What is a retrograde?
When a planet goes retrograde, it appears to be moving backward in its orbit (from the perspective of Earth.) This happens because of the differences in orbital speed between the Earth and the other planet. It is important to note that the planet is not actually moving backward, but rather it is an optical illusion caused by the relative motion of the Earth and the planet.
What does Neptune represent?
Neptune is the planet that governs illusions, imagination and spirituality.
How often does it happen?
Neptune Retrograde happens once a year.
How long does it last?
Neptune goes Retrograde for around four & a half months out of the year.
How does it effect people?
One of the ways Neptune Retrograde can affect people is that it can make people get stuck inside their own heads. Overthinking or allowing their imaginations to become an active energy in the pursuit of peace and joy. Many people find that during this time they get trapped in cycles of negative thinking, worrying or delusions that cause them to be stressed, unhappy or even toxically joyful because they’re ignoring difficult emotions in a bid to avoid dealing with them.
Some may find during this time that they have blockages disallowing their imagination and creativity to properly flow. This may be more prevalent or noticeable for creatives, writers block, demotivation, or a general lack of ideas may be something you find that affects you during Neptune retrograde. Individual ideas may be scarce and you may notice a lot of regurgitated ideas floating around, especially on social media.
A lot of people may consciously or unconsciously step away from actively engaging in their spiritual journeys during Neptune Rx. A general feeling of disconnect from the divine may cause some to feel neglected by spirit causing them to feel lost and alone, while others may feel angry about surrendering to the journey and step away to reclaim some control and personal autonomy. However other may just find themselves drifting away from their usually customs and practices without being able to put their finger on exactly why yet feeling content with not immediately realigning once they notice the distance.
What to avoid?
Avoid overthinking and getting caught up in negative emotions or trains of thought. Understand the inclination to be drawn to this way of thinking at the moment and reclaim your power by shifting your mindset or seeking more clarity surrounding the source of your emotions and low vibrational thoughts.
Avoid giving in to the urge to separate yourself from your creative centre. Even if you are a creative who is lacking inspiration or ideas, find other ways to connect with your sacral chakra such as dancing or embracing sensuality.
Avoid putting pressure on yourself to engage in your spiritual practice if you feel called to disengage. Your spiritual journey is not something that can “end”. Whether you are actively engaging or not, you are a spiritual being and always will be. Sometimes it is important to simply exist and ground yourself in the human experience. Forcing yourself or even allowing yourself to feel bad about a lack of desire or motivation to engage can be damaging in the long run. Trust that your higher self will guide you back when the time is right.
What should you do?
During Neptune Rx, it’s a good time to emotionally regulate. Remember that you are in control of your emotions and have the ability to transmute difficult feelings rather than let them get the better of you. Tap into your creativity as much as possible to avoid sacral chakra blockages and Journal, particularly your dreams. First thing when you wake up, before checking your phone or getting out of bed, write down everything you remember from your dreams.
Get Grounded
Revise your Spiritual Journey’s Intentions
Take a Spiritual Break
Be Creative
Shadow Work
Keep a Dream Journal
Read Tarot Cards
Third Eye Chakra
Sacral Chakra Balancing
What will provide support?
Crystals:
Blue Kyanite - Heightened Intuition
Labradorite - Reveals the Hidden
Tanzanite - Spiritual Connection
Celestite - Dream Work
Larimar - Soothing Emotions
Herbs:
Mugwort - Dreams
Jasmine - Intuition
Willow - Healing
Blue Lotus - Enlightenment
Passionflower - Relaxation
Yoga:
Peaceful Warrior - Positivity
Goddess - Sacral Chakra
Lotus - Spiritual Connection
Corpse - Relaxation
Tree pose - Grounding
Affirmations:
I manifest clear thoughts and pure emotions.
I am a spiritual being filled with light and love.
I feel for all life with pure compassion.
I am incredibly artistic and creative.
I have dreamed beautiful dreams; now I manifest them.
Shadow prompts:
What are my train of negative thoughts telling me about myself and the way I perceive the world?
Why am I choosing a lower vibration than the one I can transmute these feelings to?
What inspires my creativity?
What are the common outcomes of my overthinking?
Who in my life deserves more grace from me?
What is the lesson?
How Retrogrades affect you depends on how you are currently navigating your life, Issues during Rx are just highlights of the areas we need to address. Some people may experience more positive experiences during Rx due to the fact that the planet was Rx at their time of birth, whilst other may have a more intense time. Some people will have no untoward experiences at all, sometimes because they are unaware of the effects, or because they are in alignment and there is nothing for them to learn at this time. The important thing is, not to go looking for problems, being aware of how the energy can show up can allow you to prepare for it and ground yourself through it. Use this survival guide as an empowerment tool rather that a reason to worry. Overall, trust yourself and the universe enough to surrender, relinquish control!
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