Mercury Retrograde in Taurus. April 2023

Mercury retrograde in Taurus. April 2023.

4/21/2023, Mercury retrograde at 15 degrees Taurus

5/14/23 Mercury direct (start of the shadow period)

5/31/2023 Mercury leaves the shadow period

What is Mercury retrograde? It is an optical illusion which makes it look like trickster Mercury is naughtily going backwards. The energic effects are very real for us earth folks and Mercury Retro is known to play games with electronics and communications. However, this can be a great period where we can experience breakthroughs after the retrograde is done. So don’t listen to the Mercury retrograde doomsday criers - relax and allow Mercury to highlight the life area that needs a little more work from us.

Rules of Mercury retrograde:

Do not get married.

Don’t make permanent decisions as you may change your mind later.

Try not to make any big purchases.

Check and double check paperwork.

Remember that the risk of miscommunication is high so cut yourself, and others, some slack. Electronics are more likely to fail during a Mercury retrograde. So keep that anti-virus updated!

Mercury retrograde in Taurus is about creating stability and long lasting prosperity. During the retrograde period, we review a life area (symbolised by a house in the birth chart) in which we have a lack of security. By the end of the retrograde we will feel more focused and secure. Now how can this possibly be a bad thing?!

Mercury retrograde is not something to fear as it happens three times a year, sometimes four! It is another chance to perfect a part of life which didn’t live up to our expectations previously.

Aspects of Mercury retrograde in Taurus 2023:

Mercury Rx conjunct the Moon gives us heightened emotions, intuition and psychic abilities. Lots of great ideas popping into our heads that have their seeds in the past. Now we have an opportunity to bring these ideas into fruition. On the downside we may experience more anxiety, and conflicting feelings. We could have difficulties in verbalising emotions so it's best to wait until we feel more calm for important conversations.

Sun square Pluto. We could experience power struggles, in particular with men or authority figures. Or psychological power struggles and insecurities about our own identities. On the plus side, we feel powerful, resilient and determined.

Mercury sextile Mars – Great for getting issues off our chests. We feel an increase in ambitions with more enthusiasm to take action. More courage and focus. On the downside, we can find some communication irritating, people on the internet etc so turn off the social media for a while and go for a stroll in nature to gather your thoughts.

Overall, this retrograde creates an opportunity to create financial stability and gives us more enthusiasm to reach our goals. Small issues in relationships will be resolved. If anxiety is felt, spending time in nature or solitude will help us to feel more grounded and less stressed.

Read your rising sign and Sun sign. Also your Moon sign if you were born at night.

Taurus – 1st house. New beginnings that change your identity. Important news that causes big changes in your overall life. Eclipse was in your 12th house so something hidden or unknown to you will be revealed in a big way. Change can be difficult for you but try to go with the flow.

Gemini – 12th house – This is a really powerful time for ritual and spiritual work. However, be aware of “hidden” enemies like fake friends, or getting your wires crossed about people’s motives as your intuition might be a bit off. Take more sleep as you will feel more tired now. Your astrologer gives you permission to sleep in. 

Cancer – 11th house – Likely miscommunications with friends, groups or within social media. You will probably find after the retrograde that it was no big deal. This is a great time to plan for a dream that you have about your future that will come to fruition later. Pay no attention to social media drama as you will attract more of it during this retrograde.

Leo – 10th house – Something that you started within your career path will come to fruition, probably after the retrograde. Now is a time of change within your career with teething problems. Don’t be too stubborn to make changes. Review and double check your work. Use that Leo power to create something amazing and long-lasting.

Virgo – 9th – Great ideas for travel and planning trips although if possible delay travel until after retrograde. Publishing issues or reviewing publishers to choose from. Law and legal issues. Reviews within your beliefs, in particular spiritual or political beliefs. Have you been thinking about furthering your education? it’s a great time for you to find the right course.

Libra – 8th house. Reviewing the sex life and intimacy that you have with your partner. Rediscovering the occult, astrology & psychology. Joint finances, mortgages and loans may need some tweaking. Transformation and change is coming during or after this retrograde. You love harmony, Libra, but just remember that you will feel less compromising than usual.

Scorpio – 7th house. Finding solutions to problems within a partnership. Some issue from the past will come up again and be resolved. The Sun is transiting your 7th house which means you have the potential for joy here if small problems are overcome. Your partner may be more irritating or needy than normal, so be nice!

Sagittarius 6th – Some disturbance within your daily schedule, probably because you hate boredom and routines! You could feel temporarily unwell, particularly issues with throat or thyroid. Here is an opportunity to find a better, more structured health and diet practice.

Capricorn – 5th – Some temporary problems with a child. Child may be stubborn or obstinate (because they inherited that from you, of course!) Rediscover the activities that you enjoy as you need to have some fun. Do something childlike and joyful that helps you to loosen up and enjoy life.

Aquarius – 4th house. Problems with the home or considering moving or renovating the home. Issues from the past, especially with love and Family that come up again for a resolution. By the end of the retrograde you will feel much more settled and grounded. Make a connection with your ancestors as they are offering their help.

Pisces – 3rd – Vehicle issues or problems with neighbours or siblings. These problems probably happened in the past, now you will seek resolution if both parties are open. This is an ideal time for you to bring those freshly-baked cookies over to your neighbours! This is a great time to gain some mental clarity on an issue that has been bothering you.

Aries – 2nd – Reviewing finances, having great ideas about money for the future. Working very hard on financial matters, the fruits come later. The eclipse in Aries was in your first house, so a dramatic and positive new beginning is coming soon. Just try to have some patience, Aries. I promise good things are coming for you.