You almost made it through the second Mercury retrograde of the year, so give thanks to the cosmic powers. The planet of communication has been sitting passively in the skies above for the past three weeks, making it difficult to convey crucial information and articulate what's on your mind. Fortunately, as Mercury prepares to finally station direct, the problems associated with its retrograde phase will begin to gradually fade this month. The drama in the cosmos won't be completely over, either, as an outer planet is getting ready to make a roundabout journey back through the stratosphere. In May 2023, two planets will officially be retrograde, but only one of them will cause you to experience observable delays and difficulties for at least half of the time.

What Is A Retrograde?

A Retrograde is when motion of the planet appears to be moving in a backward motion in the sky, which is an illusion caused by the fact that objects in our solar system orbit the Sun at different distances and speeds. Retrograde motion occurs when a planet appears to move in the opposite direction, from east to west across the sky, often looping or zig-zagging as it goes. Although retrograde motion is an illusion, it is still used in astrology to provide a necessary cosmic cleaning service. Retrograde motion can be real or illusory, and it can occur in the rotation or orbit of planets and moons

What Planets Will Be Retrograde May 2023?

Mercury and Pluto will both be traveling backward through space in May. Mercury will only be in retrograde for half of May, which is lucky, but Pluto will be in retrograde for the entire month (and beyond). Pluto is the planet with the greatest distance from Earth, therefore its retrogrades don't typically have the same impact as those of inner planets like Mercury. The fact that this is Pluto's first retrograde in Aquarius, a fixed air sign, in centuries means it will undoubtedly be more obvious than usual.

How these retrograde are creating waves

Mercury Retrograde (April 21-May 15)

You've probably already noticed some delays, hiccups, and misunderstandings start to occur, especially in the Taurus-ruled house of your birth chart, as Mercury has been retrograding through the fixed earth sign of Taurus. Since a retrograde is inherently slow and Taurus is a patient and deliberate sign, it might feel as though things are currently coming to a complete stop. However, during this period of silence, you have the chance to clearly hear your thoughts, particularly those that relate to the ways in which you try to create a sense of safety and comfort in your life.

Taurus' focus is on guaranteeing longevity, therefore now is the time to modify your plans for getting there. On May 15, when Mercury stations direct in this sign, you'll have a better idea of how to give yourself the fulfillment you've been planning. It's important to note that although things may continue to go slowly even after Mercury stations direct, there won't be as many hiccups.

Pluto Retrograde (May 1-Oct. 10)

Pluto will station retrograde in Aquarius for the first time in centuries before moving back into the solid, conservative sign of Capricorn. Pluto, the planet of radical change and reawakening, causes profound changes in the zodiac sign and house it transits through in your birth chart. Pluto is the slowest moving planet in the sky, so its changes can, especially when you're in the middle of them, feel gradual and nearly imperceptible. Pluto's retrograde station in the pioneering, experimental sign of Aquarius represents a final look back at the transformations Pluto was involved with in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn over the past few years.

Since Pluto has been in the sign of Aquarius since March 23, you probably won't notice any major revelations but as it returns to Capricorn on June 11, you'll be much more aware of Pluto's brief visit to the house in your birth chart that Capricorn rules. Since 2008, subtle changes have been taking place in the shape of structure, tradition, and antiquated systems. Nations have gone through extreme highs and extreme lows during the past few years, and Pluto's temporary return to this sign aims to complete what was begun. The metamorphosis that has been taking place in this sign for you personally will also start to officially come to an end.