There are several planets in retrograde this summer, which might suggest a confusing time for many. Learn which planets are in retrograde and what this may mean for you! See your options on how to use these transits positively!
Saturn in Retrograde
Saturn is known as the planet of restrictions, delays and challenges. He is also the planet of karma. Due to these aspects, Saturn is often thought to be a rather scary and negative planet. Fundamentally though, Saturn represents learning lessons and is therefore also a planet for achievement, for how are we to progress if we do not learn our lessons in life? Once a lesson has been learned, we can then move forwards and put the past behind us.
Patience, acting in a timely fashion and finding the correct balance of control are all important in our lives. Saturn is the taskmaster of these.
In its retrograde state, Saturn can guide us to look at situations from within and reflect on what is needed to progress in a fair manner. We can question what we need and what we do not need and may be prompted to look at our fears and to try and overcome them. Saturn will ask us to look backwards into our past to learn lessons and to try to break negative patterns. Recognising and admitting issues we have, overcoming aspects in our personalities that can stop us from moving forwards, repeated behavioural patterns that do us no good, can all be addressed at this time.
When Saturn is retrograde this time around, he does so in Sagittarius from March 25th to August 13th 2016. With this, we may well be asked to question our own principles and the responsibilities we have for ourselves. We will need to be patient and consider what the next steps are for our intellectual growth. Bad habits that need to be addressed may well raise their ugly heads. If so, we will have to face these issues and be made to recognise where we need to find potential solutions.
Uranus in Retrograde
When Uranus goes into Retrograde from July 29th to December 29th 2016, he does so in the sign of fiery Aries.
Uranus is known as the planet of intuition, creativity and innovation. He is also the planet of modern technology, invention and advancement in these. He can teach us forward motion through sudden surprise events or changes. These changes can then be seen as events that pave the way for our future.
Uranus is the planet of mental stimulation, deep thought and psychology. His influence is thought to bring about sudden and direct changes by giving us those “Eureka” moments. After we have these flashes of inspiration, they can lead to sudden changes, where things may never be the same thereafter and a new phase can begin. Freeing ourselves of that which we do not need, is an important factor.
In retrograde state, this stimulating energy builds up and may come out in bursts, giving possible moments of great ideas. The negative side may show itself in a sudden display of strange or erratic behaviour, often the result of a previously hidden need for change, unleashing what is holding us back. By having an outburst, we may be forced into reflecting why this happened and taking the appropriate action for future peace of mind or psychological improvement.
In this transit, Uranus asks us to open up our minds and look at what we need to do to move forwards in an ordered fashion. What do we need to do to leave chaos and disorder behind us?
In bold and brash Aries fiery tempers can raise their heads. Be careful if you are an energetic person with bursts of surplus energy! Sudden impatience may not pay off if you are being unreasonable! Use this transit to keep your energy in check through physical exercise or mental stimulation.
Aries is a quick thinking sign, although it can be hasty or impatient at times. Use this transit also to revisit any unfinished projects. It is possible that you will now find the path forward and have a Eureka moment yourself.
Mercury in Retrograde
Mercury, the planet of communication and travel goes into retrograde from August 30th to Sept 22nd 2016. This will be the third of four retrograde periods that Mercury makes during this year. This time the retrograde happens in the sign of earthy Virgo.
Mercury in retrograde is considered by many to give delays and issues in communication and travel, and delays on such matters as contract signing and agreements. Computer gone wrong? Train delayed? Patience running out due to unforeseen delays with promotions at work? Mercury retrograde gets the blame for all of these!
Mercury retrogrades are also not considered to be good times to start new ventures or make startling changes in relationships or businesses. Rather, they are thought to be suitable periods for reflection before action. Progress can be made when action is taken, once Mercury moves forwards again.
In the earth sign of Virgo, Mercury is honest, practical, ordered. In this retrograde period, carefully analysing situations where we may be restraining ourselves or others, being overly critical of others, or any personal ticks such as perfectionism, tidying up obsessively etc can be addressed. It is time to look at the practical side and carefully analyse areas we need to improve in a practical way. It is also a useful time for studying things that may be blocking us being at one with nature and our environment. Going against your natural instinct? Not listening to your body? Balance is what you can seek in this retrograde period. Use this time for careful analytic thought to move forwards positively and surely when Mercury goes direct in September.
Neptune in Retrograde
After 149 years of travelling through the zodiac signs, Neptune comes home to his spiritual sign of Pisces. In dreamy Pisces, Neptune may stimulate our imagination, but be careful not to lose yourself in fantasy!
With Neptune in retrograde from June 13th through to November 19th 2016, our intuitive forces should be at their best. Feel free to dream and follow those trains of thoughts to reach interesting and imaginative goals. During this retrograde period, we may become more sensitive and our inner psyche and sixth senses may become much more alert. You may be able to use your own psychic perception to get extra insight and stimulation when thinking through situations. Use this to dream up new ideas; the extra insight you pick up may well be there for a reason. If we ignore this, there may be lessons to learn if we do not act once Neptune turns direct again. It is a time to discover the truth for yourself, and the facts may be laid bare for you to consider.
Being more psychically open means that you also may need some energetic protection, and to stay away from negative people who may drain your energy. Liberating feelings through good communication and discussions to release pent up emotions may also be necessary factors of Neptune in retrograde.
In Pisces Neptune is in her spiritual home and spirituality abounds! Use this time to connect to your spiritual side and discover what can bring peace to you and to your environment.
Each of these transits may have a special meaning for you
The explanations given above are general explanations. Of course, each of us has our very own birth chart. Depending which sun sign or ascendant you have, and which of your astrological houses these planets are affecting, you may have the kind of activity described going off in a specific area; Relationships, family, work, friends etc.
Should you wish to look into this more deeply and get guidance on the retrograde periods, why not speak with one of the Psychic Today astrologists? Find yours, at http://psychictoday.uk/readers/astrology