Five different planets will be moving in reverse this summer, impacting both our public and private lives. But don’t fret: while these transits often have a bad reputation in popular culture, they provide a necessary cosmic cleaning service, inspiring us to recalibrate and self-correct.
Pluto, the planet of rebirth and transformation, stationed retrograde on May 2 and is currently travelling through progressive Aquarius. When he moves in reverse, Pluto allows us to peek behind the proverbial curtain and adjust our relationship to authority, making this an ideal moment to leave outdated ideas behind to focus on reshaping systems and power structures that no longer serve us. After a brief journey through driven Capricorn, beginning on Sept. 1, Pluto will conclude his retrograde on Oct. 11 and solidify his position in humanitarian Aquarius on Nov. 19. This means some exciting transformations could be on the horizon this fall — but we’ll need to work together to achieve our shared goals.
Rule-making Saturn stationed retrograde in creative Pisces on June 29, producing the ideal conditions for us to shake up our routines this summer. As he moves backward, the ringed planet can help us loosen up, giving us the tools we need to remove anything that’s been clogging up our day-to-day schedules. Take advantage of this influence to think outside the box and consider what it might really take to achieve your wildest dreams. You’ll have a unique opportunity to author your own narrative until responsible Saturn stations direct on Nov. 15.
Then, fantasies could be shattered once Neptune — the planet of dreams and illusions — stations retrograde in intuitive Pisces, starting on July 2. When the blue giant moves in reverse, we’re invited to see the world as it truly is. But while this transit might usher in some unsettling revelations, it can also help open our eyes to other people’s motivations. This will allow us to avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings with more ease, so be sure to pay attention to the things you read between the lines until Neptune stations direct in Pisces again on Dec. 7.
Prepare to pump the breaks when intellect-ruling Mercury stations retrograde in perfectionist Virgo on Aug. 4 or 5, depending on your time zone. We tend to encounter more delays, mistakes and crossed wires when the communication planet moves in reverse, and may require a bit more time than usual to get our ducks in a row. Remember to pad your schedule accordingly and be kind to yourself as you strive to find your groove. Things will start to go more smoothly once Mercury stations direct in charismatic Leo on Aug. 28.
Finally, you’ll be called to summon your bravery and buckle in for some big changes as rebellious Uranus stations retrograde in determined Taurus on Sept. 1. When the planet of innovation travels backward through this fixed earth sign, it can be a beautiful time to check out different investment opportunities, look for new spaces to live and work, and explore alternative occupations. Consider how you can responsibly gather resources and make more educated decisions about how you spend your time, energy and money. The changes you make now could help open new doors once Uranus stations direct in January 2025.
Here are your special retrograde horoscopes for summer 2024.
Does something feel off in your day-to-day life, Aries? You’ll be called to iron out any wrinkles in your schedule this summer, particularly as Mercury — which rules over your work and health — stations retrograde in your sixth house of routines on Aug. 4/5. It may be challenging to gain momentum at first, but taking some time to identify your true priorities will allow you to trim the fat over the following weeks. Life is sure to start flowing more smoothly when Mercury stations direct in your fifth house of pleasure and creativity on Aug. 28.
Meanwhile, on the career front, you could be on the precipice of a critical metamorphosis. As ambitious Saturn travels retrograde through your 12th house of secrets and dreams over the next five months, you’ll be invited to ponder your work habits, explore the emotions that have inspired your past goals and think about what really drives you. Using this precious time to understand your inner workings will help you impose new structures to help you succeed when Saturn resumes his forward motion on Nov. 15.
Are you ready for a financial reality check, Taurus? When Mercury, your money-ruler, stations retrograde in your fifth house of pleasure and creativity on Aug. 4/5, you may find you need to start curbing your spending. Over the following three weeks, focus on weighing your wants against your needs, and identifying what you can live without. This will help you manage certain domestic expenses once Mercury stations direct in your fourth house of home and family on Aug. 28.
Then, when your work-ruling planet, Uranus, stations retrograde in your first house of appearances and the self on Sept. 1, prepare to reclaim your professional autonomy — and take a stand for what you believe in. The moves that you make during this transit can help steer you toward opportunities that align more closely with your identity, empowering you to create the career you truly desire. Use this time to polish up your public persona so you’re ready to really start putting yourself out there when Uranus stations direct in January 2025.
