So what is Mercury retrograde good for, I hear you ask? Every difficult planetary aspect has a silver lining and this week’s is splendid for reinventing yourself, bringing curiosity to your game, exploring novelty, enjoying differences and agreeing to disagree. Here’s your weekly horoscope April 8-14, 2024.

Aries, Mar 21 – Apr 19

The potent mix of sun, Venus, Mercury, Chiron and new moon eclipse in Aries on 8 April invites the spirit of forgiveness into a beautiful opportunity for you to move forward. Make a vow not to spoil now by continually referencing then, and stop relitigating tired old issues. 

Taurus, Apr 20 – May 20

Taurans know how to exercise cruise control, which this week could definitely benefit from. A bulldozer approach is only likely to arouse resistance in the current assertive climate, so don’t underestimate the power of a lighter touch, which will be quickly understood and easily appreciated. 

Gemini, May 21 – Jun 20

Your Gemini twin selves often have differing agendas. Gregarious Outgoing Twin’s a party animal, but if your rhythm feels more reclusive right now, and you feel less like being locked into social or group commitments, then let Inner Twin have its say this week, and go with that. 

Cancer, Jun 21 – Jul 22

This month’s turbo-charged, game-changing, fresh-start new moon eclipse on 8 April could reenergize something that’s been flagging into an elegant contemporary rebirth. However, be advised that taking the initiative on what matters to you might require leaving a piece of your old life behind.   

Leo, Jul 23 – Aug 22

If your impatience starts breaking the speed limit this week, don’t yell at the customer service person. Yes, these are trying times but noblesse oblige, your majesty. Focus on upgrading your emotional communication skills, let your naturally kind heart be your guide, enjoy your reward of warmth and gratitude.

Virgo, Aug 23 – Sep 22

Every planetary retrograde contains a hidden gift, often not immediately apparent, and your mentor Mercury’s no exception. So if this week’s plans hit a speed bump or setback and you’re forced to slow down, things which wouldn’t normally be on your radar get their chance to be noticed.

Libra, Sep 23 – Oct 22

This week’s cosmic combination challenges you to assert yourself and not settle for the sake of peace. To bust out of your usual grooves, brush the dust off some old moves, broaden your world view and explore the opportunities on offer for new experiences with new people in new places.

Scorpio, Oct 23 – Nov 21

As the current Neptune/Saturn/Pluto pattern continues refining group involvements, some friendships you’ve outgrown may dissolve so that you can lay the past to rest and step more fully into the ever-evolving present. Reconnecting with old friends could spark new opportunities this week.

Sagittarius, Nov 22 – Dec 21

If people, places, ideas or activities you used to love have lost their magnetic pull, focus on finding the fine line between truthful and tactful in this week’s discussions. With impetuous Mercury in his most foot-in-mouth mode, it’s so worth zipping the lip and editing before uttering.

Capricorn, Dec 22 – Jan 19

Mercury retrograde in the sign of fresh starts could see a blast from the past re-emerge for another round, or a decision to revive an old favourite, give a tired relationship a seasonal refresh, start a personal style makeover, or simply withdraw for some timely reevaluating, reconsidering and culling.

Aquarius, Jan 20 – Feb 18

This week’s individualistic energetics and activities might have you finding smaller, even one on one, connections more rewarding rather than your trademark Aquarian communal groups. If this tricky week is taxing on the nerves, you’re an air sign, so soothe frayed neurons by getting plenty of the fresh kind.

Pisces, Feb 18 – Mar 20

As energetic Mars and sensible Saturn in your sign continue their stop/go push/pull tug of war between fantasy and fact, wishful thinking and what might be practically possible, wisest advice is likely to come from planetary expert Saturn, who’s refining this year’s interactive dance between Me and We.