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Aries rules our head, skull, mind, eyes, reactive instinct, muscles and blood – lots of reasons to stay fit! Mercury is how our mind works, how we learn. Jupiter is how we learn what it all means and the integrity of how we travel our life. Uranus is higher mind, genius, awakening collective consciousness! It turns the light ON!
Mind changing is provocative! Let’s do it! During this Aries Mercury Retrograde cycle pay attention to your thinking patterns, where they lead you. If you shift/change the pattern, what happens? If this RX activates your chart, do your patterns and outlook change when Mercury retrogrades?
The last time Mercury was retrograde in Aries was March 11 to 23 in 2012. It was brief, a two sign retro with Pisces. Perhaps you remember something special about that time. Our last Rx was in earth and fire, introducing fire to our retrogrades! This one is full on fire, Aries the first fire sign, pure and spunky, independent with lots of initiative, gives inspiring leadership! Next is late summer in Leo/Virgo, athletic playtime, work and daily health.
Technically, our first 2024 Rx ended Jan 1, but this one is really our first Rx period during 2024!
The significance of this Retrograde is that it is part of a 15 Days Aries Eclipse Stellium April 4 to 19. April 7-9 Moon makes 5 planets in Aries, which includes the April 8 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE! New Moon 11:21 AM Pacific! In Santa Barbara the Eclipse is at 11:11A Pacific. Find the exact Time at your location! The Eclipse exactly conjuncts CHIRON by degree AND minute! See the details and CHART!
Retrograde CYCLE is March 18 from 15 to 27 Aries May 13. RETROGRADE is April 1 to 25!
TAXES are due April 15, so you might want to get them done and sent so they are received as soon as possible before April 1! Best is to get them there on or before March 28 the 8 day before the RX station starts! Get a delivery receipt. If that just doesn’t happen maybe have a pro do them for you. If you do them yourself, do them verrry carefully!
Spring is a perfect time for an Aries Retro; it includes Earth Day! Get your bikes and outdoor gear ready to go! Take a look at your AstroLocality, see the complete Mercury Aries Retrograde Timeline for further details, and plan a perfect action packed adventure! Might be the start of a new life, look good on the resume later!
This Retro includes three super events! April 4-19, is the Aries Eclipse Stellium! That means a concentrated force for new beginnings, independence, being the first to arrive, taking action with a passion, plenty of excitement! April 7 to 9 has FIVE planets in Aries and includes the April 8 Total Solar Eclipse New Moon! This Eclipse will be visible in the US, people will come from all over the world to see it! Eclipses are a direct line up, in this case of Earth, Moon, CHIRON and Sun! It’s a time of channeling healing, love and Light! They are followed by the April 20 Jupiter conjunct Uranus! It’s a two planet lineup, but they are potent game changers! Many will never be the same again. Major networks will form engaging in collective enLightenment, to earthquakes and huge air flight happenings. Whether bad or good, Jupiter makes thing BIG! If you are doing marketing, do it at this time. If your health flares up, Jupiter can find a super way of healing for you, uniquely to you with Uranus present!
The day after the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction, April 21, Mercury starts his Direct/Forward 8 day station. It is a time to ponder the retrograde happenings, the important Jupiter/Uranus discoveries, how to disperse the findings. Sun in Taurus has been in a week long challenging square with Pluto dealing with vital matters. Love/divorce, costs of elder care, losses/gains, what to live for, rebirth/death! The pondering proceeds past Mercury Direct the 25th, on through the 28th. Keeper ideas are selected and anchored in place for the long haul. Mercury in Aries will cover the ground in a short time. This station encompasses Earth Day 22nd, the Scorpio/Taurus Full PINK Moon the 23rd.
Mercury in Aries is super quick on its feet and with instant reactive perception, learns fast! Perfect in emergency situations. Aries is boundless with new ideas, is so happy when you follow his lead! Experimentation is 100% natural and boredom is too, so, Next! Be the first! Distraction goes with the territory. There can be warrior like overdoing exercise, a need to eat well but quickly – no eight course meals please. Kids in classrooms are bored with all mind emphasis, need challenging action! Aries rests once in a while. Be careful with your head and watch where you are going! Being a consultant, working with challenges, doing what you love may be a gift. A special Initiation may occur. If you love an Aries you have to keep up! Caution buying vehicles, especially hot racing vehicles, LOL! Look but buy after the direct station ends!
