Mercury Retrograde in Taurus
Mercury (the wing-footed Hermes) retrogrades Thursday at 23 degrees Taurus (until May 22). Mercury is in Taurus, sign of values, resources, investments (time, money), possessions. Mercury has us rethinking, reassessing, re-evaluating, reviewing values, money and possessions. What, where, and how are they? During Mercury retro, humanity, events and Earth’s kingdoms collectively enter into retreat (except for those born with Mercury retrograde).
As Mercury governs our thinking, communication, interactions, and transportation, when in retro (moving in reverse), there’s confusion, everything works backward, sideways or not at all. Everyone’s driving without thinking, looking in a rear-view mirror, and concentrating on inner realities. With Mercury retro we do not move forward easily, destination routes are obstructed and all actions must be re-thought-out, re-done, re-kindled, re-worked, re-assessed, re-envisioned, and re-arranged. It is a time for all words beginning with “re” (meaning to do it again).
During Mercury (and all retrogrades) we’re forced into an interval of doing things differently, a lull to rest and recuperate in. It’s good to consciously make use of Mercury’s three weeks of retrograde—to consider the retro as sanctuary, a haven of quietude and place of refuge. Businesses need to think this way. But this new way of thinking and utilizing the energies of the planets and stars, understanding their relationships with us, must begin first with each individual.
Mercury retrograde actually creates a time of mental relief. When it begins, Mercury is alerting us that our minds are filled to capacity with information gathered (Gemini task) since the last Mercury retro. Mercury retro gives us time to review, assess, order and organize (Virgo tasks—Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo) mental information, making room for new information offered over the next three months (till the next Mercury retro). During Mercury retro we have revelations which allow for deep inner understandings. Mercury is the mind, the “illuminating principle” in our lives. Mercury is the Messenger, i=offering us the “Raincloud of Knowable Things.”
ARIES: What are your financial realities and perspectives, how are they faring? Are they safe, budgeted? Do you tithe? These are some of the monetary questions coming into focus in the next three weeks. Also of importance is the questioning and reviewing of your values. What and whom do you value? Are you also valuable? How valuable? The retro sheds light upon your deep values. You see them change.
TAURUS: There could be confusion in communication with close friends, lover(s), intimates. There could also be confusion or questions concerning your values, possessions you consider important, and their maintenance. It’s possible someone close may not agree. There won’t be any compromise. Your life changes through the decisions you make, through what you can’t see.
GEMINI: During this time you will be returning to the past, to friends and/or family close to you, those you love and cherish. Our family is our first and foremost group where we grow, experience and learn life’s lessons. Should sad or grievous thoughts appear, think on them with offerings of forgiveness and asking to understand your part (what you said yes to before birth). Then in your revelations, you will be “doing your part.”
CANCER: Revelations may appear as your mind has an inner focus, quite compassionate, yet it could turn quickly to a Virgo criticalness. Be aware of this. Study the religious and/or spiritual. Alice Bailey’s book Ponder on This is good at this time. Have the intention for fairness, for nonjudgment, clarity and the mantram from long ago, “Let reality guide my every thought and Truth be the Master of my Life.”
LEO: Communication confusions could occur at work, with colleagues, superiors and others working around you. Awareness of this allows you to make concessions when speaking with others. The focus for three weeks will be on noncritical judgments concerning your work and other people’s work, everything professional, and most importantly your life path. Do you know the Soul Invocation?
VIRGO: What are you thinking about in terms of legal affairs, education, travel, and past communications? Be prepared for delays in all areas of your life but especially with any sort of travel. Have discussions concerning the legal system. You find yourself asking where is justice? Tend to things forgotten. You will be hidden for a while. Your actions must be explained to others so they understand. Use few words.
LIBRA: Be careful with money, finances and resources. Be acutely aware of where your money is being used, how and when it’s coming in, what you’re doing with it. Neither provide for nor ask others for loans. Investments at this time are not suggested either. Hold still with your money so you can assess its use when everyone’s mind is clear. Intimacy is renewed in the clear light of day. Be in touch with those you’ve tried to forget. Be forgiving.
SCORPIO: One-on-one communications need care, awareness and kindness. Previous partnership issues concerning constancy, safety, money, and security, arise once again for re-evaluation. Messages are mixed. Be aware of this. Disputes call for negotiation. Perhaps this is too difficult at this time. Make no decisions for three weeks. Simply observe. Misperceptions may occur. Follow your ever-present intuition.
SAGITTARIUS: You’re more sensitive than usual. Is that possible, you ask? Yes. Healthwise, for the next three weeks, it’s best to create daily routines that strengthen your well-being. You must maintain a nonjudgmental response to co-workers, lest falling into old criticism occurs. Criticism separates, then an existential loneliness emerges. Read everything over three times as errors are missed in retrogrades. Rest within silence for a while.
CAPRICORN: If you have children, observe them during this Mercury retro in Taurus. Children and elders are especially sensitive to transits. In your observations, what do you see in terms of their ability to communicate, maneuver their world of friends, school and studies? It’s good to create a Mercury retrograde journal for later use. Observe yourself during these times, too.
AQUARIUS: Something occurs concerning home, where you rest your head each night. It has its roots many months ago. What happened? What domestic issues are reoccurring now? This is a time for assessment, review, re-evaluation, and revelations concerning what you need, and where and what home means for you. Continue each night to write down what you want and need. Always be grateful for what you do have. Have faith and hope.
PISCES: Only patience assists you at this time. It seems that emptiness has appeared in all parts of your life and may be difficult to understand. Stand within that emptiness, become empty yourself, allow life to flow through, cleanse, clear and empty out of you. Many will not understand this part of your life. It’s an Initiation, very valuable, extremely difficult. You stand alone. No matter your actions, the emptiness remains. Expect nothing. Be still.
