Mercury turns retrograde in a few hours at 16° Aries and will continue to appear to move backwards through the skies until the 15th of April, turning direct at 4°. The following information is general, and you would need a private reading to learn exactly how this retrograde will affect you.

We need to prepare for the usual Mercury retrograde issues, such as communication mix ups and difficulties, problems with electronic devices especially phones and computers, travel issues and breakdowns including car problems, and incorrect documents and forms. Be careful when starting something new over a Mercury retrograde as it may not be permanent and read the small print of any documents that you sign. It's important not to panic about Mercury retrograde as this transit occurs three times a year and is part of a natural cycle that helps us grow.

My advice is to double and triple check everything, especially when making verbal arrangements. Speak clearly and avoid the possibility of communication issues by saving important conversations for face to face meetings, rather than online messages and texts, which can easily be misinterpreted. Mercury retrograde in Aries increases the chance of accidents, illnesses, and injuries to the head.

There's also the possibility of people from the past returning back to your life again to settle unfinished business and this may be an old flame or friend. You may find yourself thinking about the past and trying to figure out where it all went wrong, but you should remember that these people left your life for a good reason and it's not a good idea to start a relationship during Mercury retrograde or return to a person that caused you painful issues before. Mercury turns retrograde while conjunct Venus, the planet of love, so a lover from a few years ago may contact you or a lover from a past life returns to settle karma. Keep things above board at all times as any deception will backfire very quickly.

Try not to overreact if you feel offended by someone's words as it's likely to be a misunderstanding. Mercury retrograde in Mars ruled Aries increases the likelihood of issues caused by short tempers so try to keep your cool and not blow up over silly things.

This retrograde asks us to examine personal strength and power and to make changes if necessary. Do you express your anger in a healthy way or has it always caused you problems and conflict because of lack of control over your emotions? Do you need to come up with a new plan in order to control your temper because you've fallen out with friends and family members? The real root of an explosive temper is due to feeling disempowered - perhaps you had a difficult childhood and now, as an adult, when threatened you tend to lose it rather than stay calm and don't try to work it out with the other person calmly. Or maybe the opposite is true, and you let people walk over you because it's difficult for you to be assertive and you need to step inside your power. These are all issues to reflect upon during this Mercury retrograde in Aries.

Some challenging aspects from Mercury and Venus to Pluto means that our relationships tend to be obsessive and very intense around the retrograde period and we may have to deal with some jealousy and suspicion. If you experience any issues with your partner then reassure them as much as possible and work out any tension in the bedroom. This is a passionate retrograde and we should expect some fireworks, but we can channel the energy in a healthy way.

A new relationship is possible around this time, but it's likely to be based on physical attraction rather than true love, so be careful not to mistake one for the other.

Private readings and lessons are available on request.

www.scorpiomoonkarmicastrology.com

Mercury Retrograde in Aries