When Is Neptune Retrograde? An Astrologer Explains the Importance for Zodiac Signs

If the last few months have felt like a blur of wishful thinking and half-baked ideas, buckle up because Neptune retrograde in 2025 is coming in hot. From July 4 to Dec. 10, Neptune is retrograde through both bold, action-oriented Aries and dreamy, introspective Pisces. This planetary retrograde is unlike the others, though, because Neptune retrograde isn't here to ruin the dream: it's here to make sure it's actually possible.

Have you been hyping yourself up about a goal but avoiding the actual work? Or maybe you've been chasing something that no longer aligns with who you truly are? As Neptune moves retrograde in Aries, the sign of independence and action, illusions around identity and motivation may become clearer. Use this time to reassess your confidence. Where do you really shine? What do you truly want? Neptune retrograde 2025 encourages you to prioritize progress over perfection.

While Neptune in Aries pushes you to confront your external reality, its shift into Pisces invites you to dive into your inner world. This introspective energy is perfect for letting go of outdated emotional baggage, forgiving yourself, and reconnecting with your spirituality. Use this time to practice staying open to seeing things as they really are, not just how you wish they were. Because once the illusions fade, the real magic begins.

Curious how Neptune retrograde will impact your zodiac sign? Keep reading to learn more about what to expect this Neptune retrograde, according to an astrologer.

Neptune retrograde is when Neptune appears to move backwards from Earth's perspective. Most often, it happens once a year for about five months. While it's not as chaotic as Mercury retrograde (no lost texts or tech meltdowns here), it does shift the way you may perceive things.

Neptune retrograde is from July 4 to Dec. 10. It starts in Aries on July 4, shifts into Pisces on Oct. 22, and ends in Pisces on Dec. 10.

In astrology, Neptune is the planet of illusions, dreams, intuition, and spirituality. It's the part of you that loves to escape through fantasy, creativity, or straight-up denial. When Neptune is direct, it casts a hazy, soft-focus filter over life, letting you see what you want to see. But when it goes retrograde (which happens for about five months every year), that filter gets stripped away, bringing a much-needed reality check.

Don't panic, though: Neptune retrograde isn't about destroying your dreams in astrology. It's about refining them. Neptune retrograde encourages spiritual growth, deeper self-awareness, and creative breakthroughs. It's an annual astrological reminder that seeing the truth is the first step to creating something real.

In 2025, Neptune will retrograde through two very different signs: Aries and Pisces. (This means you're in for a dynamic experience.) When Neptune retrogrades in Aries, the vibe is direct, fiery, and action-oriented. Expect a reality check in areas where you've been overly idealistic or procrastinating on tough decisions. This phase of Neptune retrograde can be confrontational, but it's also incredibly empowering. Aries encourages you to take action. So, if you've been stuck in a cycle of wishful thinking or stuck in fear, this transit will urge you to step up, cut out the fluff, and focus on what truly matters.

While Neptune retrograde in Aries is all about slicing through illusions with sharp clarity, its tour through Pisces is about softening and reflecting — looking at things through an intuitive, spiritual lens. (Especially since Pisces is Neptune's home sign.) Pisces's energy helps you see the beauty in the messy, emotional truth, and it's a great time for creative breakthroughs or spiritual awakenings.

In 2025, Neptune retrograde kicks off during the heart of Cancer season, when emotions, intuition, and home life take center stage. Cancer energy is all about feeling secure and comfortable, so with Neptune retrograde starting during this time, you might find yourself reflecting on your emotional safety, self-care, and what really feels like home. It's a great transit to get serious about creating a living environment that feels nurturing and peaceful.

On July 7, Uranus will enter Gemini for the first time in decades, bringing a major shift in energy. Gemini's intellectual, curious vibe will clash with Uranus's rebellious nature, so don't be surprised if you experience unexpected changes in how you communicate and think. Pair that with Saturn retrograde in Aries, and you've got a cosmic tug-of-war. Saturn wants you to get grounded and serious about your goals, while Neptune invites you to tune into your inner voice and step into something deeper.

To navigate this energetic mix, get clear about your aspirations. Are there goals or passions you've been avoiding because they seemed "too risky" or unconventional? Now's the time to explore them. If switching careers has always been on your mind but you've felt stuck, use Neptune's retrograde to explore that side hustle, take a class, or connect with others who've made the leap. Expect this retrograde season to push you to turn your dreams into tangible action.

Here's how the 2025 Neptune retrograde will affect your zodiac sign. Be sure to read your

rising sign as well as your sun sign.

Be real with yourself, Aries. Neptune retrograde kicks off in your first house of self, stripping away any illusions about who you think you are. Have you been showing up authentically, or just playing the part you think others expect? This is your chance to drop the act and step into your raw, unfiltered truth. Then, on Oct. 20, Neptune drifts into Pisces and your 12th house of the subconscious, stirring up old fears and buried emotions. Instead of outrunning them, face them head-on. End this chapter on a confident note.

