You may be wondering, what exactly does it mean when a planet is retrograde? From an astronomical perspective, retrograding planets orbiting our Sun only appear to move backwards during certain times of the year. However, the planets don’t really move backwards at all, they only appear to from our Earth-centered perspective.
Astrologically, retrograding planetsare powerful, real, and mysterious periods that encourage a time of reflection to gain a better understanding of our present-life circumstances. As a planet retrogrades, we find ourselves contemplating where we’ve been and where we’re going. If several planets are retrograding at the same time, we are more likely to readjust our course in essential ways.
The Sun and Moon do not retrograde, however, all the other astronomical bodies do so at least one or more times annually. Since Mars only turns retrograde once every two years, I am making it the focal point of this article (see below).
Currently, alongside Mars, the following planets are/or about to turn retrograde:
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus (August 24 – January 22, 2023) While on its trek through Taurus, the planet Uranus is echoing themes associated with our individual and collective values. Because Uranus is related to unprecedented change, its retrogradation provides an opportunity to evaluate where we can make changes in our life that will provide deeper meaning, inner worth, and overall security. This revolutionary planet has been retrograde since August 25, 2022 and will turn direct on January 22, 2023. It will not retrograde again until August 30, 2023.
Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn (December 29 – January 18, 2023) Marking the end of 2022 this Mercury Retrograde highlights work, projects in general, and social-political dynamics. It can also become a reflective period, one where we observe our thought processes (Mercury) and determine if we need to uplevel our thinking. Is the cup half full or half empty? Can we surrender to the perfection and growth of our individual evolution? How have our experiences shaped us into becoming more compassionate and loving?
Mars Retrograde in Gemini (October 30 – January 12, 2023) Mars is a planet of passionate, outward action, and manifestation. It thrives on adventure and can exude a strong “warrior” quality. Its natural propensities are passion, independence, impulsiveness, and leadership. Most importantly, Mars’s evolutionary purpose is to initiate brand-new cycles of adventure and self-discovery. However, during a Mars retrograde cycle, initiating new cycles of becoming may be temporarily put on-hold as this time period is better spent looking in the rearview mirror at where we’ve been and where we’re going and preparing for new action once Mars turns direct.
Because Mars is retrograde in the sign of Geminiand Mercury rules this sign (think communication and travel), this retrograde period may feel more like a Mercury retrograde period. Due to Mars’s influence, if there is lack of meaning in your life you may feel disheartened, restless, bored, and even blocked from pursuing a course of action. Or you may be inspired by what is transpiring in your life; in both cases, you can utilize this period to strategize and plan how you will start new endeavors once Mars turns direct on January 12.
Lastly, while Mars is retrograde, it is best to practice consideredresponse versus impulsive reaction to situations and people in our lives. This period will also provide an opportune time to examine our egotistic actions and make appropriate adjustments where necessary.
Key Phrases for Mars Retrograde
Seek to develop truthful authentic communication by returning to my center “core” self.
Monitor intense emotional responses to identify their origin and need for healing.
Learn to listen more closely to my inner versus external desires.
Explore how I can be more involved in community (or scale down if needed).
Revisit my life direction and/or past projects that need updating or completing.
December 29 – January 18, 2023 (24°21′ Capricorn to 8°08′ Capricorn)
Pre-shadow period occurs December 12 – December 28, 2022 Mercury turns Retrograde on December 29 at 1:32 a.m.* (24°21′ Capricorn) Mercury Stations Direct on January 18, 2023, at 5:12 a.m. (8°08′ Capricorn) Post-shadow occurs from January 18 – February 6
In general, Mercury is the planet that astrologically represents travel, communication, and our thought processes. Known as the Messenger of the Gods, Mercury’s role is to speedily deliver clear and precise information. Retrograding 3–4 times a year, when the planetary trickster strikes, many of our daily activities go haywire.
Mercury rules electronics and is often blamed for all types of technical mishaps with cell phones, electric devices, and computers — warranting an important time to backup your computer files. In general terms, machines of all kinds tend to act strangely and take on a Murphy’s Law theme.
Remain flexible and prepare for delays and miscommunications of all kinds. It is best to avoid signing any contractual agreements as matters begun during Mercury retrograde periods tend to take unexpected twists and turns in the future. During Mercury retrograde periods we often find ourselves revisiting past projects or situations that, once again, need our attention. It is also a time period, however, when we often hear from, or feel compelled to reach out to old friends or lovers whom we haven’t spoken to in some time.
