First, take a deep breath: Mercury is NOT retrograde right now.
However, nearly everything else is moving backward.
Don’t panic — this isn’t a time for disaster. With a little awareness, you can navigate these currents and let them work to your advantage.
At the moment, five planets are in retrograde if you include Mars in its pre-shadow phase. That’s a substantial number, and it amplifies the sense of inward review and reassessment across many areas of life.
Think of this period like a layered cake: each planetary retrograde adds its own distinct flavor and lesson.
Jupiter Retrograde
From March 9 to July 10, Jupiter — the planet associated with growth, luck, and expansion — is retrograde in Scorpio. Jupiter retrograde often slows outward momentum and invites an inward look at how we pursue success. Because retrogrades tend to revisit the past, opportunities may appear delayed, but they can also reveal where we sabotage our own progress.
With Scorpio’s focus on what lies beneath the surface, this transit can unearth deep-seated relationship patterns and hidden blocks. The experience may feel intense, but it’s aimed at meaningful growth rather than random disruption. Use this time to identify limiting beliefs or behaviors and to realign your goals with greater self-awareness.
Saturn Retrograde
From April 18 to September 6, Saturn — the planet of structure, discipline, and karma — is in retrograde. Saturn’s role as a teacher is amplified during this period, encouraging reflection on responsibility, boundaries, and the consequences of past choices. Retrograde motion encourages review, so you might see clear reflections of how your actions have shaped your current circumstances.
If you’ve invested effort in treating others with care, you’re likely to receive similar treatment in return. Conversely, neglect or avoidance may return as discomfort or challenge in your environment. This transit provides an opportunity to adjust habits, reinforce commitments, and rebuild structures that support long-term stability.
Neptune Retrograde
Neptune is retrograde from June 19 to September 26, moving through its home sign of Pisces. This annual retrograde heightens intuition, dream activity, and creative inspiration. It’s a fertile time to collaborate on imaginative projects or dive deeper into spiritual practice.
Neptune retrograde can bring revelations and a clearer sense of inner knowing, but it also asks that you face emotions rather than escape them. Avoid numbing or avoiding difficult feelings; instead, use this period to gently explore and heal emotional patterns. Creativity and compassion are amplified when you work with rather than against these currents.
Pluto Retrograde
Pluto retrograde runs from April 22 to September 30. Pluto’s long cycles make its retrogrades especially potent for transforming subconscious patterns. Currently in Capricorn, this transit highlights underlying attitudes toward work, ambition, and financial security.
Pluto invites deep inner excavation: hidden habits or fears that undermine long-term plans can surface and be addressed. This is a constructive period to examine your relationship with power, control, and legacy-building, and to release patterns that no longer serve your growth.
Mars Retrograde
Technically, Mars is retrograde from June 27 to August 27, but its pre-shadow phase began in mid-May. Mars retrogrades, which occur roughly every two years, tend to lower outward energy and make this a less ideal time to launch bold new initiatives.
During Mars retrograde you may notice shifts in how you express drive, desire, and anger. People who are usually passive may discover a newfound assertiveness, while those who tend toward aggression might find softer approaches emerging. This phase encourages reassessment of how you take action and express passion, often revealing more effective or authentic ways to move forward.
Concluding Thoughts
Tracking retrogrades can be empowering. These planetary reversals subtly influence collective consciousness, shaping conversations, values, and priorities — often without our immediate awareness.
Being mindful of these cycles helps you prepare for shifts and avoid being caught off guard when multiple planets are moving retrograde simultaneously. Use this time to reflect, reassess, and realign with clearer intention.
Related Article: Everything You Need To Know About Mars Retrograde