Neptune Retrograde in Aries Will Cause You To Take A Step Back

Every planet in our heavens above moves backwards and forwards from our perspective here on Earth. Planets do not actually “move backwards,” and this is obviously just an optical illusion due to the rotation and movement of our own planet around the sun in relation to these other celestial objects. Since ancient times we have known that if it appears to occur in the heavens, we will experience actual effects in our lives.

Certain planets, like Mercury, Venus, and Mars, are much closer to the Earth and their retrogrades affect us much more noticeably because they are tied to our daily lives more closely too. Mercury, which retrogrades multiple times a year, aligns with our minds, communication, technology, and daily affairs. This is why these cycles are so immediately noticeable when they take place. Venus, which rules our relationships, obviously causes a warped perspective on how we are seeing our connections, our own self-worth, and can bring people from the past back into our orbits for closure or to rekindle a rapport. Mars retrograde cycles tend to be especially intense and occur roughly every two years and can be extremely draining, since we need a strong Mars to take action—and those retrogrades cover very long periods in time.

Luckily, the outer planets—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto—tie more to the human collective, rather than just our daily affairs. While we can obviously feel their effects depending on where they are in the heavens and what effect they’re having on our individual natal charts, these outer planets are higher collective vibrations. In general, when any planet is moving forward, strong, at full speed, and direct, we notice their effects more tangibly in our lives and in the world around us. Yet, no matter the planet, when it is retrograde, it causes its powers to turn within, as we undergo an inner transformation around the themes that each of these planets—or “archetypal energies” embody.

Neptune, which takes 165 years to go around the sun, tends to spend nearly half a year retrograde. On a positive wavelength, this planet aligns with spirituality, compassion, soulmates, divine love, true inspiration, glamour, and psychic abilities. On a darker note, Neptune can relate to conmen, deception, addiction, fantasy, delusion, and being lost in the depths of emotion. Depending on how Neptune is aspecting a planet in the heavens or in one’s natal chart, it may exhibit these different ever flowing frequencies. Yet, as I mentioned before, when any planet is awake or direct, their power is stronger. When a planet is asleep or retrograde, it becomes weakened and we “feel” it less and are forced to internalize it a bit more. This means that on one hand, we may notice that we are taking a step back to review and reflect on all of the themes I’ve listed that Neptune rules.

Neptune retrograde key dates are:

• Neptune pre-shadow begins: March 16, 2026 (1 degrees Aries)
• Neptune turns retrograde: July 7, 2026 (4 degrees Aries)
• Neptune stations direct: December 12, 2026 (1 degrees Aries)
• Neptune post-shadow ends: April 2, 2027 (4 degrees Aries)

It’s also important to note that Neptune is currently in Aries, the first zodiac sign on the wheel, after a very long dance through Pisces. Neptune will remain in Aries until March 2039. This means that through the spiritual, psychic, creative, or deceptive energies of Neptune, we will be assessing Aries themes: war, ego, anger, action, independence, authority, leadership, passion, drive, and masculinity. Note that we will assess these ideas for many years to come, especially with Saturn present in Aries until 2028.

Overall, the best thing to do during Neptune retrograde is to go with the flow, rest and recharge, listen to your intuition, get involved with your spiritual practices, and consider how you can make the world a better place. Don’t sink into the abyss of addictions, fears, or anxieties. Stand on higher ground.

Here’s a mini guide on where you may notice a great surge of energy!

ARIES (MARCH 21 – APRIL 19)

The way you view your life may be evolving at this time, Aries. Be sure you’re not seeing through rose-colored glasses.

TAURUS (APRIL 20 – MAY 20)

Your intuition and psychic abilities are on fire—or leading you off trail, Taurus. Ground yourself.

GEMINI (MAY 21 – JUNE 20)

Confusion around your social network could occur, Gemini. Be sure that you’re always connecting clearly.

CANCER (JUNE 21 – JULY 22)

This is an ideal time to assess new strategies on how you grow your professional goals, Cancer, especially involving creative solutions.

LEO (JULY 23 – AUGUST 22)

Embrace new horizons whenever possible, Leo, especially if they can open up your spirit.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 – SEPTMEBER 22)

Consider ways you can open up your heart, body, and intimacy with a partner greater than ever before, Virgo.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22)

Always make sure that you and your partners are seeing eye-to-eye and you are not gaslighting one another, Libra.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21)

Embracing a more fluid schedule around productivity could be very helpful for you now, Scorpio.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21)

Let yourself enjoy the ebbs and flows of romance and creativity now, Sagittarius.

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19)

If you are intuitively sensing the need to make a change in home or family, now could be the time, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18) 

Be sure that you are communicating your ideas and intellectual pursuits from a place of compassion, Aquarius.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20)

Consider using your resources to give to others, Pisces. What you sow, you will also reap.