♆ Retrograde dates
Neptune retrograde 2026 & 2027
℞ Neptune is retrograde right now until December 12, 2026 (Aries).
Neptune retrograde dates
Station dates are calculated from planetary positions and shown in UTC. A planet “stations” when it appears to stop before changing direction.
| Starts | Ends | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Aries | Aries | 158 |
| Aries | Aries | 158 |
| Aries | Aries | 158 |
What Neptune retrograde means
Neptune moves so slowly that one sign lasts around fourteen years, and the retrograde just lengthens the stay. In astrology Neptune is linked with dreams, intuition, ideals and illusion, so a retrograde is read as a stretch for reviewing those areas rather than pushing ahead. It happens once a year, for about five months.
A practical approach: Question assumptions and look for what is real beneath the glamour or the fog.
Astrology is for reflection and entertainment, not a prediction of events.
Neptune retrograde: questions
Is Neptune retrograde right now?
Yes. Neptune stationed retrograde on July 7, 2026 in Aries and stations direct on December 12, 2026 in Aries (all times UTC).
When is the next Neptune retrograde?
The next Neptune retrograde starts on July 9, 2027 in Aries and ends on December 15, 2027 in Aries, about 158 days later.
How often does Neptune go retrograde?
Neptune goes retrograde once a year, for about five months.
How long does Neptune retrograde last?
Over the windows listed on this page it lasts about 158 days on average, counted from the retrograde station to the direct station.
Does Neptune really move backwards?
No. Retrograde motion is an optical effect: as Earth overtakes or is overtaken by Neptune in its orbit, Neptune appears to slow, stop and drift backwards against the stars for a while before moving forward again.
Other retrogrades
Which planets were retrograde when you were born?
See my birth chartAstrology is offered for reflection and entertainment. It is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, financial or psychological advice.