As I write this blog, on Sunday afternoon in Australia, four planets are in retrograde. In order of speed:
Mercury
Mercury has entered its retrograde phase today for the next three weeks - starting at 4 degrees in Taurus - until 2nd May when it turns direct at 24 degrees in Aries. Mercury retrogrades are generally seen to disrupt communications - either technical or oral - when conveyance goes haywire. However, it's also a time for clear introspection, to plot your next move, devote time to study and maintain steady focus (ironically, I should also be doing this as part of my uni time. Will do after this).
As Mercury moves back into Aries, there may also be a need to avoid confrontations, because this is when one can put one's foot in their mouth, so to speak. If you know your natal chart, you would understand how this transit plays out.
Venus
The next planet in retrograde is Venus, marking a six week cycle. She began her retrograde on 4th March, at 13 degrees in Aries and - thankfully - turns direct at 26 degrees in Pisces on the 15th April. Venus retrogrades only occur every 18 months or so, and for it to transpire in the fiery and passionate sign of Aries, past relationships may resurface for redress in a fireworks fashion.
This redress can play out in a number of ways, such as a lost love returned, or simply a remembrance of a past relationship, and why it didn't work out the preious time. While there may be trauma and regret associated with such scenarios, there's also every chance of putting the past to rights, with the emphasis of moving forward.
Venus is also of the more artistic leaning so if there had been an inclination to take up such a pursuit which may otherwise have been put off, it allows one to perhaps seize on the chance to do so this time. House placements in relation to planetary aspects are also an important clue to watch.
Jupiter
Jupiter began its four month retrograde on 6th February at 23 degrees in Libra, and this could be seen as the scales tipping the balance. Jupiter is normally the forward thinker and mover, ever determined to reach the finishing line, without much thought in how he's getting there. He would rely on others to work all that out for him.
Optimistic and exuberant, he can bounce, sometimes even fall down, only to pick himself up and dust off, ready for the next adventure. In retrograde motion - until he turns direct once more on 9th June at 13 degrees - this optimism can actually be delusional, he needs to redress how diplomatic (or not!) he is. Jupiter also presides over philosophy, long distance travel and the wayfarer's journey. Ideology could well be called into question and positions of power exploited.
From a worldview, this is probably a political minefield, especially in relation to how the more radical attitudes are given far more credence than they actually deserve. In this cardinal sign of interpersonal relationships, dangerous enemies can surface. Again, placement and aspects must be taken into consideration.
And Finally... Old Father Time
I refer to Saturn, of course! The final retrograde in Sagittarius, at 27 degrees, began on the 6th April. Until he turns direct again at 21 degrees on 25th August - marking a four and a half month cycle - introspection of the karmic past could arise. Metaphorically, this could be a shakeup of any foundations which were never solid in the first place.
Saturn is the moody guy of the zodiac who likes a place for everything and everything in its place. The workaholic, there may be issues with health if he doesn't take it easy. It could also be a time to accept that what was once stable and sure in the past is not any longer. It's in this sign that marriages could end, especially if this movement occurs in the 7th house.
Saturn is also representative of the elder, so he is emphatic on imparting his well-earned wisdom on to us. If we are rigid in our attitudes and would rather ignore what's going on around us, then we may get a kick up the proverbial! Saturn brings change, important change. Where have we been? What have we learned from our journey and how can we change what no longer works? Now is not the time for being passive and inactive.
To summarise
Four personal/interpersonal planets retrograde, at least for this coming week, anyway. Retrogrades are significant markers that brings turning points in our lives. Depending on how astute we are in being able to read this part of our road map - especially where there are bumps in the road - we can steer our way along, and come out better for it at the other side.
Till next time, Wassail!
