Event Type : Stations

Saturn now turns retrograde at 7° Pisces 13′. This retrograde cycle lasts approximately 4.5 months.

Saturn turns retrograde on June 17th, 2023, at 7° Pisces 13′

Saturn will turn direct on November 4th, 2023, at 0° Pisces 31′.

While Saturn is retrograde, we are more likely to refine and review our status, reputation, long-term goals, and responsibilities.

Read about Saturn Retrograde here.

Neptune now turns retrograde at 27° Pisces 41′. Each year, Neptune retrogrades for approximately 5 months.

 

• Neptune enters the Retrograde Zone on March 9, 2023,  at 24° Pisces 53′
• Neptune stations and turns retrograde on June 30, 2023,  at 27° Pisces 41′ Rx
• Neptune stations and turns direct on December 6, 2023, at 24° Pisces 53′
• Neptune leaves the Retrograde Zone on March 25, 2024, at 27° Pisces 41′

Note that retrograde times are approximate.

The Neptune retrograde cycle is a period of increased receptiveness, even if we’re putting some of our dreams on hold. It can be a time of indecision or feeling in limbo, but it can also be a period of personal discovery. We may feel let down by a matter when the shift happens, but this can lead us along a new and improved path.

Venus now turns retrograde at 28° Leo 36′.

 

Venus Retrograde Cycle from July 22nd to September 3rd, 2023:

Venus Retrograde Dates in the year 2023:

• On June 19, 2023, Venus enters the Retrograde Zone (pre-retrograde shadow) at 12° Leo 12′
• On July 22, 2023, Venus stations and turns retrograde at 28° Leo 36′ Rx
• On September 3, 2023, Venus stations and turns direct at 12° Leo 12′
• On October 7, 2023, Venus leaves the Retrograde Zone (post-retrograde shadow) at 28° Leo 36′

Venus is retrograde entirely in the sign of Leo, starting at 28° Leo 36′, and turning direct at 12° Leo 12′.

[Venus enters the retrograde zone (shadow) on June 19, 2023, and leaves the shadow zone on October 7, 2023]

Venus is retrograde in the sign of Leo for the entire retrograde period. Note that similar retrograde Venus patterns repeat in about eight years, and a similar Venus Rx period occurred from July 25 to September 6, 2015, although the very first degree of Virgo was also involved. There can be common themes shared with this past period.

As the planet of love and values, Venus retrograde periods are times when we re-assess what—and who—we value. It is a period that many astrologers consider inopportune for getting married or starting a new relationship. Major financial undertakings are not advised during this period either. Venus retrograde cycles are good times for creating budgets and financial plans, and for re-thinking our personal relationships. Taking final action in the areas of finance and love, however, is not advised until Venus turns direct again.

Because Venus rules beauty and aesthetics, Venus Retrograde is a less than ideal time for beautification processes (new hairdos, enhancements, purchasing a new wardrobe, cosmetic surgery, and so forth), renovations, re-decorating, and the like. Because Venus is associated with social events, parties may not go as planned.

On the subject of love, past lovers may re-appear and some relationships may end. With Venus retrograde in Leo this retrograde cycle, our needs for attention may be especially strong. We may question the romance factor in our current relationships.

Old friends and lovers may re-appear, perhaps complicating current relationships. We may be called upon to deal with relationship issues from the past during this Venus retrograde cycle. Events occur that seem fated or pre-destined. It can be a real challenge getting close to a lover during this period of time. Unorthodox, experimental, and non-intimate relationships may be favored.

Affection is difficult to express in a natural or spontaneous manner. We might find others are lacking in sincerity or genuineness in their expressions of social niceties. (We may be inclined to do the same!).

Some of the more negative associations of Venus in Leo may be particularly prominent and/or hard to take, and these include such things as egoism, buying affection, or haughtiness. Those who have Leo strong in their charts can be more introspective, distant, or hard to reach during this cycle. They may not be in as favorable light just for the time being.

Relationships that have been especially challenging may come to an end during this cycle. However, strong relationships will survive it, even if there are a few bumps and bruises along the way. This can be a good time for “eyes wide open” or experimental dating, although opinions and assessments may change at a later date. It is not a time when people recognize the need for another person to “complete” them. Some people may be questioning whether they are with partners who actually fulfill them.