Pay close attention to key players in your professional sphere, Gemini. When Neptune, your career-ruling planet, stations retrograde in your 10th house of influence and public life on July 2, you may begin to notice that you’re under more scrutiny at work than you had previously thought. Perhaps the way you present yourself to people in your network requires some adjustments. Don’t fret; consider how to polish your image and improve your reputation, and you’re sure to be feeling more comfortable by the time Neptune stations direct on Dec. 7.
Then, as Pluto — your health-and-work-ruler — moves backward into your eighth house of death and transformation on Sept. 1, you could get one last look at some old ways of living that you’ve consciously left behind. While it may be tempting to wallow in the past, remind yourself to be patient with the process as you reflect on your personal evolution. Then, turn your mind toward kickstarting routines and practices that honour your innate curiosity and desire for self-understanding — and that you’re eager to bring into the future.
Tap into your critical thinking skills this summer, Cancer. Starting on July 2, intuitive Neptune will station retrograde in your ninth house of education and beliefs, helping you reshape your ideas, principles and philosophies in meaningful ways. You’re encouraged to question everything, check your sources and scrutinize people’s intentions, too, as this could also keep you from making some critical mistakes. Ask yourself: what is being hidden? Let your sharp mind guide your decision-making until Dec. 7, when Neptune stations direct.
Meanwhile, opening your mind to new ideas could help unlock your heart as Saturn, your romance-ruling planet, travels backward through your ninth house of travel, education and beliefs from now until Nov. 15. If you’re single, the next five months could mark the start of an exciting adventure — so long as you’re able to let your guard down. Meanwhile, partnered crabs may find they’re ready to shed their stubbornness as the ringed planet moves in reverse; be prepared to say yes to invitations and let your loved one take the lead.
You’ve got unlimited potential, Leo. And as Saturn, your health-and-work-ruler, stations retrograde in your eighth house of death and transformation, you could start to rediscover all the power within you. From now through the next five months, you’ll be called to take charge of your physical well-being in particular, and adjust how you spend your time so you can focus more on achieving your personal goals. Consider how adding some structure to your schedule now could help prepare you for bigger and better things to come.
Meanwhile, if you’re single, you could attract an admirer who truly appreciates your drive as Uranus, your passion-ruling planet, stations retrograde in your 10th house of career and public life beginning on Sept. 1. Partnered Leos, on the other hand, may find their work all-consuming during this transit and unconsciously leave their partners unattended. Listening to your loved ones can help you avoid conflict and improve your connections until Uranus stations direct in January 2025.
Need a breather, Virgo? If you feel as though you’ve been burning the candle at both ends lately, it could start to become more obvious once Mercury — your work-ruling planet — stations retrograde in your first house of appearances and the self on Aug. 4/5. During this three-week transit, conserving your energy will help you protect your peace so you can enjoy summer in style. Taking extra time to review your work and minding your words with colleagues will also prove especially useful until Mercury stations direct on Aug. 28.
When it comes to matters of the heart, you could start to become aware of imbalances of effort and affection once love-ruling Neptune stations retrograde in your seventh house of partnerships and marriage on July 2. If you’re in a relationship, certain negative habits may be exposed during this transit, but keeping the lines of communication open will allow you to even the playing field. If you’re single, Neptune’s backward motion could inspire you to raise your standards and stop making excuses for people who don’t have your best interests at heart.
Don’t hesitate to speak up, Libra. As Saturn — your home-and-family-ruling planet — moves backward through your sixth house of work and routines this summer, it’ll be a brilliant time to raise any domestic issues that have been weighing on your mind. Tap into your innate charm and tact as you explain your reasoning to any loved ones you share a space with. Together, you have the power to create a schedule that strikes a better balance between responsibility and pleasure.
Meanwhile, you’ll be wise to pay close attention to any signals that your body sends you when Neptune — your health-and-work-ruler — also stations retrograde in your sixth house, starting on July 2. This transit can help alert you to habits that are ready to be curbed, making it an ideal period to schedule check-ups, commit more time to physical activity or even alter your diet. Enjoy establishing new routines to live by until Dec. 7 when Neptune stations direct.