In retrogrades, expect to be frustrated and frazzled. Assertive, impulsive Aries wants to move ahead, and all of the energy is going backward. Watch what you say, when and how you say it and to whom. Things are not hard facts during retros. Leave plenty of room for mind changing, discoveries. Pay attention to what people say; you might be pleasantly surprised. Reset, refresh, reload frequently. Give it some time…
Mercury is somewhat kin with Aries. It is associated with the nervous system, the brain, the respiratory system, the thyroid, and the sense organs. No breath, no life. It’s that important. To speak is to breathe! Aries puts that breath to the test! Mercury isn’t exactly known for being physical like Aries, but mentally he can keep up even when he sleeps! But Aries sees Mercury’s great mind, and definitely helps him get O2 to his brain! Exercise, clean air and fresh thinking, yes! Mercury quickly gathers the data they need to get where they are going! Mercury also has the map, LOL!
It’s not a time to streamline or change your bookkeeping system. Make notes and if you still want to do it after Mercury turns forward, do it then. Generally not a time to buy a new car or bike, exercise equipment. Shop and wait is a good policy. Use your intuition about surgeries, but err to the side of caution, choose only expert veterans to do required work during the Rx. Read up on health options. Start a veggie garden! In general, welcome revisions that make things work more smoothly. Wait to do long term costly renovations. Hear out new ideas and get back to them later. Pay attention to technical information and don’t let it slide away bringing you to a delaying standstill. Distractions may be tempting, but time wasting and non productive. Stay focused, keep your priorities. Hard as it is, it will pay to wait.
Generally retros are not a marriage time. Unstable, and Aries is fast at mind changing. And Aries is often not a marrying sign. They love new love! Give a relationship with them plenty of time to test it. Say no to eloping no matter how glamorous and fun it sounds! If it’s good now, it will still be good later, and you can still elope, LOL! Give it that six month minimum trial time. This is even more true if either one of you IS an Aries!
Sometimes retrogrades can bring a lover back into your life. The general answer is no, no way. Temptation may temporarily give it another try. Usually it is a refresher about why you parted before. With Aries is less likely they will return to you or it will be very short duration, because they prefer new! If you are the Aries going back, if possible, hold yourself in check for the Rx. If you still want to after the Rx passes, then see what happens. Give it the usual SIX months minimum if you are considering a remarriage. If all goes well, Congrats!
Important Retrograde Direct Stations!
Mercury Stations are eight days, four days before and after direction changes. They hold position focusing, solidifying, grounding and anchoring thoughts that are keepers. Flaws are noticed, acknowledged, repaired or updated. They create a starting point, working out details that will keep us humming in time to come. In Aries this happens quickly mentally, one thought leading to another even if they are standing perfectly still! There can be tremendous focus almost like when the sun starts a fire through a crystal ball! Just by being there, they can burn their way through! It’s a time of emphasis. Getting pure and clean, white light! At times there is an innocent power that people listen to because it has a literal ring of truth. Keep up with your physical exercise so you don’t go crazy waiting for the results to happen!
The RETROGRADE station starts on March 29. It continues past Easter the 31st, Retros on April 1, continues through the 5th. The station is late in Aries at 27 Aries 13.
It ponders the possibilities, looking forward to exciting potentials! From that vantage point, the Rx proceeds, covering the same locations again but with more mature eyes. It’s a 180 direction change, so things are seen from a totally different perspective. Certain consequences become apparent, corrections are made, doors open to fresh beginnings. It may be a frustrating nuisance at times, for an Aries especially, but things get better. They don’t slow down just for a direction change. Even going back is ‘new!’
The DIRECT Station starts April 21, Directs April 25, continues through the 28th.
