In astrology, retrogrades refer to the apparent backward movements of planets. While many people do not understand what retrogrades entail, they are among the most feared phenomena in astrology.
Scientifically, we know that all planets move in one direction around the sun, so retrograde is just an illusion. Scientists say it happens because of how the planets orbit the sun.
It has become essential in astrology because each planet moves at different rates. That makes them achieve unique frequency vibrations, influencing how we act, think, and feel.
When planets go retrograde, their power diminishes. While most people consider this a bad thing, it is a period when bad habits are revealed, giving you room for improvement. Therefore, astrologers advise people to slow down, reflect, and rethink their paths.
However, to understand how to take advantage of retrograde cycles, you must know when they occur and what they affect.
Mercury
Mercury is the communication planet, and depending on its placement, its stations can retrograde three or four times a year. Each retrograde can last around three weeks.
When in retrograde, Mercury encourages you to think about how your words affect other people and how people think about you.
Therefore, it is vital to be careful in your communications, when signing essential documents, and when traveling short distances. It would be best also to take time to check your work, ensure there are no errors, have a backup to your technology devices, and practice patience.
Mercury entered 2023 in reverse, and the next retrograde happened between 21st April and 14th or 15th May in stable Taurus. Passing over the fixed earth sign impacted work ethics, possessions, and what people value.
Its next retrograde is expected to happen from 23rd August to 15th September. It will retrograde in fussy Virgo, which determines your daily habits, routines, and reasoning skills. This time could reveal how your dedication to being perfect causes you to fail.
Therefore, while you should continue setting high goals, you must be gentle with yourself if you make mistakes.
The last Mercury retrograde will happen from 12th or 13th December in competitive Capricorn to 1st January 2024 in philosophical Sagittarius. You might make huge future plans during this time.
While you might accomplish everything by the end of the retrograde, your new plans will help you gain perspective and re-prioritize.
Venus
This is the money, love, and beauty planet, and its stations retrograde after around one and a half years, lasting for six weeks. When a Venus retrograde happens, it is time to reconsider what you find beautiful and how you open your heart to love.
It is also an excellent time to face challenges in your relationships and be honest with yourself plus your partner about what you want.
Since your idea of what is beautiful can change during this time, it is best to avoid making new expensive purchases and changes to your appearance or home.
In 2023, the retrograde will happen in demand for Leo between 22nd July and 3rd September. The fire sign might highlight how you show passion in relationships. Old friends or romantic interests might return, but you should focus more on healing from within.
Mars
This is the desire, drive, and energy planet, retrograding around once every 26 months. It is the rarest planetary retrograde and can last around eight to ten weeks.
During this time, you might experience low self-drive, so it is acceptable to do the bare minimum. This is the ideal time to rest and recharge.
The planet entered 2023 in retrograde, which ended on 12th January 2023. The next retrograde will not be until 6th December 2024.
Jupiter
This is the knowledge, luck, and abundance planet whose stations retrograde about once a year for approximately four months. Unlike other planetary retrogrades, a Jupiter retrograde does not mean anything negative in our lives.
Instead, this is a period you should focus on your creative energy and look for ways to give back to your community. It is also an excellent time to manifest your ideals and evaluate how to uplift others.
In 2023, Jupiter will retrograde in a warm-hearted Taurus from 4th September to 30th December. This will help you abandon ideas that don’t align with your vision for peace. It will also be an ideal period to re-evaluate your thinking and consider how your actions affect others.
Saturn
The structure, wisdom, and discipline planet retrogrades around once annually for approximately four and a half months. When that happens, it motivates you to make the rules.
You might also experience some hard karmic lessons to help make you into a more responsible person.
2023 Saturn will retrograde from 17th June to 4th November in sensitive Pisces. When it passes the mutable water sign, it will inspire you to look within, face your shadow self, and come to terms with how you must grow.
That transit could help you connect with your deepest feelings and identify powerful ways to channel your energy into a bright endeavour.
Uranus
This rebellion, technology, and innovation planet retrogrades for roughly five to seven months in a year. When this happens, you might be bored with the norms and find new ways to implement change.
You may become more competitive about your place in the world and have more drive to leave your mark.
In 2023, the retrograde will happen from 28th August to 26th or 27th January 2024 in security-loving Taurus. Passing the fixed earth sign might motivate you to think more about your belongings and where you live, including our planet.
After the retrograde, you will reshape your relationship with your resources to build stronger and smarter models.
Neptune
Neptune is the fantasy, dreams, and illusions planet that retrogrades for around five to six months yearly. When that happens, a veil is lifted, allowing you to view things how they really are.
While that can be scary, it will help you face reality and protect yourself from external forces. After it stations direct, you can enjoy a higher sense of creativity.
Neptune will retrograde from 30th June to 6th December 2023 in sensitive Pisces. As it passes the mutable water sign, it will compel you to get in touch with your feelings. That will help untangle your emotions and clear up confusion in your relationships.
You might be tempted to avoid some truths by adopting negative habits, but you should look for positive ways to distract yourself.
Pluto
Pluto is the subconscious, death, and rebirth planet. Like Neptune, it retrogrades for approximately five to six months annually. This is when you are likely to learn some secrets, forcing you to face some hard truths and learn about power imbalances.
It is also an ideal time to contemplate your role in society and whether you love the person you have become. As it resumes its normal movement, you should abandon anything hindering you from creating a better future.
Pluto retrograde started on 1st May and will last until 10th October 2023. It will begin in idealistic Aquarius and transition to ambitious Capricorn. The last time Pluto was in Aquarius was from 1778 to 1798, making it a special retrograde.
It can potentially make lasting societal changes, so you should be keen about changing attitudes around failing power structures. It would be best if you also focused on how every person can impact the collective human experience.