We may, however, be especially in touch with our deeper, less obvious, and less superficial needs and wants. This makes it a good time for re-evaluating our relationship needs; but, again, major love decisions are best saved for after the cycle ends on September 3rd, and better yet, beyond the shadow phase as well (after October 7th). Our perceptions may be skewed and we can come out of the retrograde cycle with regret if we have acted hastily, as the tendency to change our minds later is strong.

On the subject of money, finances, and possessions, do try to hold off on major purchases or financial decisions during this Venus retrograde cycle. For example, the purchase of a new house, car, or other big-ticket item could backfire in some manner later on. They may become money pits or cause problems for you; or you may change your mind later and regret your purchase.

There’s nothing truly to fear about Venus retrograde, but it’s always wise to take special care during this cycle. It’s not the best period for entering into a new relationship, because our sensors when it comes to love are not up to par. However, it’s not unheard of to begin a relationship under the influence of a retrograde Venus, and the relationship survives and/or thrives.

Then there is a feeling of the inevitable during a Venus retrograde. What happened in the past, including past love affairs, can flood our consciousness now. Sometimes, a past lover reappears in their physical form.

Read more about Venus Retrograde. Where is Venus Retrograde transiting by house in your natal chart? Is it conjunct a natal planet, your Ascendant, or Midheaven? Read interpretations of Venus Retrograde in Transit for a more personalized meaning of the transit cycle.

If you’re wondering what Venus retrograde means if you’re born with this position in your chart, see Venus Retrograde in the Birth Chart.

Chiron now turns retrograde at 19° Ari 58′.

Chiron Retrograde Dates in the year 2023:

• On March 29, 2023, Chiron enters the Retrograde Zone (pre-retrograde shadow) at 15° Aries 27′
• On July 22, 2023, Chiron stations and turns retrograde at 19° Aries 58′ Rx
• On December 26, 2023, Chiron stations and turns direct at 15° Aries 27′
• On April 18, 2024, Chiron leaves the Retrograde Zone (post-retrograde shadow) at 19° Aries 58′

Chiron is retrograde in Aries, starting at 19° Aries 58′, and turning direct at 15° Aries 27′.

[Chiron enters the retrograde zone (shadow) on March 29, 2023, and leaves the shadow zone on April 18, 2024]

The Chiron retrograde period in Aries is one of reassessing our mental health and healing journeys, programs, or efforts.

Mercury now turns retrograde at 21° Virgo 51′.

Mercury is retrograde from August 23rd, at 21° Virgo 51′, until September 15th, at 8° Virgo 00′.

Mercury Retrograde Cycle from August 23 to September 15, 2023:

 

• On August 3, 2023, Mercury enters the Retrograde Zone (pre-retrograde shadow) at 8° Virgo 00′
• On August 23, 2023, Mercury stations and turns retrograde at 21° Virgo 51′ Rx
• On September 15, 2023, Mercury stations and turns direct at 8° Virgo 00′
• On September 30, 2023, Mercury leaves the Retrograde Zone (post-retrograde shadow) at 21° Virgo 51”

Note that the shadow period begins before Mercury turns retrograde–when Mercury first passes over the degree that Mercury later returns to in retrograde motion. The shadow period ends when Mercury again passes over the degree at which it first turned retrograde. The shadow period is different than Mercury’s storm period in astrology, which refers to the period when Mercury is moving especially slowly.

Note that Mercury’s post-retrograde shadow is generally better for new long-term endeavors than the pre-retrograde shadow. For new enterprises in the pre-retrograde shadow, the venture’s secondary progressed Mercury will turn direction (retrograde) in the coming years which may not be ideal.

Also note that things are most wonky on the days of the stations whether Mercury is turning retrograde OR direct (the start and end date of the retrograde cycle) as the shifts occur, after which we grow more accustomed to the energy.

Mercury is retrograde approximately three times a year for around three weeks each time. As such, retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence (Mercury is retrograde approximately 18% of the time).

As the planet of communication, Mercury retrograde tends to breed a certain level of confusion. Mercury rules our “lower” mind–how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our environment, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, and so forth. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sluggish state. Decision-making is challenged during Mercury retrograde.

Needless to say, it is not advised to sign contracts, engage in important decision-making, or launch a new business. Delays and challenges are more probable with Mercury retrograde. It’s a time when being careless with money, our personal information, or paperwork can be costly.

While Mercury is retrograde, we may be rethinking a previous opinion or idea. Looking to the signs and houses it transits can give clues as to what we may be reconsidering.

