You might already be familiar with the notorious Mercury retrograde, but did you know that in 2025, eight planets will experience this phase? Each planet's retrograde carries a unique influence on our lives.
When a planet retrogrades, it seems to reverse its path across the sky. This optical illusion occurs as the planet retraces its steps several degrees back before resuming its direct orbit.
Though retrogrades are often synonymous with challenge and confusion, they also offer valuable opportunities.
These periods encourage us to slow down, reassess our values, and realign with our true objectives. In the constant rush of daily life, retrogrades provide a pause to reflect on and rectify aspects we might otherwise neglect.
The retrogrades of 2025 are not just about revisiting past issues; they also signal a time of growth and understanding.
As these celestial bodies shift into new astrological signs, they promise fresh dynamics and perspectives, contributing to our collective evolution.
While the idea of multiple planets retrograding might seem daunting, these cycles are essential. They're designed to equip us with the lessons and insights needed to navigate forthcoming changes and welcome new phases in our lives.
Embrace these periods as they help cultivate clarity and wisdom, guiding us toward positive transformations.
Retrograde Planetary Phases 2025
Mars Retrograde in Leo/Cancer: December 6, 2024 – February 23, 2025
As we ushered in 2025, Mars was already in its retrograde motion, starting in Leo and transitioning back into Cancer on January 6.
This retrograde period, which concludes on February 23, 2025, has a pronounced impact on Aries and Scorpio—both ruled by Mars—as well as the cardinal signs of Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn and the fixed signs including Taurus, Leo, and Aquarius.
This Mars retrograde cycle offers a lesson in restraint, underscoring that swift action isn't always the answer. During this time, we're encouraged to embrace patience, meticulous planning, and strategic timing.
The retrograde teaches us the power of deliberate action over impulsive decisions, asking us to carefully plan our moves and wait for the opportune moment.
Venus Retrograde in Aries/Pisces: March 1 – April 12, 2025
The Venus retrograde phase significantly influences the fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) and water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), compelling them to reflect on personal relationships, particularly the relationship with oneself.
During this time, Venus graces Pisces, her exaltation sign, enhancing our sensitivity to the nuances of love and connection. It’s a period rich with emotional insights but also demands practicality to avoid getting lost in romantic whims.
The retrograde period focuses on nurturing wholesome relationships and reassessing our emotional boundaries.
It's a time for growth in love, urging us not to shy away from making pivotal changes in our love lives. Establishing and respecting boundaries will be crucial during this introspective time.
Mercury Retrograde in Aries/Pisces: March 15 – April 7, 2025
This phase of Mercury retrograde deeply impacts fire signs and cardinal signs, presenting a valuable lesson in impulse control. It serves as a gentle nudge to decelerate and savor each moment.
During this period, meticulous revision of work, forward planning, and setting pragmatic goals are crucial. Embracing this slower pace will allow for a more thoughtful approach to communication and decision-making.
Pluto Retrograde in Aquarius: 2025
For fixed signs and air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius), Pluto's transit in Aquarius marks a period of profound transformation.
This retrograde encourages us to embrace fearlessness and cultivate the bravery needed to overcome challenges. As Pluto urges introspection, this time becomes an opportunity to delve deep into our personal development and embrace self-acceptance.
The retrograde period emphasizes the importance of self-respect and the value of a supportive network.
We are guided to recognize our strengths and to surround ourselves with people who uplift and motivate us, enhancing our personal growth and resilience during challenging times.
Neptune Retrograde in Aries/Pisces: July 4 – December 10, 2025
This year, Neptune will transition into Aries but will retrograde back into Pisces, significantly impacting cardinal and fire signs.
This spiritual and potent transit emphasizes the importance of mindfulness regarding our boundaries, as Neptune's influence tends to dissolve them, challenging our foundational beliefs and perceptions.
Saturn Retrograde in Aries/Pisces: July 13 – November 27, 2025
Saturn's journey through Aries will predominantly affect cardinal and fire signs. When retrograde, the planet revisits Pisces, marking a period that demands patience and perseverance.
Saturn, which struggles in Aries, combined with Neptune's entry into the same sign, may initially create feelings of stagnation or blockage.
However, as Saturn resumes direct motion, obstacles will begin to clear, allowing for smoother progress. During this time, adopting a methodical approach will be crucial to navigate and capitalize on the shifting energies effectively.
Mercury Retrograde in Leo: July 18 – August 11, 2025
The second Mercury retrograde of 2025 finds its stage in the expressive and flamboyant sign of Leo, clashing oppositely with Pluto's transformative energy.
During this period, Saturn's brief sojourn in Aries instills discipline in fire signs, enhancing their patience and focus on passionate projects.
This retrograde phase, characterized by Leo's fixed energy, offers a stabilizing force, encouraging a reflective review of neglected needs.
Mercury's dramatic flair in Leo promises a phase that can be both energizing and uplifting, imbued with a potent romantic vigor that may spark bold expressions and heartfelt declarations.
Uranus Retrograde in Gemini/Taurus: September 6, 2025 – February 3, 2026
As Uranus retraces its steps from Gemini back into Taurus, mutable signs will find their communication styles undergoing significant transformations.
The presence of Pluto and Uranus in air signs boosts confidence in social interactions, enhancing the desire to meet new people and strengthen existing connections.
This period heralds a surge in information exchange, amplifying our voices and making social media a particularly vibrant and impactful arena.
Expect interactions to be charged with a new intensity, making digital communications especially compelling and influential during these months.
Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius: November 9 – November 29, 2025
The final Mercury retrograde of 2025 ignites the skies in the adventurous sign of Sagittarius, continuing the fiery expansion of the year.
This period is marked by an influx of new ideas and a renewed zeal for exploration and learning. Intellectual breakthroughs are likely, though this phase also challenges your impulse control, urging you to think before you leap.
Jupiter Retrograde in Cancer: November 11, 2025 – March 10, 2026
Jupiter's journey through Cancer deeply influences the cardinal and water signs, emphasizing personal growth and introspection.
During this transit, Jupiter is exalted, enhancing its ability to foster healing and nourishment. This phase encourages a profound reflection on personal history and the nurturing aspects of life.
As a cardinal sign, Cancer's influence doesn't just promote introspection but also propels us forward to discover more about our roots, familial connections, and emotional foundations.
This period is especially potent for creating harmony both within ourselves and in our relationships with others, making it a time of emotional enrichment and foundational strength.
Helen is the founder of Spiritualify.org where she covers all things astrology — from horoscopes and zodiac guides to retrograde alerts and moon updates. She also writes about other mystical lifestyle topics, such as numerology, crystal healing, tarot, dream interpretation, and more.
