It's not unusual to wonder what planet is in retrograde.
Given that there are plenty of cosmic happenings throughout the year, we decided to make things easier for you with a handy 2022 calendar. What's more is we have pro tips from astrologers to help you make the most out of each transit, a fabulous gift astrology enthusiasts will certainly appreciate.
Though the "r" tends to get a bad rep, these particular movements are actually something to embrace, not fear...even when we're talking about Mercury.
"It's an opportunity to readjust the things that the particular planet rules and revise the way we're going after things," says astrologer Narayana Montúfar.
Ready to see what's on the calendar? To make sure you're on top of all the other celestial events, do be sure to have a look at our 2022 full moon lineup, new moon dates and astrology season calendar.
When: December 19, 2021-January 29, 2022
Just as Sagittarius season came to an end, Venus went retrograde in Capricorn.
Things might've felt a bit confusing between you and a partner, romantic or otherwise, but this was a much-needed opportunity to focus on your needs.
Plus, it was a wonderful time for reflection coming into the new year, particularly regarding our commitments to our legacies, our relationships, values and money, according to astrologer Liz Simmons.
Liz is a self-taught astrologer and tarot reader who blends Hellenistic and modern techniques that utilizes the tropical zodiac, Placidus House system and Whole House system.
When: January 14-February 3, 2022
May 10-June 2, 2022
September 9-October 2, 2022 December 29, 2022-January 18, 2023
September 9-October 2, 2022
Mercury retrograde 2022 is providing us four doses instead of the usual three, which has many of us on edge. However, the planet is not as bad as we've been lead to believe.
"Mercury is the fastest moving," Simmons previously told My Imperfect. "Whenever it goes retrograde, it's intense because it's immediate, whereas the other planets have slightly longer retrogrades that take a little bit more time to unfold, but Mercury is very much in your face."
But that doesn't necessarily mean it's something to dread. In fact, it's a good time to stay organized, be mindful of communication and embrace whatever the universe plans to send your way, especially as we enter the third Mercury retrograde of the year, which is just ahead of the autumnal equinox.
"Virgo's Mercurial influence will likely turn the details of the next retrograde inside out, causing us to consider our organization and thoroughness," Simmons adds. "Libra's Venusian energy may encourage us to consider the reciprocity of our commitments during the next retrograde."
If you still feel a bit anxious about the transit, check out the best crystals for Mercury retrograde, recommended by astrologer Noush. They'll be sure to keep you calm and collected-plus they look adorable on nightstands.
An astrologer, creative and crystal enthusiast, Noush believes in the combination of energy healing and practical spirituality to bring meaning into our lives. You can learn more about your cosmic blueprint during an astrology reading with her or shop through an incredible collection of healing crystals @jooncrystals.
When: April 29-October 28, 2022
Pluto might be small, and oftentimes overlooked in the astronomy world, but it's fierce in terms of astrology.
Considering it's the planet of regeneration, it does focus a lot on death and rebirth, but Pluto retrograde should not be feared: it should be a time in which people make changes personally or professionally that are sustainable towards their overall goals.
"There's something really beautiful and helpful about Pluto that makes it one of the planets that can really guide your soul towards the most beautiful evolution and truth," Noush adds. "It's quite a beautiful energy, even though there is darkness to it."
When: June 4-October 23, 2022
Saturn retrograde 2022 wants you to live your best, most authentic life. However, there might be a few growing pains along the way, as it can be a difficult energy to work with, Noush says.
"This is tough love to help you understand the foundation within yourself to speak up for what you want," she adds. "What are the final things that I need to look back on so that I am living in my truth and authenticity? Saturn wants to see you achieving your best."
When: June 28-December 4, 2022
Neptune retrograde is the reality check of the cosmos. During this time, you might find yourself wondering, "How come I didn't realize this before?" And Noush makes the claim that this event is actually one to look forward to. (Imagine that!)
"We may need to question certain practices and processes in order to truly align with what really connects to our intuition," Noush says. "Allowing reality to reveal itself can help you move into alignment with love, creativity and spirituality. How can you navigate around those road blocks or confusing relationships or issues that have been overlooked?"
When: July 28-November 23, 2022
Jupiter retrograde 2022 coincides with with July's new moon in Leo, a time to start anew.
"As soon as people hear the word retrograde they get scared and that shouldn't be the case, specifically with Jupiter because it's a benevolent energy," says astrologer and author Narayana Montúfar. "Of course, it has a shadow side, but for the most part, it's pretty nice."
Earlier this year, Jupiter made its way over to Aries in the spring, meaning that we were likely feeling bold and tackling different tasks in our work lives and creative endeavors. Now we're being forced to see how it all went down throughout the past several months.
Narayana Montúfar is an astrologer, content strategist, visual artist, and the author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power.
When: August 19, 2021-January 18, 2022
August 25, 2022-January 1, 2023
Uranus retrograde will make you stronger, tougher and more equipped to handle whatever was sent to throw you off-kilter. It puts things in perspective and makes things a bit clearer as opposed to when it's moving direct, believe it or not.
"Uranus is trying to create a bigger vision for you, but it's not a comfortable journey to get there," Noush says. "You'll come back more empowered and feeling more comfortable with potential change and potential surprises moving forward because those are always going to be part of our lives."
When: October 30, 2022-January 1, 2023
"It's my least favorite," Montúfar reveals of the planet's retrograde. "Mars rules your drive and energy. You can't function at your best."
Knowing that it has the tendency to make you feel lethargic, take note and make sure to enjoy your favorite self-care practices to feel rejuvenated. During this time, it's possible that sex might feel a bit awkward, so you'll want to take a cue from the experts about how to reset your sex life.
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Though you might not feel Vesta's external forces à la Mercury retrograde, you can expect the asteroid make its mark from within.
"It's a very deeply felt energy," says Noush. "How can we connect deeper to that source or universal healing energy that can keep our flame going and nurture us internally when the outside world is chaotically doing its own thing?"
We'll be honest, Chiron retrograde can seem a little daunting. But just remember: all hardships will be rewarded, as you'll be placed on the proper path. You might feel like the world is a little chaotic, but trust us when we tell you "you've got this!"
"It can be a more painful period since we are encouraged to face the rawest, most vulnerable sides of ourselves," Simmons says. "Think about how you can take the lead with working through [your] issues."
Juno retrograde is all about partnerships, loyalty and how a relationship-romantic, platonic or professional-should be balanced.
"When Juno goes retrograde in Pisces it's kind of a really good time to-similar to Neptune going retrograde-it's a good idea to take those idealism goggles off," Noush suggests. "It's a good time to understand where you've become a little co-dependent or where you're relinquishing your power. Where is that give and take not being balanced?"