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 honour 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 11 January
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 11 January and remain there until 26 July, 2026. The collective energy of the following year and a half will focus on healing, spirituality and higher-minded endeavours. 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 23 February
Mars retrograde began on 6 December, 2024, in the fire sign Leo, and ends on 23 February 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 6 January, we might feel stuck in situations, with certain dynamics preventing us from moving forward. Take time to centre 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.
1 March kicks off Venus’s retrograde
Venus retrograde commences on 1 March in Aries and clears the cycle on 12 April 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 27 March, 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:
15 March to 7 April: Mercury retrograde occurs in the signs of Aries and Pisces. The trickster planet ushers from Aries to Pisces on 29 March, encouraging us to set aside our instincts and go with the flow.
18 July to 11 August: 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.
9 November to 29 November: Mercury retrograde begins in Sagittarius and backslides into Scorpio on 18 November. Emotions will run deep and tempers high, causing us to express ourselves passionately.
14 March: A total lunar eclipse in Virgo motivates us to embrace our analytical abilities.
29 March: A partial solar eclipse in Aries brings our carnal impulses and cravings front and centre.
7 September: A total lunar eclipse in Pisces encourages us to lean into romance and chase our fantasies.
21 September: A partial solar eclipse in Virgo helps us let go of our fears in practical ways.
20 March: The Spring Equinox initiates Aries season and the astrological new year in the Northern Hemisphere.
20 June: The Summer Solstice brings the beginning of Cancer season in the Northern Hemisphere.
22 September: The Autumn Equinox starts Libra season in the Northern Hemisphere.
21 December: 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 30 March to 22 October. 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 realisation – but not quite there yet. Keep the faith!
Karmic Saturn enters Aries from 24 May to 1 September. 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 favourite sign, Cancer, on 9 June. 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 7 July to 7 November, 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.
