The chaos is seemingly endless.
According to popular belief, retrogrades are astrological events that can completely upend our lives—annoying, chaotic, and generally unchill. The retrogrades of 2024 won’t be so bad if you know what to anticipate, since astrological backspins are actually a very regular aspect of most planets’ routines each year. Retrogrades, when channeled constructively, can actually be times of great personal growth, insight, and contemplation.
Astrologically speaking, a planet retrograde is defined as temporarily slowing down and moving backward through the zodiac. This is all an optical illusion, though; planets don’t really change the direction of their orbit randomly. So, things that are symbolically ruled by those planets might experience setbacks, confusion, or scrutiny during those times. For instance, since Mercury is the planet that governs timing and communication, it stands to reason that when it goes retrograde, there will be more opportunities for miscommunication and missed connections.
But the new year of 2024 gets off to a cosmically positive start with Mercury’s retrograde ending on January 1st, ushering in a gloriously retrograde-free portion of the year that coincides with the New Year’s vibes. Since every planet is moving forward at a breakneck pace, we should also expect to feel more liberated to act on our intentions during the next several months. Not until April will 2024’s major retrogrades begin to make an appearance; from then on, a new one will begin in the middle of each month. With the exception of romantic Venus, no planet will go retrograde in 2024, so our relationships and values can continue to develop without interruption.
Thankfully, there’s a silver lining!
Guide to Every Retrograde Taking Place in 2024
There is no reason to be concerned about retrogrades, particularly if you are aware of the whereabouts, when, and reasons behind everything that is going on. Everything you need to know about every retrograde that will occur in 2024 is included here.
Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius & Capricorn: December 13, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Although most of this reversal happened in 2023, technically we had a Mercury retrograde for the first twenty hours of 2024. Holiday travel plans, social dynamics at family gatherings, and keeping shopping lists straight were particularly muddled during this retrograde period because Mercury rules logistics in astrology. Luckily, it didn’t get a chance to throw many curveballs at this fresh start. Mercury retrogrades more often than any other planet. So, even though this particular jaunt didn’t occupy much of our time in January, there will still be three more retrogrades in 2024. Our next stop is at…
Mercury Retrograde in Aries: April 1 – April 25, 2024
The retrogrades have returned after a lovely period without them, with Mercury at the head of the pack on April Fool’s Day (appropriate, really). During this retrograde, the communication planet will be in the fiery and pioneering sign of Aries, so you might find yourself sending texts that are full of typos and impulsive, or getting into an uncomfortable argument over words that were said too quickly. Your personal plans and work projects will suffer if you rush through them without giving careful consideration to every detail. Try to maintain your composure and slow down your pace; patience is a virtue that will serve you well during these weeks.
Pluto Retrograde in Aquarius & Capricorn: May 2 – October 11, 2024
Pluto, the mighty planet, goes retrograde for around five months every year. However, this particular retrograde will be significant because it will be Pluto’s last foray into the sign of Capricorn for nearly 250 years. As of May 2, Pluto will start its retrograde motion in Aquarius. On September 1, it will return to Capricorn, marking the end of our lifetimes on this planet. During this time, we can all gently embrace the transformations that have been simmering beneath the surface for the last fifteen years. As a group, we are about to embark on a new psychic journey and major changes are taking shape, so it’s important that you clear your mind of any unnecessary baggage.
Saturn Retrograde in Pisces: June 29 – November 15, 2024
Every year during its retrograde phase, Saturn—the planet of regulations, constraints, and strict love—serves as a cosmic rude awakening. Raise your level of performance this summer! Every year when Saturn turns retrograde, you might discover that you can’t escape the obligations you’ve been putting off or the lessons you’ve been learning about life. Despite the challenges, it often leads to significant self-improvement. The main themes and challenges of your current Saturn return are becoming more apparent during this retrograde, making it an extra important check-in for those born with Saturn in Pisces.
