Here comes the first Mercury retrograde for 2024! It occurs entirely in fire sign Aries. What will this retrograde do for us? The Basics - What is Mercury retrograde?
A retrograde occurs when a planet appears to be moving backwards from our vantage point here on Earth. It isn't actually moving backwards, it just appears that way. Mercury turns retrograde most often, about 3-4 times per year, and lasts for several weeks. When a planet retrogrades, what that planet rules tends to be thrown off, along with what the sign it's retrograding in rules.
With Mercury retrograde, we experience a shadow and a storm. The shadow period starts when Mercury first hits the point in the Zodiac it will turn direct at, and ends when it last hits the point in the Zodiac it will turn retrograde at. Most people don't feel the effects of Mercury retrograde until it enters the storm period though. The storm period of Mercury retrograde is when Mercury is moving at its slowest, less than 40 minutes per day. Mercury is a fast-moving planet and hates it when it's moving slowly. There's usually two storm periods, one around the time Mercury turns retrograde, and one around when it turns direct. Mercury Retrograde in Aries 2024 Key Dates:
Mercury Retrograde Effects:
This Mercury retrograde occurs entirely in Aries, a fire and cardinal sign that is full of energy, drive, and enthusiasm. This means we can have way too much energy and enthusiasm and not know what to do with it, or we don't have the ability to do what we want to with it, which leads to massive frustration and annoyance. We can lash out quite easily, and are so prone to irritability and aggravation that we're constantly at odds with each other. We need to do a better job at having a healthy outlet for frustrations, and controlling our energy in a more productive way.
Aries wants to jump right into something, and doesn't usually think things through very well. Aries has great gut instincts which usually protects it from the consequences for that - but that can be missing during Mercury retrograde, and the consequences do in fact find us. So, we have to avoid being impulsive and impatient and not give in to that, and make sure we're thinking things through first and doing any homework before we take action. This retrograde does come with one very auspicious event: an Aries Solar Eclipse! It's our first Solar Eclipse for 2024, and comes in the same sign as the Mercury retrograde (not only that, it's widely conjunct, or aligned with, Mercury retrograde). Solar Eclipses are triggers for events, new beginnings and new journeys, but retrogrades are times for do overs. Put them together, and you get what will likely be the best time in 2024 for a second chance. Focus on what you would like to take another shot at. This could be something you tried before and failed with, you got started but didn't finish, or wanted to start but couldn't find the right time. The time is likely now! You can maximize the energy and enthusiasm you have, and can take the initiative to make things happen. Just remember to make sure you're not impulsive and impatient, you do your homework first, and you think it through. Mercury retrograde triggers the eclipse on April 16th. The retrograde begins with Mercury bang on semisextile Neptune in Pisces. Semisextiles are minor aspects that are beneficial in nature but require some effort to be used, so we do have the chance as the retrograde begins to nurture our intuition, strengthen compassion, utilize creativity, and explore our subconscious. This can be a helpful way of using energy. The retrograde ends with Mercury bang on semisextile Saturn in Pisces, so it also ends with a semisextile to a planet in Pisces. This helps us come out of the retrograde with better focus and improved discipline, and we can be clear about our plans and goals. We have to work at it and be ethical and practical, but Saturn can reward us for this if we maintain it throughout the retrograde. The retrograde also ends with Mercury conjunct the transit North Node in Aries, but this isn't exact (goes exact on March 19th before the retrograde). The North Node is part of the Lunar Nodes, which are spiritual/karmic in nature, and the North Node represents the future, our potential and purpose, and where we can find contentment, but it's unfamiliar and therefore we find it scary and can shy away from it. So, coming out of this retrograde, we may feel we're being pushed in a direction or toward a purpose that we feel uncomfortable with, but can see how it ultimately leads to the best possible outcome in our lives. If we keep at it, between the North Node and Saturn, we can set ourselves up for a long time to come, and benefit in many ways. This can begin with the March 19th exact, and perhaps ties into the Solar Eclipse second chance. Mercury Retrograde in Aries 2024 Aspects:
During the retrograde, Mercury will make 4 major aspects to the other transit (moving) planets. They are:
- Conjunct the Sun on April 11th 2024 @ 22 degrees Aries: This is the Inferior Conjunction, a positive point in the retrograde for starting something that can be a focus for the next 6-8 weeks; find where it falls in your chart, and that may be where you can start something. With this one in Aries, we can take the initiative and make use of enthusiasm. - Conjunct Chiron on April 15th 2024 @ 19 degrees Aries: Chiron is the wounded healer in astrology, governing our great wounds but also healing abilities. This aspect can highlight existing wounds in the world and in ourselves, and we can be more sensitive and old wounds are easily picked. We need to be gentle with ourselves and with others. Chiron also rules health so there can be greater emphasis on health matters. - Square Ceres on April 16th 2024 @ 19 degrees Capricorn/Aries: Ceres is a dwarf planet ruling nourishment, support, and resources, and squares are challenging aspects, so this aspect can show difficulty with something tangible, money or objects, buildings or the Earth. Maybe a major earthquake? - Conjunct Venus on April 19th 2024 @ 17 degrees Aries: Mercury conjunct Venus often denotes pleasant communication and expression. We can be more understanding, and we may find that communicating in new, different ways is more effective. We can also reconnect, recommit, and find new ways of coming together and benefiting from alliances. The Moons of Mercury Retrograde:
The Moon travels through both signs Mercury naturally rules during this retrograde. The Moon is in Gemini (ruled by Mercury) January 11th (8:59AM ET/5:59AM PT) to 13th (1:44PM ET/10:44AM PT), which can increase scattered, unfocused energy and a need for a mental outlet.
