You’ve probably heard about planets in retrograde, specifically Mercury. This common astronomical phenomenon describes planets moving in the opposite direction.
So, what planets are in retrograde right now? Read on. We will guide you through the planets in retrograde and their effects. But why is this important? Understanding planets in retrograde helps you figure out some life events, such as a car moving backwards when overtaking.
Let’s get started.
What Does Retrograde Mean In Astrology?
In Latin, the word retrograde means to step back. But in science or astronomy, it refers to a phenomenon when planets move in the opposite direction. However, you should not panic about planets in retrograde, as it is normal.
What actually happens, according to the space news online magazine Orbital Today, is that the planet’s proximity to the sun and Earth determines the retrograde process. If you are a driver, the car you are overtaking appears to be moving backwards, because you are at a higher speed. The same happens with planets in retrograde, where the planets appear to be moving against their usual direction as they rotate around the Earth.
Also, some myths are associated with planets in retrograde. For example, which planets in retrograde make you tired? Perhaps you guessed that right! Mercury and Saturn are associated with tiredness because they affect our sleep quality.
2025 Retrograde Dates
So, below is a guide on planets in retrograde in 2025.
Mercury
In 2025, Mercury will go retrograde in three distinct phases: first in Aries and Pisces (March 15 to April 7), then in Leo (July 18 to August 11), and finally in Sagittarius and Scorpio (November 9 to November 29), according to the retrograde planet calculator.
But what does Mercury retrograde actually mean for us? Simply put, Mercury governs communication, information, and travel. When it goes retrograde, these areas tend to slow down or become disrupted — leading to delays, misunderstandings, and technical glitches.
Mars
Mars retrograde in 2024 – 2025 is expected to last for approximately eight weeks, beginning on December 6, 2024, and ending on February 28, 2025. During this period, Mars moved through two zodiac signs — Leo and Cancer — marking distinct phases of the retrograde.
Venus
Venus is widely known as the planet of love, relationships, and values. It enters retrograde roughly every eighteen months. In 2025, this retrograde occurred from March 1 to April 12.
Jupiter
Jupiter retrograde lasts about four months. It unfolds in two phases: first in Gemini, from October 9, 2024, to February 4, 2025, and then in Cancer, from November 11, 2025, to March 26, 2026.
Just like Mercury, Jupiter is also known as a planet of information. Additionally, it is referred to as a planet of abundance, expansion, and fortune.
Neptune
Neptune’s retrograde will begin on July 4th to December 10, 2025.
The Neptune retrograde is commonly associated with illusions, dreams, and intuition. If you are a spiritual person, you should take this time to reflect and search for spiritual clarity. However, if you are just a curious person, try to take note of any natural changes that might take place during this period.
In 2025, Saturn retrograde will take place from July 13 to November 27, moving through the signs of Aries and Pisces. Since its initial retrograde in Aries back in 1996, Saturn’s return to Pisces this year marks the completion of a significant retrograde cycle.
Saturn is traditionally associated with structure, limitations, and responsibility. During its retrograde, it’s an ideal time for introspection — an opportunity to reassess your boundaries, and consider how you might grow beyond them.
Uranus
On September 6, 2025, Uranus’s retrograde will begin in Gemini, then shift back into Taurus on November 7. Known as the planet of innovation and technology, Uranus invites you to reflect on the role of emerging technologies — like AI — in your life, and to consider how they may shape your future.
Pluto
Is Pluto retrograde in 2025? Yes, Pluto retrograde will start on May 4th to October 13 in Aquarius. Although it retrogrades once a year, it takes about five to six months.
This planet exemplifies rebirth, death, transformation, control, and power. It is an excellent time to reflect on your transformation and growth throughout the year.
Pluto will be in retrograde in 2025, beginning on May 4 and lasting until October 13 in the sign of Aquarius. Although Pluto retrogrades once each year, its backwards motion typically spans five to six months. As the planet associated with transformation, power, death and rebirth, this period offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on your personal growth and transformations you’ve experienced throughout the year.
Overall
In general, planetary retrogrades are a natural phenomenon that often pass unnoticed. While planets may appear to move backward, this motion is an optical illusion. Despite being a recurring event, retrogrades are deeply intertwined with myths and symbolic meanings. Each retrograde period offers a unique opportunity to reflect on different aspects of your life and make necessary changes.
Do you think planets in retrograde beliefs influence your life?
Author: Emma Thorpe