04/03/2024
Mercury Retrograde - April 1st thru April 25th, 2024.
In astrology, Mercury rules communication, travel and technology - so these areas tend to go a bit "haywire" during the retrograde period. Although the planet of communication only appears to be moving backward from our perspective on earth, the energy of this astrological transit is what is liable to throw things out of whack.
Televisions, computers, cell phones and cars in particular tend to "act up" during Mercury Retrograde. There seem to be a bit more misunderstandings, communication & technology breakdowns, travel delays and lost items during this phase. You may start to notice the effects a few weeks before it officially begins (during the "shadow" period.)
This phase of Mercury Retrograde begins April 1st & ends April 25th, 2024. It traverses through the astrological fire sign of Aries. {The shadow period began around March 19th, so don't be surprised if you have already begun to feel some of the retrograde effects.}
ARIES: When Mercury goes retrograde during Aries, the energy takes on the fiery flair of the astrological sign, so this phase could be particularly dramatic! Aries energy is associated with the self, impulsiveness and enthusiasm. Take care not to allow minor inconveniences to dictate your overall mood.
A total SOLAR ECLIPSE occurs right in the middle of the retrograde phase on April 8th! Eclipses have to do with fate and consequences, so occurrences now may play a role in the broader fabric of your life. While there may be some additional frustrations, do your best to take a step back and realize that what is unfolding may be for a higher purpose. Practicing PATIENCE now will help mitigate frustrations, and provide a little cushion of time to make more informed decisions.
Consider wearing the color BLUE or a blue stone near the throat ~ as blue is the color associated with communication and the throat chakra. This may help to ease some of the challenging aspects of communication during Mercury Retrograde.
As communications break down, different perspectives may be revealed. You are advised to take the opportunity to say what you believe to be true with regard to your desires and dreams. Take a moment to re-evaluate what is fundamentally right for you, and where others may have influenced you by projecting opinions that might not exactly fit your needs.
When Mercury is retrograde, it is in a backwards / slowed down state, which alters its energy in an often challenging way. You may at times feel stuck in a rut or as if aspects of your life are suddenly on pause. If you have been preoccupied with old feelings or past experiences, Mercury Retrograde is an ideal time to put those to rest. It is an opportune period to review, reflect, re-evaluate, revisit, resume, refresh, recalibrate & resolve.
Cautionary notes during Mercury Retrograde phases: take extra care with travel arrangements, signing of contracts, and the purchase of electronics. You would do well to build a little cushion of time into your travel plans.
Communications may not flow as easily as they do at other times, and there is a high probability of mixed messages, misinterpreted words, missed phone calls and "phantom" e-mails. Be on alert for computers, electronics and vehicles not operating properly, cancelled appointments, and people promising more than they can deliver. It is a cautionary note to be extra careful of what you say during this time, and of written forms of communication.
A practical tip during this phase: SLOW DOWN! Strive to act (and speak) carefully & conscientiously. It's not entirely accurate to blame Mercury Retrograde for "bad" things which occur in your life during this time; it's more about reviewing where you put your energy & focus. Take a little extra time to reflect. Understanding a bit about Mercury Retrograde usually helps in navigating this period.
Mercury Retrograde assists us in unlocking deeper truths, and helps us communicate more effectively & with greater strength. This phase gives us a chance for wider perspective, and to look at things from another angle. Retrogrades are a time of reflection and of somewhat erratic activity -- it does not have to be the "doom & gloom" that we often think of at this time.
Navigating a Mercury Retrograde period is not quite as frustrating or daunting when you are AWARE. Being forewarned is especially useful during this phase. Take extra care with communications, appointments, travel plans and electronics. Allow plenty of time, to avoid stress. Make sure to double (or triple) check any contracts or legal documents before signing. Be careful with your words and strive not to react too quickly if provoked or antagonized. It's a good reminder to double check all of your e-mails, written communications and social media posts before hitting the send button. Make sure you have everything before you leave the house. Take time to BREATHE!
* Please note that I research the particular astrological sign which each Mercury Retrograde falls into ~ so portions of what is written above will be slightly different from previous retrograde synopses. *
