Article published in Cromos magazine, June 2024.
The second half of the year arrives with intense astronomical energy. Six planets will turn retrograde and there will be two powerful conjunctions in Taurus. This period offers an opportunity for introspection and personal transformation, with new possibilities for financial growth and professional development.
What does it mean for a planet to be retrograde? It is an astronomical phenomenon in which a planet appears to move backwards when seen from Earth. In astrology, the energy of a retrograde planet turns more inward. It marks a period of review, reassessment or reflection.
Over the coming months we will be influenced by the energy of six retrograde planets. From May to October, Pluto, the planet of transformation, will be retrograde in Capricorn. This transit invites us to review our professional life and make deep changes to it. Saturn and Neptune will also be retrograde for almost the whole half-year. Saturn in Aquarius urges us to reassess our connections with groups and friends. Are they genuinely good for us? Do they add or take away? These will be months for considering whether those relationships are necessary. Neptune in Pisces, meanwhile, will immerse us in a deep spiritual introspection, awakening our creativity and our artistic expression.
Conjunction of Mars, Jupiter and Uranus in Taurus: drastic changes and new opportunities.
For those born under Taurus, Aries, Sagittarius and Aquarius, July and August will bring significant changes. On 16 July, Mars and Uranus meet in Taurus. That powerful energy will bring about drastic and unexpected changes in areas connected to material and financial stability. You will feel driven to seek financial freedom in an innovative and creative way.
A month later, on 14 August, the meeting of Jupiter and Mars will bring financial opportunities. It will be a good moment for making radical decisions and pursuing concrete dreams and goals. That transit coincides with Mercury turning retrograde in Leo and a conjunction with Venus. During that month communication may suffer, especially in everything to do with close relationships. It will be a time to weigh up what we want and expect in love.
Mercury's last retrograde comes at the end of November, as it moves through Scorpio. This transit will intensify our emotions and lead us into deep conversations, bringing secrets from the past to light. It is a moment of personal transformation and emotional growth. Patience and clear, honest communication will be key to avoiding arguments and misunderstandings. And to close the year, Mars turns retrograde in Gemini, which can create challenges in communication and in relationships with siblings, neighbours and the people around us. It will be a good time to work on creative projects, to write, to study or to learn something new.
This phase of introspection and transformation is the ideal moment to renew your goals and strengthen your relationships. Make the most of this half-year to open the doors to the new opportunities that come your way — the ones that will make you grow both personally and professionally.