Venus & Mercury Retrograde 2025: The Pisces-Aries Crossover and Revisiting the Unfinished

Feb 20

Given the themes of transition, reflection, and mystery, *Isle of the Dead* (Arnold Böcklin) is a perfect visual representation of Venus and Mercury retrograding back into Pisces, meeting Neptune at the threshold of the unknown. Just as the solitary figure drifts toward an uncertain fate, we, too, may feel like we are revisiting old memories, loves, and dreams that blur the boundaries between past and present, illusion and reality.

A Double Retrograde Through Pisces & Aries

We’re about to enter a period of deep review as Venus and Mercury both retrograde in March and April 2025, pulling focus to themes introduced during their respective pre-shadow phases. This is not just any ol’ retrograde cycle. This one carries the weight of Neptune’s influence, bringing confusion, revelations, and re-evaluations in both personal and collective matters.

The Venus Retrograde Cycle

Pre-shadow began: January 28, 2025
Retrograde starts: March 1, 2025 (in Aries)
Re-enters Pisces: March 26, 2025
Conjuncts Neptune in Pisces: March 26-28, 2025
Retrograde ends: April 12, 2025
Post-shadow ends: May 17, 2025

Venus retrogrades once every 18 months, bringing a period of reflection on love, money, values, and aesthetics. This one is significant because it moves from Aries (direct, passionate, independent) into Pisces (intuitive, dissolving, romantic), emphasizing a shift from self-assertion to surrender. Whatever starts around late January will resurface for reevaluation. With Venus conjunct Neptune near the end of its retrograde, themes of illusion, idealism, and deception will peak, whether in relationships, finances, or collective affairs. The last time this happened was March-April 2017 and before that, March and April 2009. Looking to themes that played out over those periods may help you anticipate this cycle.

The Mercury Retrograde Cycle

Pre-shadow begins: February 28, 2025
Retrograde starts: March 15, 2025 (in Aries)
Re-enters Pisces: March 29, 2025
Conjuncts Neptune in Pisces: March 29-30, 2025
Retrograde ends: April 7, 2025
Post-shadow ends: April 23, 2025

Mercury retrograde is about revisiting thoughts, ideas, and communication patterns. This one will heavily emphasize the Pisces-Aries axis, meaning mental fog, miscommunications, and revising decisions made hastily during Aries season. The Mercury-Neptune conjunction at the end of March may bring mass confusion, misinformation, and surreal experiences, whether in media, personal conversations, or collective narratives.

Mundane Astrology: Collective Themes & The Year Ahead

This double retrograde cycle foreshadows the larger movement of Saturn and Neptune into Aries later in the year, marking the end of Neptune’s long stay in Pisces (since 2011) and Saturn’s final months in the sign.

What This Means on a Collective Scale

Confusion and Disillusionment: Venus and Mercury both hitting Neptune will blur reality, making it harder to distinguish truth from fiction. Expect mass miscommunication in politics, media, and financial markets.
Revisiting Past Conflicts: Aries energy reignites old battles, and with Neptune involved, there may be revisionist history or misleading narratives.
Financial and Artistic Reevaluations: Venus retrograde can bring economic volatility, renegotiations in trade, or market corrections. In Pisces, this could affect industries related to oil, pharmaceuticals, and the arts.
Relationships and Power Struggles: Aries demands autonomy, while Pisces seeks dissolution. This could reflect power struggles in leadership or major public figures stepping down or being exposed.
Spiritual & Religious Controversies: With Neptune and the North Node involved, we may see a rise in religious or ideological movements, some of which could be deceptive in nature.

Later in 2025, Saturn and Neptune will also go retrograde and re-enter Pisces, ensuring that themes from this Venus/Mercury cycle don’t fully resolve but return in a different form.

What This Means (broadly) for Each Rising Sign

Both Venus and Mercury will retrograde between Pisces and Aries, activating two different areas of life. The themes from their pre-shadow periods (Jan 28 and Feb 28) will resurface for revision and completion.

Aries Rising (12th & 1st House)

You’re confronting your subconscious and personal identity. Venus and Mercury in Aries have you rethinking how you present yourself, but the backslide into Pisces forces deep internal reflection. Hidden fears, old habits, and self-destructive tendencies resurface. By April, you’ll be emerging with a clearer sense of identity.

Taurus Rising (11th & 12th House)

Friendships, long-term goals, and community ties are up for review. Venus in Aries starts with a focus on social connections, but when it slips into Pisces, unresolved matters from the past may reappear. Secrets could surface about your alliances, and you may feel a need to retreat or distance yourself from certain groups.

Gemini Rising (10th & 11th House)

Your career and public image are front and center. Venus and Mercury begin in Aries, bringing ambition, but as they shift back into Pisces, you’ll be forced to address hidden dynamics at work. Authority figures and professional relationships could bring confusion. Be wary of false promises in business and networking.

Cancer Rising (9th & 10th House)

Your beliefs, higher education, and career direction come into question. Plans for travel, publishing, or learning may be delayed or reconsidered. As the retrogrades slip into Pisces, the focus shifts to long-term ambitions and your role in the public sphere. Be cautious of misleading career opportunities.

Leo Rising (8th & 9th House)

Money, shared resources, and deeper emotional matters demand your attention. Venus and Mercury in Aries push you toward financial independence, but the retrogrades in Pisces bring hidden debts, inheritances, or power struggles into focus. Be cautious with investments and loans.

Virgo Rising (7th & 8th House)

Relationships, both personal and financial, are under review. You may question commitments or renegotiate agreements. Venus and Mercury in Pisces highlight deeper emotional and financial entanglements. Avoid jumping to conclusions in love or business partnerships.

Libra Rising (6th & 7th House)

Work, health, and partnerships require a second look. Old workplace dynamics or unresolved health issues may reappear. Venus and Mercury in Pisces will challenge your relationship expectations—are you prioritizing others over yourself? Clear communication is necessary in personal and professional partnerships.

Scorpio Rising (5th & 6th House)

Your creative pursuits and routines are in flux. Venus and Mercury in Aries push you toward self-expression, but Pisces energy slows progress, forcing reflection on your daily habits and responsibilities. Health concerns may resurface, or a past romantic situation could return.

Sagittarius Rising (4th & 5th House)

Your home, family, and personal joy are shifting. Aries brings motivation to pursue passions, but as Venus and Mercury retrograde into Pisces, home and family matters require attention. Old emotional wounds could resurface, demanding healing before moving forward.

Capricorn Rising (3rd & 4th House)

Communication and home life require re-evaluation. Aries brings directness in conversations, but the Pisces retrogrades suggest miscommunication or forgotten details surfacing. Be cautious of signing contracts and double-check travel plans.

Aquarius Rising (2nd & 3rd House)

Financial and communication matters are unstable. Venus and Mercury in Aries bring new ideas for income, but the retrogrades into Pisces signal hidden costs or delays. Rethink spending habits, and avoid large financial commitments.

Pisces Rising (1st & 2nd House)

Your identity and self-worth are up for review. Venus and Mercury in Aries encourage independence, but their retrogrades demand internal reflection before taking action. Avoid self-sabotaging behaviors and reassess how you value yourself.

Copper Marie