There are a few truths I have learned by studying astrology the last 25 years. First, everything has a pattern and secondly history repeats itself. It’s that repetition I am addressing today. This summer is going to present a very challenging time, as we will have 6 planets in retrograde motion from June through August. Astrologists call this a retrograde storm. Usually only 3 planets (at the most) retrograde at the same time, but because of the alignment of the outer planets we will experience either no retrograde planets or 5 or 6 at a time.
So what does this mean and how can we cope?
First, let’s look at a little history. In recent memory that last time we experienced this celestial storm was in the 1940’s right before the start of WWII and again in the 1980’s when the Berlin Wall fell and the USSR split apart. So right away we can see change with a capital “C” being the keyword. And with both inner and outer planets involved individual and global changes will occur. When a planet is retrograde, matters resurface that are associated with that planet’s area of rule. This period allows us to redo, repair, and reset the planets influence on us. The celestial “time out” allows us to incorporate those lessons so that when the planet resumes its normal orbit we can implement what we have learned. Let’s take a look individually at each planet:
These planets are already orbiting retrograde:
Jupiter in Scorpio - March 8th to July 10th
Trust and your values in life’s meaning are embodied in this planet. Jupiter also represents career, good fortune and prosperity as well as wisdom and dignity. The planet Jupiter’s position in the zodiac shows how you express your need to grow. It shows your interests in the higher values of life and how you share those interests with others. While Jupiter is retrograde, we'll spend much time looking inward and relying on our own personal wisdom. We'll draw on this to explore the growth and changes we feel we need to transform our lives and put us on the path toward becoming the people we really want to be. Instead of the happy-go-lucky planet pushing us to get going, Jupiter will now slow down which means it's the perfect time to take a time out and examine our personal philosophies and reevaluate the beliefs that motivate us on a daily basis.
Saturn in Capricorn - April 17th to September 6th
This planet represents structure, steadfastness, determination, and limitation and is often the challenger in a person’s chart. The planet Saturn’s position in the zodiac shows how you try to establish and protect your position in life. It also shows how you face responsibility and seek recognition for your efforts. This period is a time to cultivate discipline, patience and self-restraint. Retrograde Saturn gives us an opportunity to look over our personal set of rules. We have the chance to see what kind of internal and emotional factors motivate us. Saturn in reverse means that the external boundaries we live within take a backseat to our rich inner world. We'll trust ourselves enough to question these boundaries, and because retrograde with any planet is a prime time to look back on our personal paths, we can examine failures and let-downs, learn from them, apply these lessons to how we'll conduct ourselves in the future, then move on.
Pluto in Capricorn - April 22nd to September 30th
Pluto represents the deepest transformational power a person experiences in life. The planet Pluto’s position in the zodiac influences the entire generation of people born within the same twelve to twenty-two year period during which Pluto remains in one sign. Pluto’s energies show us the human need for regeneration and control in each generation. The most effecting of all the planets because it demands change and re-creation from us. When Pluto in Capricorn is transiting retrograde, we are urged to let go of attitudes, thinking or communication patterns, and to undergo an internal form of house cleaning. Because Pluto retrograde imparts an intense power for investigation, we should use this time to assess what reoccurring patterns in our lives make us feel out of control, where and why do we continually give our power away, and under what circumstances do we react so defensively that we elicit attacks from others.
This next set of planets will begin soon:
Neptune in Pisces - June 18th to November 24th
The planet Neptune’s position in the zodiac influences the collective outlook of all those born within the same thirteen year period during which Neptune remains in one sign. Neptune show you the mystical and inspirational influences felt by each generation. But Neptune also challenges you to decide what real and what is fantasy. Neptune often reveals deception and hidden mysteries of life. When Neptune turns retrograde our feelings are more astute at picking up and perceiving the illusive. It is easier to ascertain information about issues that have eluded us while Neptune was direct. It is essential that we do something about the problems that we pick up on while Neptune is retrograde because they can worsen when Neptune goes direct. Neptune retrograde in Pisces is a good time to refocus or recommit to your spiritual side and attune yourself to pursuits that help grow Self.
Mars in Aquarius - June 26th to August 27th
This planet embodies the strength one has in their will to achieve and conquer their goals. The planet Mars’s position in the zodiac shows how you use your physical energies in expressing your needs. It affects your sex drive, ambitions, endurance, and aggressiveness. When fighting Mars collides with fraternal Aquarius, groups speak with a warlike voice. Mars will dip back into Capricorn in August and spend the last 9 days in that sign. But the bulk of the retrograde period will be in communal Aquarius. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself embroiled in some nasty Facebook disputes, had testy interchanges with co-workers or found some old anger hidden you thought was over become reawakened. Mars’ retrograde periods reopen old business, offering opportunities to settle some scores and to close the books once and for all. But to do this well requires that we harness Mars’ best qualities of courage, and commitment. Mars demands that we first clean out the dark corners of these relationships, to address any conflicts that keep us from working together as a strong, cohesive group. When a group is stronger on the inside, it can achieve broader goals in the world. It is also worth remembering that Mars rules sexuality. This retrograde may bring another look at how gender fluid individuals fit into modern society.
Mercury in Leo - July 25th to August 18th
The planet Mercury’s position in the zodiac describes your thought process and then how you communicate your ideas and decisions to others. It also reveals how you make decisions and what you consider before making a decision. The retrograde Mercury in Leo triggers passionate displays of expression that are sure to cause reactions from you and from others. This fiery planetary influence inspires more emotion behind words and thoughts, which inspires passionate responses, which in turn, ignites the airspace with electricity. You may or may not want to engage yourself in the thick of things, depending on your personality and mood. You’re apt to say what you feel without a great deal of discretion. Your will is strong and you don’t like to be silenced. You may be a more aggressive in pushing your agenda. However, your force of will and manner of delivery may meet with some resistance from equally charged individuals with their own agenda. Your powers of persuasion may fail to have the desired effect that you wish. Instead of forging ahead with new proposals or engaging in a shouting match, your time could be more effectively utilized through creative channels. Internalize your passion and release it through artistic mediums such as painting, writing, or music. Revisit an old creation that could use more time and attention then you previously allotted. Be careful with your spending habits at this time.
Uranus in Taurus - August 7th to January 6, 2019
This is the planet that embodies freedom and independence. It has the nickname as “liberator”. Its effect can be of unexpected changes and upheaval. The planet Uranus’s position in the zodiac shows something about the motivation, goals, and originality of those born in each seven year period during which Uranus is in each of the signs. After Saturn helps us find our limitations, Uranus assists in liberating us from those limitations. Initially Uranus will begin its retrograde orbit in Taurus which begins an inexorable seven-year build-up of recently-learned harsh truths that actually makes structure out of revolution, but at a price that will only be appreciated afterwards. Because of previous breakdowns, much is tolerated that would not otherwise be put up with, all in the name of a new deal, which may be learned from but have to be at least partially undone afterwards. On November 6th, it reverses back into Aries to wrap up any unfinished business from the last transit and will remain there until the end of the retrograde period. While back in Aries the initiator, the focus/energy turns inward. How do I attain/re-attain the personal freedom I seek/I've lost? How do I gain/regain my individuality? How do I exact the changes necessary to move me closer to my goals?
So that’s the general overview of what we can expect over the summer this year. Keep in mind that nothing is going to go as planned and will take longer than usual. Have patience and a backup plan – your sanity will thank you.
If you’re interested in knowing more and where the retrogrades will land in your chart, click here for a customized transit report.