This week, we have both Saturn and Mercury going retrograde. Retrograde is a word that gets thrown around constantly in astrology forecasts, and you might be wondering what it even means. A planet is retrograde when it appears to be moving backward in the sky from our POV on earth. Though the planet is not actually moving backwards, it is at a point in its orbit where it’s very close to the earth, making us more aware of its influence.
Saturn goes retrograde on the 13th in the sign of Aries. The ringed planet of discipline and structure stations retrograde once per year, and this is the first time it will do so in the cardinal fire sign. The days and weeks around Saturn’s retrograde station are times of sitting with the hard lessons and ongoing assignments of the past few months. If you’re an Aries, or have important planets or points in that sign, you’ll feel this station the most.
Mercury then goes retrograde in Leo on the 18th. The communication planet stations retrograde three times per year, so this is less of an event compared to Saturn’s retrograde station. That being said, Mercury retrogrades—which happen more often than one might want!—are a time to slow down, reflect and have patience. This retrograde kicks off with Mercury making a supportive sextile aspect to Venus at the same time. What comes up this week might be a sweet nostalgia for past relationships or creative projects. Is the thing you’re working so hard on something you actually love?
(Horoscopes follow for each sign. If you know your rising sign, reading for that sign too will provide further insight.)
