It’s the very first retrograde of the year, happening at the very first sign of the zodiac, at the very start of a new month. It’s no mistake that this retrograde begins on April Fool’s Day. Thus, Mercury, as the cosmic Trickster Archetype, is now being given even more energetic permission to wreak celestial chaos. Yet, there are many precious lessons to be learnt, as is always the case with any retrograde.
This Mercury retrograde occurs entirely in Aries, a fire and cardinal sign that is full of energy, drive, and enthusiasm. Aries, as the Archetype of the Warrior, is known to move forward without a hint of hesitation. This is the quintessential ‘shoot first, think later’ sign. This means we can have way too much energy and enthusiasm and not know what to do with it, or we don't have the ability to do what we want to with it, which leads to massive frustration and annoyance. We can lash out quite easily, and are so prone to irritability and aggravation that we're constantly at odds with each other. We need to do a better job at having a healthy outlet for frustrations, and controlling our energy in a more productive way.
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The retrograde starts at 27 degrees Aries, so those of you who were born on April the 14th and later, you may feel the start of the retrograde most. The retrograde ends at 15 degrees Aries, so those of you who were born on April 2nd - 8th you may feel the end of the retrograde most.
For the rest of you, check the house(s) Mercury will be retrograding in your own natal chart, and any aspects Mercury will make during its retrograde to your natal planets, to fully understand how it will impact you personally.
If you have Mercury retrograde in your natal or progressed chart, you may not feel the worst of this. Those individuals generally don't experience the difficulties of the retrograde because it feels more natural to them. Of course, chances are everyone else around them doesn't have the same aspect, so they can still experience difficulties brought on by others.
Communication in all forms—from electronics to your conversations and interactions with people, to the way you communicate and your thought process—are affected during Mercury retrograde period. You may suddenly be forgetful or foggy or say the “wrong thing.” Mercury retrograde in Aries can make you a bit impolite! So, if you have to have a difficult conversation, try not to do it while Mercury is retrograde in Aries. Why? If you start to suppress anger, which is an Aries theme, or stuff down frustration or passion, it will come out sideways. And possibly explosively. Imagine if you shake up a bottle and spray it all over the room, that’s the effect of what can happen during Mercury retrograde.
ALSO: Mercury in Aries in a natal horoscope
So find a way to express yourself in a way that doesn’t happen. One way to do that is to have a tough conversation before or after the Mercury retrograde in Aries cycle, if you can! But be mindful of the Mercury shadow phase, the two weeks before and after a Mercury retrograde cycle when we can feel the effects of the retrograde.
Mercury retrograde in Aries amplifies the impulse to make rash decisions you may later regret. Avoid starting new things or signing important contracts. If you must make a choice, get a second opinion from someone with an outside perspective first.
This retrograde does come with one very auspicious event: an Aries Solar Eclipse! It's our first Solar Eclipse for 2024, and comes in the same sign as the Mercury retrograde (not only that, it's widely conjunct, or aligned with, Mercury retrograde). Solar Eclipses are triggers for events, new beginnings and new journeys, but retrogrades are times for do overs. Put them together, and you get what will likely be the best time in 2024 for a second chance.
The cosmic advice here is to release our attachment to putting ourselves in the centre of the action, to let go of the desire to blaze a trail. Instead, we’re asked to lean into the Universal energy and trust that the new chapters ahead of us will unfold just as they should without us needing to interfere too much.
On April the 14th, Mercury conjuncts the Sun at 22 degrees Aries. This is the Inferior Conjunction, a positive point in the retrograde for starting something that can be a focus for the next 6-8 weeks; find where it falls in your chart, and that may be where you can start something. With this one in Aries, we can take the initiative and make use of enthusiasm.
Mercury retrograde triggers the eclipse on April 16th.
