During periods of retrograde planets, a phase of personal and spiritual transformation unfolds. Depending on their positions in our birth charts, retrograde planets reveal areas in our lives where introspection is needed to dissect the themes intertwined with our unique cosmic story. For instance, during Saturn’s retrograde, we might confront challenges head-on, while Mercury’s retrograde could urge us to fine-tune our mental processes.
When planets reverse course into retrograde motion, they prompt us to evolve, mend, and tap into our inner strength.
Between May 2023 and January 2024, a remarkable convergence of retrograde planets occurs. Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, and Neptune are currently in retrograde, while Jupiter is poised to enter this backward dance.
Navigating retrograde transits can feel overwhelming, particularly when rulers of our birth charts—excluding the luminaries, the Sun, and Moon—are involved. These rulers compel us to reflect on and release past influences, paving the way for clearer perspectives, heightened confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn/Aquarius: May 1, 2023, through October 10, 2023
The retrograde motion of Pluto, a mysterious force synonymous with profound transformations, might evoke apprehension. Annual retrogrades of Pluto, each spanning six months, usher in a period of potent shifts that touch both individual lives and society at large.
While Pluto in Capricorn ushered transformations in business and politics, its transition into Aquarius directs its transformative energy towards community and technological advancement. Amid upheavals, emerging from trials empowers us to embrace newfound light.
The impact of Pluto’s retrograde is most acutely felt by late-degree cardinal (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) and early-degree fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius).
Saturn Retrograde in Pisces: June 17, 2023, through November 4, 2023 Annual Saturn retrogrades, stretching over six months, offer a space for contemplation. Saturn’s current retrograde in Pisces guides us to confront our emotions, embrace responsibility, and uncover our ambitions.
Saturn’s call during retrograde beckons us to reassess our relationship with authority and power, advocating for honesty and integrity. This period compels us to mend connections with elders and engage with responsibility more effectively. Shedding the grip of the past allows for increased independence and courage.
The transit’s influence is pronounced among water signs (Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio) and mutable signs, reflecting themes from Saturn’s Sagittarius transit (December 2014 to December 2017).
Neptune Retrograde in Pisces: June 30, 2023, through December 6, 2023 Neptune’s annual retrogrades, spanning five to six months, usher in a period of introspection and truth-seeking. As co-ruler of Pisces, Neptune’s retrograde prompts us to discern reality from illusion. This time unveils falsehoods and calls for honesty and self-acceptance. With Saturn in the same sign and Mercury opposing Neptune, relationships built on deceit are exposed. Reawakening experiences help us refine our perspectives.
The energy of Neptune’s retrograde resonates deeply with water signs and mutable signs.
Venus Retrograde in Leo: July 22, 2023, through September 3, 2023 Venus, retrograding approximately every 18 months, orchestrates transformative shifts in relationships, particularly the one we share with ourselves. In Leo, Venus urges us to address deep-seated relational dynamics and rediscover our creative passions.
Creatives are prompted to embrace authenticity and reignite their artistic fervor. Venus advocates valuing ourselves, asserting that self-worth underpins all relationships. With the focus on Leo, ruled by the Sun, a call to honor our uniqueness resonates. This transit catalyzes change in fixed signs (Aquarius and Leo), as well as Scorpios, Libras, and Tauruses.
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo: August 23, 2023, – September 15, 2023 Mercury’s recurrent retrograde motion, the most renowned, comes with a few weeks of potential chaos and disruptions. Vigilance is essential, from careful signings to meticulous scheduling. Anticipate delays, viewing them as opportunities for refinement and reevaluation. Early preparation, a positive outlook, and time management are key remedies.
This transit impacts individuals with Gemini and Virgo placements, as Mercury is their chart ruler. Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) and mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) feel its influence, spurring an essential tune-up.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus: August 28, 2023, through January 17, 2024
Uranus, catalyst of transformations and surprises, ushers a five-month retrograde cycle annually. While potentially jarring due to unexpected shifts, Uranus’s retrograde paves a transformative path. Embracing change, rather than resisting it, facilitates growth. Openness to new ideas and connections redefines our worldview, making this period a rollercoaster of discovery. The transit stirs tensions among Earth and