Your Complete Guide To Conquering Retrograde And Eclipse Season

The eclipse is approaching on August 11th, 2018 and this seems to be the perfect time to let things go. We started to feel the effects earlier this week and the Lion’s Gate allowed us to tap into the portal of the unknown to find much needed answers. It is advisable to use this time to channel our inner power to help us expel that negative energy. The theme of the year has been finding balance and strength after dealing with the hardships of the previous years. These eclipses will allow us to move on from what has dragged us down and find that will and drive needed to get things in motion. It’s no major coincidence that there are several retrogrades happening simultaneously, forcing us to face those demons we have neatly tucked away and avoided for so long. We need to move forward and face whatever has been making us ache in pain. Once we have resolved the tension and the conflicts that have been brewing within, we can bring about some positive (and much needed) change into our lives.

Pluto Retrograde began on April 22nd and will end September 30th, 2018. This points to the transformation, so we can reach the next stage. This is where we shed old habits and unwanted patterns. The masquerade party is over and it is time to destroy that former you and rebuild from there. Pluto sends a wrecking ball to your world, shattering everything and forcing you to face the aftermath. For those that have it natally in their chart, you are on your next incarnation and constantly evolving. To those who do not have this natally, it can feel overwhelmingly painful but it is a necessary evil. This is all made to help you get better and stronger. To break with what is no longer of use to you and to pinpoint what is currently harming you. Old habits need to die.

On June 26th, 2018 Mars Retrograde began in the sign of Aquarius. It will end on August 27th, 2018 back in the sign of Capricorn. Mars Retrograde forces us to face challenges head on. Not in the traditional sense that we are used to Martian energy, but in a way that makes us slow down and analyze. “Are my dreams worth fighting for?” “Should I move in with the one I love?” “Am I worthy?” These are some questions the Mars Retrograde might pull up on us. It’s a period where there could be a lot of self-doubt and this will only help us get stronger if we utilize the tools needed to fight for what we want. This Is the perfect time to reflect and see where we are, how close we are to reaching our dreams and confirm if our current state contributes to our happiness. Mars is the Soldier, fearless and irrational at times. Aries energy is associated with this since The Ram is impulsive and impatient. When in Retrograde, the Martian energy slows and second guesses itself. Use this moment to reflect.

Mercury Retrograde began July 26th, 2018 and will end August 19th, 2018. This transit will further make us slow down and think twice before committing to something that is not going to be worth it in the long run. STOP and think, do not rush. These Retrogrades are increasing our anxiety and making us channel nervous energy that can make us apprehensive or irrationally excited. Mercury here will stir up the chaotic energy and mixed with the doubt we might be feeling, it can make the smallest of matters explode to something larger. For Example: Those late emails or messages you will be obsessing over or the random “signs” you might see as solutions to a problem, Mercury might make you believe that this is the time to act because opportunities are slipping away but they aren’t. This is a test to see if you have learned to keep it cool. Even those pesky ex boyfriends that might suddenly message you are a test. Do not entertain it and move on if it isn’t good for you. Mercury will guide you towards the right path and provide plans to carry out those goals you’ve forgotten about. Do not start any new project but feel free to think and design your destiny. Take it slow.

Uranus Retrograde in the sign of Taurus is a big one also. This Retrograde began August 7th, 2018 and will continue to January 6th, 2019 in the sign of Aries. By now we should be somewhat accustomed to this even if it has just entered. The outer planet already made great changes back in May, so the Retrograde might not even make much of an impact on most of us. This is the one I am not focusing on much because Taurus likes stability and it’s already uncomfortable in this position, so the Retrograde will help you have a sudden jolt of energy or thought to help you power through. Uranus brings changes but I like the gifts because these changes usually turn out for the better. There will be severing of ties, but you’ll come out stronger.

Neptune Retrograde began June 18th, 2018 in Pisces and it allowed us to tap into our subconscious. Neptune will go directly on November 24th, 2018 in Pisces. Saturn is the one most people fear because it’s in its domiciles in the sign of Capricorn. The intimidating planet went Retrograde back in April 17th and it will continue until September 6th, 2018 in the sign of Capricorn. Neptune Retrograde and Saturn Retrograde are making us all second guess things. Neptune bringing those rose-colored glasses and Saturn forcing us to change our habits. Astrologically, this seems like something out of a horror story. The planet of illusions, the depressed teen of the Zodiac and the Parent, Saturn trying to teach us both lessons. Saturn increases your work ethic. Go for what you want and learn to be patient. Saturn rules time and if you use and manage your time with care, you will achieve grand success. Neptune Retrograde puts to focus what matters. Learn to believe in your dreams and you will see the summit. Do not fall for the deception behind Neptune, trust is key. Again, do not rush into things and let go of what isn’t benefiting you. After these transits, you will have firmer footing. You will know what you want, and you will fight for what makes you happy.

Overall, these Retrogrades feel exhausting and the eclipse is the cherry on top of this chaos. Don’t rush into anything, take it slow, think things through and remember to relax. This is your next stage in the works, the evolution to your best self is waiting… but all it needs is your blessing to accept the incoming changes to reach the next level. Your dreams matter and remember that you are the success story in the making.