What Six (Yes, Six) Planets in Retrograde Means for You
Toughen up, beautiful baddies— because you’re about to fall through the looking glass.
You might actually be there already, but you’re far from alone. This summer, a total of seven planets will be in retrograde—six of them at the same time—and we’re all feeling it. No one is safe. Now, before you get ready to press the panic button, know that a planetary retrograde is not the end of the world…even when it feels like it is.
From a purely scientific standpoint, (apparent) retrograde motion is nothing to be afraid of. In fact, it’s no more than an illusion based solely on our relatively sand-speck position as earthlings among the millions of celestial bodies in the heavens. Feeling tiny yet? If not, you will soon.
On any given night, planets can be seen (yes, with the help of a telescope—unless your two-toned Warby Parker eyeglasses are just that good) orbiting to the East. However, every now and then the Earth gets the urge to show off and pass its slower-moving sister planets in the sun’s orbit…temporarily causing them to look as though they’re moving in reverse. They’re not. And while it may seem pretty dope that the Earth is able to leave Mercury behind in its dust fairly often, the phenomenon is believed to wreak pure, unadulterated havoc upon us not-always-so-innocent bystanders.
Making sense now? As humans, we’re simply collateral damage in the cosmic game of chicken being played by Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and, in this case, Pluto (don’t let its downgraded status as a planet fool you; the “dwarf planet” can cause quite a bit of damage when it wants to).
That is, if you choose to subscribe to what a few modern-day astrologers and spiritual gurus are handing out.
There are, of course, plenty who feel that despite our collective tendency to focus on the negative during these trying times, the backwards spin of the planets (and the symbolic setbacks that come with it) are simply learning experiences for us. Hint: YOU are the ONLY shaper of YOUR destiny. Feeling big again? Good.
Now for the baffling part. Even though planetary retrogrades are firmly rooted in the laws of physics, just one is usually enough to send astrology lovers into a worrisome downward spiral. So, six at the same time? Seriously, nobody knows exactly what to expect—and don’t trust anyone who says they do (can you say scam alert?!).
But, in the interest of preventing any more full-blown freak outs, here is a LOOSE guideline.
MERCURY (July 26, 2018 – August 19, 2018)
Despite what we’ve been conditioned to believe, mercury in retrograde should be the least of our concerns. Sure, the fast-paced backspin of the blue planet is said to completely DESTROY our communication skills and paves the way for disastrous misunderstandings, but it happens so incredibly often that it’s a wonder we haven’t found a way around it. Use this time to focus on YOUR role in the conversations you have and work on any weaknesses (e.g. taking things too personally or not being open enough to another’s POV). Friends, family and peers, and coworkers may never change… but you definitely can!
MARS (June 26, 2018 – August 27, 2018)
If you’re not careful, this may be the time when emotions heat up and cause you to act in ways that you will immediately regret. Planetary retrogrades always teach us about delayed gratification, as they often signal a disappointing stall in progress. However hard it may be to hold your tongue or keep still during this time, do it anyway, boss lady. You’ll thank yourself later.
JUPITER (March 8, 2018 – July 10, 2018)
Jupiter may have been the first of the planets to exit the summer of retrogrades, but its temporary backspin may have taught us the most about facing challenges head on. During this time, you may have felt your dreams crushed under the weight of reality, but do not fear. Jupiter is all about overcoming life’s obstacles and becoming stronger in the process. Now that the cosmic tough-love learning period is over, you will get what you want…or at least have learned how to stand a little taller when you don’t.
SATURN (April 17, 2018 – September 6, 2018)
Prepare to see a shift in your work-life balance as the ringed planet falls behind in Earth’s rear-view mirror. And of course, where work is involved…so is money. While Saturn’s retrograde may hit you pretty hard in the wallet this time around, it can also give you the kick in the rear you need to get your house in order.
URANUS (August 7, 2018 – January 6, 2019)
In more ways than one, Uranus will have you asking two major questions during its backspin: Who are you? What do you want? As you will find out later this summer, sometimes being honest with yourself can be the hardest thing to do. Overcoming this challenge is the key to your release from the retrograde rabbit hole.
NEPTUNE (June 18, 2018 – November 24, 2018)
Creativity is the word for this period. By keeping an open heart and mind, Neptune in retrograde could be a potentially fruitful time for you. DO be sure to tap into your emotional and spiritual wellbeing. DON’T forget your family, friends and career goals.
PLUTO (April 22, 2018 – September 30, 2018)
Despite Pluto’s distance from us, its retrograde motion may be the most challenging. It will require that we let go of what we can’t change, and fight like a warrior for the things that we can. While being in control may be one of your more endearing qualities, when this planet is in reverse, so are the power structures in our lives. Lean into that.
REMEMBER THIS
Phew! A lot to take in, right?
But while the planets are playing games with each other, we don’t have to. So, let’s take care of ourselves AND each other during this crazy, backwards summer. OK?
