Neptune retrogrades June 23

Neptune turns stationary retrograde at 20 degrees of Pisces June 23, and will remain retrograde until November 29. With Neptune’s retrograde we now have a total of 6 (out of 10) planets retrograde. Things may seem slow at this time, and especially with Neptune’s retrograde now is the time to do any inner work on yourself that is needed.

Neptune is the planet of dreams, creativity, spirituality, illusion, drugs and alcohol, psychics and dreams to name a few. Neptune’s retrograde will bring about more acute sensitivity on an inner level and we may be able to pick up on those things we don't perceive when Neptune is direct. We are more likely to be listening to our own inner voice during this time and creativity and psychic or intuitive abilities may be increased.

If transiting Neptune aspects a personal planet in your chart, it is during this period we tend to become self deluding, depressed, or overly idealistic. Others may deceive us as well. It is important to be as grounded as possible during these times if you are experiencing a Neptune transit, especially a harsh one. On the other hand, it may be during this time you could discover that you have been deluding yourself and the dream dies. Should this be the case, now is the time to face the reality of the situation, grieve as necessary and make an effort to move on to new and better things. Hard Neptune transits often coincide with relationships that that were not meant to be and it is at this time the rose colored glasses must come off.

We may find that an over idealized relationship, or one with someone who is really not available is just not going where we hope it is.  We may feel we have met our soul mate or the most perfect partner in the world to wake up and find things were not as we had believed, or been led to believe which leads to discouragement, depression and disenchantment. Often when Neptune retrogrades we find out that our dreams are not based on reality. This can not only affect relationships but many other areas of our lives depending on what area of the chart Neptune is transiting. Neptune is generally retrograde six months out of every year.

If Neptune is not making a harsh transit in your personal chart, you may do a lot of inner work during this time, or become more psychic or sensitive. Dreams may be more vivid, and this transit may go by without much fanfare.

Neptune’s retrograde is not as dramatic as the most well known retrogrades involving Mercury and Venus. Neptune works in a subtle manner on the subconscious mind.