Create moments throughout your day to pause and enjoy the present, Taurus. Neptune retrograde in Aries is calling for some much-needed introspection in your 12th house of solitude and spiritual renewal. Aries fiery energy might push you to speed up, but use this Neptunian energy to slow down and trust your own rhythm. On Oct. 20, Neptune backslides into perceptive Pisces and your 11th house of community, clearing up confusion about friendships and long-term goals. Let go of connections that no longer align with the future you're creating.

Are your friends real ones, or just space fillers, Gemini? With Neptune retrograde in Aries stirring the pot in your 11th house of friendships and future goals, use this introspective energy to get clear on everyone's intentions. Then, when Neptune drifts back into Pisces and your 10th house of career on Oct. 20, it's time for a professional wake-up call. That shiny career path you've been chasing — does it light you up or are you just ticking boxes for the sake of security? This is your moment to stop pretending to love the grind and start building something that truly excites you.

Cancer, it's time to take up space. Neptune retrograde in Aries is lighting up your 10th house of reputation, pushing you to be seen for who you truly are and not just what you think you deserve. If you've been playing it safe, this is your wake-up call to promote yourself, change careers, or step into a leadership role. Then, when Neptune drifts into Pisces and your ninth house of adventure on Oct. 20, a shift in perspective calls. Maybe it's time to explore, relocate, or embrace a new way of thinking. The world is bigger than your comfort zone. Go chase it.

Ready for a big shift, Leo? Neptune retrograde kicks off in fiery Aries, bringing fresh energy to your ninth house of adventure. You may notice a burning desire to break free from limits and explore new passions. As you chase your dreams, stay mindful of your practical side. Use this time to build a solid plan before diving in. Come Oct. 20, Neptune retrogrades into Pisces and your eighth house of shared resources. This is your moment to tackle debts, reassess investments, and let go of financial habits that aren't serving you. Give yourself permission to rewrite your vision.

Hey, Virgo. Neptune retrograde is here to help improve your finances and strengthen your connections. As it moves through Aries, activating your eighth house of shared resources, you may notice some old financial patterns popping up like debts, investments, or even emotional baggage. Don't ignore them! Take the time to sort through any lingering messes. When Neptune shifts into Pisces on Oct. 20, your focus moves to your seventh house of partnerships. Expect to see your relationships more clearly. Are you and your partner on the same page?

Pull back the curtain on your relationships, Libra — Neptune retrograde is here to reveal the truth. As it begins in Aries and your seventh house of partnerships, you may start seeing people more clearly. Have you been idealizing someone, or are they truly who you think they are? Use this time to reassess what you need from others. Then, on Oct. 20, Neptune drifts into Pisces and your sixth house of wellness. Use this transit to get real about your daily habits and prioritize routines that actually nourish your mind, body, and soul.

Rethink your daily routines, Scorpio. With Neptune retrograde in Aries, lighting up your sixth house of work and wellness, now's the time to ask yourself: Are you overworking or letting your health take a back seat? This retrograde asks you to break free from burnout culture and prioritize balance. Think meal prepping, better sleep, or even setting boundaries at work. Then, on Oct. 20, Neptune drifts into Pisces and your fifth house of creativity and fun. Dust off that abandoned art project, take that dance class, or finally pitch that passion project. It's time to create without fear!

Reconnect with your creative spark, Sagittarius. With Neptune retrograde in Aries lighting up your fifth house of fun, romance, and self-expression, it's time to shake off self-doubt and dive into what truly excites you. Have you been neglecting your passions or playing it safe in love? Take a risk and try painting, dancing, writing, or dating someone new. Then, on Oct. 20, Neptune shifts into Pisces and your fourth house of home and family, urging you to create a peaceful, supportive space. Healing old family wounds or redefining what "home" means could be key themes now.

Dig deep, Capricorn. Neptune retrograde in Aries stirs up your fourth house of home, family, and emotional roots. If things have felt unclear in your personal life, this retrograde is your sign to tune back in. Are you holding onto an old version of "home" that no longer fits? Redecorate, reconnect with family, or set firmer emotional boundaries. Then, on Oct. 20, Neptune backspins into Pisces and your third house of communication, offering a chance to clear up confusion around conversations. Have unfinished business? Speak your truth — just make sure you're listening, too.

Be intentional with your words, Aquarius. With Neptune retrograde in Aries activating your talkative third house of communication, it's time to ask: Are you saying what you mean or just what people want to hear? Miscommunications may come to light, so slow down and choose your words wisely. Then, when Neptune drifts into Pisces and your second house of money on Oct. 20, get ready to reassess your relationship with finances. Have you been too idealistic or unclear about your spending? Ground your dreams in financial reality.

Take off the rose-colored glasses, Pisces. Neptune retrograde in Aries is hitting your second house of money and self-worth, pushing you to get real about your finances. Have you been ignoring your budget or undervaluing your skills? This retrograde is your wake-up call to stop playing small and ask for that raise or start charging what you're worth. Then, on Oct. 20, Neptune slides back into your sign, urging deep self-reflection. It's a chance to realign with your true dreams. Take a solo trip or plan a quiet picnic to meditate and seek the clarity you crave.

Morgan Lett is an Atlanta-based writer and astrologer. Her work has been published by PS, Refinery29, and Popular Astrology.