#planetary retrograde

If there’s no scientific reason for all this bullshit, why does almost everyone have a story about something totally garbage happening to them during the most recent bananas retrograde season? It’s easy to explain away small inconveniences and struggles—fights with our friends and partners, minor technological misshaps, and so forth. But once in a blue moon experiences like car accidents and hospitalizations? That’s a little stranger.

Some of Mercury Retrograde’s influence can definitely be explained by apophenia, the brain’s desire to see patterns and correlations where none actually exist. In other words, if we’re already believers in astrology we’re more likely to pay attention to difficult events and connect them to the web of misfortune suffered by our friends and family. Something that would otherwise be annoying but forgettable becomes significant because we already know certain planets are retrograde.

However, in my opinion something more potent is at work here. And it’s happening at the intersection of science, psychology, and magick. Why is so much garbage going down during planetary retrogrades? We’re manifesting that shit.

Scientific evidence of manifestation is well-documented. Naturally, scientists don’t typically think of it as magic—but the Placebo Effect is a concrete example of belief having a tangible effect on external reality.

It’s commonly held wisdom in the magickal community that the more energy we focus on something, the more likely it is to manifest. This concept explains prayer, the efficacy of ritual and spellwork, and the enduring belief that if you don’t believe in curses, nobody can truly curse you.

In essence, because of the recent resurgence of interest in astrology, a whole lot more people are attuned to the position of planets in the sky. By extension, that means a lot more energy is being funneled into the belief that retrograde motion spells doom and gloom! And thus, those of us who are inclined to believe in such things are experiencing the fallout of negative manifestation.

What can we do to counteract this unintentional negative feedback loop? For a start, we can look deeper into the astrology behind planetary retrograde and realize that it can actually be a force for positive momentum and change. Shedding the notion of Mercury retrograde as toxic and bad can free us to use this potent energetic source for good. Because, after the year we’ve all had, we deserve some blessings, right?

(5/26/2019)

We are now in Gemini Season, which is a mess for most of us anyway. But what planets are currently in Retrograde? Well let me tell you.

Jupiter - went Retrograde on April 11th, and will go Direct on August 11th.

What does this mean for us?

Jupiter in Retrograde forces us to experience the unknown. We might gain a new/different perspective/outlook on life and how we are currently living our lives.

It will bring unexpected changes and experiences. This might not be the best time to participate in risky behaviors. 

This is a great time to reflect. We must look within ourselves and ask ourselves if what we’re doing makes us happy. Because it changes our perspective, we must meditate on different aspects of our lives that we normally wouldn’t take into consideration. Reflect on your morals/values/ethics. This is also the time to meditate on your life’s purpose. We must ask ourselves “am I doing my life’s purpose?” If the answer is no, then you must figure out what you need to do to get on the right path. If the answer is yes, then you need to assess what it is you need to do to reach your desired point of success.

Jupiter Retrograde is a great time to make the necessary changes to get yourself on the path you want to be on. What is your dream job/career? What steps do you need to take to get there? How will you reach success in your dream job/career?

Saturn - went Retrograde on April 30th, and will go Direct on September 18th.

What does this mean for us?

Saturn in Retrograde forces us to analyze life on a deeper level. 

This is also a time where we might be humbled. This Retrograde helps us to understand that we are not always in control of everything around us. 

Saturn is known to rule over large forces. This Retrograde will be impacting us on a global scale. Big dramatic changes will occur during this time. (Think of all the political changes that have already happened in America during this month). 

Because this Retrograde is in Capricorn, for those of you with Capricorn on your birth charts, you will feel more responsible for your actions, and be disciplined. It will also test your maturity.

Pluto - went Retrograde on April 24th, will go Direct on October 3rd.

What does this mean for us?

Pluto in Retrograde forces us to think about the things we don’t want to give up, and what we need to let go in order for us to move forward.

Our emotions/feelings/reactions to mildly inconvenient situations might be blunt, direct, and brutal.  However, this Retrograde will bring nothing negative. Our emotions just will feel a little more raw.

For those of you with Pluto in your birth chart, you will feel more independent and will be able to stand up for yourselves easily. 

This is the perfect time to let go of the negative forces in your life, or anything if your life that does not serve you anymore. Pluto Retrograde will help us make better decisions for ourselves and our futures. Because of this, existential crisis and self doubt can come to us easily. We must be aware of the destructive affects that Pluto has, and understand that we can change and grow in a positive way. Changes might be abrupt and startling, but understand that these things need to happen for us to grow.

This is also the time where corruption of ourselves and others will be more tempting. Try to stay away from this. 

Planetary Retrogrades that are coming up next: Neptune (June 21), Mercury (July 7th), Uranus (August 12)

From Pagan’s Path

What is Retrograde?

    In astrology, the chart of an individual and the planetary affects are impacted and influenced by their spin and movement. Typically, from our perspective here on Earth, planets rotate on a forward path. There's a brief period, called the stationary period, when the planets slow and appear to have stopped moving       altogether. But at times, after resting in a stationary position, planets will also appear to be spinning backwards. This phenomenon for astrologers means that the planet is in retrograde.

Jupiter               

   It takes 12 years for Jupiter to travel around the Sun. It pauses into a stationary position for 5 to 8 days. It's retrograde period lasts for about 4 months or so, approximately once each year. Jupiter rules over your need to grow, expand and learn.

