Despite the fact that Mercury retrograde may be to blame for major miscommunications and annoying tech glitches, it’s not the only astrological shift you have to worry about. Every planet actually moves retrograde at a certain point, and just like the (sometimes unfairly) dreaded Mercury retrograde, this period can have real-life repercussions.
Be calm, though, retrogrades don’t always bring the chaos often associated with Mercury’s backward spin. Some of them can even be overwhelmingly positive.
That said, right now, for the first time since April 2022, no planets are retrograde. This means that between now and April 21, when Mercury will next retrograde this year, we can “expect youthful passion and purpose for life to slowly reemerge.”
While we enjoy our forward-moving reprieve, study up on the upcoming retrogrades — and get some tips on how to manage them — with this list of all the planets that are retrograde in 2023. Let’s first define what it means to be retrograde.
What Actually “Retrograde” Mean?
The term “retrograde” refers to the illusion created by planets in their retrograde periods, during which a planet’s orbit around the sun makes it appear to be slowing down and moving backward. Retrogrades in astrology are essentially times when your life may significantly slow down, forcing you to reevaluate certain themes or struggles, depending on the planet’s retrograde sign and its role in the system.
Mercury, for instance, is said to have a significant impact on communication and logic, two aspects of daily life. When Mercury moves retrograde, the planet isn’t moving forward or operating at its fullest potential, meaning you might experience some mishaps in these areas. It’s understandable if you feel as though your life is rife with obstacles and coming to a screeching halt.
Another example: when the planet of love, money, and pleasure, Venus, is retrograde, it can shed light on financial or relationship difficulties you may be dealing with at the moment.
When Is The Next Retrograde In 2023?
Mercury Retrograde 2023 Dates
This is the most notorious retrograde of them all. If you find things going wrong left and right (especially as far as technology, communication, and travel are concerned), you’ll probably end up wondering, “what planet is retrograde right now?!” — and the answer will probably be “Mercury.” In 2023, Mercury retrograde occurs four times throughout the year, with each retrograde period lasting a few weeks at a time.
- April 21 to May 14
- August 23 to September 15
- December 13 to January 1, 2024
Venus Retrograde 2023 Dates
Venus only moves retrograde once every 18 months, although it lasts for about six weeks, give or take. When this planet is retrograde, you can expect to feel it in your love life, personal values, beauty, and finances. Here’s when to expect Venus retrograde in 2023.
- July 22 to September 3
Mars Retrograde 2023 Dates
Mars represents action, physicality, and sex in astrology and is often associated with high energy levels and aggression — so when this planet is retrograde, you can expect to feel dips in your libido, energy level, and motivation. Mars retrograde occurs about every two years, lasting for a period of a couple of months. You can expect Mars retrograde toward the end of 2023.
- October 30, 2022 to January 12, 2023
Jupiter Retrograde 2023 Dates
Jupiter is the planet associated with luck, good fortune, and expansion. When this planet is retrograde, it can prompt a lot of self-reflection and philosophizing, as it nudges you to see the big picture. Jupiter is retrograde once a year, and its slow retrograde period lasts for about four months, or 120 days.
- September 4 to December 30
Saturn Retrograde 2023 Dates
A slightly difficult planet, Saturn governs all things related to structure and discipline. As such, when this planet is retrograde, it offers up reality checks that help promote personal growth. Saturn retrograde also occurs annually, for a period of a little over four months. Get ready to restructure your life during the 2023 Saturn retrograde.
- June 17 to November 4
Uranus Retrograde 2023 Dates
Uranus is a bit of a wildcard in astrology. It’s known for ushering in rebellious, free-spirited energy and unexpected shakeups. Although it technically starts a new retrograde period annually, Uranus retrograde periods can occur twice in the same year because of how long they last (about five months).
- August 24, 2022, to January 22, 2023
Neptune Retrograde 2023 Dates
Whimsical Neptune is said to rule our ideals and dreams. When this planet is retrograde, it’s not too dramatic; rather, it presents a time to reflect and revise your dreams and creativity. Neptune is retrograde about once a year, with its slow period spanning a little more than five months.
- June 30 to December 6
Pluto Retrograde 2023 Dates
Although science likes to exclude Pluto as a true planet, astrology doesn’t. This small planet carries a heavy weight, governing death, rebirth, and transformation — and when it’s retrograde, it asks you to challenge yourself to check in with and address any toxic, negative, and self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. Pluto retrograde can last between five and six months and comes around once a year.
- May 1 to October 11
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