An important event in astrology, a mercury retrograde is related to travel, communication and technology snags, affecting the zodiacs for the entire three weeks of its occurrence. With the first Mercury retrograde of 2024 beginning on 1 April, here is a survival guide for all the zodiac signs that will be impacted by this phenomenon.
What happens when planet Mercury is in retrograde?
Before understanding the effects of this celestial event on zodiacs, let’s understand the meaning of Mercury retrograde in astronomical terminology and its significance in modern astrology. A retrograde of any celestial object is nothing but an optical illusion from the vantage point of the Earth.
Mercury is a speeding planet, which, for a window of three weeks, is closer to our planet. While both the planets are following their orbits, it appears as if Mercury moves slower and is in a backward or apparent retrograde motion from the Earth’s perspective.
Astrologically, planet Mercury rules communications and is related to travel, technology and growth as well. Mercury retrograde encourages positive and negative changes in relationships and careers of the zodiac signs. The retrograde affects general misunderstandings, brain fog and other related issues.
Mercury retrograde 2024 in Aries: Dos and Don’ts to find calm amidst the storm
The first Mercury retrograde, which begins on 1 April, is in the powerful fire sign of Aries. The pre-retrograde shadow began on 18 March and the post-retrograde shadow ends on 13 May.
Aries is the first sign in the zodiac system and is ruled by the planet Mars. This means that its red-hot nature, drive, candour, spontaneity and penchant for making hasty decisions could add to the confusion caused by the Mercury retrograde. Here is a cheat sheet to avoid major mishaps relating to technology and misunderstandings in key relationships during this period.
Dos
Believe in yourself: Be self-assured and confident and find logic before acting on thoughts.
Self-care and meditation: It is important to allot some time to introspect and cut off from screens to meditate. This will provide the zodiacs with much-needed calm amidst the confusion caused by this astrological event.
Be open to listening: While it is important to stand strong for one’s values, it will not hurt for the zodiacs to keep an open mind towards others’ opinions. Consideration of different views will provide them with a wider perspective on important matters of life.
Don’ts
While it is essential to voice opinions, one should avoid imposing their views on others.
It is important to control impulses during this period as it would prompt one to make decisions that can be regretted later.
It is a bad idea to hold grudges during this time because it is likely that one would be misunderstood due to lack of communication or miscommunication.
Find out how the last mercury retrograde of 2023 affected the zodiac signs
How does Mercury retrograde affect the zodiacs?
Aries (21 March – 19 April)
The zodiac sign of Aries will be majorly impacted during this period as the retrograde falls in the same sign. They will be gripped with intensity and passion to bring about major changes in the way they present themselves to the world. But an important achievement for this fire sign, symbolised by the ram, would be to be patient despite all impulses to act on their ambitious thoughts. They also need to self-introspect a lot and not get bogged down by the setbacks.
Read our guide on Aries personality traits and compatibility here
Taurus (20 April – 20 May)
There is a chance that this earth sign, symbolised by the celestial bull, might get drawn towards mindless drama. They should stay away from it, stay connected with their self and trust their intuition. This is a good time to take up new hobbies or find out new methods of relaxation.
Gemini (21 May – 20 June)
This sun sign, too, is affected by the April 2024 Mercury retrograde because it is ruled by the same planet. Known for their great communication skills, this retrograde will prompt them to have conflicts as they negotiate their space in society. They will find it difficult to find a balance between being overly controlling or extremely meek. They should enjoy their own company and take up individual projects instead of enlisting a team to accomplish a particular task.
Read our guide on Gemini personality traits and compatibility here
Cancer (21 June – 22 July)
This crustacean emotional sign will be all about their career during this retrograde. They will feel exhausted and demotivated during this period at the work front. While it is easy to get extremely overwhelmed during the retrograde, Cancerians can overcome this feeling by dividing their work among their subordinates or colleagues effectively.
Read our guide on Cancer personality traits and compatibility here
Leo (23 July – 22 August)
The ever-optimistic Leos will be anxious and in self-doubt which would crack their confidence during Mercury’s backward motion in April. Though they will surely get uncomfortable, Leos should remember that this uncertainty will pass, too. Post this, they will emerge stronger and more evolved.
Read our guide on Leo personality traits and compatibility here
Virgo (23 August – 22 September)
This will prove to be a very emotional period for this practical earth sign. Virgos will be forced to face their inner traumas and turmoil. The best solution to deal with this difficult period is to seek therapy and indulge in activities that would soothe their soul. This is a third sign that will be most affected by this event because just like Gemini, it is ruled by the Mercury, too.
Read our guide on Virgo personality traits and compatibility here
Libra (23 September – 22 October)
This balance-seeking sign will have challenges to maintain their work and personal life during this period. They would face some communication issues with their business partners and are likely to fight with their spouses and partners more than usual.
Read our guide on Libra personality traits and compatibility here
Scorpio (23 October– 21 November)
This intense and passionate sign that likes to be on top of things, be it at work or home, will feel listless and bored during the Mercury retrograde. It is okay to take things slow for these three weeks and work at their own pace rather than forcing themselves to initiate and execute matters on personal and professional levels.
Read our guide on Scorpio personality traits and compatibility here
Sagittarius (22 November – 21 December)
This fire sign will not hold itself back during this time. They would likely overindulge themselves materialistically or even in matters concerning their hearts. It is urged that they pause and think before making a big expense and consider the repercussions of their actions in general.
Read our guide on Sagittarius personality traits and compatibility here
Capricorn (22 December – 19 January)
Capricorn sign, which is also known as the workhorse of the zodiac, will take some time out for their family during this time. They will be devoted to solving domestic conflicts and might feel emotionally burnt out with responsibility. They must be patient and not let their temper take over their decision-making skills in Mercury retrograde 2024.
Read our guide on Capricorn personality traits and compatibility here
Aquarius (20 January – 18 February)
This humanitarian and progressive sign will get more assertive and demanding. They should focus on the way they communicate with everyone and watch their sharp tongue which can hurt their family and close friends.
Read our guide on Aquarius personality traits and compatibility here
Pisces (19 February – 20 March)
This is a period of transformation for this meditative and calm water sign. The impulsivity of the Aries-dominated retrograde might influence them to make quick decisions mostly related to money. They must keep a check on their finances.
Read our guide on Pisces personality traits and compatibility here
(Hero and featured image: Buradaki/ iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images)
Frequently Added Questions (FAQs)
-What signs will Mercury retrograde affect 2024?
Mercury retrograde will mainly affect Aries, Gemini and Virgo.
-What is in retrograde right now?
The first Mercury retrograde of 2024 will begin on 1 April and end in three weeks. Post retrograde shadow will remain till 13 May.
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Written by
Preeti Kulkarni
Senior Digital Writer, Astrology and Wellness
After completing her PG in New Media from the Asian College of Journalism, Preeti has worked in a daily and a magazine before finding her calling in digital journalism. A lover of single malts and an avid pop culture junkie, you can catch her at the movies on weekends or binge-watching the latest shows on OTT when she is not busy preparing her toddler for his Hogwarts letter.
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