Mercury rests at the turn forward point, pondering newer possibilities now that things are in better order! Ah, sweet release. We are back at the beginning, 15 Aries 58, where it all started, rarin’ to go again. It will be the best now! Faster, smooth action. Don’t fight it, fix it! Finish details to perfection, streamline ahead! It might seem you lost time, but in the long run, it saves time!
Special REPEATED ASPECTS!
Mercury covers 15 Aries 58 to 27 Aries 13, just a bit over 11 degrees. That’s a very short Retrograde span and only one repeated aspect occurs, Mercury conjunct Chiron in Aries! Though it’s a short span, it’s a 25 day Rx, just a little longer than the average 3 weeks.
Mercury conjuncted Chiron the first time March 20, will conjunct Chiron 2 more times! See the Retro Timeline for full context! Mercury is scanning the Chiron in Aries updates, spreading the word of the best ones! The sooner our health is improved, the sooner we have an improved quality of life, mental outlook. Chiron is part Medicine Man, modern practitioner! During his time in Aries, he is operating independently putting healing modalities together per each client’s particular needs. He is so happy for the news Mercury brings. New cures are such a blessing. Chiron has healed Mercury as they connected and Mercury finds himself more clear headed.
The three dates are March 20, April 15 Rx and May 6. Mercury is the communicator, ruler of Gemini, the Word, and Virgo, getting the job done, the organizer! Both have strong minds. Gemini is the chatter data gatherer from many sources and passes it along quickly to all the right places. Virgo uses a lot of information in research, helping with finances and health. It’s a monumental task, well organized, every detail noted.
Conjunct Chiron, a teacher and healer, there is a natural camaraderie offering information services, testing new remedies, giving instruction. Cleaning and anti pollution services may save lives whether it is pets or people. They may get people outside for exercise and general good cheer. They can help you learn how to do things, be more independent, get your body going again. Chiron in Aries may have a special gift with children, especially babies. Aries isn’t happy with being feeble, so this may be a good time to take care of some elder matters as well. Be good to yourself. Look for some new solutions to long standing, perhaps chronic issues or acute pain, whether physical or mental. Mercury is good in Aries to responsively talk you through things, not waste your time. Chiron instinctively has brilliant suggestions that will specifically work for YOU! With retrogrades, things aren’t usually instant. They take the time it takes to assimilate, adjust, get used to what’s new. And that’s ok. The relief is well worth doing it well and thoroughly.
None of these dates fall at either 8 day station, so things will be moving right along. In Aries it’s more like you gotta keep up, Honey!
► Please see the Timeline right below to see the event dates in context!
3.15.24
The Aries Mercury RX Cycle’s timeline includes some unusual events! See April 4-19, the 8th, and 20th! Pacific Zone Dates
March
18 Aries Mercury Retrograde CYCLE starts at 15 Aries 58
20 Mercury conjunct Chiron – 1
24/25 Lunar Eclipse 5 Libra-Aries 07 Full Worm Micro Moon
31 Easter
April
01 Mercury RETROGRADE starts 3:14 PM Pacific at 27 Aries 13
04-19 The Aries Eclipse Stellium is a 15 Days kicker! It starts only 3 days AFTER Mercury retrogrades!
07-9 FIVE planets in Aries Stellium!
08 Total Solar Eclipse New Moon 19 Aries 24 at 11:21 AM Pacific, Moon & Sun exact conjunct Chiron!
15 Mercury conjunct Chiron – 2
19 When Sun leaves Aries, it leaves Venus, Mercury and Chiron in a potent 4° conjunction!
20 Jupiter conjunct Uranus at 21 Taurus 49 is the day after the Stellium finishes! See more about the chart as a dramatic example of a classic strong Fan Chart! Scroll to the bottom of that page please ~ It has FIVE unique features! This conjunction alone will catapult some of us a few light years ahead in a twinkling!
22 Earth Day
23 4 Scorpio-Taurus 18 Full Pink Moon
25 Mercury DIRECT! Reset, refresh, reload!
May
01 May Day, Beltane
06 Mercury conjunct Chiron – 3
07 18 Taurus 02 New Moon
12 Mother’s Day
13 Entire Mercury Rx cycle finishes 10 days before and in close range with the May 23rd 29° Jupiter sextile Neptune. Please look for it by date at this link ~ thanks! Aries always sows new seeds. Jupiter in earthy Taurus with wet Neptune will keep them well watered in good clean organic soil!
