Mercury: This is one of the more well known retrogrades. Mercury is the planet of communication, so when it is in retrograde, our communication with others may be off. This can cause frustration and stress, and can put a damper on our relationships. This year, there are three Mercury retrogrades: February 18th to March 9th, June 17th to July 12th, and October 13th to November 3rd. It’s interesting to see that the 1st Mercury retrograde we had this year fell right around the time we started realizing how serious COVID-19 would be. The miscommunication of how widespread it was and its seriousness go hand in hand with the effects of Mercury in retrograde. It is important to look at what signs these retrogrades fall in. The 1st was between Pisces and Aquarius seasons. The emotional Pisces and eccentric Aquarius also demonstrate the different reactions people had on COVID-19. The next Mercury retrogrades fall primarily in the other two water sign seasons (Cancer and Scorpio), so be prepared for heightened emotions around these times. 

 

Venus: While it is not as  popular as Mercury retrograde as it occurs less often, Venus in retrograde still has a great impact on our lives. Venus is the planet of love and beauty, so these areas are targeted when it is in retrograde. Our romantic relationships may be on the rocks during this period and we may even start thinking about that ex we swore we were over. It is also not advised to get married or start a relationship when Venus is in retrograde. As the planet of beauty, we may want to stray away from cosmetic or styles changes, as they probably won’t turn out how we hoped they would. 2020’s Venus in retrograde falls from May 13th to June 25th. This retrograde takes place during the sometimes opportunistic Gemini season, so we should try our best to delay instant gratification at this time. 

 

Mars: When Mars is in retrograde, it is important to stay calm and patient. Things in our life may seem slow paced during this time, which can be frustrating and discouraging. Starting a big project during this time is not encouraged, as we may not get the end results we envisioned. If you already have something going before Mars goes into retrograde, and things start to slow down during it, don’t give up! You may find yourself losing motivation, but remember that this phase will eventually pass. Our romantic lives may also take a step back during this time. Just remember that communication is key, so always express how you are feelings. In 2020, Mars will go into retrograde on September 9th to November 13th, so be prepared to slow down around this time. 

 

Jupiter: Jupiter, the planet of luck and abundance, is the next planet to discuss. Thankfully, when Jupiter is in retrograde, it doesn’t mean that we all become unlucky. During this time, it is important for us to do some introspection. If we start going down a path that may not be favorable, it is best to recognize this while Jupiter is in retrograde, and create a plan to fix the issue. Stray away from being greedy with the things handed to you during this phase. Look at all the things you already have and be appreciative of them. Jupiter is in retrograde this year from May 14th to September 12, so we should take this time to attune ourselves with our goals. 

 

Saturn: Saturn in retrograde is also another great time to reflect on our goals. When thinking about something we have worked on, we should reflect on the feelings we had in the past on this subject, our current feelings towards it, and how we may feel about it in the future. Saturn is sometimes referred to as the Lord of Karma, so expect karmic debts to be dealt during this period. Those of us that put in the time and effort needed to achieve our goals will be rewarded during this time. Reflecting and revising our life plans while Saturn is in retrograde can help us figure out any of their flaws, so that they will play out smoothly in the future. Saturn goes into retrograde in 2020 from May 11th to September 29th. Prepare for any karmic debts you may receive but don’t be surprised if you are also rewarded. 

 

Uranus: Uranus in retrograde can be a tumultuous time for people. Uranus is the planet of rebellion and innovation. We may feel as though we must abandon our old ways of living for something entirely different during this time. We may find ourselves doing or thinking about things we never did before Uranus went into retrograde. It is important to not get swept away in our own thoughts or with the crowd. We need to try and stay grounded during this phase, and think about the consequences of our actions before performing them. Not all ideas that occur when Uranus is in retrograde are radical, and some may even arise as a sign that you need to make some changes in your life for the better. 2020’s Uranus in retrograde falls from August 15th to January the 14th, so just remember that getting too carried away can be dangerous for ourselves and those around us. 

 

Neptune: Neptune, the planet of spirituality and fantasy, can be harsh while in retrograde. During this time, the shield that protects us from our fears is thrown away, forcing us to deal with the realities of our life situations. This can be a hard pill to swallow for some people and can cause feelings of anxiety. While this all can be scary at first, it allows us to confront the things we fear head on and prompts us to find solutions to these issues. We shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to others or explore our spirituality during this phase, as it can help us cope with all these realities. 

 

Pluto: Though tiny in size (in comparison to the other planets), Pluto’s impact in retrograde is very mighty. We should expect major transformations to occur during this time for ourselves and the world. In order to promote this change, we must dig into the deepest and darkest parts of ourselves which can be uncomfortable. Doing so helps us make the changes we may need to have a productive future, striping us from the things that may hold us back. We may begin to realize that we are controlling too many things in our lives, preventing us from reaching our full potential. Or, somebody else is controlling us, also limiting our capabilities. Releasing this control will free us from the things holding us back, allowing us to transform into better, stronger beings. Pluto is in retrograde from April 25th to October 4th in 2020, so prepare yourself for change. 

 

 

As we can see, all retrogrades have negative aspects to them, but they all serve to encourage us to take a step back from the demands of our lives and reflect on how we can make changes to better ourselves. The next time you feel disruptions in your life, see what planet(s) are in retrograde and assess how they may be the source of your stress. Then, find things that can help you jump over the hurdles retrogrades can throw at us, so that you are better prepared to handle the situation when the planet goes into retrograde again. There is a link below that gives you tips on how to cope while each planet is in retrograde.