You’re so welcome! If astrology plays a role in your practice, then absolutely you can take Mercury Retrograde into account. If it doesn’t, then there’s no need to factor it in. It’s personal belief and perspective, at this point.
Thankfully, @starborn gave you an answer while I was away! 
They’re right - having a taglock to connect your boyfriend to the spell is all you need. A taglock can be a photo, his name and birthday, a piece of him (like hair or something), or something that belongs to him.
It could be! It could also be a symbol of your protective energy, as well as his parents, encircling and protecting him. You could be seeing this energy in your meditations because you are part of that circle!
What a beautiful photo, @crystal59 – thank you for sharing! I didn’t get to see the moon because of the storm 
so this brings a smile to my face!