Buckle up, because 2025 has a total of 12 planetary retrogrades – two more than what we had in 2024.

A retrograde transit occurs when a planet appears to move backwards in the sky owing to its particular angle to Earth at that time. While some simply refer to this as "moving backwards", of course, the planets aren't literally moving backwards.

Mercury Retrograde is certainly the most well known, but in fact all the planets in our Solar System will go into retrograde at one point or another. And when the planets move into a retrograde motion, the areas of life that each planet governs are said to slow down or become unpredictable. While some retrogrades are known to throw the metaphorical spanner in the works, others are gentle moments for reflection and personal growth.

Below, find every retrograde happening in 2025 and what to expect from them.

2 September (2024) - 31 January: Uranus Retrograde in Taurus

The retrogrades of the outer planets are slower and gentler than the short, sharp backwards spins of planets like Mercury. When Uranus is in retrograde, it is a time for recalibration, and a smooth transition from one phase to the next. Uranus is the humanitarian of our Solar System – as you would expect from the planetary rules of Aquarius. It governs over innovation, technology and progress. So, the retrograde of this planet is know to spring sudden life-changing news and other surprises on us all with barely a whisper of notice. But ultimately the change and refresh that comes from this retrograde is easy-going. Uranus gently shepherds us from one phase of life to the next so we can embrace our new path in our own time.

As this Uranus Retrograde is in Taurus, there will be an air of stubbornness and unwillingness to move from your current station. But the status quo cannot remain, as much as you would like things to stay the same. Moving through this retrograde successfully will require acceptance.

9 October (2024) - 4 February: Jupiter Retrograde in Gemini

Jupiter Retrograde lasts for roughly 120 days, nearly a third of the year. Colloquially, Jupiter is known as the lucky planet, the bold ruler of Sagittarius. When this planet enters its retrograde transition, it unleashes the desire to hesitate – even in the most foolhardy among us, yes, we're looking at you Sagittarius. This is not necessary a bad thing. Taking that extra moment to reflect, especially on big decisions, has merit. Instead think of this as an opportunity to ensure you're on the right path and that you plan to stay on it. Although, Jupiter Retrograde definitely does dull the passion for spontaneity. Since this transit is in Gemini, it will add a layer of indecisiveness to complicate the mix.

24 December (2024) - 24 February: Mars Retrograde in Leo and finishing in Cancer

In a word, Mars Retrograde is frustration. Our warrior planet, the planet of action is having its light dimmed by this backwards transit. It is a time of hesitation, inaction and conflict. This particular retrograde is off to a fiery start, landing in Leo. It leaves us feeling headstrong and convinced we're right, but lacking the desire to effectively resolve the disagreements at hand. Mars Retrograde can also leave us feeling lazy and unproductive. It's a good thing it only comes around once every 26 months.

2 March - 13 April: Venus Retrograde in Aries and finishing in Pisces

Ruler of Taurus and planet of love and beauty is Venus, and when this planet is retrograding, it causing relationship shifts. You'll need to reevaluate your love life and expect that things won't always follow the fairy tale you had planned. This retrograde in particular was a challenging one. The influence of Aries made conversations more volatile. Cutting ties with toxic people was more difficult than you could have imagined. And people from your past reemerged, but ultimately this was just to show how far you've grown. Luckily, Venus only retrogrades one every 18 months.

15 March - 7 April: Mercury Retrograde in Aries and finishing Pisces

This feisty Mercury Retrograde blew in like a tornado, and left as quick as it came – not before leaving a sure path of destruction in its wake. It hit us particularly in the communications surrounding our interpersonal relationships. Bickering, resentment and misrepresentations of what was actually said. It was very important to be mindful of your words during this Mercury Retrograde. Supercharged by Aries' brashness, the Mercury Retrograde encouraged arguments all round.

5 May - 14 October: Pluto Retrograde in Aquarius

Pluto is known as the change maker. Its transits are generational, and movements through each sign represent a cultural shift. In 2024, Pluto moved into Aquarius, imbuing our change maker with the spirit of radical rebellion. Pluto's slow moving retrograde is said to pull the curtain back and reveal the changes that need to happen but have been waiting in the shadows. It is a time of personal growth, but also a moment that enriches our shared consciousness as Aquarius ignites our humanitarian instincts. You need to enter this retrograde unafraid to leave things behind and grow into the best version of yourself.

