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Everything You Need To Know About This Month's Mercury Retrograde In Aries
Explore your sign’s 2024 horoscope predictions to learn what is in store for you this year in love, career, and more. Check out the love compatibility of each sign to learn more about zodiac pairings and all things compatibility.
Another Mercury retrograde has arrived, and this one is heating things up. On March 9, Mercury entered Aries and directed our minds toward our passions, our progress, and our personal desires. On April 1, Mercury goes retrograde in this fire sign and will be in retrograde motion until April 25. Mercury retrograde in Aries is bold, but the energy can often be misdirected.
What April's Mercury Retrograde in Aries Has in Store for Your Sign
Extra precaution is needed when it comes to what you are taking initiative on right now and where you may need to put some goals on the back burner for the time being. This is not the time to overexert yourself; rather, this Mercury retro is reminding us that true power comes from self-trust.
Let’s get to the basics of what to do during a Mercury retrograde, and what not to do during a Mercury retrograde.
Do:
- Gain some renewed inspiration. Mercury retrogrades can be a really insightful and inspiring time if you are tapping into that creative energy that is brewing.
- Exercise. This Mercury retrograde is happening in Aries, so do like the Aries do when things feel chaotic and get your body moving.
- Communicate with confidence and speak on how you are feeling to prevent any miscommunications.
- Meditate. We need a little more of this calming energy right now.
Don’t:
- Sign any important contracts or deals if you can.
- Travel. If you have to, make sure you plan everything thoroughly and re-check everything before you leave.
- Be impulsive. Impulsion can lead to making irrational decisions right now.
- Take things personally. It’s Mercury retro. Let’s give yourself and everyone else some extra grace during this time.
This Mercury retrograde in Aries is a reality check. It’s here to awaken where your heart has been leading you, and where you may need to rethink some plans and goals. With two eclipses happening during this Mercury retrograde, a lot is happening right now, and things can get chaotic if you are not centering yourself, focusing on your goals and intentions, and finding the gifts in the present moment.
Mercury in Aries is always a few steps ahead, but in retrograde motion, we may need to feel things out a little more before taking those steps.
Read below to see how this Mercury retrograde transit will be affecting you. Read for your sun sign and rising sign.
Read your April Mercury retrograde horoscope predictions:
ARIES
This Aries Season is one for the books for you, Aries. Not only is the Sun in your sign, but there is a Solar Eclipse in your sign, as well as Mercury retrograde. When Mercury retrograde is in your own sign, you always feel it a little more than the other signs, and right now, you need some time to get grounded and plan your next steps. Your personal and professional goals are being looked at right now, and you are figuring out where you can experience a new beginning financially and personally.
This Mercury retrograde is reminding you of the work you have already done and continue to do, and that it’s not the time to count yourself out yet. New developments are taking place for you, but right now you are making sure all your ducks are in a row first.
TAURUS
You are walking away from an old way of doing things right now, Taurus. This Mercury retrograde for you is about putting your heart first and taking your emotional well-being as the highest priority in your life. With this Mercury retrograde happening in your 12th house of closure, you are seeking just that right now. The past may be coming up for you more during this transit, so just remember that oftentimes this happens for a chance at healing, rather than to let someone back into your life.
This isn’t the time to entertain the past or see things better than they were, but it is a time of reflection and learning the lessons. What’s being brought up for you now is doing so so that you can release, replenish, and renew. Get some time away during this Mercury retrograde, and allow yourself the space to process and heal.
GEMINI
This Mercury retrograde is bringing clarity and emotional nourishment into your life, Gemini. You are taking a look at the big picture right now and finding your way through the love that you are ready to embrace in your life. Friendships, support systems, and your community are all highlighted, and you are overcoming feeling misunderstood or separated from those spaces you want to be immersed in more. There could be some miscommunication within friendships and social networks right now as you think about who your people are, and where you are feeling supported within your friendships and community.
Past goals, future goals, and the progress of them all come up for review for you during this time. Communicate from the heart, nourish the connections and friendships that feel good for you, and give yourself a break from always having to say the right thing or be the person you think others want you to be. This Mercury retrograde is helping you align with your freedom.
CANCER
This Mercury retrograde is helping you tap into your inner muse, Cancer. Your emotions are highlighted right now, but so are your goals and the life you want to lead. Your career and professional goals may feel a little more confusing or chaotic for you now as more pressure is being added to this area of your life. Your guidance for this time is to get creative with what you can do here and to trust that you have it in your heart to build new connections and embrace new opportunities in your professional world.
This is a good time to gain clarity and plan out some of the new goals you want to achieve this year, but to also look back on the past work done and pat yourself on the back for all that you have already achieved and accomplished in life. Be your biggest cheerleader right now and don’t wait for anyone to give you approval first.
LEO
This Mercury retrograde is reminding you to not get too ahead of things before you have truly grasped the implication of them, Leo. There is a lot to confront and deal with during this retrograde transit, and an open mind is needed to navigate this time. With this Mercury retrograde happening in your 9th house of expansion and travel, some extra precaution should be taken if you have any travel plans during this time, and know that detours may be necessary.
Overall, it’s about the perspectives you are choosing and which ones you are letting go of right now. Your peace of mind and clarity of heart are the priority, and it’s a good time to be out in nature, get some space from the busyness of life, and trust that you are being led to where you need to be.
VIRGO
Life is coming together for you in a new way right now, Virgo. This Mercury retrograde will be happening in your 8th house of commitments, shared finances, resources, and rebirth. You are moving through a time of change, but are overall able to see where the success is and can be in your life, and how to move closer to that. This is the time to find the balance between giving and receiving and to put some extra care and attention towards your finances and commitments.
How you are feeling within holds great importance to what you are experiencing outside of you, and you are bridging that gap right now and claiming your abundance in the process. Life is coming full circle for you during this Mercury retrograde, and you are finding out what success and connection truly mean for you today.
LIBRA
Value your time, value your energy, and value your heart, Libra. With this Mercury retrograde happening in the sign opposite of yours, your love life is being highlighted during this time. It can feel a little more difficult to maintain your balance in your close relationships during this retrograde, and misunderstandings here are more likely. Give yourself and others the space to figure things out and allow more love to fill in those spaces where pain has been.
Things may be turning out differently than expected, but they are overall leading you to more nourishing and safe spaces in love and your one-on-one partnerships. This Mercury retrograde for you overall is a reminder that you deserve to receive the love you give, and letting go of codependency habits or relationships will help you get there.
SCORPIO
This Mercury retrograde is a time for you to plan, rethink, and re-coordinate your next steps, Scorpio. Timing is of the essence, but you may need some more of it before you have the full picture needed to see your previous plans through. Know that divine intervention is at play right now, and this is a good time to focus on taking care of your health, creating a good daily routine, and moving away from doing things just to do them.
The answers you are looking for may need some more time to come through right now, and by listening to your body you can better connect to the lessons of it all. By the time this Mercury retrograde is over and Mercury is direct again, you are going to have a better idea of what gifts are being offered to you, and why you needed a pause or a break before you were able to receive them.
SAGITTARIUS
It’s time to focus on your perspective, the beauty in your life, and where your heart has been needing to heal, Sagittarius. This Mercury retrograde for you is an eye-opening time for your relationships, hobbies, passions, and self-expression; and a time when you may feel the need to hold onto things tighter when you need to let go more. Know that decisions made from the heart will feel good for you when you make them, and fear-based decisions are going to feel more restrictive and heavy.
Weigh out all options and possible paths, and choose from the heart rather than what you fear you may lose. Overall, you are getting a new perspective on what your heart needs and on what is going to make you truly happy in life right now. This Mercury retrograde is helping you make better decisions for yourself and your future.
