One of the many cosmic events that strikes fear in the hearts of astrology lovers everywhere is retrograde period. For example, we’re currently in the midst of Mercury Retrograde, as you will have noticed from the abject chaos that’s going on right now.
But while everyone’s generally prepped and ready for Mercury Gatorade — ya know, double check all risky texts, allow extra time for travel etc — most people are unaware that all planets have a retrograde period, each with its own brand of drama.
To help guide you through what’s coming, here’s all the retrograde dates for 2024 and how to handle each one.
2024 Retrograde Dates
Uranus Retrograde
When: August 29, 2023 — January 27, 2024. (In Taurus)
September 1, 2024 — January 30, 2025. (In Taurus)
What it means: Uranus, hehe! Nah but seriously, this planet is no joke. It keeps us on our toes by shuffling the deck just when we’ve gotten comfortable. Expect the unexpected, basically.
How to deal: Do some inner work. Go inside yourself and start thinking about what is and isn’t working in your life and focus on ways to remedy this. It may even be worth seeing your therapist to get it all out and focus on tools to help you press on.
Mercury Retrograde
When: April 1, 2024 — April 24, 2024. (In April)
August 5, 2024 — to August 27, 2024. (In Virgo)
November 26, 2024 — December 15, 2024. (In Sagittarius)
What it means: You know the drill! Communication gone crazy, busted up technology, mad transport delays etc. Have a read of our comprehensive guide for more.
How to deal: Mercury Retrograde is about miscommunications and shit going awry, so expect all kinds of tea to be spilled. This might sound fun and spicy, but it sure isn’t when it’s your tea being splashed around. Be extra careful with who you tell your secrets to because a person you thought was a trustworthy confidant might be two-faced. Also double-check your texts and make sure you’re not doing the ol’ send the text about a person TO that person (I literally did this earlier today, FML). And finally, allow extra time for all important shit. Do not leave important assignments, bills, or travel ’til the last minute.
Pluto Retrograde
When: May 2, 2024 — October 12, 2024. (In Aquarius)
What it means: I know what you’re thinking, Pluto isn’t even considered a planet to some people. How the heck can it have any impact on us? Ah, but it does! A lot, in fact. But while said impacts aren’t necessarily negative, they are pretty major. You see, Pluto is the planet that rules transformation and so when it goes retrograde, expect heavy changes. Whether we like it or not.
How to deal: Use those transformative vibes to your advantage. Are there aspects of your life or perhaps yourself that you’ve been wanting to change for good? Well now would be the time as planetary energy is calling on us to shake it up and try something new. It’s a particularly good time to ditch negative habits and behaviours and toxic people. Just rid yourself of all the BS and level-up your life.
Saturn Retrograde
When: June 29, 2024 — November 15, 2024. (In Pisces)
What it means: Saturn basically keeps us in check and helps us instil boundaries in our lives. So now that it’s taking a big ol’ snooze, our decision-making skills are a lil off and we’re saying “yes” to shit we really should be saying “fuck no!” to. Basically we’re not not being as responsible as we should be which is bound to catch up with us later.
How to deal: Get organised so you don’t forget valuable details! Write down the dates of important events you must attend and deadlines you have looming. If you’re unsure of whether to say “yes” or “no” to someone, phone a friend and get them to help you decide.
Neptune Retrograde
When: July 2, 2024 — December 7, 2024. (In Pisces)
What it means: Neptune rules our dreams so during this time, expect to have wacky as fuck dreams and sleeping patterns. You’ll wake up sometimes and feel completely unrested and fixated on what you got up to in your dream life. Not only that, but you’ll find yourself daydreaming IRL, meaning actually disassociating throughout the day and dropping the ball in your waking life.
How to deal: Do whatever it is that you do to centre yourself, whether it’s meditating, sageing, painting, singing, drawing, fucking, cooking, binge-watching Gilmore Girls for the thousandth time. Whatever gets you going, do it!
Jupiter Retrograde
When: October 9, 2024 — February 4, 2025. (In Gemini)
What it means: Big boi Jupiter is the planet of growth and abundance so right now as it’s on the fritz, you’ll feel like you’re going backwards rather than forwards. Your goals will appear further away than ever which will leave you dazed and confused (and not in the way of the sick cult classic 90s film).
How to deal: Shake off the negativity — stop thinking about what’s not happening and start thinking about what you want to happen. Write down your goals for the future and start manifesting them.
Mars Retrograde
When: December 6, 2024 — February 24, 2025. (In Leo)
What it means: Expect a decrease in your energy levels and your motivation towards life. You’ll have no inspo at work, you’ll have a decreased sex drive (bummer), you’ll experience heavy mood swings and you’ll be lacking passion in general. There’ll be misunderstandings and miscommunications galore, so be sure to analyse situations before reacting.
How to deal: Be patient with those around you, including your friends and fam, colleagues, and even people on the street. All this unsettling energy is bound to impact people’s moods, so rather than responding in anger, take a few deep breaths and return to your zen space. Also be kind to yourself. Everyone’s doing it tough at the mo, and kicking yourself isn’t going to help. Use this time to retreat and focus on where you wanna be once this dreaded period is over. When it all settles down, you’ll be ready to thrive.
Venus Retrograde
When: We’re in luck, because there’s no more Venus Retrogrades in 2024 — we don’t have another one until next year. Woohoo!
What it means: Since Venus is associated with love and money, when the planet goes retrograde, these areas will be cosmically impacted and it won’t be pretty. There’ll be drama, chaos and confusion in your relationships and friendships and you’ll be broke AF, pretty much.
There’ll be an influx of ghosting, gaslighting and being left on read by potential suitors and for those in relationships, there’ll be a heap of petty squabbles and questioning why you’re together. This also extends to non-romantic relationships like colleagues, mates and family members.
How to deal: Look at Venus Retrograde as your ticket out of unhappy town and into a brand new sitch, which may be difficult and painful, but essential for your overall happiness.
We got this, mates! See yas on the other side.
Matty Galea is the Managing Editor of PEDESTRIAN.TV, as well as our resident astrologer. His first book How To Spot The (Star) Signs is out now! You can find him on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
