Why This Week’s Mercury Retrograde Could Have You Feeling Like You’re in (Extra) Slow Motion

This week, the first Mercury retrograde period of 2019 kicks off—and if you think the "what can go wrong will go wrong" periods are usually challenging, get ready for some extra slowdowns. Why? It's paired with the energy of the new moon in Pisces, which has its own swimming-upstream vibe. Combined, the two could make for an arduous (but illuminating!) week—astrologer Jennifer Racioppi gives the full cosmic 4-1-1 below, along with the hidden opportunities you can take advantage of. (Mercury retrograde isn't all bad, you know.)

Monday, March 4

As above, so below. With the cosmos making quite a few hairpin turns, your life may feel dramatically impacted. So, check in with yourself. Are your behaviors aligned with what you say you want? Where aren’t you in sync with your truth? What’s the universe pointing out for you to learn? With the moon waning dark while traveling through Aquarius, consider how you can maximize your time. What behaviors and dynamics are you ready to surrender? Focus on your top priorities and let the rest go! In the words of The Happiness Project author Gretchen Rubin, “The days are long, but the years are short.” To that point, despite challenges, make each day count.

Tuesday, March 5

Today Mercury, the planet of communication, stations retrograde, officially commencing the first Mercury retrograde period of 2019. While many fear Mercury retrograde cycles (yes, they often feel dreadfully annoying) the truth is they assist by helping us refine our efforts. The next three weeks are a great time to revisit and review work from the past before pushing forward into the next chapter. Similarly, if you find yourself amidst a major initiative driving forward, stay open to the resurgence of people and opportunities from long ago, too. No doubt this period will bring grueling emotions to the surface—hello, impatience and fear of not being good enough. Our job, though, is to stay kind and loving regardless. With Mercury retrograde in mutable-water, Neptune-ruled Pisces, embracing sobriety proves incredibly fruitful now, too, since alcohol may cloud decision making and thought processes even more. Consider making March a dry month.

Wednesday, March 6

One day after Mercury stations retrograde, we have a new moon in Pisces. This new moon happens at 11:53 a.m. Eastern at 15 degrees of Pisces. At this time, the sun and moon conjoin mystical Neptune, too, amplifying the Piscean influence even more. Pisces, which is known to induce dreamlike states and enhance our spirituality, can also make things feel tired and confusing too. Amplifying this even more, it occurs on the heels of Mercury stationing retrograde—and (drum roll, please) Uranus’ entrance into Taurus. Meaning: This cacophony of a day might leave you craving extra sleep.

Pisces, which is known to induce dreamlike states and enhance our spirituality, can also make things feel tired and confusing too.

To meet this need (if you can), under-schedule yourself and allow for adequate self-care. A long and luscious meditation practice, a yin or restorative yoga session, and new moon ritual go a long way today. Thankfully, Saturn (the planet of discipline and focus) forms a beautiful sextile to this new moon, enhancing it quite a bit. However, with an ongoing square between Neptune and Jupiter, emotional needs (yours or those of others) could feel overwhelming. Take it easy and go slow. Uranus, the planet of evolution and change, moves into Taurus. This major transit might feel very startling—another reason to under-schedule yourself on this day.

Thursday, March 7

New moon hangover, who dis? Yesterday’s intensity may leave you feeling drained. If so, take your adaptogenic herbs if that's your jam, make sure you are eating well, and possibly even schedule an acupuncture appointment. More importantly though, with the new moon portal still fully open, be sure to take time today to anchor into your dreams and intentions for this lunar cycle. Pisces, after all, represents our most spiritually aligned aspirations. Now’s the time to embrace your healing practices in all earnest and forgive where needed.

Friday, March 8

The moon now waxing crescent in Aries might introduce an air of impatience to the day. Don’t take the bait. Instead, plant your feet on the ground, conjure self-control, and listen to your intuition. With Uranus in Taurus until 2025, we need to temper our desire for immediate change. Uranus, after all, highlights all things radical. And Taurus, a fixed earth sign, moves slow—very slow. Combine these two, and we’ll experience broad sweeping changes to how we relate to the earth, our body, and our food over the next several years. And we can’t rush it. Hold your vision for the long term while making peace with where you are today. With Mercury retrograde, now's not the time to push.

Saturday, March 9

As the moon continues to wax all day in Aries, get to the gym (or that upbeat cardio class of any kind) and sweat it out. Take full exhales, detoxifying your body via exercise. The sun sextiles Saturn today too. Yes! Meaning Saturn's day (aka Saturday) asks you to settle into your purpose. Confused about what your purpose is? Ask yourself this: What do I love? What am I great at? Where do I feel called to serve? Once you find an answer that intersects all three questions, explore it, fully!

Sunday, March 10

Today Mars in Taurus forms an applying trine with Saturn in Capricorn while sextiling the sun and Neptune in Pisces. In English? Today offers grounded, dreamy, potential. Further, with the moon in Taurus, sensual movement that opens up your first and second chakras supports you immensely. So, make a playlist and move your body as needed. Maybe even try a slow flow yoga sequence that helps you tap into your yin meridians. And remember you don’t have to do every self-care technique. Just choose what most resonates for you and ignore the rest!

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women's health—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success.