Bestie, I’m afraid to tell you this, but it’s not just Mercury retrograde you have to worry about. OK, that’s a little dramatic, but the truth is, every planet moves retrograde at a certain point. And much like the dreaded Mercury retrograde, each planet’s retrograde period can have IRL implications, according to astrology. This isn’t a reason to freak out and hide in your apartment forever. Rather, knowing what planets are retrograde can give you one way to make sense of what might be going on in your life.
If, say, during Mercury retrograde, it feels like everything in your life is riddled with setbacks and slowing down to a screeching halt, that’s understandable. In fact, the term “retrograde” refers to the illusion created by planets in their retrograde periods, during which the planet begins moving so slowly, it appears that it’s moving backward. In astrology, retrogrades are essentially periods during which your life might slow down significantly, prompting you to revisit certain themes or struggles, depending on which planet is retrograde and what that planet governs in astrology. For example, Mercury is said to influence communication and logic – an enormous part of our day-to-day life. When Mercury moves retrograde, the planet isn’t moving forward at its fullest potential, meaning you might experience some mishaps in these areas. Planet of love, money, and pleasure, Venus’s 2022 retrograde period is currently happening until Jan. 29, which could shed some light on any financial or relationship difficulties you may be dealing with at the moment.
Because the planets have different retrograde periods for different lengths of time, keeping track of them all yourself can be daunting. Below, find a list of each planet’s retrograde periods, so you can have a bird’s-eye view of what planets are retrograde at all times and when to cut yourself some slack.
Mercury Retrograde 2022 Dates
In 2022, Mercury retrograde occurs four times throughout the year, with each retrograde period lasting a few weeks at a time.
- Jan. 14 to Feb. 4
- May 10 to June 3
- Sept. 10 to Oct. 2
- Dec. 29 to Jan. 18, 2023
Venus Retrograde 2022 Dates
Venus only moves retrograde once every 18 months, although it lasts for about six weeks, give or take. Here’s when to expect Venus retrograde in 2022.
- Dec. 19, 2021, to Jan. 29, 2022
Mars Retrograde 2022 Dates
Mars represents action and physicality in astrology and is often associated with high energy levels and aggression. Mars retrograde occurs about every two years, lasting for a period of a couple months. You can expect Mars retrograde toward the end of 2022.
- Oct. 30 to Jan. 12, 2023
Jupiter Retrograde 2022 Dates
Jupiter is the planet associated with luck, good fortune, and expansion. Moving retrograde once a year, Jupiter’s slow period lasts for about four months, or 120 days.
- July 28 to Nov. 23
Saturn Retrograde 2022 Dates
A slightly difficult planet, Saturn governs all things related to structure and discipline. Saturn retrograde also occurs annually, for a period of a little over four months. Get ready to restructure your life during Saturn retrograde.
- June 4 to Oct. 23
Uranus Retrograde 2022 Dates
Uranus is a bit of a wildcard in astrology. It’s known for ushering in rebellious, free-spirited energy and unexpected shakeups. Although it technically starts a new retrograde period annually, Uranus retrograde periods can occur twice in the same year because of how long they last (about five months).
- Aug. 19, 2021, to Jan. 18, 2022
- Aug. 24, 2022, to Jan. 23, 2023
Neptune Retrograde 2022 Dates
Whimsical Neptune is said to rule our ideals and dreams. It, too, moves retrograde about once a year, with its slow period spanning a little more than five months.
- June 28 to Dec. 4
Pluto Retrograde 2022 Dates
Although science likes to exclude Pluto as a true planet, astrology doesn’t. This small planet carries a heavy weight, governing death, rebirth, and transformation. Pluto retrograde can last between five and six months and comes around once a year.
- April 29 to Oct. 8
