Andromeda DavisWhile everyone gets nervous about the planet Mercury going into retrograde, it’s not the only planet that does so. Along with Mercury, five other planets will go retrograde in 2019. In this article, will show you when each planet will go into retrograde – as some will retrograde more than once – and what it means for your horoscope when they do!
What does going retrograde mean?
Here’s a quick recap of what going retrograde means…
Retrograde refers to an illusion whereby a planet appears to be moving backward.
A simple way to describe this phenomenon is to use the example of two trains traveling by one another on adjacent tracks. One of the trains is moving slow and the other is moving fast. As the faster train passes the slower one, the slow train appears to be moving backward.
This is what happens when planets pass one another in their orbit, such as when they pass Earth. From our viewpoint, the planet appears to be moving backward.
1. Mercury in retrograde
Mercury is connected to communications and travel. Many astrologers believe that when Mercury is in retrograde, you should be extra cautious or avoid doing important types of communications or travel. It is a time when communications can be misunderstood.
However, some astrologers also believe that there is good that comes with Mercury and retrograde. The “re-” part of retrograde makes it a good time to revisit, reflect, reorder, refresh and rethink.
Mercury in retrograde for 2019: March 5-March 19; July 7-August 1; October 31-November 20.
2. Jupiter in retrograde
Jupiter in retrograde brings about reflection, both philosophical and spiritual. Jupiter, being the biggest planet, tends to exaggerate things and also has an effect on “big picture” things. Jupiter can bring about harsh effects that attempt to poison your morals and personal values. This means that during these retrograde periods of Jupiter, we have to work hard on trying to “detox” these effects by purifying our thoughts. It’s important to engage in deep introspection, looking for moral clarity as it relates to “big picture” thinking.
Jupiter in retrograde for 2019: April 10-August 11.
3. Saturn in retrograde
Saturn rules over discipline, responsibilities, limits, boundaries, and authority. Saturn in retrograde brings about a time where we need to reflect on these things. However, the effects of the retrograde motion tend to heighten our fear and frustration of the burdens that responsibilities and boundaries place in our lives. Thus, we need to look at the big picture, looking at how these things play out in the long run. What may seem like a burden now – may actually be a blessing that provides future strength and security.
Saturn in retrograde for 2019: April 30-September 18.
4. Uranus in retrograde
Uranus in retrograde brings about an awakening, as well as, sometimes abrupt and extreme change within us. It often prompts us to rebel against our present position in life. It’s a time where we strive to get out of confinement or ruts, moving along an entirely new path.
As of this writing, the first retrograde of Uranus has passed, occurring in 2018 and spilling over into the first week of 2019. However, it will begin again in early August and continue until New Year’s Day 2020.
Uranus in retrograde for 2019: January 1-January 6; August 12-January 1, 2020.
5. Neptune in retrograde
Neptune in retrograde brings clarity. It allows us to see the truth in a given situation. It’s a time for us to stop turning a blind eye or procrastinating. It also brings about increased spirituality, a desire to serve others and develop unconditional love. Overall, as we see the truth, what’s truly important is revealed.
Neptune in retrograde for 2019: June 21-November 19.
6. Pluto in retrograde
Pluto in retrograde brings an awakening, one that forces us to dig down deep into our most hidden self, that part of ourselves we often push aside and ignore, and do a “clean up” with our lives. It makes us take a look at how we use our personal power. It makes us think about how we can make better use of this power, changing our lives in positive ways. It also helps us to understand if we are abusing our power and being manipulative of others.
Pluto in retrograde for 2019: April 24-October 3.
Shea Lee
