-finished conversations and the ex who just "wanted to check in" to float up from the deep. You can dread it, or you can put on something dramatic and get curious. We vote for curious.

Think of this as three weeks of cosmic housekeeping. Mercury has stopped to look back, so you do too. Journal, pull cards and tell yourself the truth. Don't sign anything permanent or text anyone at 2 AM. (We'll be sharing a full shadow work guide here soon.)

Your three crystals

• 🖤 Black Obsidian is the bouncer at the door of your psyche. It's protective, grounding and very good at clearing out negativity. Try the Obsidian Runes, a black obsidian scrying mirror, or a Mugwort & Obsidian beeswax candle.
• ✨ Labradorite is the stone of magic and protection, and it's linked to Scorpio. Flash it in the light and you'll see why people call it the stone of transformation. Grab a tumbled labradorite for $3, or the black labradorite.
• 💜 Amethyst keeps your head cool while the rest of the sign is on fire. Start with an amethyst pendulum, because nothing says "answers, please" like a little swing.

Browse more in our Crystals & Minerals collection.

Your three herbs

• 🌿 Mugwort is the dream herb, tied to divination, intuition and protection. Mugwort, cut. Prefer no smoke? Try the Mugwort Ritual Spray. Mugwort isn't for use during pregnancy.
• 🌲 Rosemary is for memory, purification and protection. It's perfect when the past comes knocking and you'd like to remember it on your own terms. Rosemary Leaf, 1 oz.
• 💪 Thyme is the herb of strength. The ancient Greeks tied it to courage, and you'll want some for this retrograde. Thyme Leaf, 1 oz.

Prefer a ready-made mix? Our Divination Spellwork Herb Blend is waiting. Browse the whole Herbs & Botanicals collection.

A ten-minute ritual (no robes required)

1. 🕯️ Light a black candle on a heat-safe surface. A Protection Power Votive is $4.99. Never leave a flame unattended.
2. 🃏 Pull three cards and ask, "What am I not looking at?" Write down whatever comes up, even if it's rude.
3. 🖤 Hold your obsidian while you read your notes aloud.
4. 🔥 If you like, burn a pinch of rosemary and mugwort in a fireproof dish, away from anything flammable, with water nearby.
5. 🌙 Say: "What is hidden shall be revealed with love."
6. 💜 Close by holding the labradorite and amethyst to your third eye, then snuff the candle.

Decks and books for going deeper

• 🔮 The Secret Language of Darkness Oracle: a shadow work oracle deck for healing and self-discovery ($28.95).
• 🏚️ Haunted Cottage Oracle: shadow work in a gothic, candlelit home ($24.99).
• 📓 Shadows of Tarot: A Tarot Spread Journal: a guided journal for shadow work and insight ($24.99).
• 📖 Shadow Magick Spellbook: 144 spells, charms and rituals for positive change ($17.99).
• 🌿 The Shadow Apothecary: a herbalism and shadow work guide ($22.99).

Tarot decks and books are 20% off through Sunday, so this is a good weekend to stock up. 📚

Come see us at 700 Brockton Ave, Abington, MA. We're open 10–5 every day. Blessed retrograde from all of us at Cast a Stone. 🖤

Traditions and associations shared here are folklore and spiritual practice, not medical or scientific claims.