Ιs Neptune in Aries Retrograde Challenging Your Illusions?

It’s time to get ready for Neptune retrograde! This begins on the 4th of July 2025, and the planet of spirituality, illusion, and compassion appears to move backward starting in fiery Aries. Neptune will keep moving backward and enter Pisces on 22 October and it’ll end its retrograde in Pisces on 10 December. This is its last hurrah in Pisces before it officially goes back to Aries in January, and says goodbye to its home sign. Neptune retrograde typically lasts about 5 months every year, so it’s a longer retrograde than most, and it can really turn up the fog. 

Neptune’s yearly retrograde gives us the chance to redefine our aspirations and desires. We currently have the opportunity to evolve our lives by making necessary changes. The power is in our hands. It’s time to embrace the magic within.

Neptune is known as the “great discontent.” Why is that? We know that many things can look better from a distance. Then, when we get a closer perspective, we can see that all that glitters isn't actually gold at all and we feel disappointed, perhaps even slightly unnerved because we believed very strongly that the opposite was true. We will need to take a step back and reassess what we feel or know to be real.

And it’s Neptune that helps with that process. It is the planet of illusion and delusion, and when it moves through the sky in retrograde, our sense of reality gets a fresh start. We can see matters more clearly than before, as the cosmic energy is slowing down. Listening to our instincts and not second-guessing ourselves will allow information to reveal itself in time. Our dreams will be more potent and telling, so we shouldn't act against our hearts or instincts. Write them all down in your journal to keep tabs on what the astral plane tells you.

Impact of the 2025 Neptune Retrograde

This is the first retrograde in Aries for Neptune since it only entered Aries a short while ago (March 30th). Neptune hasn’t toured Aries in 150 years (no joke! It was last in Aries in 1875), so none of us alive have experienced it (except for the vampires, anyway).

Neptune tours Aries until 2039, and during this time, helps us take the initiative with spiritual and creative ventures, makes us focus on our identities and what we’re showing to the world, and is a big part of the paradigm shift we’re seeing.

With Neptune retrograde in Aries, this brings in the fog, and we may have a hard time seeing clearly enough to take action in smart, responsible ways; to get a grasp of who we are; or to be willing to take the steps needed to go down a new road in life.

There’s an extra layer of difficulty thanks to Saturn, who also turns retrograde in Aries on 13th of July, just 9 days later. Saturn retrograde tends to tighten the screws, limiting our options and forcing us to be as disciplined as humanly possible.

Paired with Neptune retrograde, this can mean we might be feeling overwhelmed at times, and in desperate need of breaks. Neptune retrograde tends to exhaust us anyway, so plan for more time to rest – especially once they both go back to Pisces!

Neptune retrogrades back to Pisces on 22 October (Saturn does on  1st of September), and Neptune is the ruling planet for Pisces, so this energy is amplified. With this being the last leg for Neptune in Pisces, this period is extremely important for releasing and closing the books.

Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac, and ties to endings. This might actually get started before Neptune goes back to Pisces, with the 7 September Lunar Eclipse.

This is a huge period for finishing, letting go, and coming to terms with the past. There can also be major revelations and insights, and even spiritual awakenings and enlightenment (that’s been big this year!).

To add to all of this, Neptune is going to be at two special positions almost the entire time it’s retrograde. The first is the 0 degrees Aries Point. 

There are 30 degrees in every zodiac sign, 360 degrees in the entire zodiac, and 0 degrees Aries is the very first degree of the whole zodiac. It contains massive energy motivating us to take the inward and create something external and tangible.

Neptune is at 0 degrees Aries on 14 September till it enters Pisces on 22 October, so there can be a lot of activity during this time. We can all feel a push to take action, and to make something real.

With Neptune retrograde, we need to keep in mind that we have to listen to our intuition, and try to get as clear as we can. Grounding ourselves can help. 

Then as soon as Neptune energy Pisces, it’ll be anaretic, and it’ll stay anaretic for the rest of Neptune retrograde (and until it goes back to Aries 26 January 2026). Since there are 30 degrees in each zodiac sign, 29 degrees is the last degree and called the anaretic degree.

The anaretic degree is also a supercharged position, and anaretic Neptune in Pisces greatly amplifies the need to let go, move on, resolve, and understand. This is closing the books on something big in the world, and in each of our lives.

That is very important, because it leaves room for the new that comes with Neptune in Aries. You’re on the precipice of greatness – don’t run away from it!

6 Ways to Use the 2025 Neptune Retrograde

1. Assess what you’re starting, or want to get started with.

Remember that Neptune will spend some time at Aries Point, and that we have Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto all in new zodiac signs. This is a huge period of all of our lives for a new shift.

You may have already begun something new thanks to the energy of this year pushing for action quickly. If so, take some time to reflect on what you’ve done so far, on what your ultimate goal is, and on what steps you have to take.

Having a better sense of this can help you get on the right path, and stay on it. You may not make any permanent changes to your plans right now, but you can get very helpful insights.

