Navigating Retrogrades: A Time to Reevaluate, Reflect, and Realign

Navigating Retrogrades: A Time to Reevaluate, Reflect, and Realign

Author: Brianna Jovahn

If you’ve ever heard someone say “It’s Mercury retrograde—don’t make any big decisions!” or “This retrograde is throwing my energy off”, you might be wondering what retrogrades really mean and how they can impact your life.

A retrograde occurs when a planet appears to move backward in its orbit from our perspective on Earth. While it’s not actually moving in reverse, the energy of the planet shifts, influencing different areas of our lives. Retrogrades often bring delays, miscommunications, and heightened emotions, but they also offer a powerful opportunity for reevaluation and realignment.

Why Retrogrades Call for Reflection

Retrogrades are often misunderstood as purely negative. However, they can actually be a gift in disguise. When a planet goes into retrograde, it’s like the universe is asking you to pause, reflect, and revisit different aspects of your life. This can show up in:
• Relationships: Past relationships may resurface, unresolved conflicts may demand closure, or you may start questioning the health of certain connections.
• Business and Career: You may feel unclear about your direction or notice delays in your work. Retrogrades encourage you to reassess your goals, strategies, and priorities.
• Internal Uncertainties: Retrogrades can bring up old wounds, self-doubt, or limiting beliefs that need healing. This is a time to dig deep, reflect, and release.

What Should You Do During a Retrograde?

Instead of fearing retrogrades, use them as a period of deep reflection and realignment. Here’s how:

1. Reevaluate Relationships

Pay attention to how you feel in your relationships—whether romantic, friendships, or professional. Are these connections still aligned with who you’re becoming? If there’s tension or confusion, retrogrades encourage you to face it head-on or let it go.

Ask yourself:

• Am I being valued in this relationship?
• Is there a conversation I’ve been avoiding that needs closure?
• Do I feel at peace or drained after spending time with this person?

2. Revisit Your Business or Career Goals

If you’ve been feeling stuck in your career or business, retrogrades offer the perfect time to pause and reassess. Are you still moving toward your desired goals, or has your vision changed? Don’t rush major decisions—take your time to reflect.

Ask yourself:

• Is my work still fulfilling me?
• Are there adjustments I need to make in my business or career path?
• Am I aligned with my purpose, or have I drifted?

3. Reflect on Internal Uncertainties

Retrogrades can stir up self-doubt, old wounds, and limiting beliefs. Instead of pushing them away, take time to process them. Journaling, meditating, or having deep conversations with yourself can help you clear out what no longer serves you.

Ask yourself:

• What limiting belief keeps resurfacing in my life?
• What part of me is asking for healing or attention?
• Am I trusting myself, or am I operating from fear?

What NOT to Do During a Retrograde

While retrogrades can be transformative, they also bring challenges. To protect your energy, avoid:

• Making major decisions: If possible, avoid signing contracts, starting new projects, or making big commitments. Instead, take time to think things through.
• Rekindling unhealthy relationships: While retrogrades often bring past lovers or friendships back around, think carefully before reopening a closed door.
• Ignoring your intuition: Retrogrades heighten your intuitive nudges. Pay attention to gut feelings, dreams, or inner guidance.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Pause

Retrogrades may feel unsettling, but they’re ultimately an opportunity for reevaluation, reflection, and realignment. Instead of rushing through, honor the pause. Review your relationships, career, and inner self with honesty and grace. Once the retrograde ends, you’ll have gained clarity and confidence to move forward with intention.

So, the next time a retrograde comes around, don’t fear it—use it. Treat it as a sacred invitation to slow down, reset, and come back into full alignment with your highest self.