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88 Retrograde-Free Days: Use this Boon!

By Dana Gerhardt

 

From January 22 to April 21 this year—all planets are direct. What an auspicious symbol for making progress! All the planets are going in the same direction. With none retrograde, we reach an exquisite portal for manifesting dreams.

This relatively rare celestial condition was dubbed “APDM” (All Planets Direct Motion) by astrologer Wave Rayne, who’s collected the most data on this phenomenon. APDM seems to occur about once every year—although it came twice in 2010, not at all in 2014, and after 2039, doesn’t happen again for 40 years.

The planets are an ordered yet unruly bunch. That’s clear with these “no retrograde” zones. There’s a whimsical, seemingly random quality to when and for how long they appear. They can last from just one to three days. Or maybe six weeks. Or they can stretch to nearly three months—which happily, is what happens this year.

Two Zero-Degree Portals of Discovery

What’s more—about halfway through this period, in March, first Saturn (March 7), then Pluto (March 23), enter zero degrees of a new sign.  When a slower moving planet like Saturn and Pluto enter zero degrees of the next sign, a fabulous portal opens up in the world and within our psyche. Zero degrees of a new sign draws in a potent gust of fresh spirit. Something new is stirred inside. We get a taste of the future when a slow-moving planet reaches zero degrees. We reach a celestial discovery zone.

  • Saturn enters Pisces this year, a sign he transits once every 30 years. Those with Saturn in Pisces in their birth charts are getting their Saturn returns. But for all of us, new lesson plans are being written–by a Saturn now dressed in the wizard’s garb of mystical/magical Pisces.   Practical earthy Saturn merges with the energy of water. You can manifest your dreams with this rich combination. Or you can get lost wandering around in the mud. Saturn stays in a sign for roughly two and a half years–which means he’ll write his messages in your Pisces house between now and 2025/early 2026.  What does he want you to work on for the next couple years?  Pay special attention to the week he’s at zero degrees–from March 7 to March 16.  Listen. You may get clues. You can also seed your desires.
  • Pluto travels even more slowly–and more irregularly than Saturn. His elliptical orbit puts him in one sign from between 12 to 30 years. Pluto sends powerful transformations through our psyche and culture. We’ve watched him ravage our institutions and leaders during his ride through Capricorn since 2008.  This year he briefly enters progressive, humanistic Aquarius, where he’ll be from 2024 through 2044.  He gives us a long zero degree discovery portal–from March 23 to June 11. Play attention to the shifting of power inside yourself and in the outer world.

Which brings us back to this year’s retrograde-free zone.  Watch for signs–and get moving on something!  No excuses anymore.  The celestial freeway is clear.  This doesn’t necessarily mean that everything is destined to go your way. About these retro-free weeks, I sometimes hear astrologers say things like, “During this blissful window, you can make rapid progress in all areas of your life.” Or: “These will be peaceful, harmonious weeks during which your mind will be remarkably clear.”

Let’s face it. It’s absurd to think we’ll all have the same experience.  Or that any day or any project will go perfectly.  Besides, the planets have a poor track record for predicting events. If they were better at it, we’d find astrology departments in every institution and business in the land.  Who wouldn’t want to know all the outcomes ahead of time?

The sky is rather a symbol. Or as the first astrologers, the Mesopotamians, believed, the planets carry messages from the gods. They tell us which way the wind is blowing.  It’s up to us to do something about it. That’s how we make magic with astrology. We follow the signs and offer ourselves into the appropriate avenues.

Align your archetypes

When all planets are going in the same direction, this suggests that you should do likewise. This is an auspicious time to get all of your forces going towards the same dream.

Most people have several voices in their head. And lots of different directions in which they could go. Your birth planets offer a convenient way to identify these voices. Chart placements can reveal some of the secrets in your subconscious; for example, how certain archetypes tend to sabotage the others.

Yet occasionally you can–and should–get every one of your inner voices on the same page. Is there a dream enticing enough that you can enlist each archetype to do its part in the dream’s unfolding?  You may need to stop Saturn from attacking the Moon. Or prevent Mars from wandering into thoughtless dangers.  Get them both to fly under the same flag as your benefics, Venus and Jupiter.

So how do you move archetypes?  Awareness of these different energies is of course the key. Consciousness is our finest power. Without knowledge of your inner landscape, you can’t get in the game.  Again, your birth chart is quite gifted at revealing this psychic territory. You may already know some of your inner troublemakers and heroes.  But approach this moment with a broad, forgiving love for all of them.  You may wish your 12th house Sun was more confident, but let yourself instead appreciate his fine imagination.