The Moon is in Virgo (ruled by Mercury) January 18th (610:11AM ET/7:11AM PT PT) to 20th (11:08PM ET/8:08PM PT), and this increases anxiety and stress. The Moon is in the same sign as the retrograde in Aries April 7th (7:25AM ET/4:25AM PT to 9th (7:23AM ET/4:23AM PT. This greatly increases our focus on the retrograde, and we can feel it much stronger. We have to work much harder to control energy and frustration, and avoid lashing out. This is when we experience the Solar Eclipse, so give energy to second chances. Final Notes:
The retrograde starts at 27 degrees Aries, so those of you Rams born April 14th and later may feel the start of the retrograde most. The retrograde ends at 15 degrees Aries, so those of you Rams born April 2nd - 8th may feel the end of the retrograde most.
For the rest of you, check the house(s) Mercury will be retrograding in your own natal chart, and any aspects Mercury will make during its retrograde to your natal planets, to fully understand how it will impact you personally. If you have Mercury retrograde in your natal or progressed chart, you may not feel the worst of this. Those individuals generally don't experience the difficulties of the retrograde because it feels more natural to them. Of course, chances are everyone else around them doesn't have the same aspect, so they can still experience difficulties brought on by others. If it's in your natal chart, check out this article about Mercury retrograde in the natal chart. Suggested Reading: The Mercury, Venus, & Mars Retrogrades page for interpretations 
In astrology, we have the Lunar Nodes, which are the points in the Moon's orbit where the Moon crosses the ecliptic. There are two Lunar Nodes, and they exactly oppose one another. There is the North Node, which represents your potential and purpose, and is what you should grow into, and the South Node, which is your baggage and what you already know. Since the South Node is the past and what's familiar to you, we tend to fall back to the South Node in times of stress and upset and use it as an emotional crutch. This means we have to work on becoming more consciously aware of that, otherwise it gets in our way and becomes a self-sabotaging position. In transit, the transit (moving) South Node can dredge up baggage (from early life or past lives), karmic energy, and show how you're getting in your own way. You can be prone to falling back on those bad habits that need to be broken. If you can do that, you can emerge stronger, more powerful, and more confident. Since the South Node exactly opposes the North Node, the South Node tours one natal house and the North Node tours the exact opposite house. You can often find that working with the North Node position helps alleviate some of the South Node challenges and you can learn more. Note that there are two positions for the Lunar Nodes, the Mean Nodes and the True Nodes. The Mean Nodes are the averaged out position, while the T\rue Nodes are the exact position. They're usually not far from each other though, no more than a few degrees. Surviving Transit South Node in the HousesTransit South Node in the 1st House
The first house rules the self, so transit South Node in your 1st house can emphasize your personal baggage, issues with your identity, and ways in which you stand in your own way. You may fall back on relying on yourself too much, and refuse to ask for help because of past issues or fear.
How to survive: Embrace your greatest strengths, and work on finding ways to integrate these strengths that are beneficial, productive, and healthy. Work on old baggage, especially anything getting in the way of having a solid sense of who you are. The North Node would be in the 7th house here, so work on opening up to connecting more with others, and being okay with partners and helpers. Welcome better balance into your life, and try to keep the peace. Transit South Node in the 2nd House
The second house rules resources and values, so transit South Node in your 2nd house can bring out baggage and issues with having enough, and feeling stable and secure. Your confidence can be shaky, and you may feel ungrounded. You can question your values, or may adhere to them too strongly even when it doesn't make sense.