Although Mercury retrograde periods can seem frustrating, they often provide opportunities to review or finish up old projects, contact old friends, or clean out the closet and garage. Mercury retrograde periods are an opportune time for introspection and deep thought, especially a couple of days directly before and after the exact retrograde day occurs.
Note: Planets do not actually move backwards (retrograde). A retrograding planet is the result of an optical illusion per its orbital relative speed from our point of view on Earth. *Pacific time used throughout
Previous 2022 Retrograde Periods
January 15 – February 3 (10°14′ Aquarius to 24°23′ Capricorn)
Pre-shadow period occurs Dec. 29, 2021 – Jan. 14, 202 Stations Retrograde on January 15 at 3:42 a.m.* (10°14′ Aquarius) Stations Direct on February 3 at 8:13 p.m. Post-shadow occurs from February 3 – 23
~~~
May 9 – June 3 (4°48′ Gemini to 26°05′ Taurus)
Pre-shadow period occurs April 25 – May 9 Mercury turns Retrograde onMay 9 at 4:48 a.m.* (4°48′ Gemini) Mercury Stations Direct on June 3 at 1:01 a.m. (26°05′ Taurus) Post-shadow occurs from June 3 – June 18
~~~
September 9 – October 2 (8°52′ Libra to 24°11′ Virgo)
Pre-shadow period occurs August 20 – September 9 Mercury turns Retrograde onSeptember 9 at 8:37 p.m.* (8°55′ Libra) Mercury Stations Direct on October 2 at 2:08 a.m. (24°11′ Virgo) Post-shadow occurs from October 2 – October 16
PARTIAL SOLAR — April 30, 2022 (Sat) 10°28′ Taurus – 1:28 a.m.
TOTAL LUNAR — May 15, 2022 (Sun) 25°17′ Scorpio – 9:14 p.m.
~ ~ ~
PARTIAL SOLAR — Oct 25, 2022 (Tues) 2°00′ Scorpio – 3:49 a.m.
TOTAL LUNAR — Nov 8, 2022 (Tues) 16°00′ Taurus – 3:02 p.m.
Note: Above times are based on pacific time.
2022 has two Solar and two LunarEclipses. These four Eclipses, along with several other important astrological events throughout the year, are portending more of the same: change! 2022 is destined to be a time of great import, with major shifts occurring on both the individual as well as the collective level. Watch for upcoming 2022 Eclipse details in my newsletter.
A Solar Eclipse occurswhen the Moon travels between the Sun and the Earth and Lunar Eclipses occur when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon. Lunar Eclipses occur during a Full Moon about two weeks before or after a Solar Eclipse (New Moon).
Eclipses are potent celestial events because they imbue our psyches with the essence and spirit of “a great mystery.” Humankind has long been captivated by Eclipses and their cosmic potential of revelatory happenings. Eclipses provide us with an opportunity to uncover areas of our life that were previously hidden and need our attention.
During an Eclipse the Sun and the Moon align with the nodes of the Moon, which astrologers often characterize as “Points of Destiny,” and therefore correlating the nodes with both our individual and collective growth. Solar Eclipses, in particular, provide opportunities for transformation — the ending of an old cycle and the beginning of a new one. At an Eclipse, you can initiate a profound period of regeneration by aligning with your destiny and embracing any necessary changes that arise.
The darkening that occurs during an Eclipse has symbolically and historically been linked to the unveiling of something deeply hidden, an ominous secret, or the potential revelation of a great mystery.
Because Eclipses can be harbingers of great transformation and change they often coincide with unexpected earth events, stock market fluctuations, and political upheavals. On a personal note, emotions can become intense if they’ve been denied or repressed. New and important experiences or people can suddenly come into your life, and simultaneously, others may be removed. In general, changes are prevalent during Eclipses, so try to remain flexible and try not to judge anything that occurs as good or bad.
The ancient sages felt that the days just before and after Eclipses were a time for meditation and learning; a special time to honor the spiritual aspects of your life. Try to keep your schedule light, remain internally focused, eat only pure foods, and do not consume alcohol. The veil between Earth and the heavens is thinner during an Eclipse, allowing you to more easily connect to the eternal universal wisdom that is your divine essence.
Saturday, September 10, 2022 2:59 a.m. pacific time 17°41‘ Pisces
Some think it’s in the wine, and others think it’s in the divine, but pleasantness is what everyone is seeking. — Sadguru
A Harvest Full Moon is the annual Full Moon that occurs closest to the Fall Equinox and this year the Harvest Moon will brilliantly rise at its fullest on Friday & Saturday nights (September 9–10).
