Our next Mercury retrograde begins on April 21, 2023, and runs through May 14, 2023. This cycle takes place entirely in Taurus and lands during Eclipse Season, which amplifies its effects.
If things have been feeling off or sluggish, this transit helps explain that uneasy energy.
What is Mercury retrograde?
In astrology, a planet is described as retrograde when it appears to move backward through the zodiac from our Earth-based perspective. The motion is only apparent; the planet isn’t actually reversing course.
Planets normally move forward, so when one goes retrograde it can disrupt the areas that planet governs. Mercury retrograde is especially noticeable because Mercury rules communication, travel, and technology. Mercury turns retrograde about three to four times a year for roughly two to three weeks each time.
As the planet of communication and technology, Mercury retrograde often brings misunderstandings, delays, and tech glitches. It also influences daily routines, work, and health, so this period can feel like a time of backlog, stress, and small crises that demand our attention.
About Taurus in Astrology
Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac and represents a slower, steadier pace. Taurus prefers to take its time and avoid unnecessary rush.
As an Earth sign, Taurus is practical, grounded, and reliable, which reinforces its preference for stability and tangible comforts. As a Fixed sign, Taurus values consistency, presence, and the pleasures of the senses.
Venus rules Taurus, lending sensuality and a love of beauty. Taurus often waits for things to come together rather than pursuing them aggressively.
The Impact of the Taurus Mercury Retrograde
When Mercury retrogrades in Taurus, everything tends to slow—sometimes dramatically. People resist being rushed and may resent pressure to move faster, which can increase rigidity and make it harder to adapt when needed.
During this period, it’s important to avoid becoming overly inflexible. Maintaining some forward motion—however slow—is usually healthier than digging in and refusing to change course when circumstances demand it.
Frustration can rise, especially if we feel stuck by our own choices or circumstances. Finding safe, constructive ways to release irritation helps prevent outbursts and keeps small problems from escalating.
Taurus rules resources and finances, so this retrograde can highlight money matters. Budgets, spending habits, and resource management may require extra attention. Perceived lack—or excess—can trigger anxiety, so patience and careful planning are essential.
The Retrograde + Eclipse Season
This retrograde begins right after a Solar Eclipse in Aries on April 20 and overlaps a Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio on May 5. Eclipses intensify emotional responses, and combined with Mercury retrograde, they can make misunderstandings and tensions feel more charged.
The Aries Solar Eclipse encourages new beginnings, but with Mercury retrograde in tow, impatience and missteps are possible. The Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio adds emotional intensity and may trigger stubborn standoffs or powerful endings.
Staying open to different solutions and being willing to pivot when necessary will help you navigate both the retrograde and the eclipse energy more smoothly.
Which Zodiac Signs Will Feel the Taurus Mercury Retrograde Most?
Taurus
Taurus will feel this transit most strongly. Mercury retrograde in your sign can lead to a series of small mishaps and delays that pile up, making you feel overwhelmed. You may grow more stubborn than usual and confident that your stance is right, even when a broader perspective would help.
Aim to step out of your own way when possible; resisting necessary change can trap you and make recovery harder.
Gemini & Virgo
Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo, so these signs are particularly sensitive to Mercury retrograde. Expect more distraction, scattered thinking, and worry. Gemini may need extra rest and might find past issues resurfacing to be resolved or released. Virgo may crave space and order but should avoid pushing so hard that solutions are pushed away.
Scorpio
Taurus sits opposite Scorpio, so this retrograde can create opposing tensions for Scorpios. You might feel pulled between caring for others and tending to your own priorities. Strong boundaries and patience will be important to avoid feeling drained or provoked.
The Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio can mark a turning point—an ending or release—so prioritize your emotional well-being as you close this chapter.
Aquarius
Aquarius may experience heightened emotional needs and frustration if foundational aspects of life feel unstable. This retrograde can expose cracks in your personal or practical foundations, calling for attention and repair. Recent shifts in your chart around themes of power and transformation may make this an especially important period for addressing long-standing issues.
How to Best Handle the Mercury Retrograde in Taurus
Retrogrades favor “re” activities—reviewing, revisiting, reconnecting, rethinking, and redoing. Use this time for second chances and practical maintenance rather than launching brand-new initiatives you expect to run perfectly from the start.
- Review projects and plans with fresh eyes
- Revisit places or ideas you left unfinished
- Reconnect with people from your past who matter
- Rethink strategies and make small, practical adjustments
- Redo tasks you can now improve with experience
This is an excellent time for routine maintenance—catching up on neglected tasks and stabilizing scattered energy. Healthy outlets for frustration are crucial, especially for signs more prone to irritability under Taurus energy.
Taurus energy invites presence and grounding. Practice simple grounding techniques: focus on your breath, notice the physical sensations around you, visualize roots extending from your spine into the earth, or use short meditations that center the root chakra. Wearing grounding colors like red or using grounding rituals can help maintain balance.
Conquer Mercury Retrograde in Taurus
Mercury retrogrades are rarely effortless, and this one combines with eclipses to produce intense but potentially productive energy. The retrograde formally ends on May 14, though its influence can linger into late May. Be patient with yourself, plan carefully, and use this period for review, repair, and thoughtful second chances.