A new year brings a fresh set of astrological influences, and 2025 is notable for an abundance of planetary retrogrades. Retrogrades are periods when a planet appears to move backward through the zodiac, and although this motion is only apparent, the energetic effects are real: routines can stall, plans may need revision, and past issues often resurface for review.
What can you expect from the 2025 retrogrades?
What Does Retrograde Mean?
In astrology, a planet or minor body is described as retrograde when it appears to travel backward across the zodiac from our perspective on Earth. This apparent reversal shifts how that planet’s energy expresses itself, often prompting a review of the themes that planet rules. Some retrogrades are more disruptive in daily life—for example, Mercury retrograde is widely associated with communication and technology mishaps.
Mercury typically retrogrades three to four times each year for roughly three weeks at a stretch. In 2025 there are three Mercury retrogrades, mostly moving through Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), though one slips back into Pisces and another into Scorpio, adding watery, emotional flavor to those cycles.
Venus, which governs love and money, retrogrades about every 18 months for roughly six weeks. Venus does retrograde in 2025, and notably it overlaps with the first Mercury retrograde—both begin in Aries and then move back into Pisces, creating a potent and potentially tumultuous window.
Mars, the planet of action and ambition, retrogrades every two to two-and-a-half years for a couple of months. 2025 begins with Mars retrograde in Leo, soon retreating into Cancer, which can stir frustrations in matters of desire, creativity, and emotional security.
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Chiron each spend several months retrograde annually. These outer-planet retrogrades tend to act more subtly but can hit strongly if they rule your Sun, Moon, or Rising sign.
The Impact of Retrogrades in Different Planets
- Jupiter: highlights blocks preventing growth, exploration, and opportunity.
- Saturn: brings restrictions and exposes karmic lessons to work through.
- Uranus: slows down sudden change, which can stabilize plans but increase impatience.
- Neptune: increases confusion and blur between reality and imagination; intuition becomes vital.
- Pluto: invites adjustments around powerful, transformative shifts.
- Chiron: encourages inward reflection and removal of barriers to healing.
The Sun and Moon never retrograde.
Your Guide to the 2025 Retrogrades
Several retrogrades begin in 2024 and continue into 2025: Uranus retrograde in Taurus, Jupiter retrograde in Gemini, and Mars retrograde that moves from Leo back into Cancer. These carry their influence into the new year and set the tone for early 2025.
Jupiter has been retrograde since October 9, 2024 in Gemini and remains so until February 4, 2025, slowing opportunities and introducing karmic lessons—especially for Gemini and Sagittarius. Uranus retrograde in Taurus lasted from September 1, 2024 through January 30, 2025, tempering the pace of change and possibly creating frustration around stability. Mars was retrograde in Leo from December 6, 2024, moved back into Cancer on January 6, 2025, and ends its retrograde on February 23, 2025; expect themes of romantic friction, creative blocks, and heightened emotional sensitivity.
Below is a chronological list of the 2025 retrogrades with their dates, zodiac positions, signs most affected, and a concise interpretation of what each retrograde tends to bring.
Venus Retrograde: March 1 – April 12, 2025
Starts at: 10 degrees Aries
Enters Pisces: March 27, 2025
Ends at: 24 degrees Pisces
Signs most impacted: Aries, Taurus, Libra, Pisces
Venus retrograde can stir relationship reviews and financial reassessments. In Aries, impatience or difficulty initiating intimacy can surface; back in Pisces, karmic patterns and vulnerability come to the fore. This Venus retrograde overlaps with Mercury retrograde and coincides with a Solar Eclipse on March 29, increasing the potential for past relationships or themes to resurface. Venus moving near the anaretic (29th) degree in Pisces around March 27 highlights pivotal, high-energy turning points—both personally and globally—so consider what areas of your chart involve late-degree Pisces.
Mercury Retrograde: March 15 – April 7, 2025
Starts at: 9 degrees Aries
Enters Pisces: March 29, 2025
Ends at: 26 degrees Pisces
Signs most impacted: Aries, Gemini, Virgo, Pisces
This Mercury retrograde begins in Aries, challenging clear initiation and decisive communication; frustration and impulsivity can lead to mistakes. When Mercury moves back into Pisces, clarity suffers and imagination or confusion can dominate. Because it overlaps Venus retrograde and aligns with Neptune at an anaretic degree on March 30, it’s a significant time to practice boundary-setting, release old patterns, and rely on compassion and discernment.
