Known for its retrograde motion, Mercury isn’t the only planet that garners attention.
The only planet that does not go into retrograde in astrology is Chiron. The North and South Nodes are perpetually in retrograde motion because they move counter to the solar system’s prograde motion. Retrograde motion is reserved for the Sun, Moon, and a small number of asteroids and mathematical points in astrology. The retrograde motion of a planet teaches us to take it easy and think about what we can learn from that celestial body. About five months of the year, Neptune goes retrograde.
Retrogrades: Do Planets Really Move Backwards?
In astrology and astronomy, retrogrades are recognized as natural occurrences. When a planet is retrograde, it makes it look like it’s moving backwards in the sky. But it’s not exactly going in the opposite direction. It is totally related to how we view things from this planet. Even though their orbital speeds vary, all of our planetary neighbors follow a similar path to the Sun. The other planets seem to regress each time we go by them due to their sluggish motion. Mercury and Venus are the only ones that deviate from the norm; their smaller orbits and proximity to the Sun actually cause them to move faster. Those planets are actually moving faster than us when they go retrograde, not slower.
The Effects of Retrograde Motion on Astrology
During a retrograde phase, the planet’s strengths are diminished. Staying home and thinking about the lessons of life, particularly those connected to that planet, is often seen as a fitting activity during this time. It would be unrealistic to expect many people to remain indoors for half a year while a planet like Neptune is in retrograde. Instead, you can make a conscious effort to incorporate reflective practices into your everyday life. Pay attention to the world around you and the lessons it is attempting to teach you while Mercury is in retrograde. Now is the moment to bring all the external events inside.
2024 Neptune Retrograde: Dates & Meaning
The retrograde motion of Neptune this year will begin on July 2 and continue until December 7. Numerous other notable retrogrades of the year coincide with this one, including:
- Pluto Retrograde – May 2 to October 11, 2024
- Saturn Retrograde – June 29 to November 15, 2024
- Uranus Retrograde – September 1, 2024 to January 30, 2025
- Jupiter Retrograde – October 9, 2024 to February 4, 2025
- Mercury Retrograde – November 25 to December 15, 2024
When Neptune goes retrograde, it will do it in Pisces, the sign the planet has been in transit through since 2011 and will continue to be in until 2026. Neptune makes more of a generational planet because it stays in one sign for so long. The retrograde motions it undergoes might have overarching themes and subtle, almost imperceptible changes.
Planet Neptune rules over mental health, spirituality, illusion, escape, dreams, and domiciles in Pisces, which rules over similar qualities as well. Lessons learned during retrogrades in this area may be most profoundly experienced in mystical dreams, meditation, or other spiritual mediums.
Narcissism and other unhealthy coping mechanisms may be more appealing when Neptune is retrograde. When Neptune is retrograde, your intuition may be more audible than usual, and you might feel more receptive to new ideas and experiences. It might be challenging for you to concentrate at the moment due to these more apparent emotions and gut feelings.
To process Neptunian-related emotions, one needs significant alone time. With the help of its inhabitants, Earth is working to dissolve barriers between the material and spiritual realms. Remember to be extra careful about claiming your own “stuff” and not taking someone else’s when Neptune is retrograde. Never lose sight of the fact that you are a physical being on this planet and that you need to tend to your physical health no matter how far into the spiritual or inward you journey.
One might say that Neptune is a romantic and a dreamer. Because of it, we are able to imagine our ideal lives and elevate other people to status quo. Neptune retrograde can make you face the harsh realities of life. Always keep in mind that it is possible for both statements to be correct simultaneously. Both people and situations have many facets. Some aspects of life can be truly remarkable, while others may be completely lacking.
Neptune Retrograde 2024: Which Zodiac Signs Are Most Affected?
This retrograde will be most felt by those with strong Pisces placements, particularly those who are very near to the exact degrees of Neptune’s retrograde in the sign. This retrograde may also hit you harder than the average person if Neptune is the ruler of your horoscope.
Things To Avoid During Neptune Retrograde
- Don’t be afraid of change. Things will likely change as the murky parts of your life become clearer. Going with the flow is the lesson of most retrogrades, even though it’s tempting to cling to the past and insist on the status quo. Even though it may be bumpy at times, change that occurs as a result of a retrograde is always beneficial.
- Your intuition is usually right. Your intuition will alert you to potentially harmful situations as Neptune’s curtain rises to expose the truth. Give it a listen!
- Avoid making yourself too busy. During retrogrades, people should relax and do nothing strenuous. It would be impossible to completely retreat to one’s home and relax for six months in a row due to the constant retrogrades that occur from July to December. However, remember to give yourself time to relax and think.
How to Make the Most of Neptune Retrograde?
- Trust in the processes of self-improvement or spirituality. You will learn to recognize your feelings, accept responsibility for your own baggage, and let go of other people’s feelings through these exercises. Prime Neptune retrograde pursuits include writing, meditation, and therapeutic interventions.
- Check out your shadow. Take responsibility of your role in it. Think about how you might improve for the next time around. It’s okay to face your shadow self-head-on.
- Take stock of your neighborhood. While Neptune in retrograde can make you feel lonely and isolated, remember that you can always lean on your community for support when times get tough. You can find support from a variety of sources, including friends, family, counselors, religious leaders, instructors, and coaches.
If our work has made a positive impact on your life, we kindly ask for your support so we can continue our work. Thank you!
Now, you can follow Conscious Reminder on Facebook & Instagram!
∼If you like our article, give Conscious Reminder a thumbs up, and help us spread LOVE & LIGHT!∼
