There are many planets in retrograde during the summer of 2020, but that doesn’t mean we are doomed to difficulties. Retrograde periods invite us to heal past patterns and reassess aspects of our lives so we can move forward with greater clarity and strength. Because the Universe often asks us to pause during these times, it is natural to feel frustrated or overwhelmed, especially when multiple areas of life require attention. Regular grounding practices can help manage this energy and restore balance.
What Is a Grounding Meditation?
A grounding meditation calms the mind and anchors you in the present moment. By directing awareness back into the body, it reduces mental chatter and offers a tangible sense of peace. These meditations are simple, brief, and effective tools for maintaining well-being when anxiety and overthinking are more likely to surface.
Grounding Meditations Help Everyone During Retrograde Season
Some zodiac signs, like the earth signs (Virgo, Capricorn, Taurus), may feel naturally more grounded, but no one is immune to the effects of retrograde seasons. Everyone experiences emotional fluctuations and has opportunities for healing and realignment.
Using a retrograde-focused meditation—whether for Mercury retrograde or any other planetary retrograde—can provide rituals and practices to integrate this energy constructively. When you combine guided meditation with an awareness of astrological influences, you can set intentions that work with the current energies rather than against them.
The themes of retrograde season include:
- Revisiting
- Reorganizing
- Resetting
- Reevaluating
- Releasing
- Redirecting
These themes encourage examination of how we operate, which attitudes serve us, and which patterns may be hindering growth.
A Grounding Meditation for Retrograde Season
1. Sit Comfortably & Breathe
Sit in a comfortable position—cross-legged on a cushion or upright in a chair. Keep your spine straight to allow energy to flow. Breathe slowly and deeply through your nose. With each exhale, consciously relax and release tension. Let thoughts pass without attachment and allow your body to soften.
2. Focus on Your Feet
Bring your attention to the soles of your feet. As you concentrate there, you may notice a subtle tingling or warmth—this is your awareness directing energy. Continue breathing steadily while maintaining gentle focus on the bottoms of your feet.
3. Envision Roots
Imagine roots growing from the points where your body meets the floor or chair, reaching down into the earth. Feel yourself connected to the soil, trees, rocks, and other stable elements of the planet. These natural forms withstand cycles of change; they remain steady and supportive even as seasons pass.
4. Feel Connected to Nature
In your mind’s eye, sense that you are part of these stable elements—the mountain, the rock, the deep soil. This connection is not separate from you; it is an integral part of your being. When you recall the steadiness of a tree trunk or a mountain, you can access that same calm and grounded quality within your own body. Your spine, bones, and structure mirror this solidity. Return to this image whenever you need to find stillness and centeredness.
If you use crystals or other tactile objects for grounding, carry them to reinforce this sense of stability.
5. Seal Your Intention
Set a clear intention to integrate the lessons of retrograde energy into your daily life. Decide to spend a few minutes each day reflecting on which old perspectives you can release to support your goals and uplift your energy. Visualize yourself practicing this daily during the retrograde period and notice how consistent reflection helps you balance and harness planetary influences.
6. Release
To conclude, take three deep breaths and gently return your awareness to the room. Move slowly as you stand, staying mindful of your breath. Consider journaling afterward to capture insights and to let go of perspectives that no longer serve your growth.
Practice Daily
Use this grounding meditation regularly to remain centered throughout the retrograde season. While many planets remain in retrograde at various times during the year, their influence lessens as they station direct. Daily grounding helps you navigate transitions, release outdated patterns, and nurture inner resilience.
Current retrogrades to be aware of in 2020 included:
- Uranus retrograde (until January 14)
- Chiron retrograde (until December 15)
- Mars retrograde (until November 13)
- Neptune retrograde (until November 28)
- Jupiter retrograde (until September 12)
- Saturn retrograde (until September 29)
Mercury also went retrograde multiple times during the year. Eclipse season and the solstice often open windows for inner work; use these periods to refine major goals so new intentions can take shape at the next cycle.
Consistent grounding, reflection, and gentle intention-setting will help you ride the tides of change with greater clarity and calm. Make time each day for this practice, and let it support your healing and growth throughout the retrograde season.