Ten heavenly bodies rule the zodiac. The actual planets are Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury, Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus. The other celestial bodies are the Sun and the Moon. You will hear a lot of times about a certain planet being in ‘retrograde’ this means that the planet seems to be traveling backward.
However, this is not what is happening. Because each planet moves at a different speed around the sun, often Earth will overlap the other planets giving the illusion of the other planets have stalled and begin to move backward. The Sun and the Moon are the only heavenly body’s that will never go into retrograde.
SATURN RETROGRADE:
Saturn retrogrades back in March on the 25th and will continue to be in retrograde until August 13th. What does Saturn in retrograde do to you? Well, because this planet is one of self-discipline when it is in retrograde, you may begin to experience a sense of deja vu. Things will seem like they have happened before and that you are given a second chance to correct your mistakes.
You will begin to question yourself and experience inner doubts about your self-worth and your ability to overcome difficulties. It is not to punish you, but to remind you and teach you to move through your mistakes. It is the opportunity to reevaluate your situation and learn. You need to expect the unexpected and realize that even though things seem to be moving slowly for you to the point of frustration, breathe. You are meant to learn a lesson and grow during this time. Growth is often painful, and that is why it takes ten weeks.
JUPITER RETROGRADE:
Jupiter began its retrograde on Jan 8th and continued until May 9, 2016. Most of the time Jupiter brings optimism and the need to seize the day. While the planet is in retrograde, feelings arise that resemble laziness. This planet is usually full of life and offers a go-to attitude, while in retrograde the planning stage never ceases and things don’t move forward. Things do not get accomplished and the lack of willingness to get up and dwindle.
Don’t fret, though, the energy is still there, it just needs to be refocused and turned inward. Instead of expressing an outward gun ho, the energy will manifest as brilliant ideas that if planned can lead to great rewards.
MARS RETROGRADE:
Mars will be retrograde on April 17th until June 29, 2016. Mars goes into retrograde once every two years. During this time things tend to get a bit heated. Emotions flare up for no reason, and life seems off balance. But it is all in your head. During this time the energies are focused inward, and the daily struggle is with the self and not the physical. This is a time to focus both on the physical needs and the spiritual needs. While you may get caught up with just the inner self, you need to remember the world around you and don’t take things so personally. No one is out to get you or try to make you mad. It is Mars that is blowing things way out of proportion and now is not the time to jump to conclusions.
VENUS RETROGRADE:
Venus does not retrograde this year which is exceptional. She will bring good charm and balance throughout the year. However, when she does go into retrograde love can be difficult. You will be shy and find it difficult to express yourself. You will be closed off to the world and begin to ponder and doubt the love in your life and how it has affected you.
MERCURY RETROGRADE:
Mercury will retrograde four times this year. Mercury comes January 5 through 26, 2016, April 28— May 22, 2016, August 30 — September 21, 2016, and December 19 — January 8, 2017. During these times expect lines of communication to be down. Mercury is all about the mental process and communicating. When it is in retrograde, all these qualities get flipped on their head, and things are guaranteed to be jumbled. You find yourself forgetting things, misplacing items, and jumbling your words. It is important during these times to take extra care on what you say and how you say it. Remember that your words and actions may send the wrong message during these retrograde periods.
PLUTO RETROGRADE:
Pluto will be in retrograde starting April 18 through September 26, 2016. Pluto is known for keeping secrets, but when it is in retrograde, those secrets may spill out. During this time you may have periods of doubt that are easily swayed. Pluto being so far out doesn’t have a pull the way other planets do, but you will still feel it none-the-less. Don’t concentrate on guilt or other inner issues that begin to linger in your mind. Don’t dwell on the past or give away too much information that will later bite you. Keeping to yourself may be the best solution, but don’t fall victim to your inner demons. Learn the lesson your inner self needs to teach you and move on.
NEPTUNE RETROGRADE:
Neptune will be in retrograde on June 13 and continue until November 19, 2016. Neptune offers an exciting gift while it is in retrograde. This gift is that of self-awareness. During this time is will be difficult for others to pull the wool over your head. You will be able to see and understand the hidden meaning. It is vital to listen to your gut instincts and follow through so that you are not caught by surprise. While some planets in their retrograde can be upsetting, Neptune offers this gift to be exceptionally intuitive if you listen.
URANUS RETROGRADE:
Uranus will be in retrograde from July 29 through December 29, 2016. You may find yourself wanting to rebel against the system and change things in your life. While change is good, make sure that you don’t overdo it. Some changes cannot be undone. Don’t be bound by negative energies, unleash your creativity and see the remarkable changes you can make during this time.