CAPRICORN
You are gaining some clarity on the support systems in your life, and where you can feel more secure here, Capricorn. This Mercury retrograde will be moving through your 4th house of home, family, foundations, and emotional well-being, and it’s helping you create a new beginning here. You may be feeling more pressure in the home or your time and energy may be needed more from your loved ones, and you are being guided to only take on the things you can truly emotionally handle right now.
This is a good time to spend more time around the people who make you feel more nourished rather than emotionally drained and to recognize the need for more companionship in your life. This Mercury retrograde may emotionally rock the boat for you a little, but overall, you are aligning with the work that needs to be done and who you want by your side through it all.
AQUARIUS
Honor your strength, be patient with yourself, and communicate your needs, Aquarius. During this Mercury retrograde, you can feel more confused about where things are and where they are headed, and you need some time to gain some inner clarity. Perspectives are changing, and people around you are changing, but it’s up to you to define who you are, what you stand for, and what you want to speak about.
Communication channels may feel more heavy for you right now and it’s important to let go of the things that don’t benefit your mental health. Take a social media detox, read a good book, journal your thoughts when you are feeling lost, meditate when you need to feel more grounded, and trust that this too shall pass, Aquarius. Your strength is needed during this time.
PISCES
This Mercury retrograde is bringing things to fruition and giving you clarity on your personal finances, Pisces. How you value your time, energy, and skill set are being highlighted now, and you are being reminded that your worth is based upon what you place on it. When you can celebrate yourself more and see yourself as the successful and worthy being you are, you show people how they should treat you, and you align with that source of abundance.
You are building a new experience for yourself financially right now, and this Mercury retrograde is clearing away what’s been in the way of that. Connect with people who love and support you when you are feeling low or incapable, and remember that you are so much more loved and supported than you know. This Mercury retrograde for you is the next step towards greater financial freedom.
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Tayler Barakat is a Mystic who has studied Astrology for over a decade. She does intuitive astrology and tarot readings for people all over the world, and her work focuses on healing and empowering individuals. Follow her on Instagram @taylerbarakat_ and check out her website www.listentothevirgo.com.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
The Common Denominator Is You. So, Why Do You Keep Choosing The Wrong Men?
Everywhere you go, there you are. It’s one of those popular sayings (kind of like “It is what it is”) that I find myself using a lot, especially when I’m in sessions with my clients. Why? Well, it’s kind of likean article that I once read that pretty much said our culture likes to play the toxic game of blaming other people because it’s an easy way to deflect from personal accountability (check out “What It Actually Means To 'Hold Yourself Accountable'”). So true, so true,
Well, another way of saying “everywhere you go, there you are” is using the math term “common denominator” — and today, what we’re going to attempt to tackle is, why is it that some of us, if we stepped back a moment to take a very real and honest assessment of our dating life, do we always end up with the same kind of guy? One who really isn’t the best for us; sometimes, not even close.
Before getting into some questions that I think can help you get to the answer, let me just say that this is definitely one of the kinds of pieces that may step on at least your pinky toe before it’s all said and done. At the same time, although this might not be the most comfortable of reads, keep in mind what the late poet, singer, and publisher Tuli Kupferberg once said, “When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge.”
And so, if when it comes to the caliber of men you’ve dated, what you’ve been doing is revealing that your pattern is not really working for your ultimate good, spend a bit of time trying to unpack just why that could be the case — why, at the end of the day, you truly are the common denominator in it all.
How Self-Aware Are You?
About five years ago, I penned an article for the site entitled “These Are The Things Self-Aware People Do Daily.” You know, of all of the things to be in this life, prioritizing self-awareness is king because self-aware people do things like hold themselves accountable, know their strengths and weaknesses, identify their triggers, have good boundaries, self-reflect, pay attention to their own “blind spots” — and they can — eh hem — take feedback and constructive criticism pretty well.
That last one? If you’re constantly in a hamster wheel or even a cul-de-sac when it comes to men, be honest with yourself: did your family, friends, hell, even your co-workers warn you about some of the guys you dated, and you found yourself either defending, deflecting or getting offended? Yeah, self-aware people don’t get down like that because they would rather have peace and be wrong than act like they are always right and remain in chaos.