23 2 Sagittarius-Gemini 55 Full Flower Moon, Jupiter sextile Neptune.
25 Two days later, Jupiter enters curious Gemini!
The 2024 stelliums finish early June, so get them noted on your calendar to specially use their potency specific per sign! See about them all! Check in with your astrologer to see what you can glean and give.
Updated 3.21.24
ALL ABOUT RETROGRADES! Some of you are old hands. Others have never heard of Retrograde before. New lingo: Retrograde, Direct, Station and more…
Updated 3.17.24
Retrogrades are fascinatingly complex! The wild dynamics of retrograde cycles are, as viewed from Earth, it happens when a faster planet passes a slower planet. Mercury is faster than Earth, while Earth is slower than Mars. The planet appears to go forward, backward, then forward over the same ground three times, and if outer planets sometimes five times in two years! Of course that doesn’t happen in reality. It is visual because of the perspective from Earth. During that time, all the other planets are moving too, so even when a retrograde planet is going ‘backward’ over the same degrees, they are ALL going forward, even the retrograde planet! It’s ‘illogical,’ but that’s what happens.
Venus retrogrades about every 19 months for only about 40 days. Only 7–8% of the population has it in their natal chart. Mercury retrogrades 3 times a year, once every 6 years it’s 4 times that year. Mercury actually spends little time retrograde. Mars retrogrades every 25/26 months for 60-80 days.
Retrogrades in the sky are passing periods. Retrogrades in a birth chart are life long, a living entity. As a place that is reprocessed over and over, fantastic skills are developed per planet and sign, along with the other chart factors that may be linked to it. Many top world businesses have multiple retrogrades in their charts! They have super expertise and it is still growing with the times! Retrogrades keep us mindful and present – updated! In humans about 25% of the population has Mercury Retrograde, and that includes celebrities, LOL! Fun read: 5 Fascinating Facts About Being Born During Mercury Retrograde
The type of special communication skills of Mercury retrograde depend on which sign, house and planets Mercury connects with in your chart and what type of connections are made. Check out the planets of your own chart, your besties, and track the charts of babies born during retrogrades! Take advantage of these retrograde linkages, learn how to make transitions well for optimum results. Not a time to be nervous and hold back. Stay aboard! Like on a ship at sea, get your sea legs! Flex with the flow. It may seem like a mess, but the magic will happen. Guaranteed!
We hear about Mercury Retrograde the most because it retrogrades 3 to 4 times a year, 3 to 4 weeks a time.
Mercury is the planet of the Mind, thinking, our attention, our breath and lungs, how we learn to learn, communication skills, gathering data, paperwork, signing contracts, a hand shake, the laying on of hands. In the world at large it is also communications of all kinds, transportation and commerce. All of these are essential.
Mercury has two signs! Air sign Gemini is Mercury’s first sign. Mercury is heady, there is little that isn’t interesting and little escapes its attention whether audio, visual, a shift in the air movement/a quick intake of breath, release of a sigh. Earthy Virgo is Mercury’s second sign that focuses on details, looks for perfection, expertly organizes and applies the data Gemini secures, is semi grounded! Both are known to be ultra busy! Gemini listens fast, often replies while you are still speaking, has questions! He uses his hands to speak with, is ambidextrous! Virgo writes the book, has multiple duties, organizes the finances and everything else, won’t go home, just has one more detail to finesse. She worries about her and your health. They are quite different, you see.
Mercury Rx is don’t sign those papers about issues of the sign(s) Mercury is retrograde in! Or, do everything to make it possible so it doesn’t fall through. Escrows can fall through. Use experienced brokers who can get it done no matter what. People don’t return your calls. The dog ate it. Your computer has a snit. Or you do, LOL! You lose your cell. You get lost, turned around. Rule is be sure purchases are from reputable firms that have been around, have a good track record, have reliable returns, guarantees, warranties. Be sure the company is legitimate before you deal. Date and sign any contract changes and make sure they do too. Get/make copies, save and backup. Generally, you avoid making significant purchases/decisions especially of matters specific to the sign/s involved. If possible, don’t move or change or start jobs until you wait 4 days after Mercury turns Direct/forward.