   One of the two social planets, Jupiter can affect people in a very holistic manner. This retrograde causes society to reevaluate ethics. Spiritual beliefs and positions are questioned, laws and acceptable or unacceptable behaviors are re-evaluated. Jupiter's retrograde reminds us we're all interconnected, as a society, culture and people. From this view point we see more of the things we have in common, instead of differences. We look at those behaviors that may have once been unacceptable, or had a stigma to them and find compassion and acceptance.

   Jupiter is also a ruler of travel. When in retrograde, travel plans are often adversely affected. Even the best well laid plans can fall apart. Luggage can be lost, means of transportation can develop mechanical problems and reservations can be mixed up or canceled.                

Mars

    Mars requires 687 days to travel one cycle around the Sun depending on the time of year. It's stationary for up to 5 days. Its retrograde period happens every 2 years and it stays in this state for 2 to 2 and a half months. Mars rules over physical needs or physical expressions of emotions.

   As the Planet of War, when Mars is in a retrograde period it can create anger and discord. Often it turns inward and people go through periods of great self doubt. Passive aggression, inner angst, stress and anguish are all contributions of the Mars retrograde. This inner angst can be released in unhealthy ways, and directed at others. Such as creating illness, heightened stress, an increase in conflicts and severe road rage. But people who are fairly balanced individuals, both in emotion and nature, may not be as affected by this retrograde as others might be. But be assured that no one escapes it's affects. Short tempers can be applied to even the most calm and patient people.

Mercury

    The Mercury retrograde is perhaps the best known retrograde. It requires 88 days to make a complete pass around the Sun and remains stationary for anywhere between a few hours or a few days, depending on the time of year. This planet goes into retrograde 3 times a year for about 3 weeks each time. Mercury has the highest frequency of retrograde, but stays in this cycle for the shortest length of time. Mercury rules over communication and thought                or thinking things through.

   Communication is greatly affected by this planet's pull. During this period, individuals may find their messages can be conveyed through other less familiar mediums. Messages may be misunderstood; whispers may be overheard and mail or email may be misdirected. Reviewing legal matters can become confusing, or unclear. Public speaking can become difficult, and those giving speeches can be easily misquoted.

   You may find it easier to provide self-expression through other forms rather than verbal or written.            

Neptune

    It takes 165 years for Neptune to circle the Sun. It can spend 14 years in each Sign of the Zodiac. and remain stationary for about 2 weeks. Neptune goes into retrograde 5 months out of every year. Neptune rules over logic and the importance of balance or the flow of life.

   When in retrograde, logic falls to the wayside. People gain an increased interest in intuition or esoteric matters. Dreams and psychic abilities find new followers, as people beginning to analyze their inner natures. New outlets of communications come to the surface as artistic abilities get expressed.                

   Neptune is also the ruler over bacteria, viruses and the immune system. So when it goes retrograde, allergies may kick up or worsen. In addition, children who are given vaccinations during this time, can develop stronger reactions to the drugs. Many people will suffer with an over-sensitive immune system             and can develop more serious diseases.                

Pluto (Yes, Pluto may not be classified as a planet anymore but it’s still important)

    It takes 248 years for Pluto to rotate around the Sun. So this planet can spend up to 21 years in each Sign. It typically spends 17 days in a stationary position and about 5 months in retrograde during each Earth year. Pluto rules over generations, learning from each generation to the next. It also rules over             history and learning from the past.

   Pluto's retrograde brings change, with fresh starts and dead ends. During this period, things we hang onto the most can suddenly be taken away causing us to reevaluate what we value most. Change can occur through destruction and rebuilding or rejuvenation and regeneration. Outside forces are at work as well, including government upheaval, weapons and war. Change can often be difficult, and sometimes being forced into change is the only way to push some people forward in life.                

Saturn

    Saturn's average cycle around the Sun is 29 and a half years. Its stationary period, lasts for about 11 or 12 days. And once a year it goes retrograde for about 4 and a half months. Saturn rules over status or your desire to protect your position, in life or in opinion/belief.

   One of the two social planets, Saturn slows everything down. But in retrograde it can be a tough taskmaster. It can make us work harder or take longer to think things through, for both our actions or the events occurring around us. There are no short cuts during this time period and detailed plans shouldn't be rushed. Take time to breathe and do things right the first time.

   Issues with authority may also be in the forefront during this retrograde. Working on legal matters, such as contracts or deals may be delayed. Deadlines may be extended and may find yourself working on something you thought was already complete.

Uranus

    Uranus takes a full 84 years to orbit the Sun. It's very long year can cause this planet to remain in each Sign of the Zodiac for about 7 years. The stationary period for Uranus is 2 weeks, and its retrograde lasts for about 5 months out of every Earth year. Uranus rules over motivation, goals and originality.

   Uranus in retrograde, suggests you expect the unexpected. Surprises come out of no where. This can be wonderful or undesirable, depending on the situation. Uranus is the odd ball of the planets in our solar system. It can bring whims of fancy that amaze and amuse. Or it can come with chaos either externally in the world or internally to the individual.

   At this time, some people might find their wilder side coming to the surface, or the outgoing person can become uncharacteristically shy. Extreme variations or opposites in your personality are not uncommon and you'll find yourself behaving very differently than other people perceive you.          

Venus

Venus revolves around the Sun in 225 days and remains stationary for 3 to 4 days. Every 18 months or so, this planet slips into retrograde for approximately 6 weeks. Venus rules over relationships and feelings.