MERCURY IS IN RETROGRADE: WHAT IT MEANS AND WHAT’S COMING NEXT
By Nicole Fuge
The cosmic rewind is upon us. Every year, planetary retrogrades stir the energy around us, shifting our focus inward and bringing past lessons to the surface. This year, we’ll experience a series of retrogrades—some we know all too well (hello, Mercury!), and others that demand deeper reflection.
Whether you’re an astrology devotee or just retrograde-curious, here’s everything you need to know about the celestial slowdowns ahead and how to navigate them with clarity.
What Is a Retrograde?
Simply put, a planetary retrograde occurs when a planet appears to move backwards in the sky due to its orbit relative to Earth. While it’s an optical illusion, astrologically speaking, retrogrades mark periods of reassessment, delays, and introspection. Depending on the planet, they can influence different aspects of life—from communication and relationships to ambition and transformation.
The Retrogrades of 2025
Here’s a breakdown of the major planetary retrogrades for the remainder of the year:
Mercury Retrograde (Communication, Tech, Travel)
March 14 – April 7 (Aries and Pisces)
July 17 – August 11 (Leo and Cancer)
November 9 – November 29 (Sagittarius and Scorpio)
Expect the usual Mercury retrograde antics—miscommunication, travel hiccups, and tech troubles. Double-check your emails, back up your files, and avoid signing major contracts if possible.
Jupiter Retrograde (Growth, Abundance, Luck)
March 9 – July 5 (Virgo)
Jupiter retrograde asks us to reassess our personal expansion. Are you chasing external success, or is it time to cultivate deeper wisdom?
Saturn Retrograde (Discipline, Lessons, Structure)
June 10 – October 25 (Pisces)
Saturn retrograde calls for a reality check. Where do you need stronger boundaries? What structures in your life need adjustment?
Uranus Retrograde (Change, Rebellion, Innovation)
September 1, 2025 – February 2, 2026 (Taurus)
Uranus retrograde shakes up routines, pushing us to embrace necessary changes—even if we’ve been resisting them.
Neptune Retrograde (Dreams, Intuition, Illusion)
July 2 – December 7 (Pisces)
A time to cut through illusions. Neptune retrograde helps us see what’s real versus what’s wishful thinking.
Pluto Retrograde (Transformation, Power, Deep Healing)
May 4 – October 12 (Aquarius and Capricorn)
Pluto retrograde dredges up old wounds to be healed. It’s a period of deep transformation—lean into it rather than resist.
Who Feels Retrogrades the Most?
While everyone experiences retrogrades differently, they can feel more intense if they touch key placements in your birth chart. If you have strong Mercury, Venus, or Mars placements (Gemini, Virgo, Taurus, Libra, Aries, or Scorpio), you might feel those planets’ retrogrades more deeply. Similarly, those with major Pisces, Capricorn, or Aquarius energy may be especially tuned into the outer planets’ slowdowns.
How to Navigate Retrogrades in 2025
Pause and reflect – Retrogrades aren’t about pushing forward; they’re about re-evaluating. Instead of resisting delays, use them as opportunities to reassess your path.
Back up your tech and double-check plans – Mercury retrograde is notorious for tech glitches and miscommunications. Read the fine print and give yourself extra time for travel.
Revisit, don’t initiate – Retrogrades favour revisiting past projects, relationships, and goals. It’s not the best time to start fresh, but it’s ideal for refining and reflecting.
Trust divine timing – Not everything needs to happen right now. Retrogrades remind us to trust the process and align with what truly serves us.