Many astrologers believe that 2025 could be one of the most important times in the history of humanity. It is being described as the dawn of “a new era.” We will see all 3 of the outer planets (i.e., Uranus, Neptune, Pluto) moving into new signs, which actually began last year when Pluto finished its transition into Aquarius during November 2024. These 3 outer planets are slow movers; they only change signs every 7-20 years. However, to have all 3 of them changing signs at the same time is basically unprecedented in human history.
Although the outer planets often impact the collective, any changes at a societal level always find ways to trickle down on a personal level. Therefore, these shifts are very likely to have huge implications for us collectively and also personally. I think we can all agree that rapid changes have already been happening (e.g., politics/government, economics, territorial disputes/wars). These huge shifts in society that continue to rock our personal worlds, and these changes will actually accelerate as 2025 progresses.
On a personal level (which is always my astrological focus), many of us have already found that one or more previously important areas of our life seem to be coming to an end and new beginnings may already be starting to emerge, like a phoenix from the ashes. Although all of these changes can feel chaotic and unsettling, they will provide opportunities for growth and transformation. We need to stay flexible, trust the process, focus on what we want (not on what we don’t want or even fear), and avoid projecting our beliefs about what is right or wrong onto others. We will also benefit from spending time in spiritual reflection and taking care of our bodies. Balance in all things will be key here.
Because these outer planets move so slowly and because some of them are in retrograde for months at a time, their shift into a new sign often involves a 3-step process. For example, you will see below that during 2025, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will all move into a new sign but then retrograde (i.e., revisit) the old sign. However, by 2026, all 3 of these planets will be fully in their new signs, and there will be no looking back! But during 2025, this back-and-forth movement emphasizes that it is a year of transition.
NOTE: The first time the planet tentatively steps into the new sign, pay attention to what happens. We are often given a sneak peek at what might be coming. However, when the planet retrogrades back into the old sign, this is very important. It gives us a final opportunity to complete any unfinished business related to that sign before the planet makes its final entry into the new sign. The lessons learned in the old sign are almost always a foundation upon which we will learn the lessons coming up in the new sign. Therefore, mastering the previous lessons support our future success.
The planets & Nodes
We will begin our review of 2025 with the planets that are closest to the Sun and work our way outward to Pluto. I will include a final (sweet) note about the Moon’s Nodes changing signs in 2025.
NOTE: I will keep this post pinned to the sidebar on my website (the column on the right side of each page). That way, you can refer back to it easily as the year progresses.
Mercury 2025
What energy does it represent: Thinking, communication, learning, and logic.
Movement: Mercury typically spends about 3 weeks in each sign, so it goes through all 12 signs during 2025. Although the sign will color, for example, how we communicate, what is always significant is when Mercury goes retrograde, which typically occurs 3 times each year. These time periods can be frustrating because everyone’s attention is turned inward, which leads to snafus in what we think, say, write, etc. During these times, we should be careful to double-and triple-check all forms of communication (i.e., pay special attention to the details on contracts and travel plans). However, we need to remember that these retrograde phases are important times to reflect and review before moving forward. This year, the 3 retrograde phases are as follows:
March 15-April 6 (in Aries & Pisces)
July 18-August 10 (in Leo)
November 9-28 (in Sagittarius & Scorpio)
Significance: Following the order above, the 3 retrograde periods are likely to have the following unique implications:
March 15-April 16: We may have problems related to making impulsive decisions, controlling our anger, and making mistakes due to rushing. However, this will be an important time to reevaluate recent choices and actions to make sure they are aligned with our current goals.
July 18-August 10: We may experience conflicts in relationships, especially if we are feeling disrespected. Unfortunately, our efforts to reach a compromise might be challenging during this time. But this could also be a time when important information about those in power comes to the surface.
November 9-28: Technological glitches and travel challenges are more likely during this time frame, which is bad timing for Thanksgiving in the USA. (NOTE: Be sure to carefully check any travel plans and bring your patience with you!) This could also be a time when people are more likely to speak without thinking. We need to remember to be as flexible and patient as possible, as well as remind ourselves to think before speaking. It may help to have back-up plans for any major events.
Venus 2025
What energy does Venus represent: What we desire/want/love, values, finances, relationships, partnerships, artistic expression, creativity, beauty, and sensuality.
Planetary movement: Venus typically moves through most of the signs each year. However, every 18 months, it will go retrograde, and this is happening during 2025. Venus will be in retrograde from March 1-April 12. During this time frame, it will begin in Aries but move backwards into Pisces.
