Mercury retrograde can be hard on your love life — but here’s 5 sex positions to boost intimacy: expert

We’re dealing with double retrograde this spring, folks, and experts agree that getting it on is a fine way to alleviate the stress of these planetary downshifts.

Mercury, our planet of connection and communication, will retrograde through April 7, while Venus, our planet of attraction, wealth and worth, will retrograde through April 12.

This double retrograde can equate to double trouble for our intimate relationships as these transits call us to question the ties that bind and revise the stories we tell ourselves about love, intimacy, intellect and alignment.

Leh Levi, a sexologist at the “explorationship” app Flure, explains that sex and a conscious return to the body amid this heady cosmic energy can be an excellent way to tap into truth, desire and sweet release.

Further, sexual activity is known to support mental clarity, stress relief and even immune function, a triple threat against burnout and bad vibes.

A recent study found that when two people support one another by being responsive to one another’s wants and needs in the bedroom – which they call “high sexual communal strength,” it’s associated with stronger sexual desire and satisfaction and, even better, higher satisfaction with the relationship overall.

In honor of Mercury retrograde and pursuit of “high sexual communal strength,” Levi shares five sex positions to make this retrograde season more pleasurable for one and all.

1. Coital alignment technique (CAT)

Levi explains that this purposeful twist on the missionary position can foster connection and simultaneous orgasm.

Can dig!

“If Mercury retrograde makes it hard to feel emotionally connected, this position can bring back the intimacy. It’s like missionary but more spiced up and with a focus on clitoral stimulation, meaning better chances of orgasm for both partners,” she explained.

How to do it?

“The penetrating partner shifts their body slightly upward, aligning their pelvis with the receiving partner’s, creating a slow rocking motion instead of thrusting. It’s perfect when you want a position that feels both physical and emotional, especially when Mercury retrograde has you second-guessing everything.”

2. Viennese Oyster

Yet another level up on missionary, this position, rumored to be inspired by a painting by Austrian artist Johann N Geiger, takes its name from the shape two lovers form when attempting it.

“When you’re craving something a little wild, this deep-penetration position adds an extra dose of excitement,” Levi shares. “The receiving partner lies on their back and brings their legs back toward their head, opening up like an ‘oyster.’”

“The penetrating partner kneels or leans over them, allowing for intense, deeper sensations that other positions can’t reach.”

Pillows can increase both comfort and support. As an exercise in flexibility and vulnerability, the Viennese Oyster can provide emotional bolstering for couples grappling with insecurity, discord, or disconnect.

3. Reverse Cowgirl

To get out of your head and into the act of sexual congress, Levi recommends the visually stimulating, rodeo-inspired Reverse Cowgirl or Cowboy.

“When the usual routines feel stale, this classic but spicy position gives you a new perspective. The receiving partner sits on top, facing away from the penetrating partner, allowing them to control the depth and pace.

She notes that this position frees up the hands of both partners, encouraging deeper, unexpected exploration.

“If Mercury retrograde has you feeling out of sync, this position shifts the power dynamic in a fun way, letting one partner take charge while the other relaxes and enjoys the ride.”

Add to the intrigue that Reverse Cowgirl is believed by many to be the most dangerous sexual position, increasing the likelihood of a penis fracture.

4. Lotus position

Levi notes that the dizzying effects of Mercury retrograde can make us want to retreat from, rather than recover with, a partner. A remedy? A position that demands unflinching presence.

“When everything feels chaotic, this position brings things back to basics: connection and closeness. The penetrating partner sits cross-legged while the receiving partner straddles their lap, facing them”

“It’s a slow, intimate position that encourages eye contact, synchronized movements, and full-body closeness. Perfect for when Mercury retrograde has you feeling emotionally distant, this position allows for long, lingering strokes and heart-to-heart moments,” – she adds. 

Further, research shows face-to-face positions generally enhance clitoral blood flow, leading to better orgasms.

5. Launchpad

Levi explained that Mercury retrograde can build up our emotional ramparts, and the Launchpad is aces at breaking them down and getting us off.

“If Mercury retrograde has you craving a deeper emotional and physical connection, the launch pad position delivers both. The receiving partner lies on their back with their hips slightly elevated while the penetrating partner kneels between their legs. It allows for deep, precise penetration while keeping your faces close for intense eye contact.”

Experts note that sustained eye causes the brain to produce phenylethylamine or PEA. This natural amphetamine makes for a natural high and stimulates the release of dopamine, a chemical that increases feelings of love and excitement. Further, maintaining eye contact during sex promotes trust and sexual confidence.

Astrology 101: Your guide to the star

Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.