By With the spring equinox just days away, it’s easy to feel like a whole new season — especially one as colorful and lighthearted as springtime — should present the chance to hit the ground running toward your most ambitious goals. But the astrology of the moment has something else in store, which is a push to look backward before plowing ahead, thanks to Mercury retrograde happening from Friday, March 14 (PT)/Saturday, March 15 (ET) to Monday, April 7. The planet of communication, transportation and technology will move backward in fire sign Aries and water sign Pisces, kicking up miscommunications and technology glitches galore, to be sure, but also presenting a chance to rest and revise in order to be even more successful in the long-run. Here’s what to know to make the most of this astrological event. As an astrologer and the author of Mercury Magic: How to Thrive During Retrogrades and Tap Into the Power of the Messenger Planet, I can confidently reassure you that there are actually bright spots associated with this often feared transit.
What is Mercury retrograde and what does it mean?
In astrology, Mercury is the planet of communication, transportation and technology, and when it’s moving at its typical clip forward through the zodiac, all of those areas of life generally run more smoothly. But three to four times a year, for about three weeks at a time, the messenger planet moves at a slower pace than usual before appearing to move backward from our vantage point on Earth. When this happens, Mercury-ruled aspects of life tend to get a bit wonkier, delayed and decelerated. Traffic that usually cruises along at a particular time of day is inexplicably heavier, emails get lost in the abyss or you feel like you’re speaking a different language than someone you’re quite coordinated with.
Moments like these during Mercury retrograde can be frustrating, but there are silver linings and opportunities built into the astrological event, as well. For example, we’re all encouraged to retrace our footsteps, revise, reimagine and reevaluate. Mercury fuels not only how we express ourselves but how we think, and when it moves backward, it allows us a chance to prioritize inner work and walks down memory lane — both of which can lay the groundwork for more productivity and motivation once Mercury moves ahead.
You’ve heard that when Mercury is retrograde, you should avoid signing contracts, starting new projects, buying electronics and even traveling based on your zodiac sign. This isn’t always possible, of course, so the next best thing to do is to just be extra cautious, double-checking all the details to hopefully prevent any miscommunication, glitches or roadblocks. And yet, that can be particularly challenging to do until Mercury moves forward, so this period is a chance to work on adaptability and tapping into your sense of humor to move through potentially headache-inducing incidents.
What is Mercury retrograde in Aries and Pisces?
One of three full Mercury retrogrades in 2025 — and the first one of the year — this Mercury retrograde occurs in Aries, the cardinal fire sign known for its go-getter, competitive, speedy ways, and Pisces, the mutable water sign that’s empathic, dreamy and creative. Mercury will move back in Aries from March 15 to March 29 and then back through Pisces from March 29 to April 7.
When Mercury moves forward in Aries, which is ruled by Mars, the planet of dynamic energy, our communication and point of view is more direct and action-oriented. And when it’s retrograde in Aries, mistakes and miscommunications might occur as a result of failing to note specifics or details or attempting to speed an interaction along faster or more aggressively than ideal. On the positive side, Mercury retrogrades in Aries present a chance to reassess how you’re caring for your sense of self, independence and finding opportunities to be a trailblazer in your life.
And when Mercury is direct in Pisces, whose modern ruler is Neptune, the planet of illusion and spirituality, self-expression and thinking take on a more empathic and artistic tone. Your deepest emotions and romantic idealizations can skew your perspective when Mercury is in the sign of the Fish. Rational thought and concrete facts and figures can be tougher to pin down, and that is especially the case when Mercury travels back through Pisces, fueling confusion and cloudiness. This period is, however, beneficial for doing healing self-work and reflecting on how you’ve been caring for your emotional and psychological well-being.
2025’s Mercury retrograde in Aries and Pisces could host significant emotional shifts
There are times when the astrology of the moment is fairly sleepy and uneventful, but this spring is not one of those times, given that Mercury retrograde in Aries and Pisces coincides with the first eclipse season of 2025. The lunar eclipse and full moon in Virgo occurs just ahead of Mercury going retrograde, and the solar eclipse and new moon in Aries occurs on March 29, with both eclipses’ effects lasting until late April. Eclipses usher in massive change that we don’t have much control over. They’re lunar events during which you wouldn’t want to attempt to work with by doing a manifestation ritual, for instance, because they’re meant to roll through like a storm, spurring transformation and life-changing shifts that are simply out of your hands. Mercury retrogrades tend to require that we stand still or even move backward, prioritizing self-reflection and embracing delays and slowdowns, but eclipse season fast-tracks us into the future. So, at times, it may feel like you’re pumping the brakes at the same time that you’re compelled to hit the gas. The positive side of these two big transits happening at the same time is that there’s a heightened ability to learn from the past before moving into your next era.
