Planetary Retrograde and You

​Astrologically speaking, the planets contribute much energy, not only to our birth charts, but also to the universal energy as a whole. When we talk about a planet going retrograde we are talking about how that planet appears to be moving backwards along its normal course through our solar system. While it does just appear to do so and nothing has actually reversed its progress, the energetic “consequences” can definitely be felt. Each planet, as you may know, has its own connection to different aspects of self and of life. These are the aspects that are affected by the retrograde. They are, however, also affected by the astrological sign that they are in. This means that the personalities and characteristics of the signs can influence how we are affected by the retrograde, and possibly how we can better deal with the potential upcoming issues. Each planet’s retrograde affects our lives in different ways. I believe that knowing what aspects of our lives could be affected by a retrograde could give us not just a heads up for what may be coming, but also help us better prepare to deal with what may lay ahead. Fore warned is fore armed, so to speak. I have only given a most basic outline here, but it should provide enough of an overview to get you started*.
 
Mercury: This one happens most often during the year. It affects technology, communication, and travel. It can cause many misunderstandings and, as many of us have experienced, glitches in technology. It has already happened twice this year (2025), and is set to happen again in September (1-24), and November (9-29)
Venus: If you are familiar with Venus as a goddess you know she corresponds to love, relationships, pleasure, and beauty. As a planet in retrograde she asks us to look at ourselves, what we value, how past and current relationships may or may not serve us, and how we seek love and joy (within and without). This retrograde happened earlier this year in April/March.
Mars: Mars is a planet of action, drive and ambition. During retrograde this may mean we feel obstructed unmotivated, or even out right blocked from our goals. This planet went retrograde at the end of 2024 and this ended on February 23.
Jupiter: This planet represents personal and spiritual growth, wisdom, and expansion. While it seems a bit less harsh than the others, it does caution us that this is the time for introspection and not for making major decisions or overextending oneself. Rather, you should take the time to tune into your intuition, reflect, reassess, and realign yourself with your own path. Jupiter goes retrograde from October 10th to December 30th this year.
Saturn: Saturn is a planet of boundaries, discipline, and authority. This is a good time to reassess your responsibilities, aa well as your roles and views that revolve around structure, authority, and discipline. This planet is currently in retrograde (starting June 13) and will continue to be so until November 27 of this year.  
Uranus: Uranus relates to urges, patterns of personality, and our relationship with change. In particular, retrograde of this planet asks us to be open to new ideas, and reflect on how we adapt to change (or don’t). It also encourages us to tune into our intuition and our own potential. This planet retrogrades on September 6, through 2 astrological signs, and into February of 2026.
Neptune: Another planet that encourages introspection, Neptune also asks us to confront our fears/dreams, and to seek clarity concerning possible disillusionment or self-deception. Have you been trying to escape or avoid the truth/reality of a situation? Neptune may make that a bit more difficult. It may be better just to face to it. This planet went retrograde on July 4th and will continue until December 10th.
Pluto: Pluto is connected to the subconscious. As such, it too has a lot to do with introspection, and  corresponds to concepts like transformation, evolution, and trauma healing. It may bring with it vivid dreams, and reveal things that are hidden, like health issues, truths, and even power struggles. This is another planet that suggests it is better to avoid taking large actions in the outside world at this time, and spend more time with inner action. Pluto is also currently in retrograde. It started May 4th and will End October 13th.
 
For the most part, although times of retrograde can be difficult, and they may seem to ask a lot of us, especially with inner work, they are not solely negative things. If we are willing to learn about them, and do the work, the outcome could be an immensely positive one. I can say that, personally, I did not think too much about it until I started learning more. Now when “weird” things are happening (situation, dreams, etc..) I look to see what the planets are doing. Often this puts things into perspective, and can bring a bit more clarity to the current energies and goings on.
Do you follow the planetary courses through our skies? Do you find that their energies and movement are relevant to what is going on in your life? Did reading about them here help make sense of things going on right now? I would love to know.
 
 
* I have added dates for upcoming retrogrades for this year (2025). I will note that I found some conflicting dates (usually by a few days or so) while researching this post. I left out the astrological signs it happens in, because, while this is can be important information, it also changes each time, so it would  have made the planetary meanings less general and more relevant to this particular year.