The planet of communication, travel, and technology is about to go retrograde for the second time this year, from April 21 to May 14. This means that Mercury will appear to move backward in the sky, creating all kinds of chaos and confusion in our lives. Mercury retrograde is notorious for causing delays, misunderstandings, breakdowns, and mishaps in various areas of life, especially those related to Mercury’s domains. But this time, Mercury retrograde will also affect your home life, as it will take place in the earthy sign of Taurus, which rules over our material possessions, comfort, security, and stability. In this article, we will explain what exactly causes Mercury retrograde, how it will impact your home life in particular, and what practical strategies you can use to navigate this challenging period with ease and grace.
what exactly causes Mercury Retrograde?
Mercury retrograde is an optical illusion that occurs when Mercury passes by Earth in its orbit around the Sun. Because Mercury is closer to the Sun than Earth, it moves faster and completes its orbit in about 88 days, while Earth takes 365 days. This means that Mercury laps Earth about three or four times a year, and when it does, it seems to slow down and reverse its direction from our perspective. This apparent backward motion is what we call Mercury retrograde. Of course, Mercury does not actually change its direction or speed; it only appears to do so because of our relative positions and motions.
Mercury will turn retrograde on Friday April 21st
Mercury will enter its retrograde phase on Friday April 21st at 10:42 a.m. Eastern Time (ET), when it will station retrograde at 24 degrees of Taurus. This means that Mercury will appear to stop moving forward and start moving backward in the zodiac sign of Taurus. It will continue to move backward until it reaches 10 degrees of Taurus on May 14th at 6:24 p.m. ET, when it will station direct and resume its forward motion. During this period of about three weeks, Mercury will retrace its steps and revisit the same degrees of Taurus that it covered from March 31st to April 21st.
Practical Strategies for Navigating Mercury Retrograde!
Mercury retrograde can be a frustrating and stressful time for many people, as it can disrupt our plans, communication, travel, and technology. However, it can also be a valuable opportunity to review, revise, and rethink our ideas, projects, and goals. Here are some practical strategies for navigating Mercury retrograde with minimal hassle and maximum benefit:
- Back up your data and devices before Mercury goes retrograde. This can prevent you from losing important information or experiencing technical glitches during the retrograde period.
- Be flexible and patient with your travel plans during Mercury retrograde. This can help you cope with delays, cancellations, or changes that might occur. Leave some extra time for your trips and have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.
- Be clear and concise with your communication during Mercury retrograde. This can help you avoid miscommunication, confusion, or conflict with others. Choose your words carefully and avoid making assumptions or jumping to conclusions. If possible, confirm everything in writing and check your messages before sending them.
- Focus on your home life during Mercury retrograde in Taurus. This can help you make the most of this transit and use it as a chance to improve your living situation. Taurus is the sign of comfort, security, and stability; therefore, Mercury retrograde in Taurus can affect your material possessions, finances, and values related to your home life. You might want to declutter your space, organize your belongings, repair or replace anything that is broken or outdated, or redecorate your home to make it more cozy and inviting. You might also want to review your budget and spending habits and see if they align with your values and goals.
- Practice patience and compassion. Mercury retrograde can test our nerves and patience, so it’s important to be kind and gentle with ourselves and others. Remember that everyone is going through the same challenges and frustrations as you are. Try not to take things personally or jump to conclusions. Instead, listen carefully and communicate clearly. If you encounter any misunderstandings or disagreements, try to resolve them calmly and respectfully.
Mercury retrograde can be a difficult time, but it can also be a valuable time to slow down and reflect on our lives. By following these practical strategies, you can make the most of this period and turn it into a positive and productive experience.