2025’s Mercury retrograde in Aries and Pisces is an opportunity to nurture your relationships
When Mercury is retrograde in either Aries or Pisces, crossed wires might occur as a result of simply not having enough information or clarity. Because Venus, the planet of relationships, happens to be retrograde at the same time and is also moving back through these two signs, we get a double dose of this challenge. Sure, both retrogrades could lead to a bit of additional stress as you’ll need to work harder to understand to get on the same page as a partner, loved one or dear friend, but they’re also opportunities to recommit to that work and reassess what you want out of your bonds.
How the Mercury retrograde in March and April 2025 will impact your sign
Here is how the Mercury retrograde in Aries and Pisces will affect you, based on your sign. (Be sure to read your rising sign, if you know it. If you don’t, you can find it in your birth chart or by using this CafeAstrology calculator.)
Aries
Going inward for the benefit of ultimately clarifying and pursuing big-picture aspirations is a central theme for you this Mercury retrograde, because it falls in your spirituality and self-image sectors. Slowing down isn’t your forte, but you could find you’re able to be even more energized and focused when you prioritize mind-body practices and tend to your psychological well-being, especially from March 15 to 29. Then, from March 29 to April 7, you can re-envision how you want to show up in the world, potentially brushing up your social media or website, LinkedIn or even wardrobe to better reflect how you see — and celebrate — your sense of self.
Taurus
Taking it easy and moving from one to-do to the next in a slow, steady way is very much in line with your MO, and from March 15 to 29, Mercury’s retrograde in your spirituality sector will encourage you to lean into this energy even more than usual. Making rest a priority can help you recharge and get in tune with your intuition, which will serve you while your ruler, romantic Venus, happens to be retrograde as well. This period was made for better understanding your needs and getting centered spiritually, emotionally and mentally. As Mercury shifts back through your friendships and networking zone from March 29 to April 7, you can gain clarity around which groups, teams and social circles are most aligned with your long-term wishes.
Gemini
Mercury’s retrograde kicks off from March 15 to 29 in your networking zone, nudging you to consider who in your friend group or among your colleagues truly supports your aspirations. You might even find that you’re fired up to reconnect with old friends or to revisit a club or community you used to enjoy being a part of, and nurturing these long-held bonds can lead to musing about new ways to make a long-term wish come true. Then, from March 29 to April 7, your ruler’s backspin through your career and public image sector offers a chance to redefine your version of success and rethink how you want to make your mark. Circling back on a previously paused conversation with higher-ups could serve you well.
Cancer
From March 15 to 29, Mercury will be retrograde in your career zone, and you could be eager to revise an ambitious pitch or touch base with a higher-up about picking up a project that was previously backburnered. This is also a moment made for reinventing yourself professionally or redefining big goals. It’s possible that you aspire to something completely different than you used to, and this transit can help you to better embrace that now. From March 29 to April 7, Mercury moves back through your adventure zone, which could fuel your restlessness while also slowing your ability to book a long-distance trip or sign up for that class you’ve been wanting to take. On the positive side, however, it’s a chance to get even more familiar with tapping into and trusting your gut instincts.
Leo
You’ll be feeling a surge of wanderlust but potentially finding it harder to act on your desire to get out of your comfort zone from March 15 to 29, thanks to Mercury beginning its backspin in your adventure and higher learning zone. Even if you’re not able to hit the road or soak up eye-opening knowledge right now, you can still honor your craving for horizon-broadening experiences by finding small, simple ways to step out of the mundane, whether that’s by reconnecting with an old mentor or brushing up on an existing skill set. From March 29 to April 7, Mercury moves back through your intimacy and joint resources zone, encouraging you to talk through and revise shared financial goals with a loved one or significant other. You can also clarify your sexual needs, which could lead to reigniting serious sparks in the bedroom.
Virgo
With Mercury, your ruling planet, retrograde in your joint resources zone to start, from March 15 to 29, you’ll be reassessing your level of comfort and security within your closest relationships. You may need to take a look at shared debt or savings aspirations and lay new groundwork in order to feel like you’re on track as a team. This is also the sector that oversees intimacy, so preempt crossed wires by being even more forthcoming. Prioritizing more clear communication around your needs, desires and expectations can lead to greater satisfaction whether you’re connecting spiritually, emotionally and/or physically with someone special. Then, from March 29 to April 7, Mercury, your ruling planet, will be retrograde in your partnership zone, inviting you to renegotiate or mediate a situation with a partner, whether platonic, romantic or professional.
