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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 group chat, so you should try to take a beat before popping off on someone you love,” says Sunday.

Cancer

For you, this Mercury retrograde is stirring up drama at work, Cancer, as it falls in your 10th house of career and recognition. Be on the lookout for insincerity or petty arguments regarding who holds authority over whom, as well as workplace gossip. And make sure to double-check your emails.

“There could be misunderstandings at the office, so you should practice patience regarding work matters,” says Sunday. If you’re thinking about a new career or perhaps even restarting an old job, it may be best to wait until Mercury returns to direct motion before making the switch.

Leo

You’re learning all about how to reparent yourself during Mercury retrograde, Leo, as this transit occurs in your ninth house of thinking and philosophy. This is a period of reflection and uncovering new perspectives that you might not have considered in the past.

“You will be meditating a lot on what you think about life and how you’re sharing those truths with the world,” says Sunday. It’s okay if you’re questioning everything right now—new conclusions that come to you now could hold a lot of power for the rest of 2024.

Virgo

Mercury retrograde may feel like a total identity crisis for you, Virgo, as it percolates in your eighth house of secrets, transformation, and intimacy. You may have to face a few hard truths as you cling to what you’ve known.

“You might be untangling from collaborations of the past or experiencing things you thought were over and done returning to your life,” explains Sunday. There’s a part of you that isn’t ready to let go, but this transit is all about surrendering to necessary change—even if you can’t see the path forward just yet.

Libra

Your patience is being tested during Mercury retrograde, Libra. It falls in your seventh house of partnerships, meaning power struggles with a lover may result in spats or petty arguments, says Ash. Try to avoid taking things personally, and be sure to ask for clarity if you feel hurt or misunderstood instead of making assumptions.

“You’re likely to hear from an ex or two and should see this time as an opportunity to make peace with the past while looking toward the future in love,” says Sunday. As the sign of the scales, you know a thing or two about creating harmony in relationships with others, but this is also a great time to nourish the connection you have with yourself.

Scorpio

Mercury retrograde could drain your energy, Scorpio. As this transit hits your sixth house of daily habits and wellness, keeping up with the momentum of fast-paced Aries season may feel intimidating.

“[You may feel] a loss of motivation or sluggish energy, or begin to question if the effort is worth the reward,” says Ash. It’s okay to retreat to your shell right now, but just be on the lookout for daily missteps, like forgotten prescription refills or missed appointments, says Sunday.

Sagittarius

Talk about déjà vu, Sagittarius. Given this Mercury retrograde occurs in your fifth house of romance and pleasure, it could resurface an old flame or remind you of a deep, sensual partnership that has lost its way. Just don’t let the temptation of nostalgia bring you back to habits or relationships you’ve outgrown.

At the same time, “you could also circle back to an old creative project that was forgotten,” says Sunday, so instead of sending that risky text to your ex, consider using this time to *finally* finish that one thing that’s been chilling on the back burner.

Capricorn

Power struggles at home may stir up old drama for you during Mercury retrograde, Capricorn, as this transit falls in your fourth house of foundations and familial roots. You might be tempted by your ego to lash out at a family member—but this is an ideal time to practice patience and engage in collaboration instead.

Also, “watch out for utility bills, which could slip through the cracks,” says Sunday, “and aim to pause or postpone any home renovations until after this retrograde has passed, if possible.”

Aquarius

Classic Mercury retrograde mishaps are in store for you, Aquarius, as the transit occurs in your third house of communication and information. That means crossed wires, a resurgence of people from your past, and mistakes that bruise your ego may be on the docket. Since this transit is impacting your thought processes, Sunday suggests you triple-check your texts.

Overall, Mercury retrograde could also stoke major nostalgia for you. “If you have siblings, you’re likely to be circling back to their favorite places with them,” says Sunday.

Pisces

It’s time to get your finances in check, Pisces. Mercury retrograde is ravaging your second house of money and overall security, so on top of experiencing some financial stress, you might feel insecure in other aspects of your life, too.

It’s a good idea to be extra cautious about spending right now and ensure you’ve gotten your taxes filed properly, says Sunday. “If you can avoid signing anything financial until May, that would be ideal.”