All About Neptune Retrograde

Looks like I'll be talking about yet another retrograde again friend, and this time it's all about the planet of inspiration. Neptune will be going retrograde July 2nd and this celestial shift will offer us a unique opportunity to delve deeper into our inner worlds and gain clarity on various aspects of our lives.

 It will influence our home life, romantic relationships, work life, and personal spirituality. 

Neptune's retrograde periods have always been times of profound introspection and transformation, but each retrograde carries its own unique energy.

This time Neptune has been in its home sign of Pisces since 2011 where it has been showing us where illusions lie in our relationships and perception of others, while next year it moves into Aries where it will continue to deconstruct oppressive structures both in our inner world and that of the collective.

Neptune, the planet of dreams, illusions, and spirituality, will be retrograde until December 7th, 2024, making this period last exactly five months and five days. When a planet goes retrograde, it appears to move backward in the sky from our perspective on Earth.

This motion often prompts introspection and reevaluation in the areas that the planet governs. This time it's all about peeling back the layers of illusion and facing truths we've been avoiding. And as for five months and five days part, well you know that little nuance has me very curious, so here's my take on this.

The number 5 often represents change, adventure, and growth. It's also a symbol of freedom, curiosity, and the willingness to take risks. And spiritually, the number 5 can signify the balance between the material and spiritual realms, as it lies in the middle of numbers 1 to 9. 

And in our everyday life, it relates to the five senses and five main levels of human experience - spiritual, volitional, rational, emotional, and physical. This retrograde just might be the most thorough and transformative of our lives. Seriously. I shall go on. 

The number 5 carries dynamic energy which encourages action and exploration. It symbolizes adaptability and versatility, urging individuals to be open to new experiences and opportunities.

Energetically, it promotes independence and the pursuit of personal freedom. I mean, is this for real? I've always said that this is one of the most Karmic years to date, but with all of these shifts and pivots, I'm starting to think this year is just the start of breaking free from patterns and outdated structure.

And if we double down on the number five and make some observations around the number 55 (as in five months and five days) we tap into more transformative energy in that the number 55 amplifies the energies of 5, indicating significant life changes and major transitions.

It encourages spiritual awakening and development, while urging us to embrace the spiritual journey. When we double up the number five, it then signifies that incoming changes are aligned with one's higher purpose and soul mission. I'll take it!

The double 5 brings heightened energy, making it a powerful number for manifesting desires and achieving goals. It suggests positive shifts and improvements in various areas of life, emphasizing the importance of staying optimistic. Okay, I like this more and more. 

In numerology, the number 55 represents higher vibrations of freedom, independence, and personal growth. It's as if this retrograde was meant to shake things up a little extra so that we shed any illusion in our thinking and unfounded fear that is blocking us from trusting ourselves fully. 

I love it, but when this comes together in alchemy with Saturn Retrograde energy, we may be in for some intensity. Saturn, the planet of structure, discipline, and karma, will be retrograde from June 29th to November 15th, 2024.

Saturn Retrograde is a time to reassess our commitments, responsibilities, and long-term goals. It prompts us to review the foundations of our lives and make necessary adjustments to ensure stability and integrity. You can go back a couple of newsletters and read all about it there for a little refresher, but I have some thoughts on both of these planets retrograding together. Shall we?

Neptune Retrograde can dissolve outdated structures and illusions, making way for new perspectives. Saturn Retrograde, on the other hand, prompts us to rebuild and reinforce these structures with greater integrity. This alchemical process encourages us to let go of what no longer serves us and create new foundations that align with our true selves. Sheesh, the Universe is making some serious moves right now.

And while Neptune Retrograde enhances our spiritual awareness and intuitive insights, Saturn Retrograde provides the discipline and focus needed to integrate these insights into our daily lives. This combination supports a holistic approach to personal growth, where spiritual understanding is enhanced through practical application.

So, we may just see manifestations come through in the physical world a little quicker than we thought, and you could see some real physical or bodily change through your meditation or visualization process, where it was quite difficult before.  

And speaking of difficult (at least for me), Saturn Retrograde urges us to reassess our commitments and boundaries, ensuring they reflect our current values and goals. So much work there, always. Neptune Retrograde helps us to identify where we may have been overly idealistic or unrealistic in our expectations. Together, they guide us to establish healthier, more realistic boundaries and commitments. 

Neptune’s energy is also associated with healing and compassion, while Saturn governs karmic lessons and responsibilities. During their retrogrades, we may experience a deeper understanding of our karmic patterns and have the opportunity to heal past wounds. This period encourages us to take responsibility for our healing journey and make tangible progress towards wholeness and actual, tangible progression.

And I know it sounds a little canned?, but this really is a profound period of introspection and clarity. By facing the truths that emerge during this time, we can align more closely with our authentic selves and create a life that resonates with our deepest desires and values.

Just know that you can embrace this opportunity for growth and transformation, and remember to be gentle with yourself as you navigate these waters. This whole earthly experience is definitely not for the faint of heart friend, you so got this. And happiest, and most beautifully transformative retrograde to you. 

 Mantras

I embrace my dreams while staying grounded in reality.

I balance my innermost desires with practical action.

I trust in the process and the discipline it requires.