This current Mercury retrograde we’re in will last from April 21 to May 15. From love and work to health and past flings, what do you have in store and how should you be prepared for it?

In April, we may feel like we’re swimming against endless waves with no time to breathe in between because Mercury retrograde is here again. The Mercury retrograde in Taurus at 15 degrees will last from April 21 to May 15, and now is the time to be mindful with our finances because Taurus is associated with our sense of security, money, savings, values, financial management, currency and banks. During this period we have the opportunity to tidy up our spending patterns and banking habits.

People who are usually very cautious with their spending may suddenly have the urge to shop impulsively, which could lead to regretful purchases. For example, resist the peer pressure to sign up for impractical beauty or fitness plans we may regret after Mercury turns direct. Meanwhile, those who are impulsive shoppers may want to reflect on their spending habits and start recording their regular expenses or depositing money into a savings account regularly.

We should also be cautious about currency and real estate investments, as they may experience significant fluctuations due to the retrograde. Similar to smaller purchases, don’t make hasty decisions based on what others are telling us.

This Mercury retrograde is also accompanied by the conflicting energy of the Sun-Pluto square, the conjunction of the Moon, Mercury and Uranus. So we shouldn’t be surprised if we find ourselves speaking impulsively, feeling a lack of security, exaggerating the importance of money, and saying hurtful things to protect ourselves. We may think that others should give us more love and security, especially family members or loved ones, while cooperative relationships may face dissolution or changes due to the distribution of benefits not being balanced. Be careful with arguments over money or values—some relationships run the risk of running its course due to minor issues or small amounts of money.

Read more: Everything you need to know about astrology and the planets and how they affect you

During this period, we are better off taking a look at our regular monthly expenses and seeing where we can save, and reassessing how we manage our finances. Now is also the time to get rid of anything we no longer need and sell or donate them. During this retrograde, some banks or large companies may undergo significant layoffs or restructuring to reduce expenses, so it may be difficult to negotiate for our ideal salary during job interviews. When it comes to job changes, it is better to be calm and to not act impulsively.

This Mercury retrograde will primarily affect Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius and Leo in terms of their sense of security, self-esteem, and work mentality, and Gemini and Virgo should be more aware of potential problems with small-minded people, or they may want to actively reunite with old friends.

Signs that should pay attention to...

Relationships: Taurus, Gemini, Capricorn, Scorpio
Career: Taurus, Aquarius, Sagittarius, Scorpio
Finances: Aries, Aquarius, Libra, Capricorn
Academics: Leo, Virgo, Pisces, Scorpio
Health: Gemini, Sagittarius, Libra, Leo

Aries

You may find yourself changing some of your consumption patterns and thinking about matters to do with love, work and yourself with a deeper understanding. Some Aries may find upon checking their regular expenses—such as monthly subscription plans for online platforms, credit card debts or rent—that there are some overpayments, while other Aries may also try to collect overdue debts.

During the retrograde period, Aries with low self-confidence may gain some confidence from listening to others’ opinions. On the other hand, Aries who were usually very confident may suddenly feel lost and unsure of what they can do to change their careers or love lives. You may become more active, busy, and emotional, and you should be careful of investment scams, signing “unequal contracts”, or being sold package deals you don’t really want or need.

Personal: ★★★ | Work: ★★★★ | Love: ★★★ | Money: ★★★★★
Friends: ★★★★ | Family: ★★★ | Health: ★★★★ | Academics: ★★★★

Taurus

During this retrograde period you may experience greater emotional fluctuations and impulsive spending habits, and become easily agitated and anxious. Some may even receive face-to-face criticism from their superiors, leading to impulsive words you may regret later. You should pay special attention to communication issues in the workplace, as you may be quick to anger or show displeasure towards your colleagues or loved ones due to accumulated work fatigue or stress reaching a boiling point.

You might also become less than your true self because you’ve placed a greater emphasis on your relationships or friendships instead. You may even find yourself becoming aware that you’re doing this and want to quickly adjust and regain who you really are. Some Taurus may change their appearance during this time, for example with a dramatic new haircut—but be careful, after Mercury goes direct you may regret the new look! Also, be careful with transportation and being tardy.

Personal: ★★ | Work: ★★★ | Love: ★★★ | Money: ★★★
Friends: ★★★ | Family: ★★★ | Health: ★★★★ | Academics: ★★★★

Gemini

Be careful in your communications with family or friends, because what you say may easily cause trouble or lead to gossip. Some Gemini may also find themselves strongly disliking family members or roommates due to differences in opinion, while others may prioritise their work and earning money over their family, leading to feeling burdened or pressured by their loved ones.