There is absolutely a positive side to Mercury Retrograde. This period is best used for re-organizing and reflecting. We look at the world a little differently–through different filters–and can come up with some very important inner revelations. It may be difficult to communicate them under this influence, but not everything needs to be rationalized.

Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness, when meditation, benefiting from keeping a journal, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored. Mercury retrograde is powerful for studies, particularly for returning to old studies or for re-learning or refreshing knowledge in a subject already taken.

Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication can actually reconnect us to other means of communication, such as when there is an unexpected power outage and we’re forced off the computer and television, finding different and often satisfying ways to entertain ourselves.

It is important to note that there is absolutely no reason to suspend projects or anything of the sort during the Mercury Retrograde cycle. It’s not an ideal time to start new ones or to sign contracts, simply because a change of mind is quite likely once Mercury turns direct. However, it’s a fabulous time to do some “outside of the box” thinking. Acting on our ideas, however, might be best left for a Mercury Direct period.

Pay close attention to what you say and communicate in general, particularly around the days of Mercury’s stations (in this case, August 23rd and September 15th), as well as around retrograde Mercury’s conjunction to the Sun (called the “inferior conjunction“) on September 6th.

If you are itching to make a point with someone, especially, or if you are planning on “signing on the dotted line,” try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of mind once the station passes, and you can do some damage in the meantime.

When a planet stations, its energies are very strong in our lives. When Mercury stations, communications have more impact, so that negative ones could have long-term implications at this time. However, if you are very clear within yourself and about what you are communicating, this can be a positive thing.

With Mercury Retrograde in Virgo:

We might look at past decisions and ideas from a new, possibly enlightened perspective, although we may be especially analytical and critical, perhaps to excess while Mercury is retrograde in Virgo. We may be returning to past projects and refining or tweaking them. We could feel stuck in the past if we continually redo and don’t feel satisfied with the results, however. We can find usefulness in old or past ideas and recycling them in new ways.

This is a good time for reviewing recent work, as long as we don’t get caught in a loop of perfectionism. We might discover new ways of doing work that has become routine, or we might consider renewing old self-care, health, or fitness programs. Plans may be considered then reconsidered. We are in a good position to reevaluate our routines and habits, and we might give more thought to the meaning of our work or services.

Uranus now turns retrograde at 23° Taurus 05′. Each year, Uranus is retrograde for approximately 5 months. Today, Uranus begins its retrograde phase, which will continue until January 27, 2024.

• Uranus enters retrograde zone/shadow on May 12, 2023, at 19° Taurus 05′
• Uranus stations and turns retrograde August 28, 2023, at 23° Taurus 05′ Rx
• Uranus stations and turns direct on January 27, 2024, at 19° Taurus 05′
• Uranus leaves the Retrograde Zone on May 12, 2024, at 23° Taurus 05′

What does Uranus Retrograde mean?

During this cycle, our desire to make changes in our lives can turn inward as we get in touch with what may be holding us back from living more spontaneously and authentically.

We may be less overtly rebellious and more inclined to follow the rules while Uranus is retrograde approximately four months a year. As the shift occurs this week, however, Uranian energy is more challenging, and we can experience some tension until we acclimatize to the directional change.

Venus now turns direct at 12° Leo 13′ after several weeks of retrograde motion.

Venus was retrograde from July 22nd, to September 3rd, 2023, starting at 28° Leo 36, and turning direct now at 12° Leo 13.

[Venus entered the retrograde zone (shadow) on June 19th, 2023, and will leave its shadow on October 7th, 2023]

Venus Retrograde Cycle from July 22nd to September 3rd, 2023:

Venus Retrograde Dates in the year 2023:

• On June 19, 2023, Venus enters the Retrograde Zone (pre-retrograde shadow) at 12° Leo 12′
• On July 22, 2023, Venus stations and turns retrograde at 28° Leo 36′ Rx
• On September 3, 2023, Venus stations and turns direct at 12° Leo 12′
• On October 7, 2023, Venus leaves the Retrograde Zone (post-retrograde shadow) at 28° Leo 36′

 

Read more about Venus Retrograde. Where is Venus Retrograde transiting by house in your natal chart? Is it conjunct a natal planet, your Ascendant, or Midheaven? Read interpretations of Venus Retrograde in Transit for a more personalized meaning of the transit cycle.

If you’re wondering what Venus retrograde means if you’re born with this position in your chart, see Venus Retrograde in the Birth Chart.

For this cycle, Venus was retrograde entirely in the sign of Leo, starting at 28° Leo 36′, and now turning direct at 12° Leo 12′.

