Mercury Retrograde in Taurus

Mercury goes into retrograde motion on 18th April at 05:06 Universal Time.

Mercury goes retrograde around three times a year - the last two occasions were on September 6th 2009 in Libra (it also went back into Virgo) and on December 26th 2009 in Capricorn.  This and the last two have then made significant inroads into earth signs.  Travelling back through Virgo forced a re-evaluation of details; through Capricorn it turned our minds inwards towards plans (how we work through the small print and present ourselves on the wider stage).  This last retrograde took place during the winter solstice period and during the Mars retrograde - there was a much longer feeling of preparation for something to come. 

Taurus completes this trinity of earth signs and if we look at the phases from a physical body perspective then Virgo represented health, work/rest balance - Capricorn appearance and structure and with this Taurean phase we might want to look at the food we eat and our build - what offers our bodies' sustenance and growth.  Mercury retrograde through Taurus is a time for rethinking what we want, what we might desire, what our values truly are - it is a 'going over' of our practical requirements - do we have foundations? If not, how to attain them?  Do we feel safe and secure? If not, how do I get back to that security?

The Sabian Symbol for the retrograde degree is "A porter carrying a mountain of heavy baggage".  The symbol speaks generally of carrying a heavy load, both physically and emotionally.  It might be the case that we are taking on too much - working too hard perhaps and not allowing for free play time.  Another possibility is that we've spent too much time helping others and forgotten ourselves in the process.  From a physical perspective the symbol also references our backs and posture.  As Taurus is ruled by Venus this retrograde phase might ask us to balance ourselves better - learn when to give and when not to - in order to nourish ourselves which by definition nourishes others.

As Mercury backtracks through the sky it will once again run into the Square with Mars on 25th April - this conflict might get enhanced as the Sun also joins the fray.  Mercury goes into direct motion again on 12th May.  From 18th April until then we have a chance to go over ground since the beginning of this month.  A chance to balance, rethink and lighten the load.

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Picture Copyright Szuzsanna Kilian