Going Through An Astrological Rough Patch? Here's How To Get Through It

Astrology can be an excellent resource for better understanding your personality, why you do or don't get along with certain people, and even making plans. However, sometimes it feels like astrology causes more stress than anything else; some key astrological events benefit some zodiac signs while creating nothing but stress and chaos for other signs.

We've all been there: A new moon happens, and for the following period, our best friends' lives seem to magically improve as ours get remarkably more frustrating. Or, one mercury retrograde affects your zodiac sign more heavily than the rest; don't you just hate it when the retrograde kicks your butt? Perhaps your daily horoscope predictions are repeatedly unpleasant and annoyingly accurate. Or, maybe at a business event or retreat, you're getting sick of people discriminating against your sign due to unfair stereotypes during mandatory icebreakers once you reveal your zodiac sign. We could give more scenarios, but you get the idea.

Astrological rough patches can be unavoidable and aren't enjoyable. But at least we have some tips for how to make them more bearable. Here's how.

Going through an astrological rough patch is typically exhausting, and it's even more frustrating when you feel like you're the only one going through it. But you're not the only person dealing with it. One of the best ways to remind yourself of that is to talk to people belonging to the same zodiac sign. For instance, if a specific new moon is hardest on Scorpios and you're a Scorpio, then talk to other people belonging to the Scorpio sign to relate to, compare notes and tips regarding how to get through it, or even vent together.

Moreover, it's common knowledge that Geminis have the worst reputation of all zodiac signs. So, if you're a Gemini who's gone at least three days in a row hearing how horrible people assume your zodiac sign is, it can benefit you to befriend other Geminis — or at least other air signs. They'll likely know how you feel, and you'll understand each other. "A Gemini prefers to hang with fellow air signs Aquarius and other Gemini to avoid boredom and routine," Carolyne Faulkner of Dynamic Astrology told Reader's Digest. Even if you aren't a Gemini, it's typically beneficial to get to know more people belonging to your zodiac sign, as you'll likely have a natural understanding of each other.

If you want more specific, professional advice regarding handling your astrological rough patch, a professional astrologer can help you. Follow highly-regarded astrologers such as Susan Miller on social media and keep your eyes open for potential upcoming events where you'll have a chance to ask questions. Or, reach out to your favorite astrologers and psychics about scheduling a one-on-one reading or session. While famous astrologers and psychics with large followings might not reply or offer such services, more local options might be able to provide what you're looking for, helping you learn personalized information that can help you defeat the rough patch and work on improving your life.

If you can't afford or don't have the time for a session or reading with an astrologer or psychic, look at your horoscopes on highly-trusted, astrology-focused sites and apps such as Co-Star Astrology and carefully read the advice and warnings. Think about how you can use those predictions and suggestions to improve your life and get past the rough patch as you build a better present and future.

It's typically your best bet to avoid doing anything risky, reckless, or dangerous during the astrological rough patch, as the odds aren't usually in your favor during these periods. Thus, doing anything drastic will be more likely to backfire than usual. So, it's a good idea to wait until after the astrology-related rough patch is over to dump your partner on impulse, quit your job with no backup plan, or pack up your bags and move somewhere new without much research. It can be especially regrettable to do any of those actions during a retrograde.

"We can experience technical or mechanical issues, and our wires can feel crossed in all our forms of communication... You don't want to end up stuck in legalities you cannot get out of when Mercury stations direct," Ellen Bowles, an astrologer and co-author of Astrology SOS, told Well + Good. Therefore, if you aren't sure about doing something during a rough Mercury retrograde, don't do it, as you'll likely encounter unpleasant consequences. By avoiding taking that action, you'll probably end up thanking yourself — and hopefully us — later.

When it feels like the stars aren't being so kind to you, try working with astrology rather than against it to improve your situation. We mean to use the best characteristics of your sign to help you get past your rough patch. "Exploring these strengths and embracing divine feminine energy could help to learn how to use these powers to succeed in personal relationships, career, and love life. All the signs have unique parts to their personalities that make us special," Hillary Coke, a Western Astrologer and Tarot expert at Nebula: Horoscope and Astrology Platform, told Glamour. Once you figure out your favorite characteristics of your sign, use those traits to help yourself.

For instance, are you a Capricorn going through a stressful patch at work or school? Use the famous hard-working Capricorn mindset to complete every project or assignment to the best of your ability and knock everyone's socks off with how much effort you put into the work. Are you an Aries who hasn't had any luck in the romance department lately? Tap into your sign's famous bravery to put yourself back out there and ask someone out.

Whenever you go through any rough patch, physical and mental self-care is crucial for maintaining your health. "Self-care is anything that you do for yourself that feels nourishing," licensed psychologist Marni Amsellem, Ph.D., told Everyday Health. "That can be something that's relaxing or calming, or it can be something that is intellectual or spiritual or physical or practical or something you need to get done."

During your rough patch, never forget about self-care, no matter how stressed and overwhelmed you feel; self-care should help you feel better, so make it a priority.

Self-care looks different for every individual, so focus on doing what makes you feel good. For some people, spending time outside on a warm day is self-care. For others, it's getting up early to go for a run or go to the gym and work out. And for some people, it's going to get their hair or nails done. Whatever self-care means for you, take the time to do it during your rough patch, even if you have to write it in your planner or schedule to remind yourself.

When you take the time to take care of yourself, the astrological events shouldn't consume you and bring you down as much.

During a rough patch in your life, it's easy to blame everything on a new moon or retrograde. But if you're serious about wanting to improve your life and get past the rough patch, you'll typically need to dig deeper and identify the specific problem. Once you know what the prominent issue is — causing you stress and unhappiness — you can start figuring out how to get past it and make the best of the situation. Did you get laid off from work? Take that as an opportunity to find a better job that makes you happier. Are you having problems with friends? Talk to them about the issues and work on improving your friendships for the long term.

Even the most frustrating astrology-related events have some benefits, such as the notorious Mercury retrograde. "You have a chance to repolish things up and do a better job," astrologer Susan Miller told Well + Good. "You go back, and you have a second chance to do better." So, if the typical retrograde antics are getting on your nerves, focus on the positives of the retrograde, such as the chance to find closure in unfinished business or try again at a mission that didn't work out the first time.