Mercury goes retrograde approximately three times a year and in 2024 is in Retrograde from:

• April 1st-April 25th from 27-15 degrees Aries
• August 5th-August 28th from 4 Virgo-21 Leo
• November 26th-December 15th 2024 from 22-6 Degrees Sagittarius

Firstly what is a retrograde? 

A retrograde is when a planet appears to turn backward in the sky. This happens due to an optical illusion caused by differences in orbit. 

All the major planets (excluding the luminaries – the sun and the moon) go retrograde from time to time.

When planets go retrograde the impact of the planet changes and the type of activities that are recommended change too.

What is Mercury Retrograde all about?

Mercury is the planet of communications, contracts, local travel, legal affairs, and technology and is at home in Virgo and Gemini and the 3rd house of Communications and 6th House of Day to Day Health and Routine.

Mercury represents the way that we communicate, think, learn, and process information.

Mercury can be thought of as the Messenger.

It is considered to be a fairly harmonious planet but whilst in retrograde, however, it tends to bring disruption, technological difficulties, and problems with agreements and contracts.

So when Mercury goes retrograde this heralds a time for taking a step back, slowing down, and waiting it out.

During a Mercury Retrograde, we may feel slightly disoriented, stagnant, stuck, or like nothing is moving forward easily.

A Mercury retrograde will ask us to double-check everything, put off what can be delayed, and, for what can’t, make sure we are checking the fine print!

It is not recommended to launch a new product, set up technology, sign contracts, travel or make major purchases during this period.

But with Mercury retrograding so frequently sometimes this can’t be helped and we can’t always avoid it so instead plan ahead, be prepared for potential issues, have backup plans, and don’t be surprised if there are miscommunications. 

This is the time to be flexible, double-check all communications and travel arrangements, and avoid signing contracts. 

By the time Mercury turns direct if we have taken the time to reflect and review we will be ready to make headway with our goals.

It is worth noting that if you were born during a Mercury retrograde you might actually find that the impact is reversed for you and that this period is super productive for you!

2024 Mercury Retrogrades in the element of Fire

This year Mercury retrogrades through fire signs – so each retrograde will have the energy of drive, creative expression, inspiration, vision, and individuality. And these retrogrades invite you to reflect on how you source your inner fire. What makes you motivated and passionate?

This first retrograde in Aries is individual in nature and asks us to reflect on how we can ignite our inner creative spark.

The Leo retrograde in August starts in Virgo but soon moves back into Leo and it will be a time to reflect on how we are expressing ourselves and showing up.

Finally, the retrograde in Sagittarius (starting on my Birthday!) will ask us to reflect on our vision and our beliefs.

Where is Mercury retrograding in your chart?

Mercury retrogrades in different zodiac signs and each retrograde will be subtly influenced by the characteristics of the sign Mercury is in. The current retrograde from April 1st-25th 2024 moves Mercury from 27-15 degrees Aries.

So this current Mercury retrograde is in Aries and Mercury will retrograde from 27 degrees Aries back to 15 degrees Aries. so take a look at your natal chart to see which house this is in for you and take note of any other planets around this area.

If you are not sure what the different houses represent then check out my FREE astrology basics course.

Aries rules new beginnings, leadership, assertion, action and bravery so whilst Mercury retrogrades here it is a good time to reflect and review how we are embracing new beginnings, taking action in our lives and how we are showing up as leaders in 2024. Is there a part of our lives in which we should be a little braver?

Mercury retrograde is typically a time when we have issues with things such as communication, technology, and contracts so this Mercury Retrograde is likely to cause difficulties with expressing ourselves assertively. You may experience more disagreements than usual.

What might the position of Mercury’s April 2024 Retrograde mean for you?

In which part of your life do you need to reflect and review?

For me, it is over my 7th House, of Marriage and Partnership. My husband and I have recently been talking about what we want for the future. Is the big house and land we bought and developed 15 years ago still what we want? Or perhaps do we want to create something different? I’m also working with Hay House on the oracle deck and working on resubmitting my book proposal but I am clear that I don’t want to formally submit it until Mercury turns direct – but it is an ideal time to refine it.

Want more?

I’m running a free workshop soon and I’ll be covering how to work with the retrogrades of 2025. You can register here.