So yeah, if you’re always in some foolishness or even in relationships that are simply a counterproductive waste of time, pondering how self-aware you actually are is a really good place to start. Self-reflect. Know your weaknesses. Listen to what others have to say about your tendencies. All of this can do you a whole lot of good.
How Humble Are You?
Society is a wild place, boy. The reason why I say that is because, while it’s out here acting like humility is a bad thing, Scripture says, “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4) And why is humility such a vital spiritual attribute? Because, when you’re humble — you’re grateful; you’re teachable; you’re open to seeing things outside of your own perspective; you’re compassionate and empathetic; you’re flexible; you’re forgiving, and you’re able to release your ego so that you can accept what you need over what you want.
What you need over what you want. Chile, if that doesn’t keep some people in cyclic stuff, I honestly don’t know what does. There’s a client that I have right now who only contacts me when she’s basically blown up her life because she constantly gets caught up in a man’s looks and bedroom performance. When I tell her that she needs to stop making that #1 and #2 of things to look for in a relationship, she “uh-huh's” me and then does what she wants to do anyway — only for it to end up wreaking all sorts of havoc…again.
It’s another message for another time about how some of us could stand to look within to see if wanting a fine man above all else is more about validating some deep-rooted insecurities that we have about our own looks (ouch). For now, I’ll just say that if your ego is out here telling you that looks and sexual performance should trump things like character and consistency, it is LYING to you. If you chose to heed the humble side of yourself, you would know that.
And this actually brings me to my next question.
How Stuck Are You in Your “Type”?
The reason why I wrote “According To Experts, We All Have A ‘Type’” back in the day is because it’s true — pretty much all of us have a type which is pretty much a preference; there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that either. At the same time, I’m advising, from very up close and personal experience, that it’s a good idea to spend some time pondering “the origin story” of where your type came from.
Me? I’m always gonna be down for a very tall, hella chocolate, basketball (or soccer) build Black man. However, I’m a sexual abuse survivor and my molester looked a lot like that, so during the healing process of what he did to me, I had to factor in his influence. Plus, my first love also fits the physical mold and he definitely had quite an impact on my life. So…see what I mean? My type didn’t just come out of nowhere. Yes, sometimes your type may have some trauma or drama attached to it. And yes, that might be really uncomfortable to think about; still, that doesn’t mean it’s not true.
Now my late fiancé? He was right at about 6’ and, complexion-wise, he was lighter than I am. He treated me better than most of the men of my past, though — and even though he definitely pursued me for a while to get me to consider us beyond being friends, because I took a risk outside of my type, I learned what it was like to be loved in a healthy way. And what that did for me was it taught me to remain open outside of my standard type. I still like a tall-ass Godiva man, chile (and don’t let him have a beard and be in a tailored suit!). I don’t limit myself to that package, though. To do so would be severely limiting — potentially tragic even.
How Healed Are You?
“Healed” is a word that comes up A LOT in the social media space. When it comes to relationships, specifically, it’s important to ask yourself if you are healed from your past because, if you aren’t, you very well could be reliving it over and over…and over again, whether you realize it (or choose to accept it) or not.
Just so that we’re all on the same page, the word “heal” means things like healthy, sound, and whole. Synonyms for the word include improve, restore, mend, soothe, and rehabilitate. Signs that you have healed from past hurts of a relationship (or a series of relationships) include you don’t think of them with anger or bitterness; you can see the silver linings from the experience; you’ve forgiven them for things that they did wrong (or that simply hurt you — and no, that’s not always one and the same), and you don’t pick (or avoid) other people to be in your life solely based on what someone else did to you.