If you haven’t started yet, then reflect on what you want to start, why, and how. Put the pieces together before you begin, and you can make strides faster.

2. Strengthen your intuition.

Neptune retrograde tends to be fantastic for connecting to your intuition and strengthening that connection, so make the most of this as best as you can. If you have blocks, work on understanding them and removing or working around them.

You may want to keep track of your dreams, which are likely to be more lucid, especially when Neptune is retrograde in Pisces. The messages are likely to be incredibly on point.

Meanwhile when Neptune is retrograde in Aries, pay attention to your gut instincts. The first inclination might be the right one (just make sure your conscious mind doesn’t get in the way).

This can be a good time to consult with things like astrology, to get a tarot reading, to see a psychic, to get some crystals and make an amulet, or to deepen your manifestation work.

3. Don’t be afraid to face what’s been hidden.

Neptune rules what’s hidden, and we often have difficulty facing it thanks to the fog. But shining a light and doing some digging can provide guidance and help us get more control.

It’s likely hidden for a reason, and you’d prefer to keep it that way and not bother. But this can only hold you back, and this isn’t the time to do that anymore.

You’ve outgrown that unhelpful approach, and are ready to deal with it. Muster up some courage, and try to be objective about what you discover.

It can be a lot less scary than you thought, and once you do it, you can be well on your way to living your best life.

4. Tackle your karma.

Neptune retrograde is a big time for karmic energy, so focus on understanding your karma better. This can come from past lives, or even from your early years of this life, or potential from your family and generational karmic baggage that is passed on.

Do the work to understand and release. Acknowledge the suffering and the pain, but don’t live in it or make it your whole life story.

Use things like shadow work, meditation, hypnosis, or past life regression to identify the baggage, and various energy clearing and cleansing to get rid of it.

5. Make rest a priority.

Neptune retrograde tends to zap our energy, and that is way more the case in Aries and Pisces, so prioritise getting plenty of rest. This can mean creating a sleep schedule or putting together a sleep ritual to help you fall asleep faster or sleep deeper.

This can also mean beyond sleep, and actually learning how to rest your mind, your heart, your emotions, and your soul. Detaching from technology, getting space from relationships, or embracing the whimsical can achieve that.

This is such a huge period for big shifts in our lives, and it might be tempting to push yourself to the brink to keep going, but it’s not going to matter much if you end up breaking down before you make any progress.

Learn how to properly rest, in every way, and you can avoid that.

6. Chill!

At this time, we will be learning how to soften our exchanges with others and use our passions for good. That means no more fights or arguments for the sake of making a point. A chiller vibe gets the job done.

How Neptune Retrograde 2025 May Affect the Zodiac Signs

Discover how Neptune Retrograde 2025 will impact you, according to your zodiac sign. If you’re familiar with your sun and rising sign, make sure to read both.

Aries 

Your relationship with yourself is front and centre. This retrograde of Neptune in Aries will help you reflect on many hidden aspects of yourself and will make you decide what is best for you. You will focus a lot on improving your personality. You will try to communicate your thoughts with your family members. You will have to face some harsh realities about yourself. You will reassess your self-worth during this time, inviting a deep review of how you value your time, energy, and emotions. Starting on the 4th of July through 10 December, you may be drawn to shed old insecurities and rebuild your confidence from the inside out. You may become more of a recluse during this time. Your sexuality will suffer during this time. You may unwittingly get into bed with someone and that could create havoc in your life. 

Taurus 

On 4th of July, mystical Neptune turns retrograde in Aries and your introspective twelfth house. Between now and 10 December, you have permission to rest, reflect, and reconnect with your inner compass—especially if you’ve been running on autopilot.  You will have difficulties getting enough shut-eye. You may have to work towards rescheduling your sleep pattern. You will have vivid dreams that will be like premonitions. You will not be reluctant to spend money on spirituality. You will not be enamoured by any offers from overseas. You will focus a lot on working on your shadow self. You will spend a lot of time and energy on spirituality during this time. You will try to unravel the hidden aspects of yourself which you had been planning to work on for a very long time. You will become very detached towards relaxation and pleasures. Your sexuality will suffer during this time. You may unwittingly get into bed with someone and that could create havoc in your life. You will have to face some harsh realities about yourself. You will confront your deepest fears and will try to work around them during this time. You may become more of a recluse during this time. 

Gemini

This retrograde of Neptune in Aries will want you to focus on your assets. You will make a reassessment of what you have and you will decide to showcase yourself in the true light. You will be very conscious of the reputation of your family during this time. You will decide to speak out the truth which you had been bottling up for a long time. You will decide to eat better during this time. You will try to learn about your nutritional deficiencies and address them. You will decide to speak out the harsh truths to have better relationships with family members. You will decide to stay away from family and will decide to address toxicity in intimate circles.

