Mercury is the planet that represents intellect, dichotomy and choice. With an emphasis on Aries, Capricorn and Venus during this retrograde period, we are asked to make a decision which may be both challenging and cathartic. Recent events may have left you feeling frustrated between a rock and a hard place. With the ability to access our better judgement, we are asked to invest in the greater good. 

Aries is naturally spontaneous and impulsive, diving in head first and getting things done very quickly, whereas Capricorn likes to take her time and can be painstaking about the process. The planets from Capricorn are asking Mercury in Aries to slow down and channel his energy into the refining process, even if that means taking the longer route. Both signs care about perfection – Aries in his goal of first place and Capricorn in her goal of mastery. 

Mercury Retrograde in Aries

Offers us:

• An opportunity to slow down and refine our thought process
• The stamina required to establish long-term plans
• A chance to make changes to outdated/exploitative/unfair situations
• Diplomacy and rationale during an otherwise volatile period
• The opportunity to prioritise what we truly value

Watch for:

• Making rushed decisions which you may later regret
• Feeling penned in with no-where to run
• Being held accountable over moments of impaired judgement
• Feeling frustrated or bullied
• Being between a rock and a hard place

The first Mercury Retrograde of 2018 occurs just a few days after the Sun passes through the Equinoctial point of spring. Mercury is at 16° Aries at the heart of cardinal fire. Here is the place where Mercury loves to instigate, come up with new ideas and envisage himself as courageous and victorious. Very independent in mind-set, brash and direct in communication style, Mercury in Aries enjoys a bit of healthy competition, and revels in heated debate.

Both Mars and Saturn (the ‘malefic’ planets) are instrumental during Mercury’s retrograde through Aries, by square. This wouldn’t normally be considered a good thing. However, Mars functions highly in Capricorn and doesn’t expend his energy unless he absolutely has to. He is far more strategic and thinks about the consequences of his actions. Saturn is currently in Capricorn (the sign that he rules) so is in the comfort of his own home and able to settle into his role as stoic and respectable authority of his castle. What I am saying is that these planets are functioning in an unusually pure and competent way so their interplay during this transit will be as fair and just as the context allows.

There is an ease of dialogue as the Moon in Gemini makes a harmonious aspect to Mercury on the 23rd March. As he stations (an optical illusion where Mercury appears to slow down to a stand-still and then move backwards), Mercury asks us to be more deliberate, pay attention to our thought process and consider who we are communicating with. With Neptune creating friction here, the truth may not be what it seems and clarity of thought may be clouded. Mercury is second-guessing himself, re-thinking his actions and rearranging his priorities.

Taming the Tempestuous

There is a high-energy planetary combination on the 25th and 26th of March which can manifest in great will power and determination. Initially, intuition may feel tested any recent decisions made will be scrutinised. Seeking impartial advice may be able to help you move forward – This could be a friend or a professional.

Energy levels at this time are tangible but obstacles will prevent you from utilising this energy until you can balance the issue causing this blockage. Once you have made your decision and formed a plan, you will get a feel for how authentic this current pathway is for you; your emotional compass will tell you whether it’s right. Ultimately you will need to prioritise what is most important to you. It may be that the decision to be made is in the hands of others and in that case, you will be at the mercy of others. Be reassured that this particular planetary combination is firm but fair. 

As Venus moves ahead of Mercury and towards Uranus, there is a sense she is a little unpredictable, independent and wishing to free herself from any commitments – a bit of a live-wire! As a woman, she values her independence, freedom and has a strong sense of herself. Perhaps this is why traditional astrology considers Venus in detriment (in a poor position) in Aries – this kind of woman would have gone against the grain of conventional gender roles, when the traditional astrological texts were written. Being independent and outspoken isn’t considered detrimental for a woman by today’s standards. There is a requirement for change, equality and perhaps a sudden realisation. There is even a chance that Venus may find herself in a sudden romantic clinch with a friend, or suddenly severing romantic ties in a break for freedom! I urge Venus to be sure of what she really wants.

The Full Moon in Libra on the 31st March is complimented by the ingress of Venus to Taurus. With previous conversations about fairness and redressing balance being pulled back into the spotlight to review progress, issues of responsibility will be called into question and it would seem that the need to create equal footing will be taken seriously. If needs aren’t addressed this could be the breaking point. Once Venus crosses the threshold to Taurus, she will be in a sign she rules giving her added strength and power. Considerate, objective and reliable at best and manipulative, stubborn and self-indulgent at worst; Venus in Taurus opens up an easy channel of communication to Mars and Saturn in Capricorn. Softening the hard and sharp edges of the malefic planets she brings the opportunity to get tangible results and any decisions made and implemented now will have a sense of permanency and long-term potential.

The Wings of Icarus

Mercury the fool has been under the Sun’s beams for some time now and on the 1st of April (Fool’s day) he will enter the heart of the Sun. This is when thoughts that may have been unclear (or perhaps you weren’t being totally honest with yourself) will clarify. One side of the argument will resonate more than the other and you will be able to chose a side rather than being on the fence about an issue.

This is the truly alchemical moment of the whole process as Mercury is in the solar forge as purified molten quicksilver. Able to understand his surroundings, this is where Mercury learns about his true self, his identity and true desires. In my mind’s eye, I can’t help but see Icarus flying too close to the sun with the wax melting off his wings – there’s only one way this is going. Mercury will not be able to escape the honesty of the moment and this is a truth-speaking moment of magnitude.

Often feeling powerless or oppressed can be particularly tough, and when times are hard, the clock ticks slowly. But the Mars-Saturn conjunction on April 2nd will grant the perfect opportunity to look at your previous actions, take ownership and admit your flaws. If it’s an issue of taking responsibility for something or getting angry about an impossible situation, pent up energy will have nowhere to go and controlling your urges will override the desire to be spontaneous. Stress and frustration is likely. With the Moon Scorpio approaching Jupiter there certainly isn’t a light a fluffy feel to the day. It’s penetrating, deep and yearning for meaning.

Make the most of this planetary combination; a powerhouse of dynamic stamina, consistent and able to drive you forward. Future plans may be changed, amended; perhaps the breaks have been put on in order to change direction. This planetary combination can be likened to blacksmithing; heating metal, moulding and quenching. It takes time, is specialised and requires focus, caution and dedication. Actions for improvement taken under this planetary combination have longevity by creating a focal point for the manifesting qualities of Saturn to build on.

Heated words – albeit diffused – may find an outlet on the 4th of April. It is advisable to be wary of sudden foot-in-mouth syndrome, with the Moon in Sagittarius allowing Mercury to express himself freely. Confidences may be shared which is fine among friends, but it is advisable to keep your thoughts in check if you haven’t checked out your confidante. Make sure you don’t share too much, you might reveal more than you bargain for.

Having said that a problem shared is a problem halved, and carrying a burden can be lifted if you find the right outlet. By the time the Moon is in Aquarius on the 9th of April, you will be able to rationalise the process you have been through and apply logic. It’s fine to feel and work through the emotional side of the issue, but it’s good in equal measure to step back and analyse the situation, as Mercury slows his course, stations and enters direct motion once again over the next few days.

Mercury retrograde in Aries is a chance to be honest and authentic, walking the path you have chosen for yourself should you have the bravery to pursue it. You will earn the respect of others when you take ownership for your actions and leading by example will inspire change in others. However, this doesn’t promise to be a completely pain-free process and self-realisation may be the most difficult part of the journey. Ultimately this is a test of self-respect and stamina, we have a choice to resist or comply. How we handle ourselves during this time is the true test of the situation.

Key Dates for Mercury Retrograde

Mercury Rx 24th March to 15th April – 16°54’ Aries to 4°47’ Aries 

March

• 23rd – Mercury stations retrograde
• 24th – Mercury enters retrograde motion
• 25th – Mercury Square Moon in Cancer, Moon opposite Saturn, Sun square Mars
• 27th – Mercury Trine Moon in Leo
• 31st – Full Blue Moon in Libra 11:37 UT at 10°45’ Libra PLUS Venus in Taurus

April

• 02nd – Mercury Cazimi – The Heart of the Sun 17:49 UT
• 04th – Jupiter sesquiquadrate Mercury PLUS Mercury Square Mars
• 09th – Moon Aquarius sextile Mercury
• 14th – Mercury stations direct
• 15th – Mercury enters direct motion