Here’s What Every Zodiac Sign Can Expect From 2022’s Neptune Retrograde

You may be familiar with Mercury in Retrograde, but did you know that other planets have their own retrogrades, too?

It’s true—the rest of the planets in the astrological realm have their periods of retrograde. Planets in retrograde usually have the appearance of moving “backward”, though the truth is they are simply moving a little slower than usual. While there can often be a bit of anxiety surrounding these periods, they aren’t anything to fear. Retrogrades simply ask us to pause, take a step back, and examine certain areas of our lives to see what needs reworking.

Some retrogrades last a few days, but the farther out a planet is, the longer its retrograde lasts—cue Neptune starting its six-month journey retrograding through its home sign of Pisces from June 28th-December 3rd. Neptune in general is the planet of fantasy, daydreams, and delusion—all that is mystical and surreal. Neptune can push us to embrace unconditional love, selflessness, and spiritual aspects, but it can also mean we lose touch with reality. 

In its home sign of Pisces, these aspects of Neptune are only exacerbated—sensitivity, fantasy, and a focus on others reigns. Yet in retrograde, this is a time where delusions and daydreams have a bit of an edge to them—an attempt to cut through the haze and be forced to see things for what they are. It can also be a time when our judgment is clouded a little heavier than usual as we try to sort things out, so taking things slow is imperative. With its effects spread out over six months, you may not feel these impacts quite as hard as those from closer planets, but it’s still worth paying attention to.

Aries

Neptune is surprisingly giving you some clarity during this retrograde, Aries. While typically a transit in the 12th house might give off some mystic, secretive, isolated vibes (especially with Neptune involved!), this particular retrograde is actually helping you make sense of visions and ideas that are coming to you. It’s a great time to pay attention to things like dreams and signs because you’ll likely be able to form a clearer picture of what they are trying to tell you than you usually would. 

Taurus

Your friendships may experience a bit of confusion during this time, Taurus—but try not to stress too much. You may feel like your friends don’t really see or understand you, but that may not absolutely be the case. Neptune often clouds our judgment, but when in retrograde, it attempts to get directly to the point and cut through all the noise, something your grounded Earth sign self appreciates. However, retrogrades are about reassessing and taking a pause, and it’s important that you don’t simply write off people for not understanding if you don’t talk to them about it first. Take the time to tell your loved ones how you feel and it’s likely you will get some much-needed confirmation.

Gemini

Your career is the focus of this transit, Gemini—and it’s adding a haze over which direction you need to go. Whether you are currently in a career that you don’t care for and want to change paths, or if you love the type of work you’re doing but want to approach it differently, there is absolutely stirring underneath the surface for you to make a move, but you aren’t sure which direction to go towards. This is a time to lean into a different perspective and talk to your friends and colleagues for some advice. It’s easy to remain stuck in our heads and get overwhelmed, but use this time to really think through what you want. When you know where you want to end up, it can be a little easier to figure out how to get there. 

Cancer

Neptune is moving through your house of philosophy, education, and travel. You may find yourself reminiscing on your old belief systems and how they’ve changed—you may even be struggling now with what those beliefs are. Take the time to sit with and refocus on the things that have made you who you are. Open your mind and your heart to new possibilities in this area and you may be surprised by what you’ll discover. 

Leo

Let’s get real, Leo—you talk a big game about taking care of yourself, but you aren’t always the best at enforcing it when it comes to others. Neptune is taking a trip through your house of intimacy, bonds, life and death, etc. This is the house containing all the ways you are distinctly connected to other people, and it’s a good time to establish some boundaries with those who are closest to you. You can’t make everyone happy, and you have to stop trying to do so. Expect some resistance to this at first—boundaries aren’t always easy to set or enforce, but it will be better for you in the long run.

Virgo

This retrograde is bringing back a familiar face or two, whether you are ready or not. Sometimes connections fizzle and fade out, and there is a good reason for it. Yet once time has passed it can be hard to recall why we are no longer as close. You may experience some old friends or partners reaching out and wanting to connect again, and Neptune in Pisces loves to place rose-colored glasses on us when it comes to our relationships. However, this retrograde is asking you to cut through that fantasy—people are capable of change, but that doesn’t mean they need to be in your life. Don’t let someone walk back in just because you remember how it used to be.

Libra

Sometimes retrogrades ask us to slow down figuratively—and in this case, literally for you, Libra. You’ve been burning the candle at both ends, which is understandable, but your mind and body can truly only take so much. Taking the time to slow down, rest, and practice self-care isn’t just a good idea but necessary. The only thing to watch out for is indulging a little too much—Neptune loves to give us a dreamy feel, but you can’t shirk everything else in your life.

Scorpio

Love is on your mind, but it’s not so easy to find what you’re looking for. It’s one thing to want a relationship but a whole other issue finding someone actually committed to you in the way you want them to be—which has truthfully been overwhelming to you. This is a time where being more intentional about what and who you want will benefit you most—don’t settle for something that seems convenient, even if it’s tempting. In the meantime, creative pursuits can be a lifesaver here. Indulge yourself in the things you are passionate about because energy will attract the right kind of people in the long run.

Sagittarius

Home has felt illusive to you for quite some time—whether it be a place, person, or feeling. Lately, you’ve been longing to find something to root yourself into, something with at least a little permanence, and this retrograde is shedding a little light on that. Sometimes finding the people that will stick around and be present are harder to find and keep close than you realize, but it doesn’t mean you won’t find and meet others to step into that space. Step outside your comfort zone a bit and reexamine your role in this—are you actively creating a space to build long-lasting relationships, or are you simply waiting for them to arrive? Are you maintaining the ones that you have, or are you expecting them to always carry the weight?

Capricorn

While this isn’t Mercury in Retrograde, communication is still a focal point for you during these next few months, Capricorn. The truth is, pretending to listen, or not taking the time to be intentional in your discussions, has the potential to really cause a rift in your relationships. Your friends know you love them, but if you can’t take the time to fully be present and listen, things can get rocky fast. Even if you don’t agree with what they are saying, it’s still essential to hear how they are feeling.

Aquarius

You’ve got money on your mind at the moment, Aquarius—whether you like it or not. Your finances are taking center stage with this retrograde, and it’s important to remember that even if you wish money didn’t matter at all, we sadly live in a world where you need it to survive. Take the time to get your budget and financial plans in order, because eventually, that money is going to come in handy for something you truly need. While it’s easy to live as if finances aren’t important, don’t balk at the idea of setting aside some cash to ensure you’re taken care of.

Pisces

This retrograde is turning the spotlight on you—or at least, the version of you that others see. Neptune is passing through your house of self, which deals with our image and how we view ourselves. The truth is people tend to see you how they want to, and projection is definitely something to not underestimate during this time. It’s okay to daydream, fantasize, and be a little more indulgent than normal, but you have to keep in mind that the fantasy only goes so far. Reality is still very much a factor, and you can’t avoid it forever, so don’t try to.