Cancer

This retrograde of Neptune in Aries will make you focus a lot on your work. You will assess yourself regarding your skills that are lagging and hindering your progress at work. You will decide to change your attitude and update yourself to succeed in your career. If you feel that your workplace is draining all your energy, then you can decide to shift to another workplace. Some may also do assessments regarding their choice of profession to make sure that they do more justice to developing their skills and talents. You will also reassess your workplace relationships and decide how to take things as it is. You will decide to put an end to office politics by either taking a diplomatic approach or an aggressive one. You will try to see if your workplace will help you in achieving your long-term goals. You will network a lot to excel in your workplace. You will dissect the relationship with your superiors and will try to improve it. You will check yourself for your inadequacies and lack of skills when it comes to your workplace.

Leo

This retrograde of Neptune in Aries will make you challenge the boundaries and explore the adventure. You will be able to clear up your spiritual goals and ambitions to align yourself with your greater good. Students will decide to drop out of courses which no longer serve them. You could become extremely interested in dark sciences and occult practices. You will transform your spiritual aspect during this time. You will reassess debts and expenses. You will have difficulties with shared resources and may make many decisions regarding them. You will focus a lot on ancient knowledge and ways to acquire it. Meditation and other tantric practices may have a special attraction for you during this time.

Virgo

This retrograde of Neptune in Aries will make you more inclined towards occult sciences. You will decide to face the realities in your marital life with courage. You will talk things out with your partner during this time. You will try to extricate yourself from a toxic relationship and situation during this time. You will develop detachment towards your spouse who doesn’t serve you any good. You will make sure that you assess the relationship and will break it off in a very detached manner during this time. You will make sure that you and your partner are on the same page. There could be some old patterns of expenditure and sexuality that may pop up during this time. You will also reassess your partnership goals if you are single. This is not a great time to get into partnerships in business. If you already have a business partner you may talk your mind out.

Libra 

This retrograde of Neptune in Aries will make you rethink your relationships. You will be able to put your finger on your priorities when it comes to marital life. You may have difficulties in partnership business during this time. You will be able to focus on what ticks you off and who does it. You will decide to tackle your enemies face on. You will take the gist from any criticism and try to correct yourself. You will try to get into routines that will nourish your body and mind at the same time. You will try to develop a schedule to focus on healthcare. You will take a hard and strong look at your routines and will try to make changes to them for your health. You will try to put an end to a sedentary lifestyle and work towards better health and living.

Scorpio

The stars invite you to slow down 4 July as Neptune turns retrograde in Aries and your wellness-driven sixth house, bringing your attention to routines, boundaries, and burnout. During the next five months, it’s less about pushing forward and more about healing from the inside out. It’s the perfect moment to reflect: Are you pushing yourself too hard at work, or is your health being neglected? This retrograde encourages you to liberate yourself from the grips of burnout culture and focus on achieving harmony in your life. Consider meal prepping, improving your sleep, or establishing boundaries in your workplace. 

Sagittarius 

When Neptune retrogrades in Aries, you will try to assess your creative output. You will decide what partnership or romantic goals serve you well. You will be able to end any toxic relationship during this time. You will decide to work towards making yourself healthier during this time. You will decide to break off any relationship that doesn’t serve you well. Those who are into academics will be forced to maintain some routines to make sure that they get good grades. You will focus on spending more time developing your skills and talents. You will also decide where to draw boundaries, especially concerning your personal life. You will think in healthier terms and will decide to get away from any relationship that makes you get away from your priorities in life. You will take up hobbies and courses that will develop your skills.

Capricorn 

The retrograde of Neptune in Aries will make you focus a lot on the home environment. You will know where you should focus your energies at home during this time. You will reassess your relationship with your mother and will try to make it more meaningful. This is the time you could focus a lot on building or buying a house of your dreams. You will develop your skills and abilities during this retrograde of Neptune. You will decide to do the necessary repairs and changes in your house during this time. You will try to improve your home environment in multiple ways. You will try to make it more aesthetic and emotionally fulfilling. You will bring about greater changes in the way you perceive your home environment. You will make sure that it is more nurturing and you will decide to do the necessary actions that will make sure that your goal is fulfilled. You will try to mend your relationship with your mother during this time. 

Aquarius 

This retrograde of Neptune in Aries will make you focus a lot on your communication skills. You will also get to decide who you have to spend most of your energies with. You will try to improve your courage and guts and will decide to speak up. You will ensure that you improve the way you interact with others. You will find better ways to tackle those who impose toxic thoughts on you through their speech. You will choose your communication partners wisely. You will decide on improving your communication skills to speak out the realities and to make necessary changes. You may decide to speak up for the collective good of many. You will make sure that your communication device remains uncluttered. 

Pisces 

This retrograde of Neptune in Aries will make you do a lot better in managing your finances. You will have difficulties in interacting with your friend circle during this time. You will feel a little restricted in your inflow of money during this time. You will try not to network much and will focus on realities. You will try to reduce the expenses and recheck where your money is going. You will get more clarity in your long-term friendships and will make you decide which one is toxic and which one is not. You will also spend a lot of time in solitude trying to make sense of some realities. You will also check what your impulses are when it comes to making friends and how well that suits you and your life goals. You will have better clarity over what you want to do in life during this time. Your aspirations and ambitions will be reassessed by you.