Get ready for the upcoming Mercury retrograde in 2024!
This event takes place exclusively in the fiery sign of Aries. What effects can we expect from this retrograde?
Mercury Retrograde: The Basics
During a retrograde, a planet seems to be moving in the opposite direction from our perspective on Earth. The apparent backward motion is simply an optical illusion. Mercury goes into retrograde quite frequently, occurring approximately 3-4 times per year and lasting for a number of weeks. When a planet goes into retrograde, there is a disruption in the areas of life that the planet governs, as well as the aspects associated with the zodiac sign it is retrograding in.
During the period of Mercury retrograde, we go through a phase of uncertainty and turbulence. The shadow period begins when Mercury initially reaches the Zodiac point where it will eventually change direction, and concludes when it reaches the final Zodiac point where it will reverse its course.
Many individuals only start experiencing the impacts of Mercury retrograde once it enters the storm period, though. During the storm period of Mercury retrograde, the speed at which Mercury moves slows down significantly, to less than 40 minutes per day. Mercury, being a swift celestial body, strongly dislikes any instances of sluggish movement. Typically, there are two periods of storms that occur, one when Mercury undergoes retrograde motion, and another when it transitions to direct motion.
Mercury Retrograde in Aries 2024: Key Dates
- This retrograde begins on April 1st 2024 at 6:14p.m. ET or 11:14 a.m. CET and ends on April 25th 2024 at 8:54 a.m. ET or 1:54 p.m. CET.
- The shadow period for this retrograde is March 18th – May 13th 2024.
- There are normally two storm periods, and the storm periods for this retrograde are March 27th – April 9th 2024 and April 16th – May 4th 2024
The Impact of Mercury Retrograde
This retrograde period takes place entirely in Aries, a sign known for its fiery and energetic nature. It is a time filled with passion, motivation, and excitement. We may find ourselves with an overwhelming amount of energy and enthusiasm, unsure of how to channel it effectively. Alternatively, we may lack the necessary skills or resources to pursue our desires, resulting in significant frustration and irritation. There is a tendency for us to become easily agitated and irritable, leading to frequent conflicts and disagreements. It is important for us to find effective ways to manage our frustrations and channel our energy in a positive manner.
Individuals born under the sign of Aries tend to have a spontaneous nature, often diving headfirst into new experiences without much consideration. Aries possesses strong intuition that typically shields it from the repercussions, but this ability may falter during Mercury retrograde, leaving us vulnerable to the consequences that inevitably catch up with us. It is important to exercise caution and patience, resisting the urge to act impulsively. Taking the time to carefully consider our actions and complete any necessary preparations beforehand is crucial.
This retrograde brings along a highly fortunate occurrence: an Aries Solar Eclipse! We are currently experiencing the first Solar Eclipse of 2024, which happens to occur in the same sign as the Mercury retrograde. Not only that, but it is also closely aligned with the Mercury retrograde. Solar Eclipses serve as catalysts for various events, marking the start of fresh ventures and new paths, while retrogrades offer opportunities for second chances. Combine these elements, and you’ll discover a remarkable opportunity in 2024 to seize a fresh start.
Direct your attention towards something you wish to give another try. Perhaps this is something you’ve attempted in the past without success, or maybe you’ve made some progress but haven’t quite reached the finish line. It’s possible that you’ve been wanting to begin but have been waiting for the perfect moment. It seems that the time is right!
Tap into your inner drive and passion to proactively create the outcomes you desire. Always prioritize caution and thoroughness, ensuring that you avoid impulsive and impatient decisions. Take the time to research and carefully consider your options.
The eclipse on April 16th is influenced by the phenomenon of Mercury retrograde.
The retrograde starts with Mercury right on semisextile Neptune in Pisces. Semisextiles are lesser-known aspects that can bring positive outcomes, although they do require some effort to fully utilize. As the retrograde period begins, we have the opportunity to focus on nurturing our intuition, enhancing compassion, tapping into our creativity, and delving into our subconscious. Utilizing this method can be a beneficial approach to harnessing energy.
The retrograde concludes as Mercury aligns precisely with semisextile Saturn in Pisces, bringing an end to the semisextile connection with a planet in Pisces. This allows us to emerge from the retrograde with a heightened sense of focus and enhanced discipline, enabling us to have a clear understanding of our plans and goals. It requires effort, integrity, and a grounded approach, but staying committed during the retrograde period can lead to favorable outcomes thanks to Saturn’s influence.
The retrograde also concludes as Mercury aligns with the transit North Node in Aries, although this alignment is not precise (it becomes exact on March 19th before the retrograde). The North Node is a significant component of the Lunar Nodes, which hold a spiritual and karmic essence. It symbolizes the path towards our future, our untapped potential, and our true purpose. This direction is where we have the opportunity to discover contentment, even though it may seem unfamiliar and evoke fear, causing us to retreat. After this period of retrograde, we might experience a sense of being guided towards a path or goal that initially makes us uneasy. However, we can recognize that this direction ultimately leads to the most favorable outcome in our lives. If we persist and work towards our goals, the alignment of celestial bodies can pave the way for a prosperous future, bringing us numerous advantages. It all starts with the precise date of March 19th, and could potentially be connected to another opportunity presented by the Solar Eclipse.
Mercury Retrograde in Aries 2024: Aspects
Throughout the retrograde period, Mercury will form 4 significant aspects with the other planets in motion. Here are the following:
• Conjunct the Sun on April 11th 2024 at 22 degrees Aries:
Now is a great time to begin a new project or venture that could become a significant focus for the next 6-8 weeks. Take a look at your chart to determine where this opportunity may arise. With this placement in Aries, we have the opportunity to seize the moment and harness our passion.
• Conjunct Chiron on April 15th 2024 at 19 degrees Aries:
Chiron, known as the wounded healer in this field, holds sway over our profound wounds as well as our capacity for healing. This aspect can bring attention to preexisting wounds in the world and within ourselves, making us more sensitive and susceptible to old wounds being reopened. It’s important to approach ourselves and others with kindness and compassion. Chiron also has a significant influence on matters related to health, which means that health concerns may receive increased attention.
• Square Ceres on April 16th 2024 at 19 degrees Capricorn/Aries:
Ceres, as a dwarf planet, governs nourishment, support, and resources. Squares, being challenging aspects, can indicate difficulties with tangible things such as money, objects, buildings, or the Earth. Perhaps a significant seismic event?
• Conjunct Venus on April 19th 2024 at 17 degrees Aries:
Mercury in conjunction Venus is often associated with positive communication and expression. There is potential for greater understanding and improved communication through exploring alternative methods. We can also rediscover our connections, strengthen our commitments, and explore fresh ways of uniting and reaping the rewards of partnerships.
Final Words
The retrograde begins at 27 degrees Aries, so individuals born on or after April 14th may experience the initial effects of the retrograde more prominently. The retrograde period comes to a close at 15 degrees Aries, which means that individuals born between April 2nd and 8th, particularly those of the Aries zodiac sign, might experience the most significant impact as the retrograde concludes.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of how the upcoming retrograde of Mercury will personally affect you, it is advisable to examine the house(s) in your natal chart where Mercury will be retrograding, as well as any connections it will form with your natal planets during this period.
If you happen to have Mercury retrograde in your natal or progressed chart, you might not experience the full extent of its effects. Those individuals typically have a smoother experience during the retrograde as it aligns more harmoniously with their natural flow. Naturally, it’s possible that those around them may not share the same perspective, leading to potential challenges caused by others.
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