How to survive: Work on improving your confidence and sense of self-worth. Ground yourself regularly to help, whether taking a beat each day to be present and in the moment, or spending time walking in nature, or doing breathing exercises. Be comfortable in your body and with the physical world around you, and acknowledge the beauty in the physical world. The North Node would be in the 8th house here, so work on using passionate energy in a controlled way to transform you and your life for the better without upending everything. Transit South Node in the 3rd House
The third house rules the mind, so transit South Node in your 3rd house can bring out issues with communication, expression, and engagement. You may lack confidence in your ideas and plans, or become too scattered to put any into action. Your anxiety can increase as a result, and this can lead you to overthink everything.
How to survive: Give your mind some respect. Acknowledge the mental talents you have, whatever they are, and focus on ways to utilize them to your advantage. Work on blocks for confidence in your ability to communicate, and experiment with ways of expressing yourself. The North Node would be in the 9th house here, so taking a step back and seeing the big picture can give you some perspective and help you get out of your head a little. Be optimistic and open. Transit South Node in the 4th House
The fourth house rules the home and family, so transit South Node in your 4th house can highlight issues from your early home life and with your family. This can make you feel more unsettled at your core, and you can struggle with emotional stability. You can feel insecure and unsupported.
How to survive: Work on expanding your support system to be stronger and healthier, and make yourself the number one person in your support system. Work through issues that keep you from feeling you deserve to give yourself support. Tackle those old home and family issues, and work on creating a new vision of home and family for who you are now. The North Node would be in the 10th house here, so setting goals can be helpful. The 4th and 10th houses are the houses of foundation, so work on building a solid internal and external foundation and resolving any issues that have made that foundation shaky. Transit South Node in the 5th House
The fifth house rules love, so transit South Node in your 5th house can bring out love baggage. This can be from any kind of love relationship (romantic, platonic, friendship, family). Blocks to using your heart can grow, and you can become aware of any lack of joy you have in your life. You might be a bit dramatic when emotional, and get stuck in your own drama.
How to survive: Focus on finding healthy ways of connecting to your heart and expressing yourself creatively. This may mean dedicating more time to creative hobbies and projects, or picking up new ones. This can help you with the old love baggage. When you find you're getting dramatic, give yourself some attention, and work on having some space. The North Node would be in the 11th house here, so some distance from the situation can provide objective insights. Embrace your true self and all your quirks. Transit South Node in the 6th House
The sixth house rules work, so transit South Node in your 6th house can bring out issues with your ability to get things done. You may take on too much and overwhelm yourself to the point of a meltdown,, or you may avoid it completely and end up frustrated. Anxiety can be high, and stress can surge to new levels, which can lead to physical health ailments.
How to survive: A balance likely needs to be struck in your work routine and daily life. You should do enough to get done what you need to, and a little more to get done what you want, but still have time for breaks. Focus on how you can be most productive without sacrificing your sanity. Improve stress management, and get to the core of anxiety. The North Node would be in the 12th house here, so get lots of rest, and take more time to yourself. Transit South Node in the 7th House
The seventh house rules relationships, so transit South Node in your 7th house can bring out issues in your connections and dealings with others. Old relationship baggage can worsen, and you may struggle with boundaries with the people in your life. You may be too compromising and accommodating, and end up a doormat.
How to survive: Try to take a look at how your issues with others are manifesting and where this is coming from. Once you figure that out, you can determine what you can do to fix it, and if you need to walk away from some people. Welcome new people into your life who are healthy and respectful. The North Node would be in the 1st house here, so make sure you're making yourself a priority and working on what you want for yourself instead of only for others. Find a balance. Transit South Node in the 8th House
some deeply-held issues that you'd rather run away from, and old fears can come roaring back. This can make your passionate energy high, and you may struggle with going to extremes at times. You may share too much, and end up giving too much away, not leaving enough for yourself.
How to survive: This is a serious transit, as the 8th house always is, and you have to work on getting to the heart of matters and facing your fears. This can be scary, but leads to revelations. Work on controlling passionate energy in a productive way, and identify why they're being triggered. Keep enough for yourself, and utilize resources in a smart way. The North Node would be in the 2nd house here, so taking care of yourself can be important, and grounding yourself can help with the intense energy. Be more present and slow things down. Transit South Node in the 9th House
The ninth house rules expansion, so transit South Node in your 9th house can bring challenges with your ability to have the space you want. You may push too hard and end up running away, or you may feel you're trapped and suffocating. Your beliefs can be strong, but this can lead to closed-mindedness and seeming like a hypocrite at times.
