Starting on August 28, Uranus—the solar system’s enigmatic wildcard, known for its revolutionary and unpredictable nature—has embarked on its retrograde journey. The attention-capturing retrograde shifts span from the powerful influence of Pluto in Capricorn to the captivating and unexpected transformations of Uranus in Taurus. Adding to this, Chiron, a petite planet, joins the mix, making the total count of retrograde planets reach seven.
We can view planetary retrogrades as the Universe’s way of hitting the rewind button—an opportunity to reevaluate and, on occasion, revisit our previous steps. It’s not about moving backward, but about gaining fresh perspectives through the lens of our past experiences and choices.
Each planet, with its unique characteristics, plays a significant role in shaping various aspects of our lives and experiences. Here is an overview of how each planet can impact us:
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus (August 28 to January 27, 2024)
Frequency: Annually
Duration: About 5 months
Themes: Transformation, Power Dynamics, and Rebirth
Growth Opportunities: Embrace Deep Change, Address Power Imbalances, and Let Go of What No Longer Serves You
Uranus, often referred to as the “Awakener,” is a celestial force that adds an exciting element of unpredictability to our cosmic landscape. This revolutionary planet thrives on breaking molds, defying norms, and sparking innovation. Its influence invites us to question the status quo, rethink our approaches, and venture into the unkown.
During this retrograde period, Uranus invites us to take a collective step back and reevaluate various dimensions of our lives. Its energy encourages us to embrace change, to revisit past decisions, and to tap into our inner creativity. While its influence affects everyone, regardless of zodiac sign, those with Taurus Sun, Moon, or Rising signs will find themselves at the epicenter of this celestial phenomenon. For them, Uranus retrograde promises a journey of self-discovery and transformation that’s both profound and enlightening.
This cosmic rewind is an opportunity to reassess our beliefs, relationships, and life paths. Uranus’ energy prompts us to shed outdated layers of ourselves, making room for growth, renewal, and rebirth. Just as nature renews itself in cycles, Uranus invites us to do the same—shedding what no longer serves us and embracing fresh perspectives.
Uranus doesn’t deal in pretense. Its energy nudges us to be authentic, genuine, and true to ourselves. It encourages us to let go of societal expectations and embrace our individuality. During this retrograde, expect the unexpected, as sudden insights, chance encounters, and surprising turns could redefine our paths.
Uranus also has a way of exposing power imbalances, both in society and within ourselves. This retrograde period serves as a call to self-discovery. By turning inward, we can gain insights into our relationships, uncover hidden aspects of ourselves, and embark on a journey of personal growth.
This period also encourages us to address unresolved matters. If there’s something we have been avoiding, Uranus retrograde might bring it to the forefront. It’s an opportunity to confront and clear emotional baggage, heal wounds, and find closure.
Amidst the unpredictability, there’s an element of excitement—a sense of embracing change and the unknown. Uranus’ energy is like a gust of fresh wind that can revitalize stagnant areas of our lives. As Uranus takes us on a cosmic journey, stay adaptable, welcome the unexpected twists and turns, and remember that every twist of fate could hold a hidden blessing or a valuable lesson.
Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn (May 1 to October 10)
Frequency: Annually
Duration: About 5 months
Themes: Transformation, power dynamics, and rebirth.
Growth Opportunities: Embrace deep change, address power imbalances, and let go of what no longer serves you.
The slow-moving Pluto, when retrograde in the industrious sign of Capricorn, is compelling us to dig deep and confront the structures of our lives. This period will be marked by an intense drive to redefine and transform both our individual and collective goals. Now is the time to ask: What foundations have we built that need revising? Whether it’s rethinking career goals or revising long-term plans, Pluto is challenging us to transform from the ground up.
Saturn Retrograde in Pisces (June 17 to November 4)
Frequency: Annually
Duration: About 4.5 months
Themes: Discipline, structure, and responsibility.
Growth Opportunities: Re-commit to your goals, strengthen your foundations, and take responsibility for past actions.