Interpretation: Because Venus only goes retrograde every 18 months, it’s usually a very significant event. We are being asked to spend time reviewing and reevaluating all those topics mentioned above that represent Venus (e.g., what we desire, finances). Relationships from our past or even past life/karmic relationships may be on our mind or may even physically come into our lives. We will also be reviewing important current relationships, financial investments, and creative endeavors. Venus retrograde is a time to make sure that we are going after what we really want rather than pursuing something that simply feels familiar or safe. We may need to adjust our actions to match new priorities and goals. While retrograde in Aries (March 1-27), we will likely be reevaluating our self-worth, personal desires, and how we assert ourselves. Once Venus backs up into Pisces (March 28-April 12), our introspection will deepen and we will likely become more focused on healing past wounds. We could also find ourselves reviewing our desires related to giving and receiving compassion, where forgiveness might be needed, and how to use our intuition more effectively (or trust it).
Mars 2025
What energy does Mars represent: Energy, action, assertiveness, courage, sexuality, impulsivity, and aggression.
Planetary movement: Mars spends about 6 weeks in each sign, so it will typically travel through about 8 signs each year. Mars begins the year in retrograde, which only happens every 2 years and almost always has a major impact on our life. This retrograde phase began on December 6, 2024, and Mars will turn direct on February 23. It will be in the sign of Leo until January 6, at which time it will backtrack into Cancer.
Interpretation: When Mars is in retrograde, we will be internally reflecting on where we want (or don’t want) to put our energy as we move forward once Mars begins moving direct again on February 23. But even after the actual retrograde phase ends, the red planet will continue playing a major role through mid-2025. This is partly due to the on-going series of Mars-Pluto oppositions (180°). When taken all together, the first few months of 2025 will see something major in our life needing to be revamped and transformed in order to reflect who we have become. Serious contemplation and deep healing may be required. We need to re-evaluate our motivation and the relationship between our use of personal power versus force. This may require reflecting back on past relationships, goals, or accomplishments in order to determine what worked and what didn’t work. Although we may encounter obstacles during the retrograde phase, once Mars begins moving direct in February 23, it should become easier to take actions toward any new goals and initiatives that we have set for ourselves while Mars was in retrograde. However, if we continue to try to reach for goals that have outlived their purpose, those obstacles will likely continue into 2025.
Jupiter 2025
What energy does Jupiter represent: Expansion, growth, good fortune, travel, wisdom, religion, ethics, higher education, and possibly going to excess.
Planetary movement: Jupiter begins the year in Gemini and then will transition into Cancer on June 9. It will remain in Cancer until June 30, 2026. Jupiter’s 4-month annual retrograde phase will begin on November 12 and continue until March 10, 2026. It will remain in Cancer during this time.
Interpretation: During the time when Jupiter finishes its transit in Gemini (January 1-June 9), we will continue to feel like a lot of things (especially our thoughts & communication) are moving very quickly. Information overload is a very real possibility. Our curiosity will be heightened, especially around topics related to faith, philosophy, ethics, and beliefs. We want to expand our minds by learning new information. Being with others is especially enjoyable. When Jupiter shifts into Cancer on June 9, it will take a deep, contented breath because it is comfortable in this sign. We will likely feel an increased sense of happiness and harmony, especially when we are in our home and/or with those we care about. It’s a great time to develop deeper connections and meaningful relationships, as long as they promote our personal well-being, self-care, and emotional growth. Expanding our intuitive abilities may also become an important goal. We do need to be careful not to go too far in taking care of others (e.g., codependency), and we should also avoid becoming overly focused on seeking emotional security and safety.
Retrograde: During its retrograde phase in Cancer (November 12-March 10, 2026), we may do a deep dive into our emotions, including exploring past and present family dynamics. Ancestral healing could be a profitable avenue of exploration. We may be more of a home-body than usual, preferring to spend time alone or with those who help us feel a sense of personal safety and security. Someone from our past may come into our life in order to complete a healing process. We definitely will be reassessing our goals related to family, relationships, and what we need for our emotional well-being.
Saturn 2025
What energy does it represent: Structure, order, discipline, responsibilities, control, leadership, and life lessons.
Movement: Saturn typically travels through each sign for about 2.5 years. It entered Pisces in March of 2023, and it remained in Pisces throughout 2024. As of February 15, it will take its first tentative steps into Aries. However, during its annual retrograde phase (July 13-November 27), Saturn will move back into Pisces on September 1. It will remain in Pisces until February 15, 2026, when it moves into Aries until mid-April 2028.
