At 04:06 UT (Universal Time) Sunday, April 18th, 2010, Mercury the wise communicator—and universal trickster—turns retrograde at 12°37' Taurus, in the sign of the Bull, sending communications, travel, appointments, mail and the www into a general snarlup! The retro period begins some days before the actual turning point (as Mercury slows) and lasts for three weeks or so, until May 11, 2010, when the Winged Messenger reaches his direct station. At this time he halts and begins his return to direct motion through the zodiac.
Everything finally straightens out on May 28, as he passes the point where he first turned retrograde. Mercury normally turns retrograde three times a year, but this year he turns tail four times, which is unusual. The effects of each period differ, according to the sign in which it happens (see box for Retrograde Periods in 2010).
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Mercury Retrograde in Taurus When Mercury is retrograde, everyone's thinking is more introspective; we tend to think about issues and concerns that relate to the sign involved. With Mercury retrograde in Taurus, people with this sign prominent in their charts will be especially prone to such introspection. Taurus is a Fixed Sign, so the other Fixed Signs, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius will also receive a touch of the lash!
Mercury turns retro on April 18 at 12°37' Taurus, amidst a welter of planetary aspects, the most notable being the stressful square to Mars, which is certainly aggravating and has been since April 4. This aspect will be particularly strong on the 25th and 26th of April, when trying to get things done is frustrating. Incorrect information or directions may cause you to be too early, or too late. The wretched car may break down, or transportation delays trash your travel schedule. Buying a car or other equipment may be beset by snags. Others may say things, or use methods that provoke you. Avoid rash behaviour; make sure you understand any information you receive. No matter what the headaches, you still make measurable progress. You are likely to be more competitive or aggressive, which can help you accomplish more. Protect yourself against airborne colds and fever and take extra precautions when handling electrical equipment and volatile materials.
One aspect on this day tending to moderate the difficulties is a nice sextile between the two benefics, Venus and Jupiter. Venus is in her own sign, Taurus, which is generally favourable, especially as Mercury is there too, and Jupiter is in his own sign, Pisces, so the benefits of the aspect are strengthened. It brings social opportunities, especially in the arts, theatre and publishing. It might bring some good luck, but the impending square from the Moon to Jupiter later in the day suggests that the good fortune it brings may be rather overstated, seeming better than it really is. Still, if you are careful and act quickly, you might strike it lucky. I should point out that Venus rules Mercury during this phase, so matters connected with fashion, money, greed, feasting, love, sex and sensuality will be the flavour of the month. This said, and notwithstanding the nice aspect to Jupiter, Venus is conjunct the decidedly malefic fixed star, Caput Algol, the Gorgon's Head. The conjunction reaches full force on April 22, so expect a wild time. This unfortunate star is a pulsing binary, known for its passionate, intense and even hysterical tendencies. Always a signal that there's something deeper at work. Female sexuality runs rampant (not so bad, says JJ, my 14 year old son!) and it is also associated with extreme creativity, an expression of the Dark Side...
(continued at link below)
http://www.astrologycom.com/mercret.htmlThe calendar at this link should be really helpful:
http://www.astroprofile.com/2010mercuryrx.htm
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