What does it mean when Planets are Retrograde?
There are 10 planets, even though the Sun is a star most consider it a planet. The next 9 planets are the Moon, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto. Sun and Moon never go retrograde they are always moving direct. The Lunar Node are points on the astrology chart, they are indicator of Eclipse and generally they are retrograde.
When viewing a planet in retrograde it looks like it is moving in reverse. Most sources say it is an illusion of the planet going in reverse. The ephemeris is a chart that all planets and points are recorded and when a planet is retrograde the degree numbers are being reduce instead of direct motion when the degrees numbers are increasing.
The planets are categorized as inner or outer planets. Inner planets are personal planets; they are Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars. The outer planets are further from the Sun; they are Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto. Another term that is used to describe two planets and that is Benefics, meaning that they are of great importance because they bring luck, love, fortune, and expansion to our lives. These two planets are Venus and Jupiter. The inner planets affect us personally and the outer planets affect the conditions in which we live in on Earth. In the past 3-5 years we can see that the outer planets have given us the energy of expansion, lessons, connections that have affected us worldwide with revolutionary transformation.
When planets are in retrograde it is the time to reflect, review and reprogram your life, based on the theme of the planet. I give you a list of planets that are in retrograde or about to begin its retrograde.
Pluto in Capricorn has been in retrograde since May 2 until October 11! The theme is power and control, reflect and review any areas of your life where you may have power or control over others and vice versa. This is the time to take measures to correct this situation. Pluto is life, death, rebirth, and planet that allows the biggest transformation to us personally and collectively.
Saturn in Pisces went into retrograde on June 18 and stays there until November 5. The theme is self control and boundaries. There are many lessons that Saturn will give you and if you are not paying attention and learning those lessons then it may feel like you are living with a dark cloud of your on making hovering over your head.
Neptune in Pisces began its retrograde on July 1 until December 7. The theme is going with the flow, following your intuition, and using your imagination. Neptune also governs over dreams, fantasies, visions, and illusions. Neptune was the God that rule over all bodies of water. Water is everywhere and the energy of water is emotional. Our body has 70% water and Earth contains 70% water this is the connection that leads us to Universal Consciousness. We are all connected! Make sure that you are not escaping your responsibilities by overusing drugs and alcohol. Be consciously aware and in the present moment.
Venus in Leo went retrograde on July 23 until September 4. Venus is the planet that governs Taurus and Libra. Venus is the divine feminine, all the beauty, sensual pleasure, art, romance, partnership, nature, and the connection to the 5 senses and beyond. Venus rules money, security, safety, values, and food sources. Venus governs over personal possessions, decluttering your home! Only keep things that you absolutely love.
Mercury goes retrograde on August 23 until September 16 in the sign of Virgo. Mercury is the ruling planet of Virgo and Gemini. Mercury is the mind and when moving direct it is a fast-paced planet. There is a significant energy shift when this planet slows down to retrograde, we can feel the effects. There is a pre and post shadow period that goes along with Mercury retrograde. Pre-shadow is from August 4 until it retrogrades on August 23 and then post shadow is from September 16 to September 30.
Uranus goes retrograde on August 29 until January 28, 2024, in the sign of Taurus. Uranus is the ruling planet Aquarius. Uranus connects to technology and the higher mind. This is about revolution, rebellion and going against status quo. Look at your life and see where you need to step up, change and shift your views. Uranus has been bringing forth shifts in currency and food sources, because money and gardening fruits and vegetables are under the domain of Taurus.
Jupiter goes retrograde on September 5 until December 31. Jupiter is the planetary ruler of Sagittarius, but currently it is in Taurus. Jupiter is the planet that looks at the “BIG” picture and expansion. Personally, this retrograde depends on what sign house your Jupiter sits in your natal chart.
As we journey through the months that will be ending this year, we have work to be done! Reflect on the themes of the above planets to work on your personal growth. This is your chance to feel into the energies and implement new programs that will bring about your best self.
Enjoy the journey!
Blessings,
Laura Canal