What I mean by that last one is an unhealed woman may say something like, “I don’t want to do [such and such] for a first date. That’s what my ex liked to do.” The new guy isn’t him, so why does he have to be beholden to your past? Or, “I don’t trust men who won’t let me go through their phone. That’s how I found out my ex was cheating.” You know, for all of the women who like to play a non-animated form ofInspector Gadget (the real ones know), they sure don’t want their phones inspected as much as they like to do all of the inspecting. SMDH. Anyway, I don’t go through phones. For what? I don’t pay the bill and I’m not anyone’s parent. And so, your next guy not preferring it either? That doesn’t automatically mean that he’s up to no good — he may just want his boundaries respected. An unhealed person may not accept that. A healed one tends to, though.
And how can being unhealed play a direct role in you choosing the same guys over and over again? It’s weird because, sometimes you will go back to what’s familiar to you — because the new guy is such a risk, you’d prefer to “stick to the devil you know” than take a chance on someone who rolls very differently. It’s a cryptic way of remaining the common denominator in your dating dynamics. Oh, but it happens all of the time, chile.
What Makes a Man WRONG for You? Specifically?
Okay, with a lot of the inner work out of the way, how do you even come to the conclusion that someone (or several people) is wrong for you? Because you know what? Once you’ve done some real healing (and serious maturing), you can oftentimes find yourself accepting the fact that just because someone may not be right for you, that doesn’t automatically or necessarily make them a bad person. No, not at all.
Although the word “wrong” can mean that something or someone isn’t morally right, wrong also means things like erroneous, not suitable or appropriate, not in accordance with certain requirements, or — and please catch it — out of order (which sometimes consists of the right thing happening at the wrong time). So, if it does seem like you keep choosing (because it is always a choice; that is also where accountability comes in) men who aren’t appropriate, aren’t in accordance with your needs or standards, or who aren’t what you need at the time — why is that? Is it rooted in fear? Impatience? Settling? What?
I have had enough clients go through this to know that it’s not good enough to be abstract about someone being “wrong” for you. You need to set aside one weekend, get some wine and a fresh journal, and really get into what wrong looks like. For instance, if you keep lowering your standards (which is the wrong thing to do, by definition), why is that? Because no matter how wrong the guy may ultimately turn out to be, what you have to be willing to accept is — again — you chose him. Why do you choose what’s wrong? Because, more times than not, some red (or at least orange) flags were waving long before the relationship came crashing down; oftentimes, they reveal themselves within the first couple of dates. You just chose to ignore them.
One more.
Do You Know a Good Man When You See One? You Sure?
As we close all of this out, when you get a chance, please check out “Question: Is The Man In Your Life Good 'TO' You? Good 'FOR' You? Or...Both?” Learning the difference between “to” and “for” took my own relational processing to an entirely new and freeing level. And you know what? Back to the healing point, another way to know that you’ve healed is you don’t generalize men. Meaning, that if you’re out here declaring that there aren’t any good ones, that’s not true; you’re just jaded (I mean, it’s the truth), and that head and energy space is affecting your judgment and perspective.
That said, if you’re constantly selecting the wrong men, ask yourself if you even know what a good man looks like (cue India.Arie’s “Good Man”). Again, by definition, good means things like morally excellent, right, kind, friendly, benevolent, educated, financially sound (not rich, stable and responsible…goodness), genuine, reliable, dependable, responsible, attractive, warm, intimate — satisfactory to the purpose (yes, that’s a literal definition).
For a man to be good for you, you need to know what purpose he is to serve at this particular point in your life because if, for example, all men seem to do, in your eyes, is use you for sex, why are you prioritizing sex over an emotional connection if the latter is the purpose that you seek right now? A lot of women can stop being the common denominator when it comes to choosing the wrong man if they 1) become the good that they seek and 2) do not betray the purpose behind why they even desire a relationship in the first place.
____
I know. When things aren’t going your way when it comes to matters of the heart, it can be easy to always say it’s the man’s fault. If there’s a pattern, though, please be a bit more self-reflective than that.
Once you do, you’d be amazed by how much about you shifts — to where the wrong guys can’t even get close to you, in the way that they used to, anymore.
Because you cease to be the “common denominator” you once were.
And how wonderful is that?
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