No, Neptune retrograde is not as bad as you might've thought

Allow astrologer Noush to make the case for Neptune retrograde 2022 and all of its positive aspects

neptune retrograde 2022: neptune blue planets on multicolored backgrounds
(Image credit: Future)

Call us crazy, but we're looking forward to Neptune Retrograde 2022.

One of the final June astrology events also happens to be one of the month's most enjoyable. Even though that's probably not what you were expecting, allow us to make a case for the farthest planet from the sun

Neptune highlights creativity and spirituality, but it also tends to make us see things for the best. That's all well and good, until we become a little unrealistic. When Neptune stations retrograde, the rose-colored glasses lift and the fog begins to dissipate. 

"It’s a good time to reflect over where you might have been moving in a way that was too idealistic, and you can create a more realistic picture for yourself," says Noush, an astrologer at Girl and Her Moon. "It’s revealing, and it’s a good energy to redirect us out of an illusionary state if you’re holding onto something that isn’t necessarily real, or a process that is not really connecting to your soul."

If you've gotten a bit lost, allow Neptune to act as sort of a celestial GPS that'll put you back on the right path—no Waze needed. Let's all breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Modern flat character. Woman with dream universe. Simple character of woman girl with universe starry night in hair. Woman character in dream. Concept in flat color graphic. Vector Illustration

(Image credit: Getty)

Neptune retrograde 2022

  • When: June 28 to December 4, 2022

What planet is in retrograde? Neptune is getting its time in the spotlight, and speaking of time, it'll be moving backwards right until the start of the holiday season—plenty of time to sit with its creative and passionate energy.

"Because Neptune is so much further from Earth, its retrogrades are much longer and its effects are much more subtle," says author and astrologer Narayana Montúfar. "They happen at a subconscious level."

Even so, we can still expect not only a sense of clarity, but getting in touch with the things that mean the most to us.

"We may need to question certain practices and processes in order to truly align with what really connects to our intuition," Noush says. "Allowing reality to reveal itself can help you move into alignment with love, creativity and spirituality. How can you navigate around those road blocks or confusing relationships or issues that have been overlooked?"

Likewise, Montúfar notes: "Neptune retrograde effects are the classics: 'I don’t understand,' 'How come I didn’t see this until now,' or 'How is it that I just came to realize the power this person had over me?'"

During this particular retrograde, you might find yourself thinking back to early April, when we experienced the Neptune and Jupiter conjunction, one of the biggest astrology events in 2022.

"If anything major happened for you at that time, the retrograde can also help you reflect on that and help you understand what it was about," Noush adds. "You might fully be able to intellectualize it or gain a perspective you haven't before."

How to prepare for Neptune retrograde 2022

Truthfully, now is the time to take it easy—the universe isn't allowing you too much room to participate, anyway.

"I would say for Neptune retrograde, there’s not much you can do to prepare, but know that whatever is revealed to you or whatever comes to light is truly in your soul’s highest purpose," Noush says. "Ultimately, it is trying to help you experience your intuition in its highest form and unconditional love."

Crystals for Neptune retrograde

And for those looking to expand their crystal collection, Noush, who happens to sell crystal via Instagram (@jooncrystals), plans to work with a particular stone during this time to help ease any brain fog. (Added bonus? Crystals make great gifts astrology fans love.)

Image

Natural Clear Quartz Healing Crystal Stone Necklace
RRP:
 $11.99, £8.99


"[Clear quartz] is quite a good crystal because it is an energy that supports clarity and cutting through the confusion, so in terms of connecting to reality, this could be a really good crystal to wear or keep on you when you might feel like something is revealing itself and there’s a discomfort," she says.

What did we tell you? Not so bad, right? Neptune retrograde, we're ready for anything you send our way.

Narayana Montúfar

Narayana Montúfar is an astrologer, content strategist, visual artist, and the author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power.

Noush

An intuitive astrologer with Girl and Her Moon, Noush believes in the healing power of focused energy. You can catch her cosmic insight during an astrology reading or by signing up for a Flow with the Moon Membership.

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Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.


Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 


When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.