Pluto Retrograde: May 4 – October 13, 2025
Starts at: 3 degrees Aquarius
Ends at: 1 degree Aquarius
Signs most impacted: Scorpio, Aquarius
Pluto retrograde in Aquarius slows intense transformation and offers space to integrate major changes that affect collective visions and personal long-term goals. This period supports strategic adjustments to the structures that shape our future.
Neptune Retrograde: July 4 – December 10, 2025
Starts at: 2 degrees Aries
Enters Pisces: October 22, 2024 (contextual movement)
Ends at: 29 degrees Pisces
Signs most impacted: Aries, Pisces
Neptune retrograde heightens the fog of uncertainty and calls for inner work. In Aries, it challenges us to act on spiritual vision and reclaim identity; back in Pisces, the confusion deepens as Neptune reaches late-degree Pisces. Because Mercury and Venus also contact Neptune’s late degrees earlier in the year, themes that arise then can persist throughout 2025. Prioritize rest, healthy boundaries, and creative or spiritual outlets.
Saturn Retrograde: July 13 – November 27, 2025
Starts at: 1 degree Aries
Enters Pisces: September 1, 2025
Ends at: 25 degrees Pisces
Signs most impacted: Aries, Capricorn, Pisces
Saturn retrograde asks for responsibility, structure review, and karmic accounting. In Aries this can feel swift and exacting around identity and personal authority; in Pisces, clarity may be limited and boundaries harder to maintain. Use this time to act ethically, build solid foundations, and stay committed to long-term goals even if progress feels slow.
Chiron Retrograde: July 30, 2025 – January 2, 2026
Starts at: 27 degrees Aries
Ends at: 22 degrees Aries
Signs most impacted: Aries
Chiron, the wounded healer, invites introspection and active healing work. Chiron retrograde in Aries focuses on identity wounds and the courage to heal and reclaim agency. This quieter, reflective period supports sustained personal growth and reclamation of self.
Mercury Retrograde: July 18 – August 11, 2025
Starts at: 15 degrees Leo
Ends at: 4 degrees Leo
Signs most impacted: Gemini, Leo, Virgo
This Mercury retrograde remains in Leo, slowing down creative projects, details, and routine tasks. It’s a time to revisit hobbies, heart-centered goals, and anything from late 2024 or early 2025 that wasn’t resolved—especially given Mars retrograde’s Leo influence earlier in the year.
Uranus Retrograde: September 6, 2025 – February 3, 2026
Starts at: 1 degree Gemini
Enters Taurus: November 7, 2025
Ends at: 27 degrees Taurus
Signs most impacted: Taurus, Gemini, Aquarius
Uranus retrograde tempers rapid change and can stall innovation or plans. When it’s in Gemini it affects ideas and communication about future change, and when it returns to Taurus it can trigger last-minute shifts around values, resources, and stability—especially as it touches the anaretic degree in Taurus in November.
Jupiter Retrograde: November 11, 2025 – March 10, 2026
Starts at: 25 degrees Cancer
Ends at: 15 degrees Cancer
Signs most impacted: Cancer, Sagittarius
Jupiter retrograde in Cancer directs growth inward—focusing on home, family, emotional foundations, and what truly nourishes you. Watch for an overemphasis on subjectivity; balance emotional needs with fairness and reason as you reassess long-term opportunities.
Mercury Retrograde: November 9 – 29, 2025
Starts at: 6 degrees Sagittarius
Enters Scorpio: November 18, 2025
Ends at: 20 degrees Scorpio
Signs most impacted: Gemini, Virgo, Scorpio, Sagittarius
This late-year Mercury retrograde begins in Sagittarius—inviting a reassessment of beliefs, broad plans, and the need for space—then moves back into Scorpio, where hidden matters, power dynamics, and transformation emerge. The timing around a Scorpio New Moon and challenging aspects to Uranus suggests a need for careful self-control and measured action to avoid making impulsive choices.
Your Full List of 2025 Retrogrades
That is the complete list of retrogrades for 2025. Mark these dates in your calendar and pay attention to how each retrograde interacts with your natal chart for a clearer picture of personal impact. If you don’t know your birth chart, many free chart generators can help you locate your planetary placements.
Good luck navigating the retrogrades in 2025—use them as opportunities for review, repair, and deeper self-understanding.