Planetary Retrogrades Guide: Mercury, Venus, Mars & More

What does retrograde mean?

When astrologers refer to retrograde, they’re talking about an optical illusion that happens when a planet’s orbit slows down relative to Earth’s position. From the viewpoint on Earth, it seems as if the planet is moving backwards through the sky. It’s not! (That’s impossible.) It’s just how its motion appears from our perspective.

The Sun and Moon are never retrograde. However, every other planet can be retrograde at various times. In fact, many planets are retrograde for months every year. Astronomers see planetary retrogrades as normal due to varying orbital speeds. It’s “no big deal.” Astrologers, on the other hand, tend to perceive retrogrades as significant and challenging.

Despite the reputation for being aggravating, retrogrades are not always a bummer! Usually, they are an invitation to slow down and reflect. According to astrologer Meghan Rose, “Retrograde periods in general give us this magical opportunity for ‘re’s.” Revisitation, recharge, recalibration, reassessment, remembering, reflecting, and reworking.”

It’s too easy to blame the planets when life is wonky, but that’s a cop out. The planets don’t make something happen. They might create the conditions for drama, but you still get to choose how you show up.

So many planets, so many retrogrades

Each planet is associated with different themes. When a planet is retrograde, it operates differently, which can impact the areas it governs.  For example, Mercury is associated with travel and communication. That’s why you’ll often struggle to find words or get to a destination in time when it’s retrograde.

Here are the areas of life associated with each planet:

Planetary Themes

Mercury - communication, travel, technology, contracts

Venus - love, values, spending, aesthetics

Mars - drive, aggression, anger, passion

Jupiter - expansion, luck, philosophy, long-distance journeys

Saturn - limits, lessons, discipline, structure

Uranus - innovation, rebellion, revolution

Neptune - dreams, illusions, faith

Pluto - transformation, power, destruction

Your Planet-by-Planet Retrograde Guide

The inner planets (Mercury, Venus, and Mars) tend to be the most impactful. When any of these three are retrograde, the influence can be felt personally and directly.

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury retrograde occurs three or four times a year and lasts about three weeks each time. It is the fastest-moving planet, so the energy tends to feel like a bull in a china shop—intense and chaotic! Is it any wonder we get annoyed with this transit?

When the Trickster planet is retrograde, you might experience communication breakdowns, travel delays, and tech glitches. You’ll want to avoid signing contracts, purchasing new computers, or automobiles. If you must travel, it’s wise to schedule in extra time. Even better, have a plan B with alternate modes of transportation just in case things go awry.

During this retrograde, it’s wise to back up your computer and proofread every email or text before hitting send. A little precaution goes a long way.

“I am not a fearmonger when it comes to astrology, and especially not over a transit we see 3–4 times per year. There’s no avoiding it! So learning to lean into it, slow down, reflect, and enjoy these periods where everything gets put on pause is actually such a nice break from the productivity culture that’s being peddled to us,” says Meghan Rose. She adds: “When we paint those re themes over the themes of Mercury, we get a chance to recalibrate our thoughts, reassess our relationships, revisit old projects, recharge in a travel destination we’ve had on our bucket list for a while, and so much more.”

Venus retrograde

Lovely Venus stations retrograde every eighteen months or so. As you can imagine, relationships can go sideways during this transit. Breakups, make-ups, and exes returning out of the blue—it’s not a soap opera—it’s Venus retrograde! 

During this transit, you’ll want to be careful about making major romantic decisions. You’ll also want to curb your spending, which can get out of hand if you’re not careful. Taste tends to be “off,” which means it’s not a smart time to make radical changes to your home, wardrobe, or style. It’s also advisable to put off plastic surgery during this retrograde. That facelift doesn’t need to happen now!

This is an excellent time to reflect on past relationships, self-worth, and spending habits. Revisit old flames, but be careful that you don’t end up right back where you were when you broke it off the last time.

Meghan Rose advises, “Because Venus is the planet of love, desire, beauty, and money, I always recommend avoiding making major (and permanent) decisions that stem from these themes. For example: breakups, engagements, marriages, tattoos, aesthetic work or plastic surgery, selling heirlooms or vintage pieces that you can’t get back, investing with high stakes, buying a house or car if you can avoid it.”

Mars retrograde

Mars retrograde occurs every two years and lasts for approximately two months. Mars is associated with ambition and drive, which tend to get clunky during this period.

Mars retrograde can block action, leading to frustration. It’s easy to lose momentum, which can derail progress.  Your sex drive may dwindle or get out of control. For some, it can make you more aggressive…or less. It’s best to slow down, turn inward, and pause before taking action. You’ll also want to apply the brakes to risky ventures or activities. Playing it safe may not sound exciting, but it will help you avoid trouble.

This is not a good time to start a business. It’s also considered poor timing to pick a fight. Whoever starts an argument during Mars retrograde loses. Therefore, it’s better to choose your battles wisely or not at all!

Despite these challenges, there is no better time to reflect on your relationship to anger and impulsive behavior. How are you spending your energy? Is there a wiser way? If you slow your roll and curb your aggression, you’ll emerge from this period with greater patience.

The outer planets and retrograde

The outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) are more subtle in their effects. Instead of direct impact, the energy is felt on a collective or subconscious level. Meghan Rose says, “We are a part of a society, and outer planets are most notably connected to the masses, humanity at large, societal shifts, culture, and the zeitgeist.”

Even so, you might find these retrogrades come with challenges that test your mettle.

Jupiter retrograde

Jupiter is the biggest planet in the cosmos, and it governs expansion, luck, education, and philosophy. When it is retrograde, the energy contracts. Suddenly, it feels like Lady Luck isn’t on your side. Instead, you’re forced to reassess your beliefs, especially around abundance and lack. Ethical issues tend to arise around this retrograde, allowing you to reconnect with your moral compass. For some, Jupiter retrograde brings spiritual growth.

This retrograde marks a time when you cannot wait for the wheel of fortune to turn. Instead, you must create your own luck through work.

During Jupiter retrograde, it’s important that you do not overpromise, overdeliver, overindulge, or overdo anything. Dial it back. Maybe give it a rest.

Saturn retrograde

When Saturn is retrograde, you have an opportunity to review your boundaries, structures, responsibilities, and relationship to discipline. Are you taking care of business? Or slacking off?

Reflect on your long-range goals and what needs to happen to move you up the mountain. If you no longer feel aligned with your ambitions, this could be an excellent period to explore new paths.

Boundary issues tend to come up more than usual during Saturn retrograde. While this may be frustrating, it can also be a sign of where you need to be firmer. Practice your “no” and you’ll gain the respect you deserve.

If any foundational area of your life is weak, this retrograde can be the ideal period to rebuild. Take care of your structures, and they will support you.

Uranus retrograde

Uranus is the planet of rebellion, revolution, innovation, breakthroughs, and unexpected changes. The retrograde tends to drag change to a halt. That doesn’t mean progress will be lost. Instead, it is a necessary cosmic check-in. Are you rushing toward the finish line? Have you considered the consequences? A speed bump could lead to a true breakthrough moment.

If you’ve been stuck in the same-old-same-old, Uranus retrograde can push you out of your comfort zone. Why stick to the trusted path when you can innovate? Consider where you might need to shake things up. Once the retrograde ends, you’ll be ready to roll!

Because Uranus is also associated with social causes, the retrograde period could be stressful on a larger scale. A fight could break out between those who prefer the old way versus those who want an equitable future. This could be chaotic, but ultimately, cathartic. After all, evolution doesn’t come quietly.

Neptune retrograde

Dreams, spirituality, creativity, and escapism all fall under Neptune’s realm. When this visionary planet is retrograde, it’s like a reality check. No more head in the clouds. The bubble has burst! Now you must face the facts. Sometimes, this retrograde can stir up feelings of being spiritually or creatively blocked. In those cases, it’s best to go within. The more introspective you are, the more likely you’ll connect with your spirit or muse.

During this retrograde, you’ll need to keep an eye on escapist tendencies. While there is nothing wrong with a little indulgence, too much could throw you off balance.

Pluto retrograde

When Pluto is retrograde, you have a few months to reevaluate power, transformation, and rebirth. This is your opportunity to delve deeply into your inner self. That’s where your real power lies. Go within, root out old issues, and release them. Do that work, and free yourself.

Meghan Rose says this about Pluto retrograde: “Because Pluto deals with themes of psychology, spirituality, and transformation, the retrograde period makes us all a bit more self-reflective… at the same time (outer planet, mass impact). There can also be a deep struggle for power and control, however, as the darker themes of Pluto are brought to light. These transits are often a time for us to realize what is in our control, and let go of focusing on what is not.”

She also shared this story about her personal experience with Pluto retrograde: “I actually got engaged during the Pluto retrograde of 2024. Pluto was in Aquarius, making a square to my Scorpio stellium (natal Pluto, Venus, Jupiter, Moon, NN, and a few asteroids). At the time, I felt like this was my way of letting go of control, letting someone in, and allowing myself to lean on and rely on a partner in a way that I never thought was possible. However, after just a few months, and three days after Pluto stationed direct in October, I called the engagement off. I realized that me fighting my independence and my power in that dynamic, forcing myself into a more traditional approach to love than I truly desired— whether to appease my family, his family, or society’s expectations of our relationship—was not the aligned choice I thought it to be during the retrograde. We ended things amicably, and I do not regret my decision, but this is a reminder to everyone that when transits make harsh or undeniable aspects to your chart, it’s important to notice how you may be impacted in a very personal or profound way.”

That’s a perfect explanation of personal power!

How to rock your retrogrades

As Meghan Rose shared earlier, it’s always best to use “re” as in reflection, review, reevaluate, redo, rethink, rest, etc.

• Retrogrades are excellent for inner work. The answers are within, if you’re willing to turn inward. That’s not always easy to do in this noisy world—but essential during retrograde periods.

• Go with the flow. You might be tempted to push, but the more adaptable you are, the better your outcome (and the less tension you’ll experience).

• Elevate your self-care. Prioritize your well-being as much as possible. That might mean more rest, exercise, or spiritual practices. Take care of yourself so you can continue to show up as the best version of you.

• Lastly, learn to let go. You don’t need to micromanage every part of your life. Retrogrades are the cosmos’s gentle reminder that there are greater forces at work.

Retrograde in Natal Charts vs Transits

Although this post is about retrograde transits(when planets appear to move backward in the sky at certain times), you can also be born during a retrograde period. Depending on the planet and where it is situated in your birth chart (a map of where the planets were when you were born), you’ll operate differently around that particular planet’s themes. For example, when I was born, Neptune was retrograde in my first house of self-image, which means people tend to ignore my boundaries. I’ve had to learn to assert myself.

I asked Meghan Rose if folks with Mercury retrograde in their natal charts tended to fare better during Mercury retrograde transits. She answered: “I consider this a case of ‘the devil you know versus the devil you don’t.’ There’s no real ‘better or worse’ with any birth chart, but I do tend to see with my clients who have natal Mercury retrograde that they are more prone to accidents, distractions, attention deficit, and indecision. For folks with Mercury retrograde in their chart, try leaning into your natural propensity to slow down, take breaks, and sit on the bench in order to play at full force when Mercury stations direct and asks us to get back on the field of life. Instead of fighting the moments of life that require recalibration and reflection before taking action, honor the fact that you are already skilled at doing this and making deeply intuitive and well-rounded decisions simply from knowing that life is not a race. There is no competition. It’s okay to be on your own timeline.”

Quick examples of retrogrades in the natal chart:

Mercury - you might think outside the box or may process information differently.

Venus - you may struggle with self-love or may be attracted to unusual romantic experiences.

Mars - you might have trouble expressing anger or asserting yourself.

Jupiter - your beliefs or morals may be outside the norm.

Saturn - you’ll either be too responsible or dislike discipline; you could also have issues with authority.

Uranus - you could be fearful of change or prefer to conform.

Neptune - you could experience tests of faith or may be skeptical; boundary issues or substance abuse are also common.

Pluto - you might have issues with power or deep-seated fears you keep to yourself.

If you want to learn more about retrograde planets in your natal chart, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a trusted astrologer.

Although retrogrades get a bad rap, they’re a chance to pause. Treat each one as an opportunity to slow down, realign, and prepare for growth.