Mercury Goes Retrograde Again!

Retrograde again! Why does it keep doing that?!

Yes, Mercury will begin its three week retrograde phase tomorrow night (April 17th) in the sign of Taurus. It will cover the ground it has covered since April 4th when it was hanging out with Venus, the planet of love, money and pleasure. So what decisions or thoughts did you have around then? Did it seem like there was an inner conflict between what you were thinking about and desiring and where you need to assert your energies? Or perhaps you noticed a conflict between your desires and what other people seem to needing or doing that is in conflict with you?

For the next three weeks we get to review these choices and possible dilemmas so that we're ready for the forward movement on May 11th. Remember the things people say during the next three weeks may not be what they'll say or think after May 11th. Patience, methodical action and attention to the details of worldly life are significant during the upcoming weeks. Often mechanical and electronic items break down more during a Mercury retrograde phase, but I find when it's in Taurus that part isn't usually as much of an issue. Having to be patient can be a challenge though!

I also feel there's a nice connection between the Taurean love of all things body related and Saturn being back in Virgo. This is really the time to move forward and make progress with your health and fitness goals.

On the intuitive level, listen to your body for every decision you're making. If it's a choice between one course of action and another, spend five minutes in a meditation-like fantasy about the first choice and notice how your body feels, scanning from head to toe to observe everything from contraction and blockage to openness and relaxation. Then shake yourself a bit and try the other alternative through a deep imaginative fantasy, scanning your body for its reaction to that idea. If there's no clear cut answer, maybe it's not time to decide yet.

We experienced a New Moon in Aries just a couple of days ago so that will be enough fire in the background to light the way. The beauty of the build-up of Taurus planets this month is that we know Taurus ultimately reaches its goal, slowly and steadily, and without wasted steps or excess exertion. This might be welcome relief from the fast paced charge of Aries energy of the past weeks.

And remember, Mercury only appears to be going backward from our perspective. We are in a review of previously covered material, like studying for an exam in the course we have already taken. Mercury is still moving forward and our plans are also moving forward, although with a bit more integration and attention to detail. This is not a time to stop everything and hide under the bed, as some might imagine. Life still goes on.

Slow down. Get a massage. Have a good meal. If you think like a Taurus this month you'll enjoy the journey.