Libra
Mercury kicks off its retrograde in your partnership zone, bringing your attention to an issue of lacking reciprocity with a significant other, dear friend or loved one. You may be recommitting to the work required to boost mutual understanding or find that you’re fed up with having the same arguments over and over again. There’s so much action in this sector for you right now, it’s clear that you’re at the precipice of major change, and tapping into your heart and intuition will be necessary to move down the path that’s meant to be. As Mercury backs up into your routine zone, you’ll do well to revisit a wellness regimen you previously enjoyed. You also have the chance to reimagine your everyday hustle in a way that bolsters your sense of balance.
Scorpio
This Mercury retrograde begins in your routine and wellness zone, from March 15 to 29, making this a wonderful moment for getting back to a fitness plan or everyday healthy habit that you remember did wonders for your vitality, whether that’s keeping track of your daily water intake or building restorative yoga into your schedule. You can also reassess how you’re tackling your everyday to-dos and research ways to streamline and boost your effectiveness. Then, from March 29 to April 7, Mercury will backtrack through your self-expression and romance sector, nudging you to revisit a creative project you previously hit pause on or even a heartfelt connection from the past. Walks down memory lane with loved ones or a significant other (think recreating a favorite date night) can ultimately help you to feel even more connected moving forward.
Sagittarius
The last time Mercury was retrograde, it was in your sign, shedding light on your relationship with yourself and how you want to show up in the world. Now, as Mercury goes retrograde in your romance and self-expression zone, you’ll feel compelled to reflect on how you’re owning your voice and infusing lighthearted fun into your everyday life. If there’s an artistic hobby or creative undertaking you haven’t been immersed in for a while, March 15 to 29 is a fantastic period for diving back in. You might also find that retracing your footsteps with a significant other or loved one by revisiting a beloved getaway spot or trading old photos brings you even closer. As Mercury moves back through your home zone, you’ll be going back to the drawing board on projects around your home you previously paused. March 29 to April 7 can also be a lovely moment for catching up with loved ones you haven’t had a chance to connect with in a while.
Capricorn
As Mercury backs up through your home zone, from March 15 to 29, you can have major success revisiting a home-related project or tackling therapeutic work to heal old emotional wounds. Old emotional conflicts with loved ones could resurface, but now you can tackle them head-on and have truly productive conversations. Then, Mercury retrograde will be in your communication zone from March 29 to April 7, potentially complicating how you’re interacting with friends, colleagues, neighbors and siblings if you have them. You may find you’re more prone to crossed wires and technology glitches, because of where this transit is hitting your chart, but it’s also a chance to gain clarity around how you’re connecting with others. For instance, you may learn that more face-to-face (or at least FaceTime) chats benefit your platonic bonds now or that being more detailed in an email beats a fast text.
Aquarius
Mercury backs up through your communication zone to start, from March 15 to 29, which could bring up some of the most stereotypical effects of this transit. For example, you may need to navigate technology meltdowns and slowdowns when trying to get around town as well as miscommunications with friends, siblings, colleagues and neighbors. Thankfully, there’s a positive upshot, as well, which is that you could feel empowered to reimagine how you’re interacting with others in order to boost mutual understanding. Then, as Mercury shifts back into your money zone, from March 29 to April 7, you can go back to the drawing board to finesse your financial goals and game plans. If a particular investment or savings plan simply isn’t cutting it any longer, now’s your chance to tweak your approach. You’ll also gain greater awareness of your self-worth and values, both of which play a part in helping you boost your bottom line.
Pisces
With Mercury moving back to start, from March 15 to 29, in your money zone, you’ll be reflecting on how you’ve been investing, saving and putting your nose to the grindstone to hustle and strengthen your bottom line. You could have a thrilling lightbulb moment about how you can step up your approach, perhaps with the help of a dear friend, loved one or significant other, given that the March 14 lunar eclipse and full moon happens to fall in your partnership sector. Then, as Mercury retrogrades into your sign, from March 29 to April 7, you may be immersed in meaningful self-reflection around how you’re presenting yourself out in the world and how that reflects your self-image. This period lends itself to working behind the scenes to perfect a venture close to your heart or reimagining a business-related brand, personal goals or even your sense of style.
