Mercury Retrograde in Taurus

Looks like we are in for another round of, your friend and mine, the planet Mercury turning retrograde. Two words that send shivers down some people’s spines whilst others brave this period with a nonchalant attitude, heroically persevering, come what may, until they are usually stopped in their tracks with the evidence of the folly to their actions.

When is this Mercury Retrograde?

This year, Mercury retrogrades in the Earth signs, and from April 29th to May 23rd Taurus is the lucky sign to experience Mercury’s presence as it is turning backwards (retrograde) and then forwards (direct), alongside turning our lives upside down and inside out.



Sounds like a match made in heaven, or more likely hell, as the stubborn traits of Taurus clash with the trickster traits of Mercury, turning somersaults around your life for you to deal with!

Taurus likes to know what is around the corner. It is a sign of planning with the need to feel secure and stable. Although it is ruled by Venus, planet of love (more on this later) it is also the sign where we “store our belongings” with a need to know what we “own” in an effort to feel secure within ourselves.

So what does this Mercury Retrograde mean?

Bank statements going missing, money coming in not balancing with money going out, or anything to do with the need for control over finances being ripped from your carefully laid plans and the inability to put your finger on the answers (or the paperwork) immediately.

If you think of Taurus being an earth sign, and Mercury ruling Gemini – an air sign – you can get the general gist of how this period will pan out. Astrologically, Earth and Air signs are not the most compatible of combinations.

Anything good about this Retrograde?

Of course there can be positives to a Mercury Retrograde. If you have anything that needs careful attention to detail, now is the time to look at it. Planning is another great thing to do during Mercury retrograde, as it seems this period works very well for planning your next move.

Business plans, writing, change of life plans are all something you can look at during this time and you may be surprised with what pops into your mind. Remember to write it down so you don’t forget it as the pure genius of Mercury, which also rules writing, can help you to push ahead with something in your life, as long as you remember not to put the plan into motion until the retrograde is over.

What are other planetary influences during this time?

Other planetary aspects to watch for are Venus conjunct (sitting on top of) Mercury around May 13th, 14th and 15th.



Once again, keep those thoughts to yourself, as you don’t want one wrong word to get out of hand and lead you into unknown territory in your relationship. This is the time for planning, not acting. If you are thinking to end a relationship, then make sure you have all the facts to hand, so you do it in style rather than with a “bang”.



Mars is also retrograde during this period which in itself will cause a few “bangs” of its own. Mars only turns retrograde every few years, and as it is the planet of war and upheaval, you don’t want to tempt fate with any arguments, as you may come out the worst. If you find your frustrations are getting the better of you, then work them off in the usual Mars fashion, namely, through physical activity.

The new moon in Taurus on May 6th is another period to watch for. It is at a 4 degree orb of Mercury’s position at this time and this day could be crucial in whether you ride this Mercury retrograde out or not.

A new moon is for a new beginning so once again get back to your planning and make those thoughts count! If you want those thoughts to really count, keep them strongly in your mind after 3.29 pm (New York time) as you will then have the full energy of the new moon working in your favor.

If you like to work with the moon energy, then the full moon occurs at 5.14pm (New York time) on May 21st. This is just before Mercury comes out of its retrograde, so whilst you are not out of the woods at this time, you can still use this full moon energy to help push those plans you have been making.

Mercury Retrograde in Your Natal Chart?

As Mercury retrogrades three times a year, many people are born with Mercury retrograde in their natal birth chart, myself included. You’d think this period would be easier for us but I have not found this to be the case.

Each time I think I have “missed” being hit by a Mercury retrograde period and boldly make the statement, “well it didn’t get me this time,” something happens. The car breaks down (yes Mercury rules travel), the computer breaks down, and the internet won’t work (I’m already in touch with my telecommunications company with net problems as I write this, coincidentally Mercury has just hit its shadow period of 14 degrees Taurus, which is the degree it will later retrograde to before turning direct).

Do not expect to be out of the woods with Mercury when it turns direct, as there is a period after this, where it needs to travel through the degrees to reach where it first went retrograde. You’ll be out of the woods around June 8th, at which time you can breath in, breath out and give a sigh of relief that this is all behind you for another few months, until Mercury retrogrades again.

You may have some stories yourself during this Mercury retrograde period or found some ways to deal with it. If you do, I’d love to hear them.

Share on social:

Next article: Are you being realistic? >