Hang in there, babes—I know life feels hectic right now, but it won’t last forever! It’s all because there are not one, one two, but six retrogrades happening right now.
Every astrology enthusiast’s least favorite time is when the retrogrades start stacking like a tube of Pringles. A single retrograde isn’t so bad, and in fact, a retrograde can even be charming. We all need to dedicate a little time to slowly roll and take stock of what’s happening in the world relative to where we’re standing. Retrogrades are a time in astrology when planets appear to be moving backward in their orbit from our POV here on Earth—an optical illusion. In my practice of astrology, retrogrades are for reassessment, review, reflection, and refreshing the themes of the retrograde planet. (Yes, each planet has a different theme!)
Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Kit
BTW, the Sun and Moon never appear as though they are moving backward, because they are luminaries and not planets. Which is pretty lucky for us! Astrologically, this translates as a reminder that we are always moving forward with our purpose and feelings. The Sun represents the center of ourselves, our ego, and the Moon symbolizes our emotions.
So, about those retrogrades! Currently, there are six planets that are retrograde: Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Instead of acting as focal devices to recall the central functions of our ego and emotions, like the Sun and Moon, the planets are tools to aid our study of how our soul functions. Mercury represents how we think, Jupiter is how we attain knowledge, and Saturn is how we work. These planets are considered inner planets because they are closer to the Sun, and represent parts of our personality. The outer planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto represent the generational cohorts we are born into. Think of their retrogrades as a call to action to check in on your communities and reevaluate how you show up for the general collective (aka people who do not fall into your inner circle).
Here’s a quick breakdown on how you can make the best of this retrograde season. Oh, and Mars Retrograde is right around the corner, so this guide includes a heads-up on that too.
All the retrogrades happening right now:
Mercury Retrograde
Dates: September 9 – October 2, 2022
Signs: Libra (September 9 – 23, 2022) and Virgo (September 23 – October 2, 2022)
This Mercury Retrograde challenges you to recognize how you’ve jumped to unbecoming conclusions thanks to bias and make-believe. Mercury Retrogrades are for reviewing the past to understand how your present thinking informs your future choices. Considering how you developed your understanding of what is fair, right, and just is a great first step to exploring how your logic differs from those around you. An openness to new ideas and perspectives is exactly how you evolve your thinking!
Jupiter Retrograde
Dates: July 28 – November 23, 2022
Signs: Aries (July 28 – October 28, 2022) and Pisces (October 28 – November 23, 2022)
Jupiter Retrograde promotes a deeper examination into our life philosophies and how we utilize knowledge to navigate our world. Is it possible that you are sitting on some hidden gems? When Jupiter moves into Pisces during the beginning of Scorpio season, set aside time to consider the limitations of those around you. Is there missing information that, when discovered, can be a catalyst for someone’s glow up?
Saturn Retrograde
Dates: June 4 – October 23, 2022
Sign: Aquarius
Saturn Retrograde represents a need to assess how you work, how well you’re working, and what you can do to improve your work. Flawless employees need not worry about this retrograde, LOL! Knowing your work style is the first step to becoming confident in what you bring to the table. Determining how your personality and skills impact your perspective and method of work can help you understand the best application of your talents.
Uranus Retrograde
Dates: August 19, 2021 – January 22, 2023
Sign: Taurus
The outer planets represent what’s going on externally, in the collective. Uranus, the planet of confusion and rebellion, is retrograde in Taurus, which may provide a little context to the unthinkable events kicking off. Between humanitarian crises like the Martha’s Vineyard fiasco, the rise of extremism, and a pending recession, there are deep considerations to have over matters relating to finance, land, and other natural valuables. Check in with yourself and those around you. Even if you get radio silence, sometimes all people need is to know someone cares.
Neptune Retrograde
Dates: June 28 – December 3, 2022
Sign: Pisces
Neptune is the planet of illusions and inspiration, therefore its retrograde is a great time to think about how you attain inspiration or become demotivated. It’s possible your motivation is being influenced by how much or little you know about someone or something. Be sure that you’re not thinking small or putting a cap on your dreams—chances are you’re able to achieve far more than you think you are. Let yourself imagine the world you want to live in, and then work backwards.
Pluto Retrograde
Dates: April 29 – October 8, 2022
Sign: Capricorn
Is death actually possible? From a biological perspective, duh. Philosophically, full death occurs when we no longer think of or consider a person or thing. When we refuse to speak a name, time intrinsically buries the unspoken. Pluto Retrograde is a good time for you to consider what and who you want to speak life into. Your energy is valuable, and divesting is the first step to moving on and allowing for new growth.
And coming soon…
Mars Retrograde
Dates: October 30, 2022 – January 12, 2023
Sign: Gemini
Sometimes we feel as though we have to be continuously moving, improving, and making things happen. Mars Retrograde is the time to reflect on your past achievements and send little reminders off to let people know what you’ve done! Building your network does not start the moment you speak to someone new. It begins with the experiences you’ve accumulated. How you leverage those experiences when connecting to others makes for more interesting conversations.
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