Mercury Retrograde in Aries -- Here's What You Can Expect
See what happens when the planet of communication retrogrades.
By now, you've probably already heard about the pesky astrological event known as Mercury Retrograde. It's usually written about as a very chaotic time when communication goes awry, and while that's true, there's so much more to what goes on during this retrograde period! Many things can impact how you personally experience Mercury Retrograde -- including what sign and element Mercury is in, and where the retrograde occurs in your natal chart.
What is Mercury Retrograde?
Mercury Retrograde happens about three or four times each year, for a period of about three to four weeks at a time. Mercury slows down to the point that it appears to be moving backward, but it's really an optical illusion. The communication planet does still have forward momentum -- it just isn't moving at its usual speedy pace.
Planet Mercury rules communication, travel, and technology, so all of these things are often disrupted during Mercury Retrograde. Yes, things can get a bit chaotic, but there's also a lot of good that can come out of this time. This can be a time of reflection, reconsideration, and retreat. Just like the planet Mercury, we're being asked to slow down so we can revisit our beliefs, our thought patterns, and how we want to move forward in our lives
In 2024, every Mercury Retrograde period touches on a Fire sign -- Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius. Fire signs are drawn to excitement and command attention. Because Mercury Retrograde is a time of reflection, this emphasis on potent Fire energy means we could come out of the retrograde period with a greater appreciation for passion and intensity than we had when we originally entered it.
When is Mercury Retrograde?
Mercury Retrograde dates for 2024 are:
• Mercury Retrograde in Aries: April 1 - April 25, 2024
• Mercury Retrograde beginning in Virgo and ending in Leo: August 5 - August 28, 2024
• Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius: November 25 - December 15, 2023
Mercury Retrograde in Aries
The next Mercury Retrograde period starts on April 1, 2024 in action-oriented Aries and continues through April 25, 2024.
Every Mercury Retrograde is a time when misunderstandings and mishaps are common. Because Mercury appears to be moving backward in the sky, things associated with Mercury -- conversations, negotiations, technology, travel -- tend to go haywire. When Mercury retrogrades through Aries specifically, it targets the areas of life Aries rules: our egos, personalities, and independence. You may experience frustrations around feeling seen as an individual, stress out over your flaws, or struggle with the sense that you're not allowed to make the choices you'd prefer.
But there’s always something good you can take from Mercury Retrograde, too! A retrograde in Aries is a great time to reclaim your personal power, for example. If you aren’t happy with the respect you're receiving in certain relationships or environments, this is the time to reflect deeply on how to make a change.
Mercury Retrograde often has a reputation for leading to chaos, but it's not all bad! This retrograde period could actually lead to profound clarity! It's all about how you navigate it, so discover how to