5 July - 10 December: Neptune Retrograde in Aries and finishing in Pisces

Neptune is our spiritual guide. It's the planet of dreams, mysticism and imagination. So, when Neptune is in a retrograde transit, we can feel cut off from this side of ourselves. Creative inspiration can be harder to come by, even pursuits like reading a good book can lose their lustre. Some interpret this period as a stern reality check. A time to pull your head down out of the clouds and seriously look at the situation around you. This one may feel more sudden and aggressive than normal as action-loving Aries will be at the helm. However, we should note this process is neither inherently good or bad. Rather this retrograde should be seen as a time to dispassionately evaluate, before a desire for whimsy and creativity returns.

13 July - 28 November: Saturn Retrograde in Aries and finishing in Pisces

Saturn Retrograde is all about karmic lessons. Saturn rules Capricorn, it is the planet of rules, responsibilities and discipline. When this planet moves to its retrograde transit, it is an invitation to test and almost push the boundaries around you. Of course this is one of the longer and therefore gentler retrogrades, so any changes will happen overtime. Think of this as getting your driver's permit and being allowed to drive solo for the first time. Or having your curfew extended to midnight and being allowed out at parties. Yes, there is a freedom to explore on your own terms, but just know that if you start making poor decisions, Saturn will be there to pull you back into line – and since this transit starts in fiery Aries, its teachings will be sharper than normal.

18 July - 11 August: Mercury Retrograde in Leo

Mercury Retrograde happens roughly three times a year, but sometimes four. This second iteration comes in Leo, which can make us headstrong and resistant to other people's ideas. It would be unwise to sign any important documentation at this time or agree to any new business relationships. Double check everything. Have important meetings and conversations in person. And definitely do not put gossip in writing. Also, try to give yourself extra time if you're travelling. Mercury Retrogrades are known for causing transport delays and technological problems. If you have somewhere important to be, give yourself plenty of time to get there.

6 September - 4 February (2026): Uranus Retrograde in Gemini and finishing in Taurus

Uranus heads back into a retrograde transit in September. This time we see Uranus in Gemini, before finishing back in Taurus. Gemini is known for its adaptability. It is a sign that can fit and mould into most situations. It is a favourable energy to bring to a Uranus Retrograde, a transit known for its out-of-the-box surprises and jump scares. While its hard to be aptly prepared for what Uranus can throw at you during this time, Gemini does give us the ability to navigate it all on our feet. As this retrograde gently moves us into the next phase of life, we return to Taurus brings stability and comfort.

10 November - 30 November: Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius and finishing in Scorpio

The final Mercury Retrograde for 2025 will be the most chaotic. A typical list of what not to do during a Mercury Retrograde lines up neatly with the key traits of Sagittarius. While Sagittarius is one of the most inspiring and vivacious signs of the zodiac, its spontaneous energy can exacerbate the chaos of Mercury's backwards spin. Where you need to give yourself extra travel time, Sagittarius will inspire you to wing it. Where you need to carefully plan how you word feedback, Sagittarius will want you to speak from the heart. Where you need to assess contract negotiations with extra scrutiny, Sagittarius encourages you to just sign it. Eventually, this transit moves to Scorpio which does shift its energy. While Scorpio is more considered and particular, this sign can be sharp-tongued and vindictive. Be particularly careful in what you say and who you say it to.

12 November - 11 March (2026): Jupiter Retrograde in Cancer

We close out the year with a final Jupiter Retrograde, a transit that asks us to take a moment of pause before making decisions. Here, we are invited to slow down and take a beat. Cancer will have us turning inwards; intrinsically reflecting on ourselves and surrounds as we look for opportunities for further personal development. A retrograde transit doesn't entirely dull the impacts of the Jupiter's bringing luck and good fortune. It's still there, but we're simply reminded to look before we leap.

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