The house/s where Mercury falls in your chart while it is retrograde is the area of your life that will be specially affected. Briefly: If it is in your 4th, it is home and family matters, your Mother. If in your 2nd or 8th, financial adjustments will be made. 6th can be work environment, skills, coworkers, your health regime. 5/7/8 houses can be important relationships. 3/9 is educational, class requirements may shift. 9 is long term plans, travels. 10 may be career, father, 11 career associations/associates, friendships. 12 may be your spiritual beliefs, perceptions. So for example, if in your 10th, be cautious about signing professional documents. If in your 4th, you may opt to wait to buy the new refrigerator – a better deal or fridge may come along. In the 1st or 3rd you might wait to purchase a new vehicle. In 2 or 7, wait for the face lift. If you need help with this, see your astrologer!
Inner planet – Mercury, Venus, Mars – retrogrades have three phase cycles. Sometimes the slow moving outer planets have five and take 3 years! Sun and Moon have none. Astrologers use different names for the 3 phases. Basically they are:
- Covering the initial ground, degrees that the retrograde will go back over when the planet ‘turns’ retrograde.
- Retrograde covers the same degrees as Phase 1, only in the reverse direction, so your perspective takes a 180 shift while other planets continue on in their own patterns, many of them moving forward. While retrograde the planet checks on previous actions, improving on, updating choices made as it goes back.
- The planet turns ‘forward,’ and goes over the same degrees a third time, adds finishing touches, makes experienced final adjustments before it moves on.
Stations bring special emphasis! A Station is when a planet literally appears to stand still in the sky at the retrograde and direct, forward turning points. Stations help us slow down. A Mercury station holds consciousness at a certain point for 8 days. They are a pause when we are able to be still to receive, focus, take time to think, steep in our thinking. We make things the best we can, anchor important ideas we want to keep. Flaws are noticed, acknowledged, repaired or updated. The longer the station the more its strength. Mercury sometimes likes to think things over, draw as much from a valuable experience as possible, or get to know a special person more deeply. More often, it is likely to go crazy waiting for more things to happen and wants to be the first to deliver the news! They may need to rest at the station because a lot has been changing. It can be a relief to take a breather from the rigors of speeding here and there so they don’t miss a morsel!
The RETROGRADE station ponders the possibilities, looking forward to exciting potentials! From that vantage point, the Rx proceeds, covering the same locations again but with more mature eyes. It’s a 180 direction change, so things are seen from a totally different perspective. Certain consequences become apparent, corrections are made, doors opened to fresh beginnings. It may be a frustrating nuisance at times, but things get better.
The DIRECT Station rests at the turn forward point, pondering newer possibilities now that things are in better order! Ah, sweet release. We are back at the beginning, where it all started, rarin’ to go again. It will be the best now! Faster, smooth action. Don’t fight it, fix it! Finish details to perfection, streamline ahead! It might seem you lost time, but in the long run, it saves time!
Planets at different speeds hold station different lengths of time. Mercury stations are about 8 days – four days before and four days after the turns. Prepare for retrogrades as best you can before the Retrograde Station starts! When Mercury turns forward, wait for the Direct Station to finish before turning yourself loose to go ahead.
Every Retrograde is unique by sign, aspects, and where it happens in your chart! As time goes on the planetary backdrop changes. Context shifts as Moon and other planets change signs or they retrograde. Retrogrades, like any other astro phenomena, evolve. Each planet has its own matters. The sign(s) it is in while in retrograde, are how those matters are applied, what matters are processed.
In retrogrades we may be at another stage or encounter an addition to something already going on in our personal chart. Also, the degrees of this retrograde have to be in connection with your personal chart or it will have little to no effect. There can be a turning away from things we are done with that we never thought we would change about, yet here it happens…old ideas are simply abandoned, spent and done.
