Cerebral Deceleration
Mercury Adorns the Horns
Mercury is peregrine in Taurus, with terms dignity between 8 to 14 degrees, which is approximately 6-7th May to 9-10th May. It is nowhere as strong and dignified as being in domicile/exaltation but it has a certain level of authority, similar to that of an assistant manager. If you need to negotiate, perhaps aim for this period during Mercury's sojourn in Taurus. I would go for 8-10th May, as the Moon is in Aquarius then, and is in mutual reception with Mercury in Taurus by triplicity/exaltation: Moon is in Mercury's triplicity and Mercury is in the Moon's exaltation, upping the game by a notch. Communication can become tense and stressful when Mercury square Pluto on 5th-6th May. The muses are likely to pay you a visit on 13th-14th May when Mercury sextile Jupiter. They may bring you money-making ideas, inspirations related to your work, or just general optimism! A cazimi is reached when Mercury conjunct Sun on 14th-15th May, marking the start of a new Mercurial cycle. Thoughts are sharpened, bringing clarity to the mind. It also coincides with the final phase of the moon cycle, before reaching the new moon in Taurus. Organise your thoughts and weed out any unnecessary people/ideas that are feeding on your resources but not giving you any nourishment in return.
Outers or No Outers
For those who look at the outers, it is interesting to point out that for the first time in seven years (since Uranus entered Taurus), Mercury is back in the Taurus zone without needing to be triggered by the Mercury-Uranus conjunction. No nasty (or nice) surprises in the Taurean zone, which can be a huge relief, as the fixed earth sign doesn't appreciate instability and changes.
Impact on each sign:
Aries Ascendant: Mercury is in your 2nd house. Issues regarding financial management are likely to be on your mind. Find ways to secure your finances. Budget if necessary. Think twice before you make that luxurious purchase, ask yourself if it's something you need or want? If the latter, would it be put in the cupboard, gathering dust with the rest of all the other 'desirable purchases'? If so, you don't really want it that much, just take another look at it and be happy with that. Don't clutter your home with junk.
Taurus Ascendant: Mercury is in your 1st house. This is a time when you will seriously ponder on how you are treated in relationships of all kinds. Remember that you have to love and value yourself first before other people can do the same to you. This logic is simple - you attract what you give out. If you have a low self-esteem, your negativity will affect how other people interact with you. You could ask yourself 'Who am I?' as it is a common question triggered when planets transits the first house. However, I think there's no need to think too far into the abstract future. Be practical and grounded, be in the here and now. Ponder on this instead: 'Am I confident?' If not, why not? This is a time to strengthen yourself before you put yourself out there in the world.
Gemini Ascendant: Mercury is in your 12th house. From a modern perspective, the 12th house is associated with the subconscious and so when this house is triggered, we tend to explore our past traumas and deal with self-sabotaging tendencies via introspection. From a traditional perspective, the 12th house is focused on behind-the-scenes work. Perhaps with the messenger god traversing here, communication is hidden, under-the-table deals, behind closed doors negotiations. Watch out for hidden enemies, well, I guess you can't watch out for them as they are hidden! Just be aware of their possible presence and not to be overly naive with who you trust and divulge your information to.
Cancer Ascendant: Mercury is in your 11th house. Talk to your friends and give them practical advice, or vice versa. Look at your social networks and appreciate the support you get from them. At the same time, have you neglected anyone who may benefit from your support? Give back to your community in practical ways, donate food/clothes/your kindness. Focus on planning long-term projects and aspirations. Don't just dream about them, research and find out more. Is it feasible? What steps do you need to take to manifest your dreams into reality? Stay grounded and be realistic.
Leo Ascendant: Mercury is in your 10th house. Matters regarding your career could benefit from a more down-to-earth perspective. For those seeking professional growth, look into ways to up the game with further qualifications. If you are in a supervisory role, communicate with your team and find out ways to help them grow. Give them realistic targets to achieve. Look before you leap for those who are toying with the idea of a career change. Do your research so you're informed and up-to-date with what is available to you. It's a good time to work on your mother issues, and to look at how you are doing as a mother.
