Another planetary shift is heading our way, and with it comes a shift in astrological energy, too.

On 2 July, Neptune will be going into retrograde within the sign of Pisces. “Neptune has been in its home sign of Pisces since 2011,” astrologer Betty Andrews tells Stylist. “The energy of Neptune in Pisces amplifies themes of intuition, spirituality and dreams. This placement encourages us to delve deep into our subconscious, explore our creative visions and embrace our spiritual journeys.”

But with the retrograde, all of that is set to change. “When Neptune goes into retrograde, it’s a time to peel back the layers of reality and look within,” says Andrews.

What is Neptune retrograde?

First things first: what happens when Neptune enters retrograde?

“Neptune retrograde occurs once a year and lasts for about five months,” explains Andrews. Just like its better-known sister Mercury, Neptune retrograde means that the planet appears to move backwards in the sky from our perspective on Earth. 

But don’t panic – that’s one of the only similarities between Neptune retrograde and Mercury retrograde.

“While retrogrades often have a reputation for causing disruption, Neptune’s retrograde brings a more subtle, introspective energy,” she says. “It’s a time to reflect on our dreams, question our illusions and reconnect with our spirituality.”

How will the energy shift?

This Neptune retrograde is set to be eye-opening, and its energy will encourage us to see things with a little more clarity.

“Neptune’s direct motion is often associated with dreams, illusions and, sometimes, escapism,” says Andrews. “It can cloud our judgment and blur the lines between reality and fantasy.” 

However, with Neptune in retrograde, some of our illusions may start to fade away, revealing the truth. “When Neptune goes retrograde, this veil of illusion begins to lift,” she says. “We are given the chance to see things more clearly, especially in those areas of our lives where we might have been deluding ourselves or escaping from reality.”

As Neptune enters retrograde, you might feel as though you are energetically waking up from a dream and re-entering reality. “It’s a time to confront our fears, face our truths, and embrace a more authentic version of ourselves,” she says.

What does Neptune retrograde mean for our relationships?

As the veil of illusion lifts, you may begin to see all of your relationships a little more clearly. 

“This is the time to see your relationships for what they truly are,” Andrews says. “You might discover hidden truths or realise that some connections are built more on fantasy than reality.”

Of course, seeing the truth about our relationships can be confronting and even uncomfortable, so approach your relationships with care and take time to adjust to the new things you may learn.

Ultimately, facing the truth can strengthen your ties. “By confronting illusions, you can create stronger, more honest relationships,” she says. “Use this time to communicate openly with your partner and address any issues that have been swept under the rug. Authenticity and honesty will be your best allies during this period.”

How will it impact our careers?

Just as Neptune retrograde will open your eyes to hidden truths in your relationships, you may also come to some realisations about your career.

“This is the time to realign your career path with your true purpose,” notes Andrews. “Reflect on what truly inspires you and consider making changes that bring you closer to your authentic self.”

How to ready yourself for this retrograde

With Neptune retrograde just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start preparing for the shift in energy:

• Embrace reflection: take time to meditate, journal and connect with your inner self. Reflect on your dreams and aspirations and how they align with your reality.
• Seek clarity: look at the areas of your life where you might be harbouring illusions. This could be in your relationships, career or even your self-perception. Seek the truth and be honest with yourself.
• Let go of escapism: identify any habits or behaviours that you use to escape reality. Whether it’s excessive screen time, substance use or daydreaming, try to replace these with more grounding practices.
• Cultivate spirituality: engage in practices that connect you with your spiritual side. This could be anything from yoga and meditation to spending time in nature or exploring your creative side.
• Open communication: in relationships, practise open and honest communication. Address any underlying issues and work towards building a stronger, more authentic connection with your loved ones.

Images: Getty