If you’ve been feeling a little off lately, you can rest assured that the universe is not out to get you. It’s just good ol’ Mercury retrograde on the horizon. This astrological transit happens when Mercury appears to move backward in the sky, which is thought to spark disarray in Mercurial realms of life, prompting miscommunications, petty arguments, and general confusion for us earthlings. Only adding fuel to the cosmic fire is the fact that this upcoming Mercury retrograde (the first set of Mercury retrograde dates in 2024) is happening in the impulsive fire sign of Aries. Starting April 1, Mercury retrograde will ravage our lives as it moves through Aries until April 24. And right in the middle of this transit, on April 8, comes an intense solar eclipse in Aries, too. Meaning, you won’t just be feeling the classic retrograde hangups, but also, you’ll be faced with the fated events and destined opportunities of eclipse season at the same time. Generally, it’s not a great idea to make rash or spontaneous decisions throughout the first three weeks of April, and manifesting new goals is also on the list of things not to do during Mercury retrograde. That’s because, in astrology, Mercury retrogrades are best aligned for reflection and re-evaluation rather than starting something new; just as Mercury appears to move backward in the sky, so, too, are we encouraged to retrace our steps and review what we’ve learned.
Mercury retrograde is also a time during which we typically don’t have much mental clarity. Couple that with the unexpected changes prompted by eclipse season, and you have a cosmic cocktail of confusion—definitely *not* the energy you want in the air when planning your next big trip or career move, or making a commitment to a new romantic or business partner. Instead of acting on impulse, consider using the cosmically mandated slowdown of Mercury retrograde to assess your year and decipher what you’ve learned from its events thus far.
Below, astrologers share all the details for the April 2024 Mercury retrograde in Aries, including how to best handle it, which zodiac signs will be most affected, and what every sign can expect.
Overall vibes of Mercury retrograde in Aries in 2024
Mercury goes retrograde roughly three to four times a year, for about three weeks at a time. Although the planet of communication only appears to be moving backward from our perspective on Earth, the energy of this astrological transit tends to throw all sorts of travel, communication, and tech-related things out of whack. Think: missed appointments, canceled flights, technical difficulties, and trivial disagreements with your partner. The particular energy of this Mercury retrograde, however, takes on the flavor of Aries, making it especially dramatic. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, meaning the fire sign embraces the world at full tilt. It’s associated with the self, impulses, and enthusiasm. In turn, you can expect this Mercury retrograde in Aries to be especially frustrating when it comes to your sense of creativity or need for independence.
“When Mercury retrogrades in a sign like Aries, it can be easy to let our egos do all the talking,” says astrologer Lauren Ash. “When Mercury retrogrades in a sign like Aries, it can be easy to let our egos do all the talking.” —Lauren Ash, astrologer
Given that Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of aggression, the 2024 Mercury retrograde in Aries could manifest in the form of refusing to let something go or allowing minor inconveniences to dictate your mood. “There are themes around what we’re choosing to do with our precious energy,” says astrologer Erin River Sunday, co-host of the Kiss My Astral podcast. The fact that this transit coincides with a solar eclipse in Aries also makes it “extremely karmic in nature,” says Sunday. Eclipses are about fate and consequences, so things that happen now are likely to become a part of the broader plot of your life. “It’s more important than ever to pay attention to what’s unfolding because while it might be frustrating, it’s happening for a bigger purpose,” says Sunday.
How to handle this Mercury retrograde in Aries
Generally, it’s best not to sign contracts or make binding commitments during any Mercury retrograde. With this Mercury retrograde occurring in fiery Aries, it’s also important to practice patience (as much as you can). Suppressed conflicts can blow up, and projects you’re eager to finish can face obstacles—it’s important to take a beat and look out for mistakes or missteps. Because Aries is a sign known for diving into things full-throttle, you might be tempted over the next few weeks to make reckless decisions or say the first thing that comes to mind, perhaps without tact. “Aries energy rewards people who take bold actions and risks,” says Ash. “But with Mercury retrograde and eclipse season revealing hidden secrets and new information, you should wait until you have the full picture before sharing your opinions.” Throughout this transit, it’s also important to remember not to take everything personally. When it comes to conflict (which is practically guaranteed during confrontational Aries season, FYI), it’s best to separate your feelings from the situation and respond practically rather than reacting emotionally. “You don’t have to answer at the moment, and with Mercury retrograde lasting almost the entire month of April, it’s better to err on the side of caution over the next few weeks,” Ash explains.
In this realm, “Mercury retrograde is a reminder to slow down and be mindful of our actions,” explains Sunday. Rather than offering up unsolicited opinions or letting a short temper get the better of you, focus on physical exercise as a way to release any tension bubbling up inside of you. Sunday also recommends journaling as a way to give your feelings a safe container. But if you want to embrace the feisty Aries energy more directly, Sunday also says going to a place far from others—like the top of a mountain or an empty parking lot—and shouting at the top of your lungs, or just punching a pillow would suffice as energy-release practices, too.
Which zodiac signs will be most affected by Mercury retrograde in Aries?
Aries has a way of challenging everything in its path, so it’s safe to say everyone will have their fair share of astral confusion while Mercury backtracks in the fire sign. But when it comes to the zodiac signs set to be most affected by the 2024 Mercury retrograde in Aries, Ash names Aries, Libra, Capricorn, and Aquarius. That’s because the transit will activate themes surrounding identity, lovers’ spats, and power struggles for these particular signs. Read on for both your sun sign and rising sign to get a closer look at how Mercury retrograde in Aries will impact you and expert advice on how to charge ahead regardless.
How Mercury retrograde in Aries will affect every zodiac sign in 2024
Aries
It may feel like everyone’s out to get you during Mercury retrograde, Aries. After all, it’s happening in your sign (aka your first astrological house of self and identity). But, it’s important not to let your ego get the best of you. “There’s likely to be a re-evaluation process happening around your core identity and the direction you’re headed,” says Sunday. Ultimately, Ash says this transit is pushing you to understand the power of your words and consider how they impact the way people perceive you.
Taurus
Things are coming in and out of focus for you during Mercury retrograde, Taurus, as this particular transit falls in your 12th house of the subconscious mind. It’s important to take things at face value rather than romanticize situations or people that aren’t proving themselves to benefit you in the long run. This transit is all about learning to harmonize your fantasy and your reality, says Ash. “[Mercury retrograde] could zap your energy, so rest will be important,” says Sunday. It’s okay to go hermit mode right now—it might actually be for the best!
Gemini
Tread lightly in the world of friendships, Gemini. This retrograde hits your 11th house of community and networks, meaning shifts in power and betrayals within your social group could fizzle up, says Ash. Be cautious of playful jokes or bringing up old conflicts from the past. “There could be some miscommunications in the…