Keeping your archetypal team in mind, begin by setting your sankalpa (the Sanskrit word for intention).  Manifestation begins with a vision.  Your dream.  Once you have this, do something to crystallize your vision.  Find the perfect words and write this down.  Another wonderful option is making a vision board. Vision boards (or treasure maps) have been around for a long time (Google this if you’re unfamiliar).  It’s a great way to let your angels speak as they invite you to explore this year’s exquisite possibilities. If you’re a visual person, do keep your vision map in view. Your subconscious sees this–absorbs it–each time you walk past. Sometimes it’s nice to just stand silently in front of it.

If you’re more awakened into the auditory realm, create a musical affirmation that’s as infectious as a wonderful ear worm. You want to find yourself regularly humming it, as you go along in the days ahead. That’s how your subconscious will absorb the message.  If you’re kinesthetic—if embodied sensation is the best route into your subconscious–find a mudra, a hand gesture; or an exalted pose; or a brief and joyful dance. Surrender into the sensations of your coming success.

I’m not sure what I’ll be doing with the Pluto and Saturn shifts–but I’m eager to sniff the air when they do.

 

What’s happening in your chart this year?  Your Skylog report will tell you.  With great precision it identifies what I call “the lords on your altar” each year.  You can order yours here. 

**Updated 1/20–I originally had it at 92 days, but thanks to a reader, remembered that Uranus doesn’t go direct until the 22nd!

 

Filed under: Home New Moon Featured Article

About Dana Gerhardt

A popular columnist with The Mountain Astrologer since 1991, Dana Gerhardt is an internationally respected astrologer. She has lectured extensively and written for astrology publications on several continents. Her ongoing passions are the moon and living the intuitive life. Dana worked for many years in the corporate sector, where she observed the undeniable influence of natural cycles. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude from Occidental College in Los Angeles and did graduate work in literature at Columbia University and CSULA. Dana can be contacted by email.

Comments

  1. Matt says

    Jan 19, 2023 at 11:23 pm

    Awesome news! This Aries has been waiting patiently for Mars & Mercury to be direct without realizing it’s all going direct!

    Reply
  2. sandi says

    Jan 19, 2023 at 7:37 pm

    Isn’t Uranus retrograde until Jan 22?

    Reply
    • Dana Gerhardt says

      Jan 20, 2023 at 10:33 am

      Oh–you’re right! Simone and I were wondering about why some were saying it’s 88 days retrograde free. I’m gonna edit this. Thank you!!

      Reply
  3. Riri says

    Jan 19, 2023 at 5:21 pm

    Alo! So is this article from last year? All the comments are a year old. So are the dates for 2022? Or 2023? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Dana Gerhardt says

      Jan 19, 2023 at 6:22 pm

      The dates are for 2023. We also had a long retrograde in 2022, so I’ve recycled text from that piece, but updated it for this year. So, for example, Saturn and Pluto enter new signs this year, not last. (In 2022 I was writing about a Jupiter Neptune aspect).

      Reply
  4. Elle Dooley says

    Apr 5, 2022 at 3:41 pm

    My archetypal team. Oh, yeah! Thanks for this, Dana. I’ve never thought of them in that way and this brings them to life for me.

    I always begin my vision board with the Aries New Moon. It’s really juicy this year and your article helps me understand why.

    Reply
  5. Lauta says

    Feb 15, 2022 at 12:27 pm

    I always look forward to your articles Dana, but this one especially hit home Here’s to putting those positive vibes out for the universe to work with!

    Reply
    • Dana Gerhardt says

      Feb 15, 2022 at 4:36 pm

      Yes!

      Reply
  6. Sally Thomason says

    Feb 15, 2022 at 11:40 am

    Yikes Dana, according to my Solar Return –Jupiter and Neptune will join the Sun on my 88th Piscean birthday in the 3rd house….I best get busy on my vision board and take advantage of the signs. So appreciate your insights.

    Reply
    • Dana Gerhardt says

      Feb 15, 2022 at 12:16 pm

      Woo hoo!

      Reply
  7. Edye says

    Feb 15, 2022 at 10:45 am

    Thank you, Dana~ much to ponder!!

    Reply
  8. Mary and Chuck Tamraz says

    Feb 14, 2022 at 8:44 pm

    Magnificent article dear Dana…. And so filled with optimism and inspiring hope. Heartfelt gratitude, Mary Tamraz

    Reply
    • Dana Gerhardt says

      Feb 15, 2022 at 12:16 pm

      Thanks, Mary!

      Reply

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The Moon is in its
Crescent Phase

in the
Sign of Aries


Today's Lunar Aspects (Greenwich Mean Time)
(subtract: PST -8 hours, PDT -7 hours, EST -5 hours, EDT -4 hours)

  • Moon sextile Saturn, 3:13pm  Jan 27 2023
  • Moon sextile Sun, 7:17pm  Jan 27 2023
  • Moon square Pluto, 9:01pm  Jan 27 2023

Venus is currently
The Evening Star

in the sign of Pisces


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Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.