Significance: As mentioned last year, Saturn isn’t particularly comfortable in Pisces. Where Saturn wants limits and boundaries, Pisces wants no limits and permeable boundaries. During both the first part and last part of 2025, we are being given a chance to finish up any work related to Saturn in Pisces, such as learning how to trust our intuition, being patient with and trusting in “the process,” and creating a spiritual routine that feeds our souls (e.g., prayer, use of our breath, meditation, using tools like cards or runes). During this time, we have hopefully learned that strength can be found through simplicity, letting go of any limiting beliefs, and being quiet and listening. These last months in Pisces is also an important time of wrapping up any unfinished business because once Saturn moves into Aries (even if temporarily from May 24-September 1), we are all in for a big change. We will need to carry over the lessons that we learned while Saturn was in Pisces in order to help us successfully navigate Saturn in Aries. This will be a time when we shift our focus from our inner world to the outer world. We may feel ready to take on new responsibilities, create new structures in our lives, and build solid foundations. However, Saturn can also bring obstacles and challenges, and these may be related to disciple, responsibility, leadership, and/or finding a healthy view of our achievements and ambitions.
Retrograde: While Saturn is in retrograde (July 13-November 27), we may feel a need to reevaluate our life path or goals. This may include reviewing our past choices related to responsibility, setting boundaries, our career, discipline, and control. Unfinished projects will call for completion, as well as reassessing any part of our life that isn’t providing a stable foundation for long-term growth (e.g., daily routines). We may also have to deal with past issues or unresolved conflicts. Significant personal growth and healing are possible, particularly after Saturn returns to Pisces on September 1.
Uranus 2025
What energy does Uranus represent: Sudden/unexpected changes, innovation, originality, humanitarianism, and possibly rebelliousness.
Planetary movement: During the first part of 2025, Uranus will be located in the final few degrees of Taurus. This 7-year transit of Taurus began back in 2018; but on July 7, Uranus will make an initial foray into Gemini. However, during its annual retrograde phase (September 6-February 3, 2026), Uranus will move back into Taurus on November 8. It will remain in Taurus until April 26, 2026, at which point it will settle into Gemini for a 7-year stay (until 2033).
Interpretation: While traveling through Taurus, Uranus has been shaking up our personal and collective finances, values, physical possessions/property, and even our bodies. The time frame (2018-2025) straddles the pandemic, which was a worldwide event that clearly impacted many of these areas. Important lessons were learned by the disruptions. For example, Uranus in Taurus has also taught us important lessons regarding how to take better care for our bodies. Also, if we have taken a conservative and cautious approach to our financial investments, this has (or will) likely lead to slow but steady growth. However, once Uranus makes its initial shift into Gemini on July 7, the change may feel pretty extreme due to the differences between Taurus and Gemini. Uranus is all about change. Taurus is a very grounded sign that prefers to move slowly and carefully. Consequently, it has substantially slowed down the impact of Uranus over the past 7 years. But once Uranus enters Gemini, the proverbial foot will come off the break and hit the accelerator. Gemini is a mutable sign that loves variety and change, so Uranus will enjoy being in Gemini. Ingenious ideas may rapidly and possibly dramatically revolutionize fields such as communication, education, transportation, and energy. Changes are also likely to the technologies that support all of these areas.
Retrograde: While Uranus is in retrograde (September 6-February 3, 2026), we will likely spend time reflecting on our need for freedom and independence. We are being encouraged to explore new ideas that could result in shifts in how we communicate and the types of people or groups that we want to associate with. Because we feel a strong need to be authentic, the changes we experience now could involve letting go of relationships that are no longer aligned with our new ways of thinking. We may be more open than usual to exploring new ideas or approaches, which could lead to taking classes or a new course of study. However, we do need to be careful not to be impulsive in our choices.
Neptune 2025
What energy does Neptune represent: Spirituality, intuition, our ability to move out of fear and into faith, creativity, compassion, and possibly a lack of clarity.
Planetary movement: After spending 14 years in its home sign of Pisces, Neptune will take a few initial steps into Aries beginning on March 31. However, during its annual retrograde phase (July 4-December 9), Neptune will move back into Pisces on October 23. It will remain in Pisces until January 27, 2026, when it settles into Aries for a 13-year stay (until 2039).
Interpretation: Neptune has been traveling through Pisces since 2011. It is the ruler of Pisces, so this has made Neptune extra powerful. During the first few months and the last few months of 2025 when Neptune is in Pisces for the final time, we need to make sure to review the lessons we have been asked to learn, which include improving our ability to ground ourselves (e.g., go out in nature, using our breath, do some gardening, hug a tree, engage in anything that brings us back into our body), exploring our spirituality and intuitive abilities, and expanding our capacity for compassion and non-judgment. Overall, the goal is to increase our understanding that we are all one. The shift from Pisces to Aries will be a big one, and we may be thankful we get an initial trial run in 2025 before making the final shift in 2026. When Neptune moves into Aries, this can begin a period of spiritual awakening, idealism, courage, and a desire for personal transformation. We may be motivated to take actions related to our passions or a sense of purpose. The expression “spiritual warriors” fits well. It is worth mentioning that this can be a time when new spiritual leaders step forward or new spiritual/religious groups come into existence. However, it’s important to make sure we use discernment in order to make sure these charismatic leaders or groups are coming from a place of Light and not ego or control.