Note that similar retrograde Venus patterns repeat in about eight years, and a similar Venus Rx period occurred from July 25 to September 6, 2015, although the very first degree of Virgo was also involved. There can be common themes shared with this past period.

Jupiter stations and turns retrograde today.

Jupiter turns retrograde at 15° Taurus 35′.

Jupiter is retrograde from September 4th, 2023 to December 30th, 2023, in the sign of Taurus.

• Jupiter enters retrograde zone/shadow on June 11, 2023, at 5° Taurus 35′
• Jupiter stations and turns retrograde on September 4, 2023, at 15° Taurus 35′ Rx
• Jupiter stations and turns direct on December 30, 2023, at 5° Taurus 35’D
• Jupiter leaves retrograde zone/shadow on March 23, 2024, at 15° Taurus 35′

Note that Jupiter spends its retrograde cycle in the sign of Taurus.

The planet is retrograde in 2023 from September 4th to December 30th.

See also Jupiter in Taurus.

While Jupiter is retrograde, we tend to re-think our goals and plans in the areas of life affected by Jupiter’s transit. It’s a time of questioning what we thought we already knew and developing a new perspective on events and beliefs.

Recognizing areas of excess or extravagance can help us. We may need to slow down specific endeavors if they’ve been moving too quickly, or this happens organically. Some enthusiasm may wane as certain realities of time and energy set in.

Mercury now turns direct at 08° Virgo 00′.

Mercury is retrograde from August 23rd, at 21° Virgo 51′, until September 15th, at 8° Virgo 00′.

Mercury Retrograde Cycle from August 23 to September 15, 2023:

 

• On August 3, 2023, Mercury enters the Retrograde Zone (pre-retrograde shadow) at 8° Virgo 00′
• On August 23, 2023, Mercury stations and turns retrograde at 21° Virgo 51′ Rx
• On September 15, 2023, Mercury stations and turns direct at 8° Virgo 00′
• On September 30, 2023, Mercury leaves the Retrograde Zone (post-retrograde shadow) at 21° Virgo 51”

Note that the shadow period began before Mercury turned retrograde–when Mercury first passed over the degree that Mercury later returns to in retrograde motion. The shadow period ends when Mercury again passes over the degree at which it first turned retrograde. The shadow period is different than Mercury’s storm period in astrology, which refers to the period when Mercury is moving especially slowly.

Note that Mercury’s post-retrograde shadow is generally better for new long-term endeavors than the pre-retrograde shadow. For new enterprises in the pre-retrograde shadow, the venture’s secondary progressed Mercury will turn direction (retrograde) in the coming years which may not be ideal.

Things can be most wonky on the days of the stations whether Mercury is turning retrograde OR direct (the start and end date of the retrograde cycle) as the shifts occur, after which we grow more accustomed to the energy.

Mercury is retrograde approximately three times a year for approximately three weeks each time. As such, retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence (Mercury is retrograde approximately 18% of the time).

Pay close attention to what you say and communicate in general, particularly around the days of Mercury’s stations (in this case, August23rd and September 15th), as well as around retrograde Mercury’s conjunction to the Sun (called the “inferior conjunction“) on September 6th (midway between the start and end of the retro period).

Especially if you are itching to make a point with someone, or if you are planning on “signing on the dotted line,” try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of mind once the station passes, and you can do some damage in the meantime. When a planet stations, its energies are very strong in our lives.

When Mercury stations, communications have more impact, so that negative ones could have long-term implications at this time. However, if you are very clear within yourself and about what you are communicating, this can be a positive thing.

Now that Mercury is direct after several weeks of retrograde motion, recent problems with communications and decision-making should start to improve in the days and weeks ahead. The answers we’ve been waiting for can arrive. Plans or projects that have stalled might now resume. Ease back in–it’s best not to rush conversations and observations.

Pluto now turns direct at 27° Capricorn 53′, ending its retrograde. Pluto is retrograde every year for approximately five months. In 2023, Pluto was retrograde from May 1st to October 10th.

 

• May 1, 2023, Pluto stations and turns retrograde at 0° Aquarius 22′ Rx
• October 10, 2023, Pluto stations and turns direct at 27° Capricorn 53′

As Pluto advances in direct motion in the period ahead, our power to make profound changes in our lives is more externalized, insistent, and direct. We are less likely to brood over changes that we feel have been thrust upon us and more likely to take things into our own hands and make necessary changes.