ALSO: The Astrology of Eclipses: A Guide to Understanding Their Impact
On April the 19th, Mercury conjuncts Venus at 17 degrees Aries. This aspect often denotes pleasant communication and expression. We can be more understanding, and we may find that communicating in new, different ways is more effective. We can also reconnect, recommit, and find new ways of coming together and benefiting from alliances.
Non-Violent Communication is an excellent Mercury retrograde in Aries tool, especially seeing as Mercury joins Chiron, thrice, on March 20th, April 15th and finally on May 6th. Chiron is the wounded healer in astrology, governing our great wounds but also healing abilities. As direct and straight-shooting as Mercury in Aries is, it’s important to colour our words with kindness, to be aware of when we might be coming across as aggressive or even defensive. With these three conjunctions, we may initially speak from our most hurt places. With that said, speak your truth with consciousness and pure intent! When we say a thing without thinking it through, that's when we create rifts and burn our bridges. A useful practice would be to ask ourselves - "Is this useful" "Is it harmful?" "What response am I looking for by saying this?". Curious, gentle self inquiry takes the sting out of retrograde Mercury in Aries and offers the healing balm that Chiron is so renowned for.
Mercury retrograde in Aries horoscopes
ARIES ♈
Aries, brace yourself for a challenging Mercury Retrograde ahead! This period might feel a tad overwhelming, with eclipses uncovering new facets of your personality and Mercury adding a perplexing twist to the mix. This doesn’t HAVE to be a downer for you, Aries. The trick is to focus on nostalgia instead of barreling horns-down toward your future. Since the retrograde takes place on your own sign, consider this a three-week appreciation tour of your own personal history. Dig through your archives of papers, photos, and half-finished projects. This can help you recall parts of yourself that you want to bring back—and potentially pursue as a new path.
TAURUS ♉
Is it fantasy or reality? During this period, your dreams, imagination, and intuition will be heightened. From the 1st of April till the 25th, you could find yourself sinking into an emotional swamp or tilting at imaginary windmills. But you’ve got a choice, Taurus. You can wallow in old wounds and fears—or you could let the heavy vibe of Mercury retrograde in Aries inspire you to finally get some closure. Replay the old scenarios but think of a new ending: one in which you walk away victorious and confident in a brighter future. Be mindful of making assumptions or indulging in melodrama—focus your energy on what truly matters and avoid investing in nonexistent issues.
GEMINI ♊
Why no, Gemini, you shouldn’t post that meme. Your ruler, expressive Mercury, turns retrograde and backs up through Aries and your eleventh house of community and technology, from April the 1st till the 25th. Cynical humour could miss its mark and wind up getting you cancelled. You might not be able to avoid skirmishes with friends during Mercury retrograde in Aries, but you can prevent things from skidding out of control by halting angry text threads and requesting a face-to-face conversation. By the same token, be on guard for uncharacteristic backbiting or shaming in your circle. Make it your mission to create—or maintain—a safe space for all.
CANCER ♋
One of your big goals could get temporarily sidelined or you might sense tensions brewing in your career during this retrograde, Cancer. Without seeing it coming, you could lock horns with an authority figure, important client or a male role model. The backspin of Mercury retrograde in Aries can feel like walking through a minefield, but the trick is not taking misunderstandings personally. Practise patience with your colleagues and yourself. Hit pause, look around and see how you might step into your leadership mode to redirect things. Whatever your job description, you’re still the captain of the good ship!
LEO ♌
Frustration could mount as Mercury turns retrograde in Aries from April 1st till the 25th. You might begin to question your beliefs, which is crucial for personal growth. You might feel like your wings are clipped or you’re on an annoyingly short leash. This could be coming from work, a relationship or a general sense of stuckness. Expect confusion and anxiety during this period. But don’t wallow, Leo! Use the pivot point of Mercury retrograde in Aries to send you off in a new direction or to plan a retreat for when Mercury straightens out. Being held back could be just the thing to light a fire under you.
