Mercury Retrograde in Taurus: When the Bull Meets the Messenger
On April 20th, at 10:25pm HST/ April 21st, 1:25am PST/ 4:25am EST, Mercury, goes retrograde in Taurus. Mercury retrograde occurs when the planet Mercury appears to be moving backward in its orbit from the perspective of Earth. It happens about 3 times a year for 3 1/2 weeks.
When a planet is retrograde, it is viewed as a time when the planet's energy is turned inward or "reflecting" upon itself, rather than being expressed outwardly. This influences the areas of life being transiting in your birth chart, prompting individuals to reflect on those areas and engage in introspection.
Taurus is an earth sign known for its loyalty, practicality, stability, sensuality and on the low side can also be stubborn, lazy, and materialistic. Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus, the planet of love and beauty, so Taurus also is associated with love, beauty, and material possessions.
Mercury is the planet of communication, technology, and travel. It also governs siblings, short distance travel. It also is associated with the mind, intellect, perception, and expression. Mercury is often called the "messenger of the gods," as it was in Roman mythology, because it is said to facilitate the transfer of information and ideas between people and the universe. It can be known as the "trickster", just like the trickster messenger god, Hermes, and especially when in retrograde can be a little devilish in the way it likes to bring things to your attention.
The combination of Mercury retrograde in Taurus can bring stubbornness, delays and disruptions in financial matters, sensual and practical reflections, slow and deliberate communication, and a heightened focus on sensory experiences.
Mercury retrograde is a time to reflect, review, and reassess. Taurus is not known for its fast-paced communication style, and during this period, individuals may experience a big slowdown in communication. This may involve delays in responses to messages or emails, difficulty in expressing oneself clearly, or a preference for deliberate and thoughtful communication rather than quick and impulsive exchanges. It can be a time for individuals to practice patience and mindfulness in their communication, and to be more conscious of the words and messages they convey to avoid misinterpretations or misunderstandings.
One of the key experiences during Mercury retrograde in Taurus is a potential sense of resistance to change. Taurus is known for its fixed nature, and when combined with the backward motion of Mercury retrograde, individuals may feel more resistant to change or unwilling to adapt to new ideas or perspectives. This can manifest in various aspects of life, including communication styles, technological advancements, or travel plans. It may require individuals to be more mindful of their tendencies towards rigidity and inflexibility during this period.
Financial matters may also be impacted during Mercury retrograde in Taurus. Taurus is associated with material possessions, money, and financial stability, and during this period, individuals may experience delays or disruptions in financial transactions, investments, or money-related communications. This may require extra attention to financial matters, such as budgeting, financial planning, and double-checking financial details to avoid potential misunderstandings or mistakes. It can be a time to be cautious and thorough in financial decision-making and avoid impulsive or hasty financial moves.
Taurus is known for its practical and grounded nature, and during this period, individuals may feel drawn towards reflecting on their practical needs, material possessions, and sensual pleasures. This may involve reassessing financial goals, reviewing personal values, or reevaluating material possessions and their significance in one's life. It can be a time for introspection and reflection on practical matters, leading to potential changes or adjustments in one's approach to material possessions and financial decisions.
Look at your rising sign below to see what area of life you might feel this the most based on what house/area of life this transit is happening in your birth chart!
Aries Rising or Transit your 2nd House: personal resources, self-worth, finances, material possessions, personal values, and earning potential.
Taurus Rising or Transit your 1st House: self-image, identity, appearance, personality, self-confidence, and how you present yourself to the world.
Gemini Rising or Transit your 12th House: spirituality, subconscious mind, hidden matters, endings, subconscious mind, spirituality, and matters hidden from the conscious awareness.
Cancer Rising or Transit your 11th House: friendships, social networks, groups, aspirations, social circles, group activities, and long-term goals.
Leo Rising or Transit your 10th House: career, public reputation, status, achievements, public image, professional goals, and social status.
Virgo Rising or Transit your 9th House: higher education, travel, spirituality, philosophy, higher learning, foreign travel, and philosophical beliefs.
Libra Rising or Transit your 8th House: transformation, shared resources, intimacy, occult matters, deep emotional connections, shared finances, and transformational experiences.
Scorpio Rising or Transit your 7th House: partnerships, relationships, marriage, open enemies, one-on-one relationships, partnerships, and collaborations.
Sagittarius Rising or Transit your 6th House: health, work, service, daily routines, work-related matters, health and wellness, and daily habits.
Capricorn Rising or Transit your 5th House: creativity, romance, children, and self-expression. It's associated with artistic pursuits, love affairs, children, and hobbies.
Aquarius Rising or Transit your 4th House: home, family, roots, emotional well-being, the nurturing side of life, family traditions, and the sense of belonging.
Pisces Rising or Transit your 3rd House: communication, short-distance travel, siblings, intellectual pursuits, communication skills, learning, and local community.