Are there any changes you’d like to make to your domestic sphere, Scorpio? When Uranus — your home-and-family-ruler — stations retrograde in your seventh house of relationships on Sept. 1, you’ll be called to channel your strategic mind toward creating more harmony in your private world. This will be a brilliant opportunity to start the work, particularly if you want to adjust how you interact with your loved ones. And who knows? You could even find yourself transformed by the time Uranus stations direct in January 2025.
Meanwhile, as your ruling planet, Pluto, enters into your third house of communication and neighbours on Sept. 1, you could feel encouraged to reflect on how you’ve expressed your thoughts — in all their complexity — in the past. Consider that what worked back then may no longer be relevant or effective. You’ll be challenged to streamline how you present yourself to others, and speak directly and purposefully, until Pluto ends his retrograde journey on Oct. 11.
Are you in the mood to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle, Sagittarius? You could feel driven to cut back on unnecessary spending and clean out the clutter as Saturn — your money-ruling planet — travels backward through your fourth house of home and family this summer. This transit’s energy could even inspire you to host a garage sale that brings some peace of mind and a little extra spending money. Enjoy scaling back — it’ll help make room for more creative projects to blossom once Saturn stations direct on Nov. 15.
Meanwhile, you could come across some crucial information regarding your space, loved ones and foundations as Neptune — your domestic-ruling planet — also stations retrograde in your fourth house, starting on July 2. Unresolved issues, structural mistakes and easily fixed problems are often brought to the forefront under this influence, and it’ll be up to you to make the changes necessary to restore the harmony. So gather your patience and prepare to tackle some issues; you’ll get some respite once Neptune stations direct on Dec. 7.
Have you been feeling flustered lately, Capricorn? With Saturn, your ruling planet, travelling in reverse through your third house of communication and neighbours right now, you may find yourself tripping over your words more than usual. But try to take any missteps in stride and use them as a learning moment. From now through the next five months, you’re encouraged to take some pressure off when engaging with others. Give yourself permission not to be perfect; things are bound to get easier when Saturn stations direct on Nov. 15.
Meanwhile, starting July 2, your communication-ruling planet — Neptune — will also station retrograde in your third house, urging you to become more aware of how people in your social circle engage with you. You’ll be wise to listen more than you talk during this transit, as people are likely to reveal their true intentions through their words and actions. If you unearth something concerning or don’t like how someone is treating you, now is the time to speak up — or remove yourself from the situation.
Do you have a fear of being truly seen, Aquarius? If so, you’ll be encouraged to start rebuilding your self-confidence as Saturn, your spirituality-ruling planet, moves backward through your first house of appearances and the self this summer. Reminding yourself of your many strengths is one way to boost your morale, but taking small steps toward self-improvement and journaling about your emotions can also help uplift you. Now is the time to figure out how to pump yourself up so you can stand tall once Saturn stations direct on Nov. 15.
Starting Sept. 1, your career-ruling planet, Pluto, will begin travelling in reverse through your 12th house of secrets and dreams. Use the following five weeks to examine your philosophies surrounding work and figure out what you want to leave in the past. Your professional goals have changed significantly since 2008, when Pluto entered this house, and they have the potential to usher you into an exciting new era of self-expression over the next two decades. Use this valuable moment to plan out the next chapter of your journey.
Are you ready to see yourself clearly, Pisces? When Neptune, your ruling planet, stations retrograde in your first house of appearances and the self on July 2, all aspects of your personality could start to come to light. You must learn to take the good with the bad, and make an effort to really understand your behaviours. Remember: You’re a work in progress, just like every other human. Practising self-love will allow you to get comfortable with your outward image and solidify your self-reliance by the time Neptune stations direct on Dec. 7.
You’ll be called to exercise your listening skills, when Mercury — your home and family–ruler — stations retrograde in your seventh house of relationships, starting on Aug. 4/5. Miscommunications can arise when you’re rushing with loved ones, so try your best to be patient with yourself and others as the messenger planet travels in reverse. You’ll be ready to foster relationships that prioritize teamwork once Mercury stations direct in your sixth house of health and routines on Aug. 28.
