Retrograde: More Than Just Mercury!
You’ve heard of Mercury retrograde, but did you know that all of the planets have retrograde motion? That’s right, each planet appears to move backward in the sky at specific intervals—some for weeks and others for months at a time! Mercury retrograde gets a bad wrap for causing accidents and technological breakdowns, but many astrologers believe that retrogrades are great times for deep contemplation and reflection. Here are lists of ongoing and upcoming retrograde planets, as well as an easy guide for understanding them better. Learn how to utilize retrograde cycles for personal healing.
2 Factors That Make Up A Retrograde
In astrology, retrogrades are thought to affect different aspects of life based on two factors:
1) The planet that appears to be moving in “reverse.”
2) The zodiac sign that the planet is moving through (transiting).
Planets closest to the Sun (Mercury, Mars, and Venus) affect individuals on a personal level while ones farther away (Jupiter and Saturn) affect society. The ones even farther away and slower moving (Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto) affect whole generations of people.
What Planets Are Retrograde Now?
There are no planets in retrograde motion at this time. The last planet to experience retrograde motion was Venus. Learn more about Venus retrograde 2025.
What do these questions make you think about? Share in the comments below …
Upcoming Retrogrades in 2025
May 4-October 13: Pluto
Pluto will be retrograde in Aquarius from May 4-October 13.
- Are technological advances being handled responsibly?
- Are you experiencing the level of freedom you desire?
- How might you care for your community rather than yourself?
July 2-October 23: Neptune
Neptune will be retrograde in Aries from July 2-September 10 and* Pisces from September 10-October 23.
- Are you addressing life head-on or relying on escapism?
- How may you combine faith with action?
- Where can you add compassionate leadership?
*Note: On some occasions, planets move through one sign and into another before resuming their regular (direct) motion.
July 13-November 28: Saturn
Saturn will be retrograde in Pisces July 13-September 2 and* in Aries from November 28, 2025.
- How can you strengthen your spiritual foundation?
- Are you limiting your creativity or compassion in some way?
- What lessons are you learning about timing and responsibility?
July 18-August 11: Mercury
Mercury will be retrograde in Leo from July 18-August 11, 2025.
- What space or location can you put yourself in to receive more inspiration?
- What are the benefits of being more expressive?
- Where has my passion fizzled, and why?
September 6-December 31: Uranus
Uranus will be retrograde in Gemini from September 6-December 31, 2025.
- How have you adapted to changes in the economy?
- Are you making decisions aligned with your values?
- What shifts are occurring in education and social networks?
November 9-29: Mercury
Mercury will be retrograde in Sagittarius from November 9-29, 2025.
- What space or location can you put yourself in to receive new ways of thinking?
- What is the benefit of being adventurous?
- How may being more open-minded serve you?
November 11-March 11, 2026: Jupiter
Jupiter will be retrograde in Cancer from November 11, 2025-March 11, 2026.
- How has education evolved, and is it beneficial?
- What are you curious about learning now?
- Are you listening to your inner wisdom?
3 Steps For Working With Retrogrades
Rather than passing off retrogrades as simply being a slow period, use 2024 to finally manage outcomes by slowing down your own life and going inward. The year itself holds spectacular occasions for creating balance and grounding your dreams into reality. By actively participating in changing direction, adding in or seasoning your thoughts and actions, you can actualize the life you’ve envisioned. Don’t let the nuances of retrograde seasons pass you by. Engage in the change you are wanting.
Always, the benefit of looking back at recent events can only benefit the way that you move forward in the months that follow.
Here’s a fun exercise for understanding and contemplation in three steps:
1) Identify The Planet
Identify the planet going through a retrograde and imagine it has a personality. If each planet was a character in a play, here’s what they might be:
Mercury is like an ever-present reporter, just wanting to communicate findings.
Venus is like Marilyn Monroe. She concerns herself with the beautification of life.
Mars is a top-notch Roman military general ready to pounce on his enemy. He’s brash and ready to take action.
Jupiter is the cosmic cheerleader for society. She shouts “H-O-P-E!” across the global stadium.
Saturn is the cosmic thumb. Like a stern grandfather, he prefers limitations and a slow pace.
Uranus is futuristic and unique. She brings change, aches for freedom … and she wants it now! (Remember, these outer planet personalities affect generations of humans.)
Neptune is the dreamer, lounging near the ocean’s edge, thinking and feeling deeply all the while.
