7 Planets Will Retrograde At The Same Time In 2023 – ELLE Australia

‘Tis the season… for the world to implode. This is surely the theme for the rest of the year, during which seven planets will retrograde — most of them at the same time.

Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto will all make their backwards transit through the sky in the coming months, bringing chaos to their respective astrological domains.

A retrograde describes the appearance of a planet moving backwards in the sky. While planets don’t ever ‘move backwards’ literally, ancient astrologers linked this appearance of a reversing planet to many significant occurrences here on earth.

Retrogrades are typically associated with challenges that force us to review or take stock of our beliefs, habits or circumstances—even if we don’t think we’re ready to do so. And, although astrologer Kristy Gray describes retrogrades as “potent” astrological events, it’s not all bad news.

“The ‘re’ in retrograde symbolises reflect, reassess, and reimagine,” she suggests. “Overall, it’s an opportune time to address any unresolved matters in our lives, whether related to health, communication, relationships, career, responsibilities, or personal power, use it as a period for mastery.”

For the precise realm influenced by a retrograde, you will need to grab your birth chart, and then review which sign and house the retrograde is in. While the planet and the sign will be the same for all, astrological houses are determined by your individual birth time and date. (Learn more about this here.)

As for key dates of this retrograde slump, Kristy says there’s one key date to consider.

“During this small window of intense retrograde action, be on alert for any profound shifts or thought-provoking insights around 4 September 2023,” astrologer Kristy Gray tells ELLE Australia. “Mercury the planet of communication will positively aspect Jupiter the planet of expansion, so carve out some time for journalling or meditation, as you may be surprised at what celestial wisdom drops in!”

You heard it here, folks: Go mark September 4 in your diaries!

So, what’s in store for us in this cataclysmic astrological event during which most of the planets within our solar system will retrograde?

Let’s go planet by planet, in the order their respective retrogrades will end…

This retrograde is already in motion, having started on July 23. While it ends on September 4 (the day before Jupiter is set to hit reverse), the shadow period — i.e. the pre- and post- dates where effects can still be seen/felt — extends until October 7, nearly a month after the retrograde officially stops.

This Venus retrograde is happening in Leo, which governs our vitality and self. However, given Venus is the planet of love and beauty… you might find yourself having a run-in with an ex or having a bad hair month.

Do: Reconnect with what brings you joy, consider how you can express yourself/your identity creatively, indulge in self care, allow your authenticity to shine

Don’t: Don’t get an impulse haircut or make a big impulse purchase. You heard it here first.

Signs most affected: Taurus, Libra, Leo and Aquarius

Want to know more? Read our deep-dive into the 2023 Venus Retrograde.

Mercury usually retrogrades three to four times each year, which is perhaps why we’re most familiar with its effects.

The next retrograde is happening in late August to mid September, which shadow periods lasting from August 4 to September 30. As mentioned above, Mercury retrograde tends to effect travel, transport, communication and technology.

This retrograde is occurring in the sign of Virgo, which is renowned among the zodiac as being the most detail-oriented, orderly and precise. Therefore, this retrograde might rear its ugly head in the areas of your daily routine, your habits, work and chores and so on. However, Kristy sees this more as an opportunity to review these habits to uncover what is working and what’s not.

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo signifies a time to refine your communication, review your plans, and embrace a meticulous approach to your daily life. This is an opportune time to reflect, organise your thoughts, communicate with precision, and trust your intuition when making decisions.

Do: Review and revise plans, refine communication, get organised.

“This is an opportune time to reflect, organise your thoughts, communicate with precision, and trust your intuition when making decisions,” Kristy says.

Don’t: Avoid longwinded and elaborate comms (emails, texts etc); back-up your work! Save, save, save.

Signs most affected: Gemini and Virgo

Pluto is well into its 2023 retrograde through Aquarius and Capricorn. In fact, if you count the shadow period (December 10, 2022 to January 21, 2024) it encompasses this entire year.

Kristy welcomes this Pluto retrograde as “your celestial invitation to reclaim your personal power and prioritise purpose-driven actions”.

Do: Reflect on your inner strength and release what no longer serves you (thoughts, feelings or actions).

Don’t: Plot world domination unless you’re looking for super villain status.

“Remember, change is not a singular event but an ongoing process,” Kristy warns.

Saturn retrogrades about once a year, which is always bad news for those in their Saturn’s Return.

“Saturn Retrograde in Pisces calls for a spiritual review, inner healing, letting go of limiting beliefs and empowering you to commit to your rituals and self-care practices,” Kristy explains.

Do: Practice self-compassion, connect with your intuition and pursue spiritual practices that support your growth.

Don’t: Give in to the temptation to escape reality completely. Daydreaming is fine but losing focus on what’s important will cost you.

Signs most affected: Capricorn and Pisces

Neptune joins Saturn on its retrograde through Pisces, thus further heightening your intuition and spiritual connectedness—if you allow it. This Neptune retrograde offers “profound opportunities for healing,” per Kristy’s advice.

Do: Practice mindfulness, engage in creative pursuits, and develop self-trust.

Don’t: “Steer clear of overly mystical crystal shops unless you want to walk out with a dozen healing stones and a hefty credit card bill,” Kristy warns. You are the ultimate oracle—trust yourself.

Taking us right up to the new year, it’s Jupiter retrograde! Technically, Venus and Jupiter retrogrades don’t overlap, so there will only be six planets retrograding at the one time… unless, of course, you count shadow periods. (Jupiter retrograde’s shadow period is June 9, 2023 to March 21, 2024.)

Jupiter is the planet of expansion, and its retrograde in the sign of Taurus encourages you to deepen your self worth.

Do: Reflect on your values and align them with your goals, set some goals and get to work by doing just one small thing at a time. Mastery takes time!

Don’t: Overindulge in luxurious comforts and decadent treats.

Signs most affected: Taurus and Sagittarius

Uranus Retrograde in Taurus represents a transformative period. You’ll be urged to break free from stagnant routines, embrace change and revolt against what isn’t working (on micro and macro levels).

Do: Embrace flexibility, explore new possibilities, and go with the flow.

Don’t: Take up any extreme adventure sports. “Find a healthy balance of rebellion,” Kristy says.