Sometimes retrogrades cross Portals, where sign changes happen for us all and/or house changes happen for you! As planets go forward, retrograde, then recross forward, we learn how to make that particular crossing, one sign to the other. Gradually we see how those two signs are linked, work together, support each other. We see the contribution of each sign, how they each are part of the Zodiacal Great Circle. Be mindful of your own talent, offer it. Be mindful of what others have to offer, be grateful. You may not like the person, but we can’t do without their part of the divine tapestry, the Light they hold at that crossroad of life.
What a journey! When you are traveling, what amazing beauty lies around each new bend. Different directions, different views. Maybe what’s behind is out of sight, a memory; what’s ahead is a mystery! Inward turns, like retrograde, give us time to pause, hold steady, slow down, peruse our current standing. Outward bends like turning forward/Direct, extend our vision of potentials. Each turn, that Station, gives us time to think, recalibrate, prepare for the next stretch. It’s important that there are changes, reversals, old ideas that clogged things up are left behind, revelations have room to occur, new ideas are teased into action! Potential is remembered and we are rededicated.
Clearly life doesn’t stop during retrogrades, and not all people’s charts are connected to all retrogrades. If your chart is connected to any given one, you will need to do your best and what you can. You can’t explain this astrological stuff to all people, maybe not your boss or even a good friend. Astrology? You’re nuts! Ok, so there are times to find ways to stall or not connect, delay. You can estimate the possibilities of others not bringing certain papers to the meeting and bring them yourself, save the day! You can ask for a review of the current decisions 4 days or more after Mercury goes Direct/forward. If there are important must do meetings, Dr and Veterinarian appts, call in advance to verify that the date and right time are on their calendars AND yours! Verify that part you ordered IS ordered, being sent to the correct address, the expected arrival date! Know that it might be late. Keep track of keys, wallets/purses, phones.
Document your work and events daily, save ALL emails and backup safely off the premises. No giving your passwords or copies of keys to anyone. If all goes well, fine. If not, all the pertinent information you need is available.
If you have other favorable prevailing aspects, especially with outer planets, it is likely changes will ultimately be to your benefit. Do check with your astrologer for your good dates and times of day to make the best of it! And pray their chart isn’t affected by the retrograde, LOL!
With a transiting Retrograde, if you have factors in your chart at or very close to those degrees, especially at the station degrees, you will be activated. Check in with your astrologer if you have significant plans at those times. Plan ahead for what you want to get done, as much as possible, well before those times, and line up what you can do during those times!
Classically, marriages are not scheduled during retrogrades. They are simply unstable. Check with your astrologer. First be sure your basic compatibility is in especially good order. If that is good, be very careful with those wedding dates. Look ahead for timing that may be better for you. Be wise and wait. A marriage chart is like a birth chart; it is with you the rest of your marriage.
Sometimes retrogrades, especially Venus RXs, can bring a lover back into your life. The general answer is no, no way. Temptation may temporarily give it another try, but usually it is a refresher about why you parted before. Aries is less likely to return or it will be very short duration, because they prefer new! Sagittarius just keeps traveling but may pass your location on their travels. Fun but doesn’t stay. Aquarius just likes freedom. When some signs close the door, it generally stays closed – Cancer and Scorpio. Other signs have various responses.
If you are the one who wants to go back, if possible, hold yourself in check for the Rx. If you still want to after the Rx passes, then see what happens. Give it the usual SIX months minimum if you are considering a remarriage. If all goes well, Congrats!
Refresh and update your skills. Valuable changes have been processed!
Retrogrades can drive you crazy and still be a terrific asset if you know how to use them! The most successful corporations often have many retrogrades.
Updated 3.19.24
Please, always remember these planetary combinations are what’s happening in the world. Check with your astrologer to see how they do, or don’t, activate your personal chart! Check with your favorite astrologers for the whole picture! May it go well with you….
Here is your 2024 AstroLogical Annual Planning Special Edition Newsletter! These infos will contribute to making all your plans potent, well timed, successful! With your calendar in hand…. Again, see your astrologer for how they do or don’t connect with your personal chart!
Be up on the latest! Subscribe on this page to the blog, or here to the entire once a month Newsletter!
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Cerena Childress, Astrologer! 