The first retrograde of the year has officially arrived, and it’s quite the doozy! However, before I give you the scoop on Mercury retrograde in Aries 2024, let’s take a closer look at the mischievous messenger planet (Mercury) and what exactly happens during its notorious retrograde transits.
Named after the Roman messenger god, Mercury is the planet of communication, technology, and transportation in astrology. Its influence on our lives can be profound, as it governs how we interact with others, how we process and exchange information, and how we get from one place to another.
For instance, did you know that Mercury’s placement in your birth chart can reveal a lot about your communication style, learning processes, and even your default way of thinking? Depending on the sign Mercury was transiting at your exact time of birth, the characteristics (i.e., element, modality, and archetype) of that zodiac sign can significantly influence your communication style and cognitive functioning.
When considering the essence of Mercury in Aries, this is a direct, fast-paced way of thinking and speaking, often driven by instinct and spontaneity rather than strategy and contemplation. This aspect can also explain why we suddenly get straight to the point and avoid unnecessary details or roundabout discussions in our conversations. The mind thrives via challenging situations and confrontation when Mercury transits this cardinal fire sign… and well, this is a perfect segway to describe its darker attributes.
Similar to Aries' red-hot planetary ruler, Mars, there's a tendency to speak impulsively or jump to conclusions when Mercury is in this sign. So, if you catch yourself making assumptions about others or simply speaking without fully considering the impact of your words, this could be a manifestation of Mercury in Aries. This transit can lead to boldness in communication, but it can also veer into the territory of being overly aggressive or confrontational.
With all of this in mind, Mercury will kick off its first official retrograde of the year in the sign of Aries on April 1st at exactly 6:14 p.m. EST. Retrogrades are known for causing havoc (especially when our friendly neighborhood Mercury is involved), but there's actually a silver lining to the mayhem.
Bad news first? The straightforward, fast-paced energy of the ram can lead to hasty words or decisions that you might later regret. This is a time when emails get sent to the wrong person, important texts are misunderstood, or you say something in the heat of the moment that doesn't quite come out right. Travel plans can also go awry, with frequent delays, cancellations, or misdirections. Technology, another realm ruled by Mercury, may become frustratingly unreliable, with more glitches and breakdowns than usual. Please double- and triple-check everything, but let’s also look at the bright side of this transit.
Between April 1st and 25th, Mercury retrograde (when the messenger planet begins to slow down) offers a unique opportunity for reflection and recalibration. This is a time to revisit past conversations and projects, offering the chance to correct misunderstandings or complete unfinished business. It’s an ideal period for introspection, allowing you to ponder deeply about your communication style and the effectiveness of your interactions with others.
More specifically, when reflecting upon your sense of autonomy or the desire to stand up for yourself, Mercury retrograde in Aries can be especially illuminating. Are you speaking your truth with confidence, or are you holding back for fear of conflict? This retrograde period encourages you to find a balance between assertiveness and receptivity to others' viewpoints. This could potentially prompt you to reconsider how you assert your individuality in conversations and negotiations.
Hint: Check which astrological house belongs to 15 through 27 degrees of Aries. This is the area of life where your Mercury retrograde in Aries story will come to life.