Neptune Retrograde Is Bringing You Your Soft Girl Era

Although spring's Mercury retrograde may be behind us, the month of June continues to bring an intense period of slowdowns. Beginning June 30 through Dec. 6, Neptune is retrograde, and the dreamy planet's backspin marks the beginning of a soft girl summer and demands you to look inward. This time is all about facing your own shadows, as Neptune is largely a reflection of your subconscious.

The planet spotlights your dreams, delusions, and capacity for compassion, so expect that this era may require some stern self-reflection. It goes without saying, some of the revelations that are conjured up these next several months won't be all butterflies.

But before you let out a ceremonious sigh, know that Neptune is an outer planet because of its distance from Earth. Per astrology, that means when Neptune backtracks, you'll be pulled into your inner world. For that reason, it helps to know how Neptune retrograde may impact what's under the surface.

In astrology, Neptune is a tough planet to grasp the meaning of; it can feel elusive and intangible. The surface of the planet itself speaks to these themes, as it isn't solid but is rather made up of various gases that eventually merge with water and melted ice caps. Based on these characteristics, Neptune is symbolically associated with abstract themes and concepts like your dreams, glamor, high ideals, spirituality, and delusion.

Neptune retrograde isn't an astrological transit you need to stress too much about, because unlike some retrograde periