The first full Mercury retrograde cycle of 2024 arrives April 1. The galactic guardian of communication, technology and travel, reverses course in Aries until April 25. Here’s your guide to Mercury retrograde in Aries, plus your sign’s horoscope.

Here we go again! The first Mercury retrograde of the year arrives Monday, April 1, in feisty, impatient Aries. (The year actually started off with Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius, but that cycle began in December 2023 and ended on New Year’s Day 2024.)

That means Mercury retrograde in Aries, which ends on April 25, is the first full cycle we’ll experience so far this year (there are four Mercury retrograde cycles in 2024!) And it’s moving in for almost the entire month of April.

Add in the total solar eclipse on April 8, and a couple other challenging transits, we predict April will be the most intense month of 2024.

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Mercury Retrograde In Aries: What To Expect

Who’s in charge around here? Hands are raised and no one’s backing down while Mercury stumbles backwards through dominating Aries. You may feel impatient and ready to spring into action, yet the battle plan remains unclear.

Expect to downshift on a few things you’re working on, possibly even losing some hard-won ground. Or, being sent back to the drawing board.

In all things: instead of jamming on the accelerator, tap the brakes.

Hold your fire and use this three-week cycle to be proactive and ready your plans for when Mercury straightens out on April 25.

Frustrating? Probably. But doable? You bet.

Here’s a strategy that can help you during Mercury retrograde

As with all Mercury retrograde cycles, we lean on “re-” instead of starting anything new. That means focusing on activities that start with the prefix “re-” (which means to go back), like:
• Reviewing all your contracts before you sign
• Renewing your commitments, rather than making new ones
• Reuniting with old friends and family
• Redecorating a room
• Rekindling a romance (maybe not with an ex, though! But if one surfaces, it’s usually to bring closure, not necessarily because they “got away”)

And prepare to repeat yourself often.

For more tips on what to do during a Mercury Retrograde, see our classic article: Mercury Retrograde: How to Survive The 3-Week Communication Crisis

Mercury Retrograde Effects

Mercury retrograde in Aries can make us a bit, um, impolite

Communication in all forms—from electronics to your conversations and interactions with people, to the way you communicate and your thought process—are affected from April 1-25 during Mercury retrograde.

You may suddenly be forgetful or foggy or say the “wrong thing.” Mercury retrograde in Aries can make you a bit impolite. You’ve been warned!

If you have to have a difficult conversation, try NOT to do it while Mercury is retrograde in Aries. Why? If you start to suppress anger, which is an Aries theme, or stuff down frustration or passion, it will come out sideways. And possibly explosively. Imagine if you shake up a bottle and spray it all over the room, that’s the effect of what can happen during Mercury retrograde.

So find a way to express yourself in a way that doesn’t happen. One way to do that is to have a tough conversation before or after the Mercury retrograde in Aries cycle, if you can! But be mindful of the Mercury “retroshade”, the two weeks before and after a Mercury retrograde cycle when we can feel the effects of the retrograde.

Thinking of buying some new wheels? Maybe don’t rn.

Mercury retrograde also affects transportation and travel. If you’re looking for a new car or anything with wheels (that’s Mercury’s domain) wait to make the purchase after Mercury moves direct. Use the April 2024 Mercury retrograde in Aries to do your research.

We recommend you wait a little while longer, if you can, for when Jupiter, the planet of luck, goes into Gemini for a year, on May 25. Gemini is the zodiac’s transportation sign (ruled by Mercury).

Your Horoscope for the April 2024 Mercury Retrograde in Aries

Below are horoscopes for every zodiac sign for the Mercury retrograde in Aries, from April 1-25, 2024. You may read for your Sun sign or your rising sign (ascendant). Visit our Cosmic Calculator section if you want to calculate your Rising sign or discover more about your personal astrology.

Mercury retrograde in Aries horoscopes

Since the retrograde takes place in Aries and your first house of identity, consider this a three-week appreciation tour of your own personal history. Dig through your archives of papers, photos, half-finished projects. This can help you recall parts of yourself that you want to bring back—and potentially pursue as a new path.

Aries horoscopes, read more!

Taurus (April 19-May 20)

Is it fantasy or reality? Communicator Mercury turns retrograde in Aries and your introspective twelfth house. From April 1-25, you could find yourself sinking into an emotional swamp or tilting at imaginary windmills. But you’ve got a choice, Taurus. You can wallow in old wounds and fears—or you could let the heavy vibe of Mercury retrograde in Aries inspire you to finally get some closure. Replay the old scenarios but splice in a new ending: one in which you walk away victorious and confident in a brighter future.

Taurus horoscopes, read more!

Gemini (May 20-June 20)

Why no, Gemini, you shouldn’t post that meme. Your ruler, expressive Mercury, turns retrograde and backs up through Aries and your eleventh house of community and technology, from April 1-25. Cynical humor could miss its mark and wind up getting you canceled.

You might not be able to avoid skirmishes with friends during Mercury retrograde in Aries, but you can prevent things from skidding out of control by halting angry text threads and requesting a face-to-face conversation. By the same token, be on guard for uncharacteristic backbiting or shaming in your circle. Make it your mission to create—or maintain—a safe space for all.

Gemini horoscopes, read more!

Cancer (June 20-July 22)

One of your big goals could get temporarily sidelined, Cancer. Communicator Mercury kicks off a three-week retrograde in Aries, your tenth house of professional ambitions, from April 1-25. Without seeing it coming, you could lock horns with an authority figure, important client or a male role model.

The backspin of Mercury retrograde in Aries can feel like walking through a minefield, but the trick is not taking misunderstandings personally. Hit pause, look around and see how you might step into your leadership to redirect things. Whatever your job description, you’re still the captain of the good ship!

Cancer horoscopes, read more!

Leo (July 22-August 22)

Frustration could mount as messenger Mercury turns retrograde in Aries, your ninth house of travel and adventure, from April 1-25. You might feel like your wings are clipped or you’re on an annoyingly short leash. This could be coming from work, a relationship or a general sense of stuckness.

But don’t wallow, Leo! Use the pivot point of Mercury retrograde in Aries to send you off in a new direction or to plan a retreat for when Mercury straightens out. Being held back could be just the thing to light a fire under you.

Leo horoscopes, read more!

Virgo (August 22-September 22)

The devil is in the details with Mercury retrograde in Aries, and he could also be lurking in the shadows, so train your hawk-eye vision on the hidden areas. Your ruler is observant Mercury, and while retrograde in detail-minded Aries (your emotionally charged eighth house) from April 1-25, you may feel overwhelmed by anger, competition or jealousy. Get a handle on whether your suspicions have some grounding or if the negativity might be your own projection. This backspin is a perfect time to RE-view and RE-consider your own trust issues.

Virgo horoscopes, read more!

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Relationship woes you thought you put to bed could rear up starting April 1. Blame it on Mercury retrograde in Aries and your seventh house of partnerships. This backspin could churn up conflict or miscommunication with a significant other. But it can also shine a light on imbalances in the union.

So before you cry yourself a river, do a reality check. Are you giving more than you’re receiving? Are you getting your needs met? An ex could resurface or you may find yourself ruminating about “the one that got away.” Gently explore but hold off on any big decisions until the messenger planet straightens out on April 25.

Libra horoscopes, read more!

Scorpio (October 22-November 21)

An ounce of prevention (and preventative medicine!) is worth three weeks of cure starting April 1. Messenger Mercury goes retrograde in Aries, backing up through your sixth house of work and wellness, until April 25. Even if you’re in fighting shape, go out of your way to eat clean, wash your hands regularly and avoid boost your immunity with Vitamin C and probiotics. Staying organized can be a challenge during Mercury retrograde in Aries. Make a point not to multitask or overbook. Research systems for keeping your data and physical objects sorted and systematized.

Scorpio horoscopes, read more!

Sagittarius (November 21-December 21)

You could experience a blast from your romantic past April 1—or over the next three weeks—as communicator Mercury spins backward in Aries, your fifth house of passion and creativity, until April 25.

Don’t be surprised if you hear from a long-lost friend or an ex looking to spark things up again. But it’s up to YOU, Sagittarius, to decide whether this former flame deserves a second chance. If you’ve got serious doubts, it’s probably not worth risking getting burned twice. Healthy connections may deepen powerfully during Mercury retrograde in Aries. If you’re ready to move on from a romance, use this time to mourn and feel all the feelings.

Sagittarius horoscopes, read more!

Capricorn (December 21-January 19)

Home could be a hotbed of activity over the coming three weeks as Mercury retrograde in Aries is in your domestic fourth house. Alas, the vibe may be more stressful and chaotic than anyone would prefer. Misunderstandings abound with everyone from demanding relatives to a difficult landlord. If it’s time to make some big changes to your space, start the research process now so you can move forward once Mercury turns direct on April 25.

Capricorn horoscopes, read more!

Aquarius (January 19-February 18)

Yes, you want to speak your truth, but don’t get caught with a chunky-soled sneaker in your mouth, Aquarius. Expressive Mercury kicks off a three-week backspin in Aries on April 1, sparking your third house communication corner until April 25.

Choose your words carefully and reflect on what you’re going to say before you speak or post on socials. Even then, there’s a good chance you’ll be misconstrued during Mercury retrograde in Aries. It’s not your fault, Aquarius, but you don’t want to get canceled. If you’re feeling unprepared to pitch, hold important sales calls or brainstorming sessions until the messenger planet straightens out.

Aquarius horoscopes, read more!

Pisces (February 18-March 20)

Double-check those credit card statements and review your receipts. Errors and glitches will be more the rule than the exception during Mercury’s backspin through Aries and your second house of finances from April 1-25.

Money could get a little funny during Mercury retrograde in Aries, so pay attention and don’t just assume that everyone is as honest as you are. Your cash flow could suddenly get a bit tight, possibly requiring you to take on a temporary side hustle. But if it’s profitable—and fun—it might be worth hanging on to!

Pisces horoscopes, read more!

When is the next Mercury retrograde?

Mercury retrograde returns in late Summer 2024, splitting its time in two zodiac signs, Virgo and Leo. This next full Mercury retrograde of 2024 begins August 4 and ends August 28.

The margin for error will be great while Mercury backs up through finicky Virgo until August 14. Egos will be especially fragile once Mercury retreats into Leo from August 14 to 28.

Learn more about all the 2024 Mercury retrograde cycles (there are four!)

Go here anytime you want to know if Mercury is in retrograde.

Feature art by Rosie Dienhart

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