Neptune Retrograde in Pisces: July 2 – December 7, 2024
Neptune, like Pluto, is a distant planet, so its retrograde phases don’t usually cause as much trouble for people’s everyday lives as other planets’. Nevertheless, as a planet associated with dreams, mysticism, and illusions, its yearly retrograde motions have the potential to initiate a nuanced yet potent time of introspection on a spiritual level. Now is a good time to put aside your ideals and determine which of your wildest dreams are more unrealistic than achievable, since this Neptune retrograde is happening in emotionally charged Pisces. Immersing yourself in your imagination has its benefits, but it’s important to remember to ground yourself periodically for perspective.
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo & Leo: August 5 – August 28, 2024
Guess who’s returned, darling? On August 5, Mercury will enter its retrograde phase in its native sign of analytical and attentive Virgo. This means that you should account for potential delays in your plans and be careful not to miss any small details during this time. Be on the lookout for delays and double-check your schedule if you have vacations scheduled for late summer. On August 14, the nimble planet flutters back into Leo, which could make the last two weeks of the retrograde a bit more challenging to express yourself fully in a way that makes you feel understood. Apologize if you misunderstood something or ask for clarification; neither of these things should make you feel foolish.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus: September 1 – January 30, 2025
On September 1st, Uranus, the planet of invention, inspiration, and unexpected events, begins its yearly five-month retrograde in Taurus, the sensual and materialist sign. In this last quarter of 2024 (and into the first month of 2025), think back on any unexpected turns your life has taken since the new year began. During Uranus retrograde, you have the opportunity to reflect on and make sense of any kind of unexpected change, whether it was a profound epiphany, a game-changing insight, or a setback that threw a wrench into your plans. Keep in mind that change can be beneficial.
Jupiter Retrograde in Gemini: October 9 – February 4, 2025
Jupiter, the planet of abundance and philosophy, has been in Gemini, the sign of rapid thought, since May, assisting us in absorbing vast amounts of new information and awakening our natural curiosity. Once this fortunate planet goes retrograde on October 9, though, you’ll be able to begin sorting through all these novel concepts to determine which ones feel the most congruent with your genuine convictions. Although Jupiter retrogrades are often subtle, they have the power to trigger significant changes in perspective and new ways of thinking. Throughout the remainder of 2025, this retrograde will be operating in the background, since it continues until the first month of that year.
Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius: November 25 – December 15, 2024
Visiting for Thanksgiving, Mercury retrograde is, yes, a little too long! It might be difficult to maintain order as you flit from holiday parties to shopping centers during this hectic time of year, since this reversal occurs in the free-spirited and adventurous sign of Sagittarius. Spending too much during Black Friday sales can be a bad idea, particularly if you need new electronics. Purchases made at this time may fall short of your expectations or not be the best bargain you were hoping for, since Mercury governs technology and other logistical matters. Avoid making impulsive purchases by familiarizing yourself with return policies. When making arrangements for your holiday trip, you should pay close attention to detail because it is easy to mix things up.
Mars Retrograde in Leo & Cancer: December 6 – February 23, 2025
There are other personal planets besides Mercury that will be retrograding throughout the winter holidays. Beginning on December 6 in the brash and flamboyant sign of Leo, Assertive Mars will begin its retrograde motion, which it will continue through February of next year, before reentering Cancer on January 6, 2025. Lucky for us, Mars only goes retrograde every two years. That’s great because those pesky backspins can make us feel like we’re not very motivated, energetic, or passionate. Extra sleep isn’t always easy to come by during the holidays, but maybe this is the year you give in to the hibernation vibes that winter has to offer. Keep on track, though, and don’t let a shattered pride derail you! Just keep in mind that it might be difficult to move forward with new things or make major changes right now, so instead, concentrate on reevaluating your objectives and connecting with your true desires. If you opt to contemplate rather than take action as you leave 2024 behind, you will feel a great deal more assured and revitalized after the retrograde.
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