2019 Retrogrades

This is our 3rd year of providing a list of yearly retrogrades. Here are the 2019 retrogrades. This is when planets (not the Sun and Moon) and asteroids appear to change the regular direction they travel in. Read more about Retrogrades and Direction changes below this chart.

Planet	Shadow Start	Retrograde	Direct	Shadow End
Uranus	April 20, 2018	August 7, 2018 2° Taurus 34′	January 6 28° Aries 26′	April 23
Pallas	November 29, 2018	February 18 29° Libra 29′	May 31 10° Libra 23′	August 24
Mercury	February 19	March 5 29° Pisces 39′	March 28 16° Pisces 06′	April 17
Ceres	January 27	April 9 14 Sagittarius 16′	July 17 0 Sagittarius 3′	October 1
Jupiter	January 14	April 10 24° Sagittarius 21′	August 11 14° Sagittarius 30′	November 6
Pluto	January 2	April 24 23° Capricorn 09′	October 3 20° Capricorn 38′	April 22, 2020
Saturn	January 22	April 30 20° Capricorn 31′	September 18 13° Capricorn 55	December 24
Neptune	March 1	June 21 18° Pisces 43′	November 27 15° Pisces 56′	March 17, 2020
Mercury	June 20	July 7 4° Leo 28′	August 1 23° Cancer 57′	August 15
Chiron	March 19	July 8 5° Aries 56′	December 13 1° Aries 26′	April 4, 2020
Uranus	April 22	August 12 6° Taurus 37′	January 11, 2020 2° Taurus 29′	April 26, 2020
Vesta	July 11	September 24 27° Taurus 39′	December 29 12° Taurus 06′	March 14, 2020
Mercury	October 11	October 31 27° Scorpio 38′	November 20 11° Scorpio 35′	December 19

Direction Changes and Shadow Periods

What does it mean when a planet is retrograde or changes direction? EarthSky.Org has a great graphic and explanation of this ‘illusion’ of planets traveling backwards and then returning to forward motion. Astrologers over the ages noticed these cycles do have influence and meaning in longer planetary cycles or birth charts.

Shadow Periods are the time before the Retrograde occurs and after it is over, or the planet returns to direct motion. Some astrologers feel the first shadow period is the ‘set up’ for the retrograde cycle while the last one, can be a conclusion. In my experience, I’ve noticed if there is an aspect between the retrograding planet and another significant point, before, during and after, then the retrograde cycle becomes more noticeable in a person’s life.

For example, if Mercury squares Neptune, prior to the retrograde, there may be a misunderstanding perceived as a lie or a deception. During the retrograde the lie or deceit re-occurs or is addressed. After the retrograde, a resolution happens. This could be an apology, or another attempt at getting away with something only to be found out sooner.

The house in which a retrograde planet travels shows what area of life may be useful to reflect on. Recently a Mercury Retrograde in my 10th house meant plenty of communication related to upgrading professional skills.
When a planet comes close to conjoining an important point in a chart, then turns retrograde prior to becoming an exact conjunction, there can be a sense of frustration. The New Phase of the planetary energies is not quite ripe for an initiation.
When the Sun and Mercury conjoin during a retrograde cycle, the meaning is highlighted. If one has not understood the emphasis, here is a spotlight moment.

I like to write down the retrograde and direct dates in my calendar/diary, if they impact my birth chart. By this, I mean, when the Sign and Degree is within 2 degrees of the Sun, Moon or the Planet or an Angle (IC-4th house cusp, MC-10th house cusp, ASC-1st house cusp, DESC-7th house cusp) I make a notation of the planetary aspect and house.

This helps me be patient, take a more careful look, or wait before proceeding with tasks, technology, travel, and other matters of communication.