It’s that time of year again! Mercury is going retrograde from April 21 to May 14th, 2023. During this time, we are beckoned to reassess and revisit unresolved matters from the past.
People you haven’t spoken to in a while might reappear in your life, forcing you to reassess a previous situation through new eyes.
Mercury retrograde can also bring about a lot of communication issues. Missed signals or misconstrued words can cause difficulty in your life.
This is also a time of technological breakdowns; many of you will experience issues with your computers, phones and other devices during this time.
Transportation is also ruled by Mercury, so it is a good time to take your car to the shop for a tune-up.
Traveling during Mercury Retrograde can be quite stressful, as unexpected delays tend to pop up during this time.
How will this Mercury Retrograde affect you?
If you are an Aries or Aries Ascendant:
This retrograde is occurring in your 2nd house of finances, material possessions and self-worth.
During this time, you might re-think how you make and handle money. There may be delays in getting paid during this time. You may explore investing and savings opportunities.
Avoid big purchases at this time, unless absolutely necessary, for you may regret the purchase one the retrograde period is over.
Unexpected purchases may pop up during this time, leading to a review of your budget.
If you are a Taurus or Taurus Ascendant:
This retrograde occurs in your 1st house. This is a time to re-think and reassess how you present yourself to the world.
This could mean a haircut, makeover, or some other change to your appearance.
Since this is a retrograde, I would warn against making any drastic changes, as you might end up hating it once the retrograde is over.
The way you communicate and express yourself may also be under review during this time. You might notice that the way you express yourself does not reflect who you are inside.
Take this time for deep introspection, and get to know yourself again.
If you are a Gemini or Gemini Ascendant:
This retrograde is occurring in your 12th house. This will be a time where you desire solitude and silence.
This is a great time to be with yourself, for you will have more insight into your inner psychology.
You may reassess your spiritual inclinations as well, as you will be more receptive to subtle, spiritual energy. This would be a great time to explore meditation and other spiritual practices.
If you are a Cancer or Cancer Ascendant:
This retrograde is in your 11th house. During this time, friends from the past may reappear in your life, or you may go on a break from your current friends.
You may feel less social during this time, or you might be reassessing your place in a group or organization.
There can be disputes and miscommunication with friends.
Events occurring during this time may lead you to reconsider who you want part of your social circle.
If you are a Leo or Leo Ascendant:
Mercury will retrograde in your 10th house at this time, which can lead to communication issues with authority figures.
This can be a very frustrating time where you might not see eye-to-eye with your boss. There might be a reassessment or review of your performance.
Job changes may occur, as well. At the very least, you might use this time to assess whether your career makes you feel happy or fulfilled.
If the answer is no, you might consider finding a new job, but please do not quit until the retrograde is over.
If you are a Virgo or Virgo Ascendant:
Mercury is retrograde in your 9th house at this time. This period will have you reassessing your beliefs and philosophies.
Does your worldview align with who you really are?
Now is a great time to explore different belief systems and religions, but you should resist and big changes until the retrograde is over.
You might think about pursuing higher education during this time, or if you are already in school, you may be rethinking your major.
If you are traveling, triple check everything, from tickets to your flight status, as this could be a potentially frustrating time to travel!
If you are a Libra or Libra Ascendant:
Mercury is in retrograde in your 8th house at this time. This is a time to reassess and revisit your debts, both literally and figuratively.
Unexpected issues related to insurance and taxes may throw you for a loop during this period. This is a great time to pay off debts, but not the best for applying for loans (best wait until the retrograde is over).
Your communications will be deeper and more intense during this period, as you will have greater insight into your inner psychology.
Secrets may unexpectedly be spilled during this period. If you have a partner, this is a great time to discuss sexual issues and to come up with a plan to get you back on track.
If you are a Scorpio or Scorpio Ascendant:
This retrograde is happening in your 7th house of partnerships. During this time, you will revisit and reassess all of your close relationships, including romantic and business partnerships.
If you have been ignoring a relationship issue, you will have no choice but to face it during this time. You or your partner might be reconsidering your relationship, and may need some space to think.
If your partner needs this, be sure to honor their request. This retrograde may lead some couples to break up or redefine their relationship in some ways (but you’re unlikely to break up if no other transits indicate a break up).
If you are a Sagittarius or Sagittarius Ascendant:
This retrograde will take place in your 6th house. During this period, you might reassess or make changes to your daily routines.
You might decide to take on a new exercise and diet program, or take a break from your current one. Past health issues may re-surface during this time, so it is a great time for a check-up.
There may be a lot of rearranging, reviewing, and reassessment at work; your roles and responsibilities may change temporarily, leading to much stress and frustration.
Or, a project from the past may reappear and require further work on your part.
If you are a Capricorn or Capricorn Ascendant:
This retrograde will occur in your 5th house of romance, children, and creativity. If you are in a creative job field, or have an artistic hobby, you might take this time to re-think your creative processes.
Because this is the house of romance, past partners may reappear during this cycle. Even if they do not reappear physically, they will at least come to the forefront of your mind for a while.
This could be a time where you reassess whether or not you want to have children.
If you are an Aquarius or Aquarius Ascendant:
This retrograde will take place in your 4th house of family, home, and roots. During this period, family issues from the past may resurface and require attention.
Someone may move back in with you, or move back out. Family you have not seen in a long time may reappear in your life.
Either way, a rearrangement or shift in your home or family may take place. If you are trying to sell your home during this time, you may experience delays in doing so.
If you are looking for a new home, wait until the retrograde is over before signing the dotted line, as there could be issues that will surface only once the retrograde is over.
If you are a Pisces or Pisces Ascendant:
The retrograde will take place in your 3rd house of communication, travel, and siblings. During this time, travel may be very difficult.
Some of you may see car problems and major traffic delays. Some of you may decide to take a short trip during this time, so be aware of potential transportation issues.
If you are in school, you might re-consider your current field of study. There may be communication issues with siblings or neighbours.
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