Get ready for a rocky three weeks which involve revisiting tricky conversations that have been left unfinished or times when we have doubted ourselves. We are all about to learn lessons that will cause us to step into our power.

Because this week, Mercury, the cosmic joker and planet of communication, stationed retrograde on April Fools Day.

The quickest planet in our solar system does this three times every year for a period of three weeks. While the monthly <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/ibiza/january-first-full-moon-2024-ibiza-astrology-alicia-orre" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Full Moon</a> has been the main cosmic character to blame when everything goes haywire and havoc ensues. In recent years, Mercury has been receiving increasing notoriety for causing chaos in communication, travel, and the return of our unwelcome past.

Despite its bad reputation, I want to convince you that <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/ibiza/take-a-pause-i-bet-you-don-t-know-this-about-mercury-retrograde" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mercury retrograde</a> is a useful time. When we are prepared and understand how to best use the energy, we absolutely can thrive during this season. Here&rsquo;s what you need to know&hellip;

Mercury retrograde happens three times a year for about three weeks. Each time in a different constellation. This month, Mercury will retrograde through Aries - the first sign of the zodiac.

This particular Mercury transit in Aries is made more significant because it happens between the <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/ibiza/astrology-overview-what-s-in-store-for-us-in-2024-mercury-retrogrades-eclipses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eclipses</a>, one week before the Aries New Moon Eclipse. Plus, during its transit it will meet the asteroid, Chiron and the <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/ibiza/february-2024-astrology-chiron-conjunct-north-node" target="_blank" rel="noopener">North Node of destiny</a> - bringing us opportunities for healing old patterns and powering us forward on to a path of a higher vibration. One where self respect and our individual needs take center stage.

From our vantage point, during Mercury retrograde the planet appears to slow down and reverse, backtracking over the degrees it&rsquo;s already moved through. The reversal energy symbolically represents an inclination for us to revisit conversations, thoughts, and relationships that have already taken place, especially over the past three months.

There are 3 key phases of a planetary retrograde. Two shadow periods and the retrograde period itself, with the disruptive energy being most potent at the beginning and end of each of these periods. 
They are;

First shadow phase: 18 March - 1 April (transiting at 15 - 27 degrees Aries)
Retrograde phase: 1 April - 24 April (retrograding from 27 - 15 degrees Aries)
Second shadow phase: 24 April - 13 May (its final transit over 15 - 27 degrees Aries)

This season Mercury revisits the degrees towards the end of Aries and retraces 12 degrees backwards. Then, once it stations direct again, it will move forward over these same degrees. This second shadow phase is generally an easier time, bringing more closure and completion to any events that may have erupted during the retrograde season.&nbsp;

Mercury retrograde delivers this valuable opportunity to review our actions over the previous three months, and some of the decisions we have made. That's why old flames or people from our past return or we revisit familiar places, thoughts and conversations. Often these can be surprising and serendipitous events. We can decide if they are worth returning to, or how to move forward more productively. It can be a useful gauge of how far we have moved on or healed from situations in the past providing closure and with it, be a useful measure of <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/soul-spirituality/how-to-manifest-your-desires-manifestation-techniques" target="_blank" rel="noopener">personal growth</a>.

As this is a review period, it is often recommended not to start anything new. We hear general astrological advice to not sign contracts, avoid travel and take caution in beginning big projects and even <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/culture/romantic-comedies-to-watch-in-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">romantic</a> situations. My belief is that while we can work with the astrological transits for opportunity, it is not there to make us fear taking action - especially in Aries. What it does mean is using extra caution. This is what Mercury retrograde is here to teach us; to remain present, slow down and take consideration when taking action, so that we make less errors.

This season's retrograde in Aries, Mercury wants us to stand up for ourselves. We will be challenged to speak up and set boundaries with situations and people from our past, including previous versions of ourselves.

This may not always be comfortable, causing disruption in all of our relationships as we navigate new ways of being and communicating.

Mercury rules over <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/soul-spirituality/navigating-digital-dating-how-to-deal-with-ghosting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">communication</a> in all forms, including online and contractual negotiations. It's a planet of travel and busyness. When it stations retrograde it is common that mishaps take place in these areas of life. During its slow down and reversal it presents an opportunity to take more care, pay closer attention and slow down in general. We are all so busy and distracted in our daily lives. This is when careless mistakes and miscommunications happen. Mercury retrograde is designed to teach us that we are more productive when we stay present, and take our time. If we can see the bigger picture, is it really that important that our flight is delayed, for instance? If this happens to you, how can you turn it into an opportunity to find peace with what is, instead of allowing it to take control over your emotional state?

Aries is the energy of action and initiation. It is impatient, quick and direct. We are all more likely to feel impatient and frustrated now. We want what we want, when we want it and that's now. Mercury retrograde is going to stall progress and put unexpected hurdles in the way. Communication will not run as smoothly or be as clearly understood. If we act or speak too abruptly without thinking we will head into trouble causing unnecessary upsets. And that will impact all of us.

We will be confronted by situations that give us the choice to stand by our words and say what we mean. Where in our lives are we doing the opposite of what we say? Where do we not follow through? This is the season of saying what we mean and meaning what we say. Lessons around being in our integrity and respectfully standing up for our individuality and committing to our needs will be tested, and those of us who commit to this, will be the ones who glide through this retrograde to shine more brightly as we head into May. In doing so, being in a position to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.

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 Alicia Orre is an Astrology Empowerment Coach living in Ibiza. She uses her unique combination of coaching, astrology and intuitive gifts to empower others to be greater at who they are.
 Collect your free Full Moon meditation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aliciaorre.com/practicalmoonmagic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>&nbsp;
 Connect with her on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aliciaorre/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">instagram</a>&nbsp;
 Learn more about Alicia&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aliciaorre.com/aboutme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>&nbsp;
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What You Need To Know About Mercury Retrograde In Aries

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