Retrograde: When Neptune is in retrograde (July 4-December 9), the proverbial Neptunian fog lifts (or at least the fog thins). We may be better able to see where we have been deceived by others or where we have been deceiving ourselves. This often involves having to face reality in some area of our life. We may be doing some inner searching related to our spiritual beliefs or how we can better align our values and beliefs with our relationships and activities, especially after Neptune returns to Pisces on October 23. This can be an unsettling time because we may need to face hard truths. But this allows new truths to emerge that may lead to new life paths. Our intuition tends to be heightened whenever Neptune is in retrograde, so we should use our strengthened connection to the Divine to help guide us.
Pluto 2025
What energy does Pluto represent: Transformation, understanding the difference between the use of power versus force/control/manipulation, destruction that leads to rebirth (e.g., the phoenix rising from the ashes), and deep healing.
Planetary movement: As of November 2024, Pluto completed its transition out of Capricorn and into Aquarius. It will remain in Aquarius for the next 20 years (until 2044). Its annual retrograde phase will begin on May 4 and end on October 13.
Interpretation: Pluto’s shift from Capricorn to Aquarius has been and will continue to feel like a huge shift because these signs are very different. For example, Capricorn focuses on the past, slow growth, predictability, stability, and controlling what can be experienced through our 5 senses. Aquarius is basically the antithesis to all of this. It is about the future, unlimited possibilities, doing the unexpected, and trusting what cannot be perceived through our 5 senses. All the structures that began to crumble while Pluto was in Capricorn will continue to shift and transform. Like the phoenix, they will rise from the ashes and become something new. While Pluto travels through Aquarius, accelerated transformation will become the norm. Just when we feel the waves of change are beginning to ease up a bit, a new development will very likely knock us off our feet again. This will be especially true within the fields associated with Aquarius. For example, historically, Pluto’s movement into Aquarius (only every 248 years) often correlates with societal and governmental changes (e.g., shifting control to the people and away from top-down/centralized government). Aquarius is also associated with technology. The intersection between technology, transportation, and health/medicine will likely be in the news a lot. All of the outer planets (i.e., Uranus, Neptune, Pluto) always have a profound impact on society in general. However, as mentioned at the beginning of the article, anything occurring at a societal level has a tendency to trickle down to the individual. For example, as discoveries are made in technology, we will all need to personally adjust to accommodate these changes. Or perhaps we will be the beneficiary of a new discovery related to the use of technology to treat a medical condition. While Pluto is in Aquarius, outdated traditions, practices, institutions, and even leadership styles will experience radical, unexpected, and sometimes unpredictable alterations. We are in the process of shaping a new and largely unknown future. Breakthroughs will likely occur in the midst of what appears on the surface to be utter chaos. We all need to trust that something new and powerful will rise from the ashes, and it will! But it will take time.
Retrograde: While Pluto is in retrograde (May 4-October 13), we will likely spend time reflecting on what we desire and revisiting recent choices that we have made. We may feel driven to explore the differences between the use of personal power as opposed to control, manipulation, or force. This is often the time of year when we let go of anything that has outlived its purpose. What has been hidden will be revealed in order for healing and transformation to occur, including information in our subconscious or something external that has been hidden from us by an individual or group.
Nodes of the Moon 2025
What energy do the Nodes represent: The North Node represents our area of greatest growth, and life lessons. It is what we tend to avoid when under stress. The South Node is symbolic of the gifts/talents/abilities that we have brought into this lifetime from past lifetimes. It is what we may revert or regress to when under stress.
Movement: The North and South Nodes change signs every 18 months. On January 11, the North Node will move into Pisces and the South Node will shift to Virgo. They will remain on the Pisces-Virgo axis until July of 2026. (NOTE: The Nodes move backwards through the astrological signs. Therefore, for the last 18 months, the North Node has been in Aries and the South Node in Libra.)
Significance: Having the Nodes shift to the Virgo-Pisces axis is going to bring a beautiful change amidst all the chaotic energies of this transformational year. We may personally experience a subtle feeling of a new season in our life unfolding. Having the North Node in Pisces means new energy is available related to spiritual healing, compassion, surrender, creativity, and imagination. We will feel moved to bring the formless (Pisces) into form (Virgo). Another way to look at this is a desire to bring our heart (Pisces) into practical manifestation (Virgo). The opportunity is there to increase our connection to the Divine, which will, in turn, enhance our compassion and understanding of the oneness of all things. We are healing imbalances related to body-spirit, logic-intuition, analytical thinking-imagination, and details-big picture. Both ends of these continuums are important, and healing may be needed on one or both sides. But healing is very possible now, if we are willing to do the work to find a better and healthier balance.
