Retrogrades
Before we look at the current retrograde season and what that means, let’s briefly recap what a retrograde is and why it matters. The thing is that when we say a planet is retrograding, it isn’t really going backwards.. all planets are always moving in the same direction through their unique orbit. We call it retrograde because when the Earth’s orbit comes into close proximity with one of the other planets of our solar system the planet we are passing appears to stand still and move backwards, or “retrograde” for a period of time. Just like when you are passing a car on the highway, as you pass it, it will appear motionless for a moment and then appear to be moving backwards as you drive by. This is what the Earth frequently does as it orbits the Sun.
Mercury is the fastest moving planet and as such, from our perspective, appears to retrograde three times per year. Saturn and Jupiter typically retrograde once a year. Venus and Mars retrograde approximately every 18months to two years. We often think planets of our solar system orbit the Sun in a perfect circle, but this is not the case. As these different timelines indicate, each planet has a unique orbit that they follow according to their own Divine design.
Why does it matter? The ancient seers watched and recorded the movements of the sky for thousands of years. Every culture on Earth has roots in Astrology and Astronomy as the wise ones understood the cosmic law As Above, So Below. They made detailed maps of the sky and recorded the events of Earth in order to understand the relationship between us and the cosmos.
When planets are retrograde it means that Earth is in closer proximity to that planet for a period of time. As a result, the influence of that planet is stronger. The ancient Seers named this phenomenon “retrograde” because from our perspective, it appears as if they are moving backwards, and we all know that perspective shapes reality, but what really matters to us is which Rashi (sign of the zodiac) and which Nakshatra (star) are they passing through. These slices of the sky carry certain frequencies, as do the planets and together we dance…
Mercury Retrograde ~ July 17 - August 10, 2025
This three week period marks Mercury’s longest retrograde of the year. Moving through the sign of Cancer, this Mercury retrograde may very well bring up opportunities for healing our relationship with the Mother and the home. Pay close attention to what your heart is whispering to you as Mercury in Cancer can create a sense of conflict between thoughts and emotion. Tempers remain excited by Mars and Ketu conjunct in Leo at this time, which is an energy that peaks in the second half of this month. Do not be surprised if strong emotions rise to the surface. Taking time to reflect and pause before speaking is of most benefit during this time. The invitation is to listen to your heart, quiet the mind and heal the nervous system with pranayama, meditation and time in nature. Mercury represents the nervous system making this an excellent time to tune in, heal and ground a fragmented mind. Last month I recorded a Nervous System Healing Kriya Pranayama Set for this reason (and more) ~ a simple, guided 45minute practice to elevate your state of consciousness and calm your nervous system.
Saturn Retrograde ~ July 12 - November, 2025
Saturn entered Pisces in May and will stay in this deep, watery sign for 2.5 years. During this time it will retrograde every year bringing us the opportunity to revisit the things in our life that are asking for closure. Saturn is the planet whose consciousness is all bout boundaries, limits, discipline and making commitments ~ just like Saturn’s rings, when we make a commitment in life, we often “put a ring on it”. It is for this reason it seems that many people fear Saturn because, whether we consciously know it or not, many of us are afraid of commitment simply because we don’t truly know what we want. But, Saturn is about maturity and intentional living. Saturn is Shiva who represents consciousness, stillness, and the transcendence of boundaries. While this may seem contradictory at first, one has to dive deeper and ask themselves what is it that really matters to you?
Someone once said that discipline is the difference between having what you want right now and realizing your dreams. In other words, sometimes we have to sacrifice in the moment or do things we would rather put off in order to create something bigger that requires daily, consistent effort to build.
Pisces is the twelfth and last sign of the zodiac representing the endings of things and transcendence. Pisces is boundless, swimming through the vast expanse of the depths of the ocean… Pisces doesn’t want limits and often seeks to escape. In its healthiest expression Pisces is the transcendence of our consciousness beyond the three dimensional realm, but if ungrounded can also express as spiritual bypassing, escapism, numbing out and addictive tendencies.
Saturn in Pisces is a transit that only happens every 30 years and brings a welcome reality check to the spiritual aspects of our lives. Especially during retrograde, Saturn in Pisces asks us to review our spiritual practices and ask, is this working? Are my practices bringing me greater levels of self-awareness, joy, abundance and love into my life? Is there a greater sense of equanimity and presence in my every day life? Am I healing and becoming more authentically whole or am I just going through the motions of something I said I would do…?
And, if you don’t have a daily spiritual practice, now is the most amazing time to start. Ultimately having the discipline to start your day with a simple practice that allows you to tune into Spirit and your highest sense of self, is a gift you are offering your present, your future and your past self.
This is a critical time to be asking ourselves, what supports our growth in the highest? The world is moving through huge disruption and change. Jupiter in Gemini brings massive opportunities, growth, expansion and evolution in technology. The cosmic alignments of current times are disruptive in nature representing a a 900 year cycle and a pattern that can be traced throughout history ~ this pattern represents a paradigm shift in consciousness and therefore, in reality as we know it to be. It is absolutely nothing to fear, in fact, the more we embrace change, the more we grow and benefit ourselves, but it can be very challenging which is why our daily spiritual practices are paramount to moving through with grace and ease.
Saturn’s 4 month retrograde period through the Nakshatra of Uttara Bhadrapada is going to bring necessary endings to many things, personally and collectively. This is a time for deep reflection, revision, review and to realign ourselves with our highest inner truths moving forward. A wonderful practice is to ask: where do I see myself in 6months, 1 year, 5 years? and then move backwards from that vision giving yourself steps and goals along the way to fully embodying that vision.
This exercise quickly makes it apparent how our daily habits lay the foundation for our lives and shape who we are and become. Every choice we make has unseen consequences and Saturn is all about consequences. Saturn holds our karma for lifetimes and in Pisces reminds us of the things we must surrender and let go. It is a time to pay close attention to our dreams and watch for the patterns and synchronicities as they unfold in our daily lives, for the Universe speaks in symbols and in order to understand it we must tune in.
