With Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Mercury all retrograde, we might imagine ourselves in a right royal mess. That said, while planetary retrogrades do come with their problems, they also provide opportunities to reflect on specific aspects of our lives.
Presiding over the final few weeks of summer, these retrogrades offer insights into the ways we might navigate both seasonal and societal transitions.
Mercury in Libra highlights harmonious communication, while Jupiter in Aries expounds expansion of the mind. Saturn in Aquarius extols duty to the collective, while Uranus in Taurus stubbornly resists the status quo. Meanwhile, Jupiter in Pisces would have us heed the call of the spirit. And Pluto in Capricorn utterly slays outdated patterns.
Together, this is a powerful confluence of forces that, all told, asks us to be better humans — for ourselves and for each other. With so much going on in the world, let’s all tap into a little more harmony, heart, and hard work.
When reading personal horoscopes, read your Sun sign for the “big picture” and your rising sign for “where the work is.”
ARIES / ARIES RISING
March 21 – April 19
Mars sextile Chiron: Use your primal powers of healing to bring fresh insight into your life. You’ve come so far but there’s much room to grow.
TAURUS / TAURUS RISING
April 20 – May 20
Venus trine Uranus: You could find yourself reaching out for something shiny and new this week. If it’s a new partner, make the effort worthwhile.
GEMINI / GEMINI RISING
May 21 – June 20
Mercury opposite Jupiter: You want it all, but if you had it, could you really handle it? Optimism is fine, but it’s your turn to heed this advice: less is more.
CANCER / CANCER RISING
June 21 – July 22
Moon conjunct Mars: Pleasure can be cultivated from pain and vice versa, but don’t let your moods rule your libido. Drama is not sexy.
LEO / LEO RISING
July 23 – Aug. 22
Sun opposite Neptune: Protect your kind heart from tricksters lest you let it be led astray. Learn to say no and walk away. Those who mind don’t matter.
VIRGO / VIRGO RISING
Aug. 23 – Sept. 22
Mercury opposite Jupiter: Let your inner idealist be piqued by relinquished opinions. Focus on finding the real deal — just don’t bite off more than you can chew.
LIBRA / LIBRA RISING
Sept. 23 – Oct. 22
Venus trine Uranus: Whether it be hobbies, habits, or partners, you may find yourself trying something new this week. Make sure it’s stimulating.
SCORPIO / SCORPIO RISING
Oct. 23 – Nov. 21
Mars sextile Chiron: That wise inner fire is primed to heal. Tap into old wounds for fresh inspiration. It’s from the lessons learned you can best lead.
SAGITTARIUS / SAGITTARIUS RISING
Nov. 22 – Dec. 21
Jupiter opposite Mercury: Sometimes things just don’t work out. Something about plans, mice, and men. You may find resistance is a way to refine and reinforce your point of view.
CAPRICORN / CAPRICORN RISING
Dec. 22 – Jan. 19
Saturn retrograde in Aquarius: Hard work with selfish aims hardly ever pays off. Endeavor to render the collective stronger and lighter than you found it.
AQUARIUS / AQUARIUS RISING
Jan. 20 – Feb. 18
Saturn retrograde in Aquarius: Your duty to the world at large is a challenge you’re happy to meet, in your own eccentric way, of course. Lean in.
PISCES / PISCES RISING
Feb. 19 – March 20
Jupiter opposite Mercury: You can be as happy-go-lucky as you want. Nothing changes the fact that even the luckiest among us can have a happy accident.