VIRGO ♍
The devil is in the details with Mercury retrograde in Aries, and he could also be lurking in the shadows, so train your hawk-eye vision on the hidden areas. During this time, you might uncover some deep-seated traumas or hidden aspects of yourself. Don’t suppress them—instead, face your inner demons head-on. This Mercury retrograde encourages you to examine what’s holding you back from progress. Are you avoiding confronting issues that weigh heavily on your mind? I strongly suggest journaling, seeking therapy, or having those tough conversations you’ve been avoiding. It’s crucial to prioritise your well-being and address your needs as an individual.
LIBRA ♎
Relationship woes you thought you put to bed could rear up starting April 1st. Blame it on Mercury retrograde in Aries and your seventh house of partnerships. This backspin could churn up conflict or miscommunication with a significant other. But it can also shine a light on imbalances in the union. So before you cry yourself a river, do a reality check. Are you giving more than you’re receiving? Are you getting your needs met? An ex could resurface or you may find yourself ruminating about “the one that got away.” Gently explore but hold off on any big decisions until the messenger planet straightens out on April 25th.
SCORPIO ♏
During this Mercury retrograde, you might find yourself feeling sluggish, so it’s important to slow down your pace. I encourage you to act with intention and establish strategies to prevent burnout. This could mean scaling back on work commitments, easing up at the gym, or taking extra care to avoid getting sick. Take a moment to review your schedule and make a point not to multitask or overbook. With potential confusion and misunderstandings in the air, be patient and take control of your days on your own terms. Even if you’re in fighting shape, go out of your way to eat clean, wash your hands regularly, and avoid boosting your immunity with Vitamin C and probiotics.
SAGITTARIUS ♐
You could experience a blast from your romantic past as Mercury spins backward in Aries, your fifth house of passion and creativity, until April 25th. Don’t be surprised if you hear from a long-lost friend or an ex looking to spark things up again. But it’s up to YOU, Sagittarius, to decide whether this former flame deserves a second chance. If you’ve got serious doubts, it’s probably not worth risking getting burned twice. Healthy connections may deepen powerfully during Mercury retrograde in Aries. If you’re ready to move on from a romance, use this time to mourn and feel all the feelings.
CAPRICORN ♑
You’re naturally driven at work, but now’s the time to focus on home matters. Home could be a hotbed of activity over the coming three weeks. Alas, the vibe may be more stressful and chaotic than anyone would prefer. The retrograde might stir up drama, whether it’s with family, household issues like a leaky faucet or misunderstandings abound with everyone from demanding relatives to a difficult landlord. If it’s time to make some big changes to your space, start the research process now so you can move forward once Mercury turns direct on April 25th. Patience is key to avoid unnecessary stress during this time.
AQUARIUS ♒
Yes, you want to speak your truth, but don’t get caught with a chunky-soled sneaker in your mouth, Aquarius. Expressive Mercury kicks off a three-week backspin in Aries on April 1st, sparking your third house communication corner until April 25th. Choose your words carefully and reflect on what you’re going to say before you speak or post on socials. Even then, there’s a good chance you’ll be misconstrued during Mercury retrograde in Aries. It’s not your fault, Aquarius, but you don’t want to get cancelled. If you’re feeling unprepared to pitch, hold important sales calls or brainstorming sessions until the messenger planet straightens out.
PISCES ♓
Pisces, amid your ongoing journey of transformation, this transit brings another wave of change. It’s time to reassess your relationship with material possessions and finances. The influence of Aries might tempt you to be impulsive, so stay vigilant and consider where adjustments are needed. Double-check those credit card statements and review your receipts. Errors and glitches will be more the rule than the exception during Mercury’s backspin through Aries. Your cash flow could suddenly get a bit tight, possibly requiring you to take on a temporary side hustle. But if it’s profitable—and fun—it might be worth hanging on to! Moreover, pay attention and don’t just assume that everyone is as honest as you are.
