Mercury retrograde, that pesky astro event famous for turning well-traveled routes of travel and discourse into obstacle courses of delays and detours, is back. And that means schedules are likely to change and then, change again, simple chores become Herculean tasks and frustration clouds the day. Well, maybe it's not that bad. After all, Mercury retrograde is an opportunity to slow down and pay attention to the details. But the problem with this retrograde is that it takes place alongside other planetary influences, all of which want action, and the energetic clash creates a stressful dissonance. The remedy for this astro pressure is mental and emotional flexibility, so when possible, be willing to stretch—a lot.

Mercury began its retrograde yesterday and that seemingly backward motion continues until April 30th. Mercury rules communication and travel, and when it "turns around" all things within that large domain tend to go a little screwy. Do expect to repeat yourself—even if you've been clear. Also anticipate strange events with mail of every ilk. If you're traveling, leave plenty of room for unexpected time at the security gate. Life doesn't stop because Mercury changes its course, and when Mercury retraces its path our time is best spent reexamining our own. Make the most of this phase by being willing to revisit the details of plans and projects already in motion, rather than trying to initiate something new. Mercury goes retrograde in a sextile to Uranus, the planet of surprises, which means some of this review reveals startling information.

A Mars-Jupiter square is still encouraging excess activity and that makes it difficult to say "no" even when you know you won't be able to deliver. Unfortunately, it won't be easy staying realistic, because a Mars-Neptune trine is simultaneously encouraging fantastic plans. But that's not all. Today, Uranus and Jupiter begin an opposition that also generates an air of exaggeration. As this opposition provokes an "even more" philosophy, you could be tempted to abandon a practical approach for a much grander, but slightly wacky, scheme.

And there's more. A trine between Pluto in Sagittarius and the Sun in Aries powers up a desire for success and an equally strong intention to be in control of both the process and the outcome. Positive support between fire signs sparks passion and ignites action. But because Mercury retrograde is not the best time to initiate new projects, the heat of this trine is likely to smolder with frustration.

While Mercury retrograde cycles are a hassle, Mercury retrograde is not the devil, so don't let it steal your sense of humor. If you meet a snafu you can't handle, just call time out and take a mental health break until you feel ready to try again.