We are once again in a time with a lot of planets retrograde.. With Mercury going retrograde today, the 17th of July 2025, we are once again reminded of what this means. Especially with Saturn and Neptune also in retrograde motion.
When a planet is in retrograde, it appears to be moving backwards in its orbit as observed from Earth. This phenomenon occurs due to the varying speeds at which planets orbit the Sun. From our vantage point on Earth, it sometimes seems like a planet is moving in the opposite direction across the sky compared to its usual path.
In reality, planets don’t reverse their orbits during retrograde periods. Instead, it’s an optical illusion caused by the differences in orbital speeds and distances. The term “retrograde” comes from the Latin word “retrogradus,” which means “backwards step.”
Astrologically, the concept of planetary retrogrades is significant. When a planet is retrograde, its energy is believed to manifest differently or have a more introspective influence on us.
Different planets represent different aspects of our lives and personalities in astrology. Where those planets were at the time of your birth also has an influence. You can find all the retrograde planetary movements for 2025 here.
Here’s a brief overview of what each of the retrograding planets might symbolise and retrograde periods:
- Pluto: Transformation, power, and the subconscious. Pluto retrograde could lead to an intense period of inner transformation and self-discovery. It goes retrograde every year for 5 to 6 months.
- Saturn: Discipline, responsibility, and structure. Saturn retrograde often involves reassessing commitments, facing limitations, and working on long-term goals. It goes retrograde every year for about 4 1/2 months.
- Neptune: Dreams, intuition, and spirituality. Neptune retrograde may encourage introspection, self-reflection, and a deeper exploration of our inner world. It goes retrograde every year for 6 months.
- Venus: Love, relationships, beauty, and finances. When Venus is retrograde, it’s often a time for reassessing relationships, evaluating personal values, and reconsidering financial matters. It goes retrograde every 18 months, second only in the least frequency to Mars.
- Mercury: Communication, technology, travel, and intellectual activities. During Mercury retrograde, there can be misunderstandings, communication glitches, and the need to review and rethink plans. It goes retrograde 3-4 times a year.
- Uranus: Innovation, change, and rebellion. Uranus retrograde can bring inner insights and a more subdued expression of individuality. It goes retrograde every year for
- Mars: Energy, motivation, and action. Mars retrograde might lead to a temporary slowdown in initiatives or a need to review and adjust how we assert ourselves.
- Jupiter: Expansion, growth, and wisdom. Jupiter retrograde can prompt us to look within for personal growth and reevaluate our belief systems and philosophies.
Turn Inward when Planets are Retrograde
During retrograde periods, the energy of the planet is turned inward, which can provide us with opportunities for reflection, revisiting past issues, and making adjustments before moving forward. It’s a time to slow down, reevaluate, and make necessary changes or improvements. While retrogrades are often associated with challenges, they can also offer profound insights and growth if approached with mindfulness and awareness.
Could there perhaps be more fostered Resilience in this Age of Aquarius when we start looking at all the elements influencing us?