Mercury has been retrograde in Taurus since April 18, 2010 (April 17 to some). On May 11 at 6:27 p.m. EDT, he stations and prepares to begin forward movement once again. Station days (May 11 to 13) are known to be difficult days because the planet is gets ready to change directions then must get acclimated before returning to its usual speed. The complete retrograde cycle including the shadow period is April 4 to May 28 and occurs entirely in Taurus. During his retrograde motion, Mercury retraced his steps from 13 degrees, back to 2 degrees. Now, he goes for a third and final pass through these degrees again beginning May 11 (2 degrees) to May 28 (13 degrees).

How has the period between April 18 to May 11 been like? Were you able to remain productive despite whatever delays, frustrations or obstacles you might have had to face? Was it a lazy or wasteful three weeks? Was it lazy but restful and now you feel rejuvenated to take on the world? How was this retrograde period compared to the period of April 3 to 17?

The next weeks (May 11 to 28) give a final look at events that have occurred, situations that arose, actions taken or avoided, and decisions made or ignored during the retrograde's full cycle to date (April 3 to May 11). Mistakes made may be corrected within the next weeks. Obstacles may be lifted. Information not available before may be given to you now. Those who made good use of their time and energy while Mercury was retrograde can reap the rewards or initiate action of what was planned/created within the next weeks, especially with the New Moon in Taurus occurring in a few days (May 13) and a helping hand from Jupiter and Uranus walking side by side in Pisces for the rest of the month.

As mentioned in my original Mercury Retrograde post, the retrograde period (April 18 to May 11) should have been a time for:

reflection and planning to get our affairs in order. For those of us with natal Mercury or Sun in air or fire signs, Mercury's retrograde period may be a painstakingly sloooooow period. It's important, however, to avoid impatience and frustration due to impatience while Mercury is introspective in Taurus; and this goes for everyone, no matter what your natal planetary placements are. To truly make use of this period, we must honor Taurean energy and embrace its traits as something that we can learn from and definitely benefit from. When Taurus takes a step or decides to a step, its goal is longevity, permanence and stability.

Although we are affected by Mercury's transit, those with natal planets and/or house angles between 2 to 13 degrees of fixed or earth signs may feel the effects of this retrograde period more strongly than others.

How might Mercury's third pass through 2 to 13 degrees of Taurus influence you? Look to the Taurus-ruled house and match the sign and 2 to 13 degrees with house cusps on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the Taurus zodiac sign on your birth chart then click here for a brief explanation of Mercury transiting those houses.


Click image to see larger
For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for them below then click here for a brief explanation of Mercury's transit in those houses.

• Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 2nd House
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 1st House
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 12th House
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 11th House
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 10th House
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 9th House
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 8th House
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 7th House
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 6th House
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 5th House
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 4th House
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 3rd House

Unsure if you have natal planets or house angles between 2 to 13 degrees? cast your own birth chart for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Unsure if you have natal planets or house angles between 2 to 13 degrees? Cast your own birth chart -- birth date, time, and place required.

I am also available for personal consultations. Are you celebrating a birthday soon? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You can also give a loved one the gift of insight.

Have a question? Ask me here. Or maybe hop over to the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to join in or start a discussion.


Related articles:

• Transiting Mercury in Natal Houses
• Jupiter and Uranus, Allies at They Transit the Last Degrees of Pisces ~ May 2010
• New Moon in Taurus ~ May 13, 2010
• Mercury in Taurus ~ April 2 to June 10, 2010
• Mercury Retrograde ~ April 17/18 to May 11, 2010
• Saturn Retrograde ~ January 13 to May 30, 2010
• Pluto Retrograde ~ April 6 to September 14, 2010

*Learn more about the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum.

"Mercury in True and Enhanced Color" from Messenger on November 17, 2009. Image credit and copyright to NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington.