Mercury, planet of communication and commerce, is in the nakshatra of Krittika across the signs of Aries and Taurus from May 13th to 19th, 2026.

Krittika’s symbol of a Flame or a Razor is ruled by Agni, the Sacred Fire, and its energy gives you mental zest, passion and spontaneity. You put your plans through a period of fiery scrutiny where only the best and most profitable ideas remain. Sharp thinking is excellent for research and development, where you cut away external information and get to the heart of the matter. Insight comes from clearing away obstacles, and trusting your intuition gives you an advantage in business, as well as psychology and divination.

The initial part of this transit sees Mercury combining with powerful Mars to give you an especially sharp and stinging style of speech. You can get your point across, but be mindful of anger and exaggeration, especially when you are passionate about a subject. Krittika’s Shakti, or special power, ‘To Burn’, suggests sharp, stinging words, but also a kind of mental purification where you get an important matter off your chest. An impulsive attitude can grab an opening ahead of your competitors, but you may also receive a tempting sales pitch that promises too much.

Mercury then goes through a period of transformation as it passes across the Sun in Krittika, ahead of May 16th’s New Moon. You have a mental reset and may be analysing your security needs, or details of your family budget. This is a good time for a heart-to-heart talk with somebody close, where you can express your feelings clearly and define boundaries going forward.