As we stand on the cusp of a new year, the many planetary retrogrades on the horizon offer us an opportunity to look at the past and decide what we want to bring with us into the future. We might choose to right wrongs, make amends with others, or forge our own journey ahead. Whatever we decide to do, we must treat ourselves kindly, focusing on mending our body, mind, heart, and spirit. Loving yourself is extremely important, especially in times of change, which is why we should always honor and respect ourselves, as well as others. Here, a breakdown of the key astrological events coming down the pike in 2025.
The Nodes of Destiny changes signs on January 11
The Nodes of Destiny (which dictate our fate and what the universe calls upon us to do) move into the Pisces-Virgo lunar axis on January 11 and remain there until July 26, 2026. The collective energy of the following year and a half will focus on healing, spirituality, and higher-minded endeavors. Our intuition and desires will help us transform into the people we want to become. As long as we remain grounded and present, we can achieve our dreams.
The New Year begins with Mars retrograde until February 23
Mars retrograde began on December 6, 2024, in the fire sign Leo, and ends on February 23 in the water sign Cancer. The year starts with us releasing repressed frustrations and former resentments. When the action planet Mars dives back into Cancer on January 6, we might feel stuck in situations, with certain dynamics preventing us from moving forward. Take time to center emotions and be mindful of the best way to proceed. Arguing will not eradicate issues. It’ll only make matters worse. Look within to find a solution that allows a peaceful resolution.
March 1 kicks off Venus’s retrograde
Venus retrograde commences on March 1 in Aries and clears the cycle on April 12 in Pisces. When Venus starts moving backwards in Aries, we’ll want to reevaluate interpersonal relationships to see if there is an emotional and intellectual connection—rather than just physical. The moment Venus backflips into Pisces on March 27, we might resort to manipulation to resolve matters or ignore red flags being shown to us. Money and confidence are other themes to pay attention to besides love.
There are three Mercury retrogrades in 2025:
March 15 to April 7: Mercury retrograde occurs in the signs of Aries and Pisces. The trickster planet ushers from Aries to Pisces on March 29, encouraging us to set aside our instincts and go with the flow.
July 18 to August 11: Mercury retrograde in Leo pushes us to roar our feelings, rather than discussing them lightly. Travel issues and technology meltdowns will make us lose our patience.
November 9 to November 29: Mercury retrograde begins in Sagittarius and backslides into Scorpio on November 18. Emotions will run deep and tempers high, causing us to express ourselves passionately.
March 14: A total lunar eclipse in Virgo motivates us to embrace our analytical abilities.
March 29: A partial solar eclipse in Aries brings our carnal impulses and cravings front and centre.
September 7: A total lunar eclipse in Pisces encourages us to lean into romance and chase our fantasies.
September 21: A partial solar eclipse in Virgo helps us let go of our fears in practical ways.
March 20: The Spring Equinox initiates Aries season and the astrological new year in the Northern Hemisphere.
June 20: The Summer Solstice brings the beginning of Cancer season in the Northern Hemisphere.
September 22: The Autumn Equinox starts Libra season in the Northern Hemisphere.
December 21: The Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere ushers in Capricorn season.
Altruistic and bewitching Neptune fights for romance, personal beliefs, and mysticism upon its arrival in the fire sign Aries from March 30 to October 22. At this time, we’ll take credit for our talents and show them off to the world. Neptune will be hanging out in the late degrees of Pisces at other times of the year, making us feel we’re on the impetus of change and artistic realization—but not quite there yet. Keep the faith!
Karmic Saturn enters Aries from May 24 to September 1. Saturn in Aries is asking us to take charge. Taking control is what will drive us the most at this moment. We may decide to start our own business, assert ourselves when confronted by others, be direct with our bosses or management, or make impulsive decisions. Saturn’s splash in Pisces, which constitutes the bulk of 2025, helps us decide wisely, and without pressure.
Lucky planet Jupiter moves into its favorite sign, Cancer, on June 9. Before Jupiter moves into cancer, it will be roaming the signal of Gemini for half of the year. Jupiter in Gemini asks us to foster our local community and establish positive communications with others. Jupiter in Cancer asks us to expand our emotions and to be open with our sentiments. We’ll be able to nurture others through acts of compassion—and importantly, to care for ourselves, too.
From July 7 to November 7, rebel planet Uranus dances in Gemini, leading us to use our words as a form of revolution. We’ll share our unique thoughts and experiences on social media platforms that will inspire others to speak up and share their stories. The eccentric planet will be in Taurus for most of 2025, taming these sentiments—but Uranus in Gemini brings our true selves out of the woodwork, allowing us to be free.