Gen-Z warn 'don't text your ex' as Mercury goes into retrograde for the first time in 2024 - so, what does it mean for you?

Has your life descended into chaos? Or perhaps you've started feeling nostalgic, or even want to change your entire look after going through a bit of an identity crisis?

No, it's not random - Mercury is once again in retrograde, and Gen Z are flocking to social media to warn others and prepare themselves for the potentially turbulent time ahead.

Roughly four times a year, for a three-week period, Mercury goes into retrograde - which means that it appears to stop and go backwards in the sky - and during that time, many people believe that the planet's movements can make things in their life go amiss. 

From getting fired at work to facing problems in their love lives, plenty of people are convinced that the cosmic event can spark a slew of misfortunes - some even claim they make decisions that they wouldn't usually do in this time, so they avoid big choices altogether.

Here, FEMAIL looks at what the world is saying as Mercury goes into retrograde for the first time in 2024.

Roughly four times a year, for a three-week period, Mercury goes into retrograde - which means that it appears to stop and go backwards in the sky

The planet began its apparent backwards motion on April 1 and will continue until April 24, with this retrograde being in the sign of Aries.

What's more, an astrologer has warned that this Mercury retrograde may cause even more mayhem than usual - since it is taking place during the eclipse season. 

Eli Rallo, an influencer from the US, took to TikTok to warn her 822,000 followers to be careful of what they do during this time - and to warn them not to text their ex.

In a video seen by more than 1.6 million people, posted under her handle @elirallo, she talked through her tips for the season.

She said: 'I'm gonna tell you some dos and don'ts okay? This s*** is real. Women in STEM, planets, science, listen to me.

'You might be feeling nostalgic, sad, you might be feeling like you want to reach out to an ex or to a friend who was toxic.

'Don't do it - wait until April 25. Why? Because naturally during a retrograde, you're going to feel more nostalgic, more attached to the past, more reflective about the past, and that might make you feel like you want to reach out to someone who you have no business reaching out to.

'You can wait 24 days, I know you can, they will still be there. If possible, you might wanna put off making any big life choices, just because it will feel like lots of things are going wrong.'

Eli Rallo, an influencer from the US, took to TikTok to warn her 822,000 followers to be careful of what they do during this time

The American added: 'You might have technological difficulties or glitches, you might just be getting frustrated with things not going your way and having difficulties with everyday tasks.

'It's just a better idea to not make any big life changes or decisions if possible, sign any big contracts, if you can.

'With that all said, it is a really good time to reflect and think about how things have been going in your life and things that you want to change.

'Decide how you're feeling about your life, what's working what's not. When things go wrong and you get frustrated, ask yourself questions about it and interrogate it. It's a great time to get nostalgic and really get in your feels.'

She ended the clip by promising: 'Once we're on the other side of this, we're going to be feeling lovely, stunning, gorgeous, beautiful. If you're feeling s***** today, Mercury is in retrograde babes, we're going to get through it together.'

Shocked commenters quipped: 'So is that why I was crying last night?! Just wondering' and 'Oh so crying 4 times yesterday makes sense now'.

A third warned: 'I reached out. DON'T. Do not. Stop. Dooooon't. Stay strong out there folks'.

Meanwhile, a fourth admitted: 'I literally was just talking about how nostalgic I’ve felt all day,' and a fifth remarked: 'Yeah I’m feeling like 7 different types of ways today'.

Others questioned: 'Uhhh I need a new job so do I just wait until April 24?' and 'Lol getting married literally on Friday …. Oops'. 

In a video seen by more than 1.6 million people, posted under her handle @elirallo, she talked through her tips for the season

Shocked commenters quipped: 'So is that why I was crying last night?! Just wondering' and 'Oh so crying 4 times yesterday makes sense now'

Users on X (formerly Twitter) have also been issuing warnings about the planet visually changing direction and how it can affect you in more ways than one.

Someone insisted: 'I don’t wanna see anyone downplaying the effects of a Mercury retrograde again because it proved itself with this one.'

A second agreed: 'Over the next few weeks, I have to be extra intentional about reminding myself not to take what others say and do personally because we’re in eclipse season and Mercury Retrograde. Nothing really makes sense right now.'

A third joked: 'They got extra retrograde in this Mercury Retrograde I see,' with a fourth questioning: 'Mercury retrograde got everybody showing they a** omg why is everyone arguing?'

One user who doesn't seem to be affected, wrote: 'This Mercury retrograde really helped me see that I don’t miss anyone from my past. Like I don’t miss a soul, the growth!'

Meanwhile, another user reasoned: 'Arguments during a Mercury retrograde are funny, because usually both people are right in some way'.

Someone else issued some guidance, writing: 'My main Mercury Retrograde advice is to stop and think first, and think HARD, then ask yourself is it worth a reaction? 

'Is it worth getting all riled up? Is it worth cussing them out? How can you handle this in a way that you still come out on top without having to explode?'

Users on X (formerly Twitter) have also been issuing warnings about the planet visually changing direction and how it can affect you in more ways than one

Another chimed in with: 'Mercury retrograde starts today, we all just need to just shut up and stay quiet'.

'Y'all it's only the 3rd day of April and Mercury Retrograde is already coming for my head. I'm trying to control my attitude, and anger,' admitted one social media user. 

The warnings come just after yesterday's solar eclipse - the biggest astronomical event of the decade.

The rare event occurred as the moon moved directly between the sun and the Earth, resulting in some amazing photo opportunities.

However, Americans reported bizarre physical and mental alignments leading up to and during Monday's solar eclipse. 

Called 'eclipse sickness,' the symptoms have included headaches, fatigue, changes in menstrual cycles and insomnia.

While NASA has said there is no evidence linking human health and the solar eclipse, studies have found that the celestial event can impact animals - specifically dogs that may appear anxious.

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon and the sun line up perfectly and the moon is close enough to us to cover the whole of the sun, from our perspective.

The last to appear in the US was in 2017 and the next is set for August 23, 2044.