Virgo Ascendant: Mercury is in your 9th house. Your mind is focused on foreign travels, perhaps you are planning a trip abroad. Even if you are not physically travelling overseas, interacting with people from other countries or cultures is likely to be on the agenda. Mind expansion activities pique your interest. Furthering your studies in higher education, or alternative academia, for example, New Age pursuits, or religious worshipping. You are asking questions on the purpose of life. You are seeking meaning answers. What if I remind you that we are mortals on the mortal realm? I believe in unexplained phenomena, but unless we are born with those abilities, the most important thing is to find ways to life a materially-secure life first, then ponder on the next level on the hierarchy (think about Maslow). Be down-to-earth and practical first, once you have this firm basis, then explore the ethereal world.
Libra Ascendant: Mercury is in your 8th house. This is a good time to review your shared resources, assets, debts and investments. Matters related to death and inheritance (not necessarily your own) may crop up during this time. It could be as practical as making a will. Modern astrology also assigns intimacy to this house. Avoid controlling behaviors in your intimate relationships, talk it out with your partner openly and with honesty. The joint aim is to solve the issue and not to lay the blame on the other.
Scorpio Ascendant: Mercury is in your 7th house. This is a great time to focus on your one-to-one relationships, which include romantic and business partnerships. Seek practical, down-to-earth solutions to your problems. Engage your rational mind (Mercury) and any emotions triggered is best left on the side, as the emotional mind (the Moon). Keep communication clear and simple. Just describe the situation from your perspective. Watch out for the tendency to be too stubborn. Be realistic in your compromise. Mutually identify a goal first so the negotiation is not like a competition, but a joint effort to rebuild the relationship.
Sagittarius Ascendant: Mercury is in your 6th house. Besides being the house of health and daily routine, it is also traditionally known as the house of servitude. Work here is mundane, repetitive and tedious. Come to terms with the idea that to have success in your career (10th house), you need to be good at your skill set (2nd house), which needs repetitive practice (6th house). This realization may help you focus on honing your skills. Rome wasn't built in a day. Practice makes perfect. Health-wise, utilize the determination and focus the Taurean energy to your diet/exercise plans. Again, be realistic with what you can achieve daily. Small manageable steps will eventually take you to your ultimate goal.
Capricorn Ascendant: Mercury is in your 5th house. Practicality becomes important when choosing new leisure pursuits, or perhaps you could take existing hobbies to a professional level. Those with children or who work with children could employ simple tactics when interacting with them. Avoid jumping into conclusions prematurely. Just directly ask them why they did something in a matter of fact way, no irritation in your tone or words. Let them see you just want to get to the bottom of the matter. In romantic love, communication is more effective when you simply ask instead of guess, this is especially so if you tend to guess with a negative mindset. Give them a chance to explain themselves.
Aquarius Ascendant: Mercury is in your 4th house. Conversing with your family members without any preconceived ideas. Allow all parties involved to express their opinions. The goal is to create a stable, loving base for everyone involved. In matters relating to the home, e.g. home improvements, moving house, don't just focus on the cost, also consider reliability and efficiency. Remember, free stuff can cost you more. In traditional astrology, this house is our foundation, namely our ancestral roots, especially the paternal bloodline. You may become interested in your genealogical root. The idea of this house being the beginning extends to the psychological aspects in modern astrology. The resurfacing of childhood memories could have positive or negative impact on your wellbeing, depending on how you deal with them. If it's too much for you to handle alone, either seek appropriate help, or just leave it dormant. I don't believe forcing yourself. However, if it's a huge hindrance to your next stage of success, then find practical ways to overcome them. Sometimes talking it out loud to a trusted friend can help you see the supposed problem in a different perspective.
Pisces Ascendant: Mercury is in your 3rd house. Hone your communication to be clear and concise, especially with your siblings and peers. Their reactions are beyond your control. Just as long as there is no malicious intent, everyone needs to learn to take constructive criticism with maturity. Avoid overthinking and begin to sugarcoat or beat around the bush. Recalibrate your mindset: Learn to see the crux of the matter and deal with the core issue only. This is also a good time to explore your neighborhood. Find out what is near you that you can make use of, perhaps there's a park that you can have your morning jog, a quaint tucked-away cafe that could be a refreshing hangout for you.
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