August Astrology: What happens when five planets are in retrograde?
We refer to a planet being āretrogradeā when it appears over time to slow down in its orbit until it appears to stop. Then it slowly moves back in the direction that it came from. All the planets with the exception of the Sun and Moon take a turn being retrograde. Although this is obviously an optical illusion, it also allows to pause, reflect, review and revise how we experience and express the energy associated with that planet. This month the outer five planets are all retrograde. These are the heavenly bodies that pertain to consciousness development and group interaction. This is a month, therefore, when we need to hit the reset button in five areas.
Jupiter pertains to expansion. It helps us to expand our intellectual understanding of life so that we can be joyful and successful. It relates to subjects that enable us to have an overview of life in a systematic way. Topics such as metaphysics and theology are Jupitarian interests. Now is a time to review our philosophical understanding of life especially in terms of the ethics of our behavior. Are we honest in our relationships? Do we tend to be overly idealistic or cynical? Do we care about the truth at all? Now is a good time to review our understanding of these issues and alter our expectations of ourselves and others. We can bring our awareness of life and an honest expression of that truth up to date. Now is a good time to align philosophical theory with effective, productive and ethical activity.
Saturn is the planet of personal responsibility. It helps us establish and achieve realistic goals. We can establish and maintain healthy limits and boundaries between ourselves and others. When Saturn is retrograde, itās a good time to check our plans and long-range goals. Are they practical and realistic? If not, update them. If so, also check to make sure that the methods we are employing to achieve those goals are actually working. We could be headed in the right direction but taking the wrong road to get there. So now is a good time to update methodologies and systems in order to more successful. Saturn is in Aquarius right now, the sign of the social collective. A lot of focus, therefore, could be on achieving things in oneās social life. This could either be by connecting with the right people or working with them to achieve a collective goal.
Uranus is an archetype of change. Ideally the changes would be born of inspiration and lead to personal liberation. Sometimes, however, it could be change for the sake of change. Rebellion from the known into an unknown. The results could be exciting, but also lead to chaos and insecurity. Now is a good time to see if your behaviors are oriented to the liberating potential of Uranus or simply a form of avoiding difficult situations. Uranus is in Taurus, a sign that focuses on long term financial security and material comfort. So while Uranus is retrograde, we can check in to see how aware we are of our material needs and how successful we are in meeting them. Uranus can pertain to the unique and individuated. The question is whether we are using our unique tools and talents effectively enough so that our finances are stable and growing. At this time of inflation and with the potential for recession, these are relevant questions to address at this time. Uranus also pertains to the collective consciousness, so we can anticipate changes therein as well.
Neptune is the energy of the subconscious mind and of transcendent consciousness. One of the confusing things about retrograde planets is their energy tends to be expressed in very personal ways. As mentioned earlier, these 5 planets pertain to collective experience. Having a personal experience can interfere with our collective interaction. Neptune tends to focus more on inner space, oneās personal connection to their psyche. When retrograde, Neptune, the energy of faith, provides a channel for a deep and personal connection to Source. Itās what I call āa hot-line to Godā. This could impel us to engage in some type volunteer service or to make significant strides in deepening and solidifying our connection to the Divine. Neptune is in Pisces, the sign that it rules. Thus itās potential for spiritual connection is multiplied both by sign and direction. Pisces is the sign of the collective subconscious. Since this is pretty subtle stuff, we might not see an immediate change in how the collective expresses spiritual energy. If enough individuals do their inner work, however, qualities of compassion and unconditional love can become more present in the world.
Pluto pertains to transformation. It asks the big questions such as why we are who we are and what is the nature of life? When retrograde, we can look beyond societies answers to those questions, whose answers may tend to be limited or superficial. Most people donāt want to look deeply into the main qualities of Plutonian priorities which are birth, sex and death. Transiting Pluto retrograde provides an opportunity to look at these fundamental issues from a personal and internal point of view. The three primal experiences that Pluto focuses on are complicated. But they also provide ways of connecting with Eternal Spirit in ways that can help us feel connected to life in deep and meaningful ways. Births and deaths can be messy. Sex can be transformational or not. However uncomfortable it may be to think about these concepts, they are fundamental to life and now is a good time for us to get clear about them in ways that are personal and meaningful.