By Devin Miles...

It’s been a really busy month in the sky!

After what seemed like the longest two and a half weeks, Mercury turned direct on the 15th, the same day the full Cold Moon occurred in its domicile (where it feels most at home), Cancer. Neptune also recently turned direct on the 7th, leaving Uranus, Mars, and Jupiter to continue their seemingly backward motion until early 2025. With so many planets experiencing the phenomenon of retrogression, I thought this would be a great opportunity to clear the fog around it all.

First, let’s take a brief overview to understand what each planet above represents. We’ll dive deeper into these themes later:

Mercury: Communication and Expression; Mental Energy/Faculties
Neptune: Creativity in Imagination; Inspiration
Uranus:  Creativity in Action; Innovation
Mars: Direct Action; Mode of Aggression
Jupiter: Opportunity; expansion

When the planets are in retrograde motion, the path they’re following suddenly reverses. The most important thing to note about this is that it is only an illusion. From our vantage point on Earth, when we pass slower-moving planets or faster-moving planets pass us, it creates the illusion that the planet is moving backward. This occurs for every planet at least once throughout each calendar year, but for some planets like Mercury, it can happen as many as four times in a year.

Periods of retrograde motion in astrology have conjured up a negative connotation in the public eye, and for good reason. These stretches of time can be filled with heavy, looming energies that cause all sorts of turmoil and misfortune. As the planets move in retrograde, their themes and values become increasingly prominent, influencing us more deeply. This is why it’s important to remember that there’s more than meets the eye—the planet itself is not moving backward—it only seems that way to us. This motion reminds us to pause and reflect on the challenges each planet presents, offering valuable insights to help us navigate retrogrades with greater ease.

Once you understand the influence each planet has in your life, you have the key to mastering those themes when they fall into retrograde motion. Focusing on these areas of your life gives you the chance to engage in introspection and consider any patterns you may exhibit that either benefit you or create obstacles in your world.

• Mercury - Communication and Expression; Mental Energy/Faculties
  Since Mercury has an effect on the way we express ourselves, its retrograde can be full of miscommunications and misreads, leading to bigger issues. Mercury is tricky in the age of the internet; not only can it be a challenge to communicate online with a lack of tone and body language present, but since it deals with all modes of communication, sometimes even systems seem to fall victim to retrogression. Avoiding this is not always easy, but making a conscious effort to slow down, check, and double-check yourself in means of engagement can help. Whether it be at home, at work, in social settings, or online, try to remind yourself that progressive communication requires earnest effort.
  
  
• Venus - Interpersonal Relationships; Aesthetics
  During a Venus retrograde, it’s important to take note of the way you are showing up for yourself and others. Remember that tending to the needs of the people around you first starts with tending to yourself. Remain patient with everyone—as Venus continues its retrogressional movement, their reflection on relationships and the people in their life may become confusing and even a bit overwhelming. Offer them the same grace you wish to be shown.
  
  
• Mars - Direct Action; Mode of Aggression
  This is a period of time that often calls for some R&R. Mars retrograde offers us a moment to meditate on where and how we spend our energy. Are we left with more than enough to give, or have we depleted ourselves down to an empty tank? If you’re left with nothing, consider how you can redirect, allow yourself space to engage with what’s important to you, and apply the mental fortitude to disengage from what no longer serves you.
  
  
• Jupiter - Opportunity; Expansion
  Jupiter retrograde is one of my favorites, as it encourages us to reflect on the opportunities that have been afforded to us. This is the perfect time to practice gratitude and recognition of all that’s worked in our favor to foster a fruitful lifestyle. It’s also a great time to be mindful of how you approach opportunity; do you embrace it with open arms? Do you engage in discernment? Are there too many no’s—or maybe even too many yes’s? Jupiter is there to remind us that the world can be ours, if we so choose.
  
  
• Saturn - Discipline; Structure
  Saturn is a touchy planet that begs of us both patience and persistence, which can feel like hell when you aren’t seeing quick results. As Saturn goes into retrograde motion, you might feel the weight of your perceived failures or setbacks sitting on your shoulders. When I think of Saturn, I’m always reminded of a quote by Rick Rubin where he asserts that “discipline…is a harmonious relationship with time.” During a Saturn retrograde, take time to reflect on how you apply yourself not only to your goals, but the everyday tasks that are required of you. Understand how the structure of your world directly impacts the freedom you are allowed within it.
  
  
• Uranus - Creativity in Action; Innovation
  Uranus is always focused on creating systems that serve our highest good. Its retrograde brings forth thoughts of change and ingenuity, keeping us on our toes and requiring us to be adaptable and resourceful. During this time, consider ways you can transmute creative energy into physical action. Be open to different solutions and remember there can be multiple answers to a singular problem.
  
  
• Neptune - Creativity in Imagination; Inspiration
  Since Neptune is the dreamer of the Milky Way, periods of retrograde call to our inquisitive side. You may find yourself questioning your beliefs and desires, or simply less apt to engage with such matters. Neptune’s intuitive nature sheds light on what is truly important to us, but retrograde motion makes this a little fuzzy. Talk to people, keep a journal close by, engage in your hobbies, and be open to new ones during this time. Try to stay close to things that inspire and motivate you but remember that there’s always room to change your mind.
  
  
• Pluto - The Unseen; Subconscious Tendencies
  Pluto is a planet with heavy values, often noted as the archetype of death and rebirth. Pluto’s goal is to bring us face to face with the unseen—all the parts of ourselves we don’t necessarily wish to confront become centerfold when Pluto is involved. As a vessel for transformation, Pluto’s retrograde invites us to dive into this vulnerability. Get uncomfortable so that you find new spaces that provide relief. Sit with your subconscious and the difficult thoughts that stifle growth, do your best to unravel them, and create new truths with the thread.

After all is said and done, a planet in retrograde is truly nothing to fear. In fact, I’ve mentioned it’s just an illusion, meant to bring attention to the intricate details of life that sometimes go unnoticed or uncared for. Like all things astro, as long as you can learn to flow with the energy of retrogression, you can create a stable understanding of yourself and the world around you. The first step is awareness—now the next one is practice! Keep this guide close as we journey through more retrograde motion and be sure to come back next week for more astro tips ;)

SOURCE:

Rubin, R. (2023). The Creative Act: A Way of Being. Penguin Press.