Gemini who enjoy drinking alcohol may be more prone to losing control or experiencing danger during this retrograde, and you may also have trouble sleeping, frequently have strange dreams or feel tired. It is recommended that you relax with a massage, listen to light and cheerful music before bed, or learn meditation. During this retrograde period, you should also be careful of drug sensitivities. Some Gemini may need to watch their diet—don’t ignore you doctor’s advice and over-indulge. When facing life and the future, you may become suspicious and worried, so have a good cry to release your anxiety and depression. It’ll be good for you!

Personal: ★★★ | Work: ★★★ | Love: ★★★ | Money: ★★★
Friends: ★★ | Family: ★★ | Health: ★★ | Academics: ★★

Cancer

You may reconnect with friends and relatives you’ve lost touch with, or consider contacting previous flings or exes... or they may contact you. You might even bump into old acquaintances randomly on the street. Those of you who are entrepreneurs or have side businesses should be careful of partnerships or investment issues, while those who easily trust their friends’ advice and get involved in inappropriate plans might find themselves facing great disappointment when expectations are not met.

During the retrograde period, you may enjoy sharing your love life with friends, but be careful about revealing too much of your hidden emotions or mindset, and be sure who you’re speaking to is someone you trust. You may also find yourself very busy with work, studies and social gatherings, so it is important to take some time to quiet your mind and body. However, during this retrograde period, if your career encounters obstacles, it may be helpful to ask friends for assistance or to introduce you to more networking resources.

Personal: ★★★★ | Work: ★★★★ | Love: ★★★★ | Money: ★★★★
Friends: ★★★★ | Family: ★★★★ | Health: ★★★★ | Academics: ★★★★

Leo

You may impulsively quit your job or start a new company, but there is a chance you may find that the new company is not what you imagined it to be. Further, your living situation may not change either following the move, leading to great disappointment. Pay attention to workplace enemies and be wary of friends who are overly curious about your life or finances. During the retrograde period, you may also hear many negative rumours about the company you work for.

You may feel like your hard work and perfect performance are not being valued or recognised by your company. Some Leos may even take the blame for their superiors, even if it was actually the boss or client who made a mistake or omitted details, resulting in your work being wrong and then you will need to take responsibility. You may feel unfairly treated in your career and have a sense of being underutilised. Some Leos may receive invitations from companies they have worked with in the past, which is an option you might want to consider if your current situation is unbearable.

Personal: ★★★ | Work: ★★★ | Love: ★★★ | Money: ★★★
Friends: ★★★ | Family: ★★★ | Health: ★★★ | Academics: ★★★

Virgo

There is a chance you may have friction with others regarding travel, learning, collaborations and even legal issues. During this time, you might find yourself easily complaining or making accusations when angry, and you may find your communications skills worsened, which may offend people. You also run the risk of being self-centred and inconsiderate of others before speaking, and some Virgos may change their travel or learning plans. 

During this retrograde period, some Virgos might easily lose their documents or valuables while abroad, while others may reconsider whether they should maintain a stable career—especially those who have recently quit their jobs. If you’re cleaning up your home or mobile phone during this time, you might find many notes or photos from the past. You may discover that you have mixed feelings about some past events, or that you might have to review some of the knowledge you have learnt. Virgo who are still studying may experience great fluctuations in their grades and may lose points due to small mistakes.

Personal: ★★★ | Work: ★★★ | Love: ★★★ | Money: ★★★
Friends: ★★★ | Family: ★★★ | Health: ★★★ | Academics: ★★

Libra

You need to be careful of old illnesses recurring or physical discomfort due to medical problems. During the retrograde period, you may experience feelings of fatigue, muscle soreness, and unease about money, or you may butt heads with others over money. You might also find fault with your partner or other people’s financial decisions, and find yourself nagging them.

During this period, some of your investments or businesses may be affected, and there may be a delay in payments. Some Libras may want to invest in stocks or business ventures based on rumours or friends’ opinions, or they might lend or borrow money—be wary, money decisions made during this time may end up being regrettable or troublesome. Some Libras may have a lot of romantic opportunities, but hidden lovers or objects of affection may come forward during this time, which might affect your own emotional relationships.

Personal: ★★★★ | Work: ★★★★ | Love: ★★★★ | Money: ★★★
Friends: ★★★ | Family: ★★★★ | Health: ★★ | Academics: ★★★

Scorpio

You might find yourself worrying about love, marriage or cooperations during this time. For example, you might receive invitations to collaborate but you are unsure about whether or not to accept them. Friends or customers that surround you may also introduce many business opportunities to you, which can be overwhelming. During the retrograde period, customers’ ideas may change frequently, so be extra careful when communicating with them or colleagues! This is especially true for Scorpios working in public relations or wedding photography. You may also receive messages, entreaties or entanglements from past romantic partners.

