All Planets Are Direct 2023: The Path is Clear

Every year we are gifted a few precious months when all planets in our solar system are moving forward, meaning there are no retrogrades to contend with in our lives. We are in this golden period starting January 22nd until April 21st, when Mercury stations retrograde and all the other planets follow suit. For now, though, the cosmos is giving us a burst of energy to quicken our evolution and growth.

Every planet in our solar system stations retrograde at some point within an 18-month period. You may already be familiar with the dreaded Mercury retrograde, which happens three times a year on average. The other planets do not station retrograde as frequently, but they do spend some time traveling backward in our sky. This backward motion is simply an optical illusion created by the differing orbital rates of each planet. 

Planets in retrograde are not actually traveling backward, but they appear to be to our eye. It's the cosmic equivalent of traveling on a train and beginning to pass another adjacent train. The train you pass appears to move backward for a split second until the train you are on overtakes it. When the Earth aligns with a planet, it appears to move backward until one of them speeds ahead.

Even if they are an optical illusion, retrogrades still cause energetic shifts in our lives and emotions. Retrogrades spin the energy of a planet inward. They cause delays, misdirection, and confusion. They do provide an opportunity for us to re-process and integrate past information. However, retrogrades can prevent us from moving into the future because of their energetic encouragement to look back. With no retrogrades in sight for a few months, we have an opportunity to make significant changes in our lives, manifest anything we desire, and grow exponentially. This is a wonderful opportunity, and when we harness the energy correctly, things can happen at lightning speed.

As we move through this period, it’s important to remember that everything in your life will happen at a rapid pace. This energy can feel exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. To align with the potential of this cosmic window, it's essential that you stay grounded in your body through practices like meditation and yoga. It can be very easy for your mind to spin out of control when viewing the various options and possibilities available to you at each moment. Commit to practices that help you stay connected to your body and breath to fully utilize the cosmic energy available to you.

It's also important to have clear intentions about what you want to manifest at this time. Anything is available if you commit to cultivating that energy in your life. Spend some time journaling and reflecting on what changes you wish to usher into your world. Would you like a new job? Or maybe a new home? Or perhaps you're getting ready to launch a new product or business and want to place your focus on developing ideas in this area. The sky is the limit here. Know that any vision you have can turn into a reality. You have the Universe in full support of your growth and evolution.

Whatever you choose to focus on, be clear about it to yourself and Universe. Remind yourself each day of your long-term visions through affirmations or mantras. If you feel that you're getting lost in a sea of options or that you can't find your inner compass, return to practices that ground you. At times it may feel that you are being pulled in many directions because of the cosmic energy surrounding you. If you feel confused at any point, anchor yourself in the present moment with your breath and intentions that remind you what is most important right now.

Another source of confusion may be the many opportunities coming your way. You may be compelled to say yes to everything because it is exciting and presents potential. You may even feel that you have the energy right now to do it all. While this can be an exciting time of growth, it's important not to over-extend yourself. You will want to jump at every opportunity right now, make sure that your commitments will last over the next six months. How will you feel in August about the things you are saying yes to today? Some of these opportunities may be in the short term, and for those, it will be easier to make decisions you can follow through to completion. Some, though, will be in the long term, and it's these opportunities that will be the most important for your sustained growth. Make sure these yeses are resounding to your intuition. Be aware that everything will have an exciting spin to it right now, but that glimmer may wear off when the retrogrades of summer begin.

Overall, though, this is an exciting time of the year. You may have felt that January was off to a slow or sticky start due to Mercury retrograde and its shadow periods.

Now, all cosmic bodies are in forward motion, and the future is calling you. The path to your highest vision is clear, with no retrogrades causing obstacles or backward movement. This period is inspiring and hopeful, enjoy it. Just remember to ground your body, get clear about your intentions, and know that anything is possible.