Mercury now turns direct at 8° Taurus 08′.

Mercury’s retrograde lasted from April 21st, 2023, at 15° Taurus 37′, until May 14th, 2023, at 5° Taurus 51′.

Mercury Retrograde Cycle from April 21 to May 14, 2023:

• Mercury enters the Retrograde Zone (pre-retrograde shadow) on April 7, 2023, at 5° Taurus 51′
• Mercury stations and turns retrograde on April 21, 2023, at 15° Taurus 37′ Rx
• ***Mercury stations and turns direct on May 14, 2023, at 5° Taurus 51”D
• Mercury leaves the Retrograde Zone (post-retrograde shadow) on May 31, 2023, at 15° Taurus 37′

The year 2023’s second retrograde Mercury cycle began on April 21st and lasted until now, May 14th. Mercury’s shadow period began on April 7th and ends on May 31st. Note that the shadow period begins before Mercury turns retrograde–when Mercury first passes over the degree that Mercury later returns to in retrograde motion. The shadow period ends when Mercury again passes over the degree at which it first turned retrograde. The shadow period is different than Mercury’s storm period in astrology, which refers to the period when Mercury is moving especially slowly.

Mercury’s post-retrograde shadow is generally better for new long-term endeavors than the pre-retrogrades shadow. For new enterprises in the pre-retrograde shadow, the venture’s secondary progressed Mercury will turn direction (retrograde) in the coming years, which may not be ideal.

Also note that things are most wonky on and around the days of the stations whether Mercury is turning retrograde OR direct (the start and end dates of the retrograde cycle) as the shifts occur, after which we grow more accustomed to the energy.

Mercury is retrograde approximately three times a year for approximately three weeks each time. As such, retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence (Mercury is retrograde approximately 18% of the time).

As the planet of communication, Mercury retrograde tends to breed a certain level of confusion. Mercury rules our “lower” mind–how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our environment, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, and so forth. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sluggish state. Decision-making is challenged during Mercury retrograde.

Needless to say, it is not advised to sign contracts, engage in important decision-making, or launch a new business. Delays and challenges are more probable with Mercury retrograde. It’s a time when being careless with money, our personal information, or paperwork can be costly.

While Mercury is retrograde, we may be rethinking a previous opinion or idea. Looking to the signs and houses it transits can give clues as to what we may be reconsidering. In Taurus this time, we’re reviewing our projects, finances, and systems of comfort and security. We may be questioning our values or resources. We see certain projects, items, and even people in new ways, in terms of value and worth, and may see value in a old pursuit.

While Mercury is retrograde in the sign of Taurus, things can seem particularly slow. We might review and reassess our comfort levels, sense of security, finances, personal income, and valuables. There can be delays and information clogs.

Now with Mercury direct, slowly but surely, information unclogs, and we can move on. Ideally, while Mercury was retrograde, we had the chance to catch up, refine details, and change our minds if needed.