Saturn, the taskmaster of the zodiac, in dreamy Pisces brings a juxtaposition of practicality and intuition. When in retrograde, it casts a shadow of uncertainty, especially concerning commitments and responsibilities. With its backward journey through Pisces, many will find themselves questioning their paths, beliefs, and the promises they’ve made. It’s a period of introspection, asking us to merge our dreams with reality and find a middle ground.
Neptune Retrograde (June 30 to December 6)
Frequency: Annually
Duration: About 5 months
Themes: Dreams, illusions, and spirituality.
Growth Opportunities: Reconnect with your inner self, dispel illusions, and dive deep into spiritual practices.
Neptune’s retrograde is a profound call to heal. This planet of dreams, illusions, and spiritual insights is pushing us to address past wounds, unresolved issues, and the subconscious patterns we may be holding onto. This is the perfect time for therapeutic practices, deep meditation, and seeking spiritual counsel. By addressing the past, we pave a clearer path for the future.
Chiron Retrograde (July 23 to December 27)
Frequency: Annually
Duration: About 5 months
Themes: Deep wounds, healing, and vulnerability. Often referred to as the “Wounded Healer,” Chiron’s influence brings up old pains and traumas with the intent of shedding light on them for healing.
Growth Opportunities: Recognize and address past wounds, seek therapeutic or spiritual means to heal, and learn to transform vulnerabilities into strengths.
Chiron’s retrograde compels us to face our deepest wounds, both personal and collective. It’s a period where past traumas, perhaps long buried or overlooked, resurface, demanding acknowledgement and healing. Chiron doesn’t only highlight these wounds—it also offers a pathway to mend them, encouraging us to embrace our vulnerabilities and transform pain into wisdom.
Venus Retrograde in Leo (July 27 to September 3)
Frequency: Every 18 months
Duration: About 6 weeks
Themes: Relationships, values, and beauty.
Growth Opportunities: Re-evaluate what (and who) you value, address unresolved romantic issues, and avoid drastic makeovers.
Romance and relationships come under the spotlight when Venus goes retrograde. In the flamboyant sign of Leo, this period will see a magnification of our love lives, for better or worse. Old flames may re-enter the scene, or current relationships might need re-evaluation. Remember, Leo craves attention and recognition, so ensure that you and your partner are on the same page regarding affection and admiration.
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo (August 23 to September 15)
Frequency: 3-4 times a year
Duration: About 3 weeks
Themes: Communication hiccups, technological glitches, and travel snafus.
Growth Opportunities: Time to review, reassess, and revise. Take things slow, double-check everything, and avoid making major decisions.
Mercury retrograde is in meticulous Virgo, and has the potential to stir some communication chaos. Expect misunderstandings, technical glitches, and travel hiccups. However, it’s also an opportune time to review, redo, and refine. So, while there may be communication barriers, it’s a chance to slow down, reassess, and make necessary improvements.
On September 4, the day after Venus stations direct, Jupiter stations retrograde.
Jupiter Retrograde in Taurus (September 4 to December 30)
Frequency: Annually
Duration: About 4 months
Themes: Growth, abundance, and wisdom. It affects our sense of optimism and our drive to expand our horizons.
Growth Opportunities: Reflect on personal and spiritual growth, reassess paths to abundance, and avoid overindulgence.
When Jupiter, the planet of expansion, optimism, and wisdom, turns retrograde in the intuitive sign of Pisces, we can expect a pronounced energy shift. It is often referred to as the “Great Benefic” for its association with luck and good fortune. This phase urges introspection on our beliefs, ideals, and visions for the future. Are our aspirations aligned with our inner truth? Jupiter’s backward journey encourages a re-evaluation of personal growth, spiritual insights, and broader life philosophies.
The Universe has its ways of pushing us toward our destinies. It’s all about perspective. So, while the stars may shake things up a bit, they’re also guiding, supporting, and illuminating our paths. The back-to-back stationing of Venus and Jupiter is especially poignant, emphasizing the interconnectedness of love, growth, and personal beliefs.
When planets are retrograde it offers opportunities for introspection, growth, and transformation. As they move, we too are prompted to move – emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Remember, it’s not about fear; it’s about flow. The Universe always offers lessons, and with the right perspective, we can harness these retrogrades for profound personal development and growth.
Alex Myles
