Mercury Retrograde + New Moon/Total Solar Eclipse in Aries

On April 1st, Mercury stationed retrograde at 27º Aries, initiating a journey through the sign, which will last until April 25th, when it will station direct at 15º.

Whilst this may induce a sense of stickiness, there is meaning to this motion, as Mercury is merely trying to highlight the fact that in order to move forward, sometimes you have to go back.

Thus, past issues, old dynamics, and ancient ideas may re-emerge, so as to offer you clarity and perspective on present day situations. With certain things which were perhaps lost or forgotten now needing to be remembered and reclaimed.

As such, you may do well to consider as to whether the ways in which things have been are the ways in which you wish things to continue. And if not, what ideally needs to change. What might you need to implement, action, or release.

In the sign of Aries, don’t be surprised if identity issues begin to emerge, as you ponder who you are now, in light of the many versions of yourself you have embodied over time. Is it possible for you to be accepting of your present form, even though there may still be aspects of yourself you’d like to master and parts you’re looking to perfect.

And if not, can you learn to be, in the acknowledgement that you are and always will be a work in progress.

Most importantly though, this retrograde period will be asking you to define what it is you presently want. What exactly is your life’s vision. Is it in need of a reconsideration. Are there certain aspects which need to change or expand.

Getting clear during this time will be key, so, trust that whatever is revealed to you - externally or internally - is required information, which will serve you in making conscious, aligned decisions for your future.

In the midst of this retrograde energy, one of the most potent cosmic events of the year is set to occur - a New Moon/Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th (7:18pm BST) at 19º Aries - acting as a powerful activation point, bringing unexpected - but necessary - changes into your life.

Depending on where this Eclipse lands in your chart, you may experience this as a subtle shift, or a loud bang, so be prepared. Whilst the latter may be potentially confronting, know that this energy - however it plays out - is ultimately attempting to shift you into gear, getting you moving along your destined path.

Conjunct the North Node, Sun, Chiron, and Mercury Rx, all in Aries, this lunation is focused solely on the future, meaning that the past will need to be released. If you have attachment issues, this may be challenging for you, as you are pushed to accept that certain things must end, in order for other things to begin.

Yet, the density of fiery energy at play promises to imbue you with the courage and determination to do what must be done. Fear or no fear.

In addition, with a square to Pluto in Aquarius, the sky is calling for radical transformation. Whether you’re ready for it or not. So expect fated events, surprise occurrences, and new opportunities, as the Universe attempts to push you in the direction of your destiny.

In fact, with Pluto making a sextile to Venus conjunct Neptune - in Aries and Pisces respectively - this may be a time when you finally dispel any niggling doubts that dreams can in fact come true.

So, be prepared to lean in and embrace what’s unfolding.

With Uranus conjunct Jupiter, both in Taurus, making a sextile to Mars conjunct Saturn, both in Pisces, it’s time to evolve your way of thinking and doing, in order to birth into being a more conscious way of life.

And as Chiron is heavily activated during this lunation, this may involve changing your relationship to both your wounds and what wounded you. Thus, can you take your healing to the next level, by finally reclaiming your power and seeing that your most painful experiences have potentially given you your most potent gifts.

Whilst the energy of this Eclipse will permeate long after the Sun has re-emerged out of the Moon’s shadow - with the aftershock likely to be felt for many weeks to come - it will not be until the Full Moon in Aries, on October 17th, when the ramifications of events will truly become evident.