The first Mercury retrograde of 2025 is upon us.
The planet of the mind and the mouth, thought and expression, Mercury begins its retrograde on Saturday, March 15, in the heat-seeking sign of Aries before slipping into the power poet bird bath of Pisces on March 29. Mercury stations direct on April 7 and finally clears its post retrograde shadow, or retroshade, on April 26.
March en masse is a bit of a hell mouth as we’re in the eclipse corridor while grappling with a relationship-rocking Venus retrograde and a brain-breaking Mercury retrograde.
Mercury is a personal planet, meaning its movements affect us more acutely. As above, so below, so to speak. While everyone will feel the effects of this retrograde, four signs will be hit the hardest.
Shedding a light and coming correct with survival strategies is Ashley Boyd, astrologer and success coach at Gamblizard.
Read for your sun and rising signs.
Mercury begins its retrograde in Aries, highlighting the first house of self-concept, confidence and communication for the people of the ram.
“This retrograde might hit them hard with doubt, nostalgia for the ‘good old days,’ and surprise encounters from the past,” Boyd tells The Post. “But beneath the chaos lies an opportunity for Aries to gain major personal insights on whether they’re building themselves up or tearing themselves down.”
Survival strategy: To determine whether you’re creating or destroying, Boyd recommends, “Pause and reflect. Take an honest look at how you speak to and about yourself and present to the world. To increase your self-knowledge, journal, go to therapy, practice mindfulness — whatever helps you hear your thoughts without distractions.”
The latter part of this retrograde (March 29- April 7) falls in the sign of Pisces, putting added pressure on fish folk.
“This shift can stir up old wounds and blur the line between fantasy and reality. With Mercury and Venus in retrograde, uncertainty and people-pleasing could take center stage, making it easy to question self-worth,” said Boyd.
She notes that the spring equinox’s reset energy, combined with the catalyst of the March 29 solar eclipse, will push Piscesans towards financial stability and a vital new relationship with wealth and worth.
Survival strategy: To make sense of these shifting winds, Boyd urges Pisces people to express and assess,
“Vent to a friend, have a good cry, or channel feelings into creativity. If you’ve been undervaluing yourself, make a list of your strengths and accomplishments as a reminder. Set boundaries by practicing saying ‘no’ (you can start with low-stakes situations). Look closely at your income, spending, and financial goals and seek expert advice before making big moves.”
In addition to the second half of Mercury retrograde falling in a fellow mutable sign, Virgo is ruled by Mercury and thus more sensitive to its antics. Add to the star soup that the March 14 lunar eclipse falls in their sign.
“Detail-obsessed and order-driven, they may find work, routines, and social interactions thrown into chaos this month. It may seem like everything is testing patience and adaptability. And with Venus retrograde still going strong, the unexpected is practically a guarantee,” shared Boyd.
Go with the flow feels like a trite prescription for this retrograde, so I’ll offer a more poetic incarnation of the same advice, courtesy of fellow Virgo and late Canadian luminary Leonard Cohen: “If you don’t become the ocean, you’ll be seasick every day.”
Survival strategy: “Instead of spiraling over disruptions, note what’s working and what’s not. If overwhelmed, reassess priorities and delegate where possible,” Boyd told The Post. “This retrograde is a reality check, urging Virgos to release and rethink their approach to problem-solving, and accept that not every mess is theirs to clean up.”
Mercury rules Gemini, making the planet’s retrograde a tough tittie for this ilk.
“As Mercury’s home sign, Gemini always feels its retrogrades intensely, and this one is no exception. The full picture becomes fractured and harder to see, leading to stubborn communication impasses and rushed decisions. What’s more, navigating emotions can feel harder than ever,” said Boyd.
Survival strategy: Clear and compassionate communication is always the aim, but under the influence of these transits they mark the line between rifts and resolution.
Boyd shared, “Don’t expect people to read your mind and don’t let frustration cloud your judgment. If something feels off, speak up before a small misunderstanding becomes something more. Luck will be on your side if you stay adaptable and open to learning.”
Every challenge is a chance, folks, and every eye roll is an opportunity.
Astrology 101: Your guide to the star
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
