Most people know about Mercury retrograde (and a lot of people dread it). But fewer know that the other planets (except the Sun and Moon) also go retrograde. Neptune, the god of the ocean, moves backward through Pisces (the sign he rules) from June 16 to November 22.
What does a Neptune retrograde mean?
Neptune normally means foggy or wishful thinking, illusion, fantasy, or a tendency to escapism. A retrograde period calls a pause to business as usual, so your thinking will become clearer. Reality shows up. You’ll be less inclined to hide out and play video games or book a trip to Bali on the spur of the moment in order to drown out the noise of everyday life.
Like most changes, this can be a mixed blessing. Reality isn’t always fun when it crashes over you in a tidal wave.
The trick to thriving during these next few months will be to work with your own chart. Look for clarity in one particular area of your life, and take this opportunity to work on that.
Where is Neptune moving through your own chart now?
In your second house? It’s time to take a look at your finances and maybe cut out some of that reckless spending you’ve been prone to.
In your sixth house? Um… put down the beer and Doritos, dude, and go take a walk! You’ve been thinking wishfully about your health!
Tenth house? How is your career going? Are you showing up and shining the way you want to, or have you been coasting along and hoping someone notices?
(Side note: Neptune rules the more physical forms of art, such as dancing and theater, and performing arts such as music. If your career or your desires and ambitions lie in this direction, and if Neptune is transiting your tenth house, jump on this chance! Take a deep look at how to turn your passion into something concrete, real, and lucrative.)
Neptune is in his element in Pisces, so his influence is stronger than usual at this time. Use the Piscean tendency to withdraw within and ruminate in solitude to help figure out what you are supposed to work on. Just beware of a tendency to become a hermit. Every drop of water in the ocean is connected to every other drop. If you find yourself still feeling foggy about the way forward, reach out for help.