Pluto is like a Tasmanian devil. He has power to regenerate and evolve life. He will wipe out the old to make space for the new.
With these planetary personalities firmly in place you can take your next step toward retrograde work.
2) Imagine The Planet Is Wearing A Costume
Once you have identified the retrograde planet’s personality, visualize it wearing a costume (according to the zodiac sign it is transiting). Here are some ideas—plays on their classical, astrological attributes:
Aries: Roman helmets, shields, and spears.
Taurus: Comfortable overalls with silver coins and vegetable seeds in the pocket.
Gemini: Plaid shirt with a pocket protector, glasses, and notebook.
Cancer: Fluffy pink bathrobe with bunny slippers.
Leo: An itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini and a microphone.
Virgo: White lab coat and a magnifying glass.
Libra: The famous white Marilyn Monroe dress with peace symbols on it.
Scorpio: A black hoodie with hood pulled up, black pants, black sneakers.
Sagittarius: Jeans, t-shirt reading “BLUNT,” Carl Jung books and a backpack.
Capricorn: Three-piece business suit and a clipboard.
Aquarius: Silver jumpsuit with blue-tooth capacity.
Pisces: Kimono style beach cover up and a box of tissues.
3) Meditate On Self-Reflective Questions (Examples Listed Above)
Finally, walk that planet to the nearest meditation cushion to contemplate what’s going on! Take a deep-dive into the recent past and start asking reflective questions (See suggestions for these in the lists of time frames above).
A Final Thought
It’s easy to ignore the more delicate astrological energies at play, such as those that an outer retrograde planet creates, but for the sake of new potentials and options, don’t ignore them. These occasions for providing input toward universal shifts can have a great impact.
Any questions? Ask us in the comments!
Moon Deck
Our “Moon Deck” consists of 52 beautiful watercolor cards that show how the planets, zodiac signs, and houses relate to each other.
You can use them to understand the current position of planets or to decipher your natal chart.
They’ll even teach you how to benefit from a retrograde!
The information on the cards is kept simple with basic words and high-level themes. Great for beginners.
Previous Retrogrades in 2025
Here are previous retrograde planets, time frames, and suggested reflections for each:
March 1-April 12, 2025: Venus
Venus was retrograde in Aries from March 1-27 and* Pisces from March 27-April 12, 2025.
- What lessons have you learned about relationships?
- Are your values reflected in your relationships?
- Is spirituality a part of your current relationship?
March 15-April 7, 2025: Mercury
Mercury was retrograde in Aries from March 15-April 7, 2025.
- How may being bolder serve you and humanity?
- Is there anything you are afraid to do … or be?
- What are some ways that you can express yourself as an individual?
No planets were retrograde between February 24-28.
December 6, 2024-February 23, 2025: Mars
Mars was retrograde in Leo from December 6, 2024-January 6, 2025 and* in Cancer from January 6-February 23, 2025. (Note: Mars will not be retrograde again until January 10, 2027.)
- Where has my passion been suppressed? (Leo)
- Have I fully participated in romance? (Leo)
- What actions have I taken toward personal healing? (Cancer)
- How can I improve my care for others? (Cancer)
October 9, 2024-February 3, 2025: Jupiter
Jupiter was retrograde in Gemini between October 9, 2024-February 3, 2025.
- What am I curious about learning now?
- Where might I travel for new educational experiences?
Join The Discussion!
Have you ever felt the effects of retrograde motion—Mercury’s or otherwise?
What questions do you have about planetary motion and astrology?
Ask us in the comments below!
Tam Veilleux
Tam Veilleux is an accomplished writer, life coach, and artist. She is the lead writer of the Energy Almanac, an annual publication focused on simplifying personal and professional change through astrology, wit, and wisdom. Tam Veilleux has written a children's book (Growing Up & The Facts of Life), two self-help publications, and multiple ebooks. She also contributes to Spirit of Change and Retail Insights magazines. For more information visit: www.choosebigchange.com
- Tam Veilleux#molongui-disabled-link
Thank you! You are a born teacher.
Could the Planet Earth ever Retrograde and what would happen?
What we call “Retrograde” is from the perspective of Earth. So, no. But also, we’re always retrograde to something else. It’s all about the starting perspective.
What disclosures will Mercury be reporting? Let all the skeletons fall out
Impteresting!