Happy New Year, bestie! It’s officially 2023, and while you may be in the post-holiday hangover stage ATM, this is the perfect time to get back on your grind to make this year your best one yet. While you’re mapping out your goals (and budgets) for the New Year, I’m here to remind you about a little something — or, three — to keep in mind. Spoiler alert: it’s the planets.
Take a deep breath, this information can be hard to digest: this January, three planets will be in retrograde. But before you freak out and grab your emotional support plushie, remember that we’ve seen worse retrograde patterns in 2022. It’s all about perspective, babe. And, if I’m being honest, January isn’t looking too scary in terms of the astrological forecast. Well, that is, if you overlook the Mercury retrograde… Cue the crying!
Looking ahead (or should I say, up) for your astrological forecast? Fear not, I’m here. Here’s what you need to know about the three retrogrades happening in January 2023.
WHAT PLANETS ARE RETROGRADING IN January 2022?
For the astrologically aware besties, here’s the good news: January isn’t looking too different from December which, in turn, didn’t look that different from November. Some of the planets retrograding in January have been for quite some time, and while there’s a new addition to the lineup, things aren’t looking too crazy in terms of this transit. What a way to bring in the New year, am I right?
URANUS RETROGRADE (AUG. 24 — JAN. 22, 2023):
Uranus has been in retrograde since August 2022, but here’s the thing — it’s not stationing direct without a bang. ICYMI, Uranus is the planet of chaos and disruption (gulp), but not necessarily in a bad way: Uranus’ retrograde is meant to open our eyes and help us break free of the things that are holding us back. This could be relationships, jobs, living situations, or any other occurrence in your life that’s disrupting the peace.
Retrograding in the sign of Taurus, this transit is exuding that grounded, comforting energy that this Earth sign is known for. As Uranus stations direct, expect to see all of those loose ends tie up, or simply break away.
MARS RETROGRADE (OCT. 30 — JAN. 12, 2023):
Beginning during Spooky Szn, the Mars retrograde certainly brought the drama. Known as the planet of war and ambition, this transit has been challenging us to go after our goals and communicate our desires fearlessly. This planet is stationing direct just as we’re getting into the groove of the new year, so expect to feel more clarity as we move into yet another lap around the sun.
MERCURY RETROGRADE (DEC. 29 — JAN. 19, 2023):
Ah, yes. The star of the show: Mercury retrograde. Notoriously known for bringing back fragments of your past (including your ex… *shudders*), Mercury retrograde is known for being disruptive, chaotic, and exhausting. However, remember what I said about perspective? Here’s a little retrograde tip: keep in mind that these transits exist to help you grow, and while you may be challenged during their duration, that doesn’t exactly mean your life is going up in flames.
That being said, don’t be shocked if you hear from your ex. Oops.
While this mercury retrograde is challenging us in terms of our career and long-term goals, there’s still the possibility of old, romantic baggage showing up at your door. In that case, remember to approach this situation with maturity and grace — it’s what the stars would want you to do, bestie.
What Signs Are most affected by the mercury retrograde 2023?
2023’s first retrograde is taking place in the mature and hard-working sign of Capricorn, so these Earth signs may be feeling a little bit more of that planetary energy as we enter the New Year. Similarly, since Mercury rules the signs of Virgo and Gemini, people with these placements may be in the spotlight more than others. However, it’s important to note that the effects of Mercury retrograde are kind of unavoidable for all of the signs. Grab your grown-up pants, bestie, and let’s get through this retrograde together!