During the retrograde period, you should be careful not to be too impulsive when communicating with others—you can express your personal opinions in a more gentle way; and be wary of provoking jealousy at work. Single Scorpios should be careful about whether or not their new love interest is really single, and you might find yourself coming across opportunities to discover more secrets about them during this time. Work is as busy as ever, so make sure to keep track of your schedule to avoid missing any tasks.

Personal: ★★★ | Work: ★★★ | Love: ★★★ | Money: ★★★★
Friends: ★★★★ | Family: ★★★ | Health: ★★★★ | Academics: ★★★★★

Sagittarius

Some of you may feel impulsive and and want to resign from your job (or take multiple sick days) over some colleagues' comments, or you might easily find yourself in conflicts with coworkers. Some Sagittarians who have recently left their company may still receive all the latest news and gossip about that company, and you might also receive invitations from old colleagues. During this time, be careful of making mistakes at work that may lead to the need for overtime or apologies.

During the retrograde period you should also pay attention to you health, especially if you have been suffering from long-term health issues, in which case you might want to schedule a thorough checkup. There is also a higher chance of pregnancy and good news regarding children during this time. Some Sagittarians may encounter previous partners or exes due to work-related reasons, and you might find yourself enjoying chatting with others about past work events or colleagues’ stories. Finally, make sure to drink more water and maintain a balanced diet.

Personal: ★★★★ | Work: ★★★ | Love: ★★★★ | Money: ★★★★
Friends: ★★★★ | Family: ★★★★ | Health: ★★ | Academics: ★★★★

Capricorn

You may regret some words said in relationships or find yourself frequently thinking of your past lovers. You may actively try to reconcile or engage with them, especially when drunk or late at night, and you may enjoy writing insights about love on online platforms. Those who are in a relationship may easily experience conflicts with their significant other, and a relationship crisis may arise. How to deal with it? It is recommended to apologise in a timely manner and patiently wait for the other person to calm down or come to their senses.

During the retrograde period you may hear of friends experiencing good news, which might make you jealous. Not only is there a chance you might meet up with a love interest you have not seen in a long time or hear some news about them, some of you might have former lovers return and there is a chance of a reunion. During this time, you might go out to socialise a lot or exert a lot of yourself emotionally because you dislike being alone. It might feel that by filling up your time you won't have to think about philosophical questions on love.

Personal: ★★★ | Work: ★★★★ | Love: ★★ | Money: ★★★
Friends: ★★★ | Family: ★★★★ | Health: ★★★★ | Academics: ★★★

Aquarius

Aquarians may easily argue with family members with conflicting views on social or current events and you may be thinking more about changing your living situation. Meanwhile, those of you in a relationship may start considering long-term future plans as you are starting to feel more like a family with you partner and enjoy more confidence in your relationship. However, family members may not be satisfied with your significant other or career plans.

During the retrograde, you may not feel the need to take your family’s opinions too much to heart, and may feel the need to draw a line with them. It might be beneficial to communicate with your family in a more tactful way instead of being cold or direct, this will help maintain a comfortable atmosphere at home. For Aquarians who plan on big moves during this time, be cautious when signing contracts and make sure to check issues such as water pipes, you’ll also want to be mindful with your communications to avoid disputes with landlords in the future.

Personal: ★★★ | Work: ★★★ | Love: ★★★★★ | Money: ★★★
Friends: ★★★★ | Family: ★★ | Health: ★★★★ | Academics: ★★★★

Pisces

During this retrograde you may say or do things that attract controversy, or you might find yourself presented with a sudden opportunity that can lead to great success. Your past achievements, especially those related to your emotions, may be brought up by others. However, sudden attention is not what you want and you may even feel scared. For example, you may come across an unexpected job opportunity but feel unsure about whether or not to take it.

During the retrograde period you may face unpredictable situations in your professional life that will test your memory, wit and adaptability. Both successes and failures can be easily scrutinised by others, and Pisces who typically enjoy a slow and leisurely life may suddenly have to navigate through the treacherous Bermuda Triangle, in which case it’s perfectly understandable for you to feel excited and scared about that. During this time, you may be highly emotional, with thoughts fluctuating wildly, and you may also be particularly sensitive to the opinions of others and find yourself fighting with them. Be careful with electronics malfunctioning or car troubles during this period.

Personal: ★★★★ | Work: ★★★★ | Love: ★★★ | Money: ★★★★★
Friends: ★★★★ | Family: ★★★★ | Health: ★★★ | Academics: ★★★

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