Astrologically, the light of a Full Moon illuminates the area of life symbolized by the zodiac sign in which it falls. This year’s Harvest Full Moon occurs in the mystical and otherworldly domain of Pisces. Associated with the cosmic, many of this sign (or those with Pisces planets in their charts) will often find themselves psychically transported to faraway realms.
Because this Harvest Full Moon is closely aligned with its ruling-planet Neptune (also in Pisces) it will imbue us with a greater dose of Piscean energy and a deeper awareness of the Pisces realms of compassion and caring, love, intuition, guilt, escapism (through any mode necessary), beauty, desires, suffering and sacrifice, healing or healing crises, adaptability, karmic completions, unity, oneness, and wholeness.
Importantly, and as mentioned above, this final sign of the zodiac represents the need to culminate any outmoded karmic patterns or addictive comforts that cease to serve our highest good. Endings can often feel difficult, but ultimately, even the most challenging will benefit us if they prevent crises and suffering. Therefore, this is an optimal lunation for intentions around letting go of the past and embracing the future.
Lastly, Mercury, the ruling-planet of the Virgo Sun (the light reflecting the Harvest Full Moon) turns retrograde during this Full Moon. Mercury is retrograding in the sign of Libra, denoting the exploration and re-visitation of relationship dynamics. To learn more about Mercury Retrograde in Libra please read my Fall Equinox and Mercury Retrograde articles.
On Friday and Saturday nights, go outdoors under the light of this powerful Harvest Full Moon and celebrate! Envision a future full of more love and more harmony for yourself, Mother Earth, and all sentient beings. Honor your bounty and enjoy the final gifts of summer as we enter the season of gratitude — fall.
Note: The above picture is from the sacred site of Chichen Itzá, Mexico.
Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony. — Thomas Merton
The movement of the Sun into Libra occurs this year on Thursday, September 22, at 6:04 p.m. pacific time. Celebrated the world over, the Sun’s ingress into Libra marks the first day of Fall — the season of balance and gratitude. Astronomically, in the Northern Hemisphere, both the Fall Equinox (end of Summer) and the Spring Equinox (end of Winter) mark the only two days of the year that the Earth’s axis is not titled toward or away from the Sun.
Chichen Itzain Mexico became one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2006. The below pyramid from this site was built in the 8th–12th century C.E. and signifies the sacred Mayan calendar. On the Spring and Fall Equinoxes, thousands of people from all over the world travel to watch the phenomena of the Sun illuminating a 120-foot snake creeping down the northern staircase for 45 minutes. The Mayans created this sacred dance between shadow and light as a symbolic representation of the serpent joining Earth with the Heavens and the Underworld.
Equinox: equal balance between night and day — dark and light
Astrologically, Libra marks the halfway point of the Sun’s journey through the Zodiac, which began at the Astrological New Year — the Sun’s movement into Aries (March 20). Just as the Fall Equinox is associated with balance (between day and night), so too is Libra. However, the sign of the scales denotes the importance of balance within our partnerships, most importantly, the art of remaining in balance with how much we give versus receive.
The Sun’s movement into Libra initiates a period of time to contemplate our ability to receive. Receiving is closely associated with gratitude and when we are in a whole-hearted state of gratitude, we are open to receiving all things associated with greater abundance — love, prosperity, joy, health, etc.
The 2022 Equinox chart embodies the astrological influences for the entire Fall season. This year, a retrograding Mercury (also in Libra) is joining the Sun, and both are in aspect with Jupiter. On an individual level, these signatures support honest and fair communications.
Retrograde Mercury’s close proximity to the Sun in Libra this season requires vigilant mindfulness in order to create balance, peace, and harmony in our relationships. Because Mercury is retrograde, we’re also likely to revisit past relationship dynamics. Jupiter’s presence adds an optimistic dose of gratitude as it highlights our desires to make choices that honor our individual autonomy, as well as the sovereignty of others.
On this website we use first or third-party tools that store small files (cookie) on your device. Cookies are normally used to allow the site to run properly (technical cookies), to generate navigation usage reports (statistics cookies) and to suitable advertise our services/products (profiling cookies). We can directly use technical cookies, but you have the right to choose whether or not to enable statistical and profiling cookies. Enabling these cookies, you help us to offer you a better experience.
