Birthdate Co.’s Survive Mercury Retrograde Candle Combats Astrology’s Most Notorious Period
Most people with even a passing knowledge of astrology are aware of Mercury in retrograde and its horrible reputation, but this season, the folks at Birthdate Co. are here to save the day.
Mercury reenters retrograde motion starting April 21, lasting through May 14, so the brand launched its new Survive Mercury In Retrograde Candle earlier this month. It's designed specifically as an object for channeling intention and positive energies to ward off the nastiness typically associated with Mercury in retrograde. The team at Birthdate Co. was kind enough to send me one of the candles to check out myself for review, and here's what you need to know.
The Survive Mercury Retrograde Candle
This actually isn't the first time Birthdate Co. has had a Mercury in retrograde candle, but after the original launched in 2021, it sold out within a single week. Anyone wanting to get their hands on one could have definitely chalked that missed opportunity up to Mercury in retrograde!
It only made sense for the brand to bring the candle back in 2023—a year with four different periods of Mercury in retrograde. The 8.5 oz. soy and coconut wax candle is designed to give customers a little guidance and grounding during the turbulence of the second retrograde of the year, providing some words of wisdom, a soothing scent and a carnelian stone that's unearthed as the wax melts away, representing luck, health and energy. The candle retails for $42.
(via Birthdate Co.)
Also read about: What You'll Deal With During Mercury Retrograde, Depending on Your Zodiac Sign
The Experience
My Survive Mercury Retrograde Candle arrived six days ahead of the official start of Mercury in retrograde, but I figured it wasn't too early to start burning it right away. After all, according to astrology, Mercury in retrograde's communication-disturbing effects can be felt in the two-week "shadow period" before it even begins, and I'd already been having technological issues in the form of my computer microphone not working and files refusing to unzip in the days prior.
(via Birthdate Co.)
The limited-edition candle came in a beautiful sunset-colored box, blending pinks, oranges, purples and blues, and even before I opened it up, I could smell its fabulously calming fragrance, blending cool florals with summery fruit.
(via Birthdate Co.)
Before I lit it, I was also sure to read the guiding words, both on the box itself and on the back of the candle. It started by mentioning that all of this year's Mercury in retrograde periods are taking place in the earth signs, asking us to rethink the things we've placed value on in the past, from money and routines to ambition. It also suggested keeping an eye out for "flat tires" during this time, warning me of both literal and metaphorical derailments, and reminding me to be adaptable, not to rush and to do things at my own pace. The box also mentioned that Tauruses, Virgos, Capricorns and Sagittariuses should pay extra attention during this period. I'm a Sag, so I'm definitely taking note!
(via Birthdate Co.)
In terms of creating a mindful and relaxing environment, this candle truly does the trick. It's scented with lavender, jasmine, basil, peach and sage, which come together for a fruity, spa-like fragrance experience that immediately make me feel calmer. The scent lingers, not getting dull even with time, to keep that sense of presence throughout the burn time. The jar is also semi-opaque, and being able to see the flicker of the flame through the glass was another useful mindfulness reminder. Every time I became aware I was burning the candle, its purpose was at the top of my mind, helping me act with purpose and be extra aware of communication breakdowns that might come with the season.
And after more than 24 hours of burn time, I was greeted with the pleasant presence of a gorgeous reddish-brown carnelian stone embedded in the wax. The stone represents everything from luck and vitality to perseverance, making it a great stone for combatting any bad vibes from Mercury in retrograde. While I still have quite a few hours left to go with the candle (it can burn upwards of 35 hours), I look forward to digging the stone out of the spent wax to keep on me as a reminder of fluidity, adaptability and finding my inner strength.
Also read about: The Birthdate Book Is the PERFECT Gift for the Horoscope-Lover in Your Life
Bottom Line
Even if you're like me and don't entirely believe in astrology and its influences, being aware of Mercury in retrograde and its timing can still be super beneficial, and I love the way the Survive Mercury Retrograde Candle enables that. The labels are super informative while the lush, calming scent sticks around without being overwhelming, and the carnelian stone will stick with me long after the wax has melted away. At $42 for the candle, it is a bit pricey for someone who's not an astrology fan or believer in MIR, but those who believe have a lot to gain from it.
Love astrology and candles? Click HERE for our review of Birthdate Co.'s signature Birthdate Candles.