How to survive: Balance space with responsibilities. Dedicate the time needed for your responsibilities and don't run away from them, but also try to find space where you can. Give yourself permission to have the space you need. Ask yourself why you haven't had it and work on the block. Your beliefs can ground you if they connect to who you are now, but if you're being pushy with them, it's likely to convince yourself instead of others, so face that. The North Node would be in the 3rd house here, so find small ways of expressing yourself and connect with your immediate environment to give you a new perspective. Transit South Node in the 10th House
The tenth house rules goals and direction, so transit South Node in your 10th house can make you question where you're going and what you want. You may encounter blocks, and if you succeed, you may wreck it. Responsibilities can seem like too much, and you can struggle to lead. You can make bad impressions, and lack belief in yourself and your abilities.
How to survive: If you feel lost, work on getting to the heart of why you're questioning yourself. There is likely a block or old issue that needs to be worked on, and once you do, you can get some clarity. Focus on your responsibilities, and see which you should keep and which aren't really yours. Give yourself some space from them sometimes. The North Node would be in the 4th house here, so tending to yourself emotionally and building a solid home and family life helps tremendously. The 4th and 10th houses are the houses of foundation, and building a strong foundation for your life can greatly improve confidence and security. Transit South Node in the 11th House
The eleventh house rules your dreams, friends, and the unconventional, so transit South Node in your 11th house can make you question your future and lack confidence in your dreams. You may have issues with friends or groups, and old issues with a group of people can become prominent. You may be too erratic and unpredictable, and this creates chaos.
How to survive: Get to the heart of the insecurity around your dreams for the future. There is likely a block to work on, and removing it can help you develop more confidence. Give yourself more credit. Group issues can be acknowledged, and you can work on finding your place. Your independence can soar, and this can help you become more comfortable with your individuality and quirks, but don't use that as cover for insecurity. The North Node would be in the 5th house here, so let yourself stand out from the crowd and get attention, especially for anything creative. Let the light shine on you. Transit South Node in the 12th House
The twelfth house rules what's hidden and endings, so transit South Node in your 12th house can reveal things that have been hidden to you, issues from the past, and subconscious and karmic baggage. You may want to retreat, and maybe escape in unhealthy ways, and end up being your own worst enemy because of it.
How to survive: This is a big period for releasing, so you need to face the past, dig into your subconscious, and acknowledge karmic cycles in order to do a big release spiritually and subconsciously. This has been holding you back, so now is the time to let it go. This can be emotional, but freeing. Keep track of your dreams for more insights and connect to your intuition. Be wise, not stupid. The North Node would be in the 6th house here, so take care of the little things and create a routine to help you stay on track. Suggested Reading: The Survival Series 
Leo is one of the 12 Zodiac signs in astrology, and this is the fifth sign of the Zodiac. Each Zodiac sign has its own energy, and this shows how the energy is expressed for different planets, bodies, and other positions. You're likely most familiar with your Sun sign, and a Leo Sun is fun-loving and guided by the heart. Leo Astrology & Your Natal Chart
Wherever Leo is present in your natal chart, this is an area full of heart. If you have any natal planets in Leo, you can feel the Leo energy strongly personally with whatever that planet rules.
Leo is a fire sign, along with Aries and Sagittarius, and fire signs are full of energy and enthusiasm. Leo is also a fixed sign, along with Taurus, Scorpio, and Aquarius, and the fixed signs are the ones who are stable and reliable. Leo connects with the 5th house of love, and is ruled by the expressive Sun. At-a-Glance Leo Keywords:
Leo in Astrology: Creative
Leo is the sign of creativity in astrology. Many signs are creative, but Leo outright governs creativity. This is thanks to Leo being ruled by the Sun, so Leo must express itself vividly and vibrantly like the Sun. Creativity is a natural extension of that, and Leo creativity is often an expression and extension of the self. Thanks to being a fixed sign, Leo can stick with creative projects and ventures and see them through.
Leo in Astrology: Romantic and Affectionate
Leo rules romance and affection, and is the sign that rules who we love. Leo is a highly romantic sign, and pulls out all the stops when expressing romantic affection. When Leo is invested, Leo is open to big public displays of love and affection (definitely the PDA sign!).
Leo in Astrology: Fun-loving
Leo is the sign ruling what we love to do, and this is a sign that wants to have fun. It doesn't care for anything too serious or mundane, and wants to keep things light and fun. Leo rules vacations and getaways, as well as our hobbies.
Leo in Astrology: Generous
Leo is a generous sign in astrology, and this ties into Leo ruling love and romance. Leo has a big, affectionate heart, and wants to share all of the good it has and feels with others. This makes Leo super generous when well-connected to its heart.
Leo in Astrology: Dramatic and Theatrical
Leo rules drama in astrology, and is a theatrical sign. Sometimes this means literally as Leo rules the entertainment industry, acting, and plays. Often, it can be with anything though, and Leo has a dramatic response to anything that touches it emotionally.
Leo in Astrology: Attention-Seeking
Leo is an attention-seeking sign, partly because of how dramatic it is, but also to feed its ego. Leo has a strong ego (thanks to the Sun), and desires praise and acceptance, otherwise it can wither and wilt. Leo needs a certain amount of attention in order to feel secure; sometimes this can mean fame, but often it's simply attention from the people around Leo that Leo admires.
Leo in Astrology: Child-like
Leo rules the inner and outer child in astrology, so it rules by the inner child inside of us all, as well as the actual children in our lives, and our actual children. Leo has a sweet disposition, big heart, and loves fun, which naturally makes it a bit child-like, but usually doesn't find that insulting, and instead leans into having a child-like heart for life.
Leo in Astrology: Self-absorbed
When not expressed well, Leo can be a self-absorbed sign. Remember that Leo has a big ego and requires a lot of attention, and sometimes this means Leo is selfish, even narcissistic. Leo has to learn how to feed its ego without becoming too caught up in ego needs, and without ignoring everyone else. Since Leo does have a big heart, this can be accomplished, but requires work.
Where Your Leo Energy is Found
If you have any natal planets in Leo, the way those planets express themselves is via Leo, so they are creative, loving, and fun. The more Leo planets you have, the more Leo-like you can be.
Even if you have no natal planets in Leo, you will have at least one natal house with Leo. The house that falls in Leo (has Leo on the house cusp) can show areas of life where you take a creative, fun approach. If you have no Leo house cusps, Leo is intercepted (contained) in the house that falls in Cancer, and your Leo energy can manifest subconsciously with whatever that house rules. Transit Planets in Leo
When the transit (moving) planets are in Leo, this can give all of us some Leo energy to play with. The transit Sun is in Leo roughly every year from mid July to mid August, and this is Leo Season, which brings greater creativity and romance for us all.
Transit Mercury in Leo can help us focus on creative projects and ideas, but avoid anything mundane; transit Venus in Leo can make us more affectionate and romantic; transit Mars in Leo can supercharge creativity, and we may crave more attention; transit Ceres in Leo makes us more generous with our hearts; and transit Jupiter in Leo brings creative opportunities and the chance to shine. Transit Saturn in Leo can bring out issues we have with Leo, so issues around being creative, giving ourselves attention, or with love. Any issues around that, we can struggle with, and Saturn can prompt us to work it out. Saturn was last in Leo 2005-2007 (and won't be again until 2034). Transit Uranus won't be in Leo until 2039, but we'll experience many changes in love, creatively, and with what we enjoy. Transit Neptune won't be in Leo until 2078, but at that point, we'll be inspired spiritually and creatively, and our hearts and souls merge. Transit Chiron moves to Cancer in 2041, and we can tackle healing our hearts. Transit Pluto was last in Leo 1937-1958 (and won't be again until 2183), and this brings transformations of the heart, creatively, and with what inspires us. Strong Leo Energy in Astrology
When multiple planets are in Leo in your natal chart, this can give you strong Leo energy in your life and personality. You can be dramatic, fun-loving, and creative. This can be the case if you have a Leo stellium (3+ planets in one Zodiac sign), or if you have 2 of your primary triad (Sun, Moon, Rising) in Leo.
You can also feel that you have strong Leo energy if your natal Sun is strong, which is the planet that rules Leo. This can be the case if your natal Sun is conjunct your natal Moon or Ascendant, or your 1st house ruler, or if your natal Sun is a singleton (only planet in an element, modality, or house type). When multiple transit planets are in Leo, this gives all of us a strong dose of Leo energy all at once. We're all creative and in the mood for what we love. How we end up feeling this personally is usually focused on the house in your natal chart the Leo energy occurs in. Suggested Reading: The Leo Sun sign page |
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