With spring barreling toward summer and the “work hard, play hard” vibes of Taurus season upon us, a Mercury retrograde transit is likely to feel… abrupt, as if things are coming to a sudden halt. Mercury retrograde transits are infamously marked by communications snafus and travel misalignments, and the most advised way to maximize their reflective energy is to slow down rather than fight it. But with this particular instance of the planet of communication traveling retrograde in the sign of the bull from April 21 to May 14 (covering most of Taurus season, which spans April 20 to May 20), astrologers say the slowdown period may feel notably stagnant. This effect, though, simply provides the opportunity to reassess your approach.

In general, it’s important to keep in mind that when planets move forward, it feels like we’re progressing toward something, says astrologer Alexandria Lettman. So during the slowdown of Mercury retrograde, “it’s the universe telling us that we need to rethink or reconsider something or reassess what we’ve done,” she says. Astrologers generally advise not starting anything new and keeping watch for misunderstandings, cancellations, and delays, during these periods.

According to astrologer Maria Sofia Marmanides, author of The Oracle Card Journal, the Taurus energy infusing this particular Mercury retrograde may yield frustration about the pace. Taurus likes the opportunity to work slow and steady, but the Mercury retrograde will amplify this slowness. (Think: waiting for a returned text, or for an update on a job application.) But don’t counteract this energy by doing something hasty: “This will only lead to more errors, so be aware of reacting to slowness with impulsivity,” she says.

“If you don’t take this time to reconsider something and find a mistake that you completely overlooked, you would just keep pushing and wondering why nothing’s coming from your plans.”—astrologer Alexandria Lettman

However, a potential upside of this Mercury retrograde in Taurus, the second Mercury retrograde transit of the year, is a chance to thoughtfully examine and assess what’s working and what’s not when it comes to getting what you want. “You could be pushing forward with plans and ideas that are just never going to work,” Lettman says. “If you don’t take this time to reconsider something and find a mistake that you completely overlooked, you would just keep pushing and wondering why nothing’s coming from your plans.” And if you find that what you’re doing isn’t working? Switch gears.

Read on for how the Mercury retrograde in Taurus will specifically affect each zodiac sign, according to Marmanides.

What the 2023 mercury retrograde in Taurus means for each zodiac sign, according to an astrologer

Aries

Keep an eye on that bank account balance, Aries, because this Mercury retrograde touches your second house of value, possessions, ownership, and finances. According to Marmanides, you should be cautious about your spending habits and wait to make any consequential, expensive purchases or investments. Tech purchases aren’t a good idea, either, so consider holding off on that new TV, laptop, or Apple Watch.

Taurus

Mercury is retrograding in your sign and affecting your first house of the self, Taurus. Marmanides says it’s your chance at redemption: Spend time fixing any miscommunications, whether those are misspoken or unsaid words, or ways you’ve hurt someone.

Gemini

Mercury is your ruling planet, Gemini, and it’s retrograde in your 12th house, which has to do with the subconscious and what’s unseen. Even though you’re very social, Marmanides recommends giving yourself a break from being the life of the party during this transit. Go through your schedule and streamline it, so it only includes essentials, and be sure to build in time for stress-relief.

Cancer

It’s time for a phone cleanse, Cancer. Avoid getting into unnecessary spats in the DMs or on the wrong side of an argument happening on social media. Marmanides advises thinking long and hard before posting, in general, because Mercury retrogrades in your 11th house of friendships and networking.

Leo

Leo, now isn’t the time to make brash moves in the office, because this retrograde affects your 10th house of career. This extends to your digital communications, too. Marmanides says to keep an eye on your inbox—double, even triple, check every email you send to avoid potentially humiliating reply-all goofs.

Virgo

Mercury retrograde tosses itineraries into disarray, so it’s particularly important for you, Virgo, to double check the dates, times, and locations of every appointment you have coming up because your ninth house of travel and thoughts comes into play. Marmanides suggests leaving plenty of time in your schedule to get to and from every locale, and planning to be delayed.

Libra

Inadequate communication can hamper your relationships at this time, Libra, especially in terms of negotiations. This Mercury retrograde is happening in your eighth house of shared finances, taxes, and debts. Marmanides says to extend some understanding and patience to those around you and to remember that everyone is feeling a little off-kilter. Don’t read between the lines and find slights where there are none.

Scorpio

Scorpio, miscommunication with your romantic partner could happen and hurt your feelings because the retrograde touches your seventh house of partnership. Be extra careful to take time to be thoughtful and be mindful of your words so they don’t cause more harm. Marmanides says this disconnect is probably rooted in misunderstanding intentions—not malice or incivility.

Sagittarius

Sag, hold onto your planner, because Marmanides says you’ll feel the effects of this retrograde most on your schedule with Mercury retrograding in your sixth house of routines. Think: incomplete or missing paperwork, traffic delays, or missed appointments. To avoid logistical calamity, write down everything and then give it all another read.

Capricorn

Get ready to see some ghosts from your past, Cap: Marmanides says a fling or an ex could resurface during this Mercury retrograde, which happens in your fifth house of creativity and romance. Remember that it’s up to you whether they play a role in your life as it is now, so carefully think about whether they deserve it.

Aquarius

Aquarius, your mind is on your family issues because the Mercury retrograde touches on your fourth house of home, ancestry, and lineage. An event or person from your past will make a re-entrance into your life during this Mercury retrograde, but Marmanides encourages you to not be annoyed or plagued by their presence and to use it as an opportunity to heal and move forward.

Pisces

Now is the time for you to be careful with your words, Pisces, because this Mercury retrograde touches on your third house of neighbors and communications. Marmanides cautions to not partake in any unsavory comms that could be used against you if someone took a screenshot, whether in texts or on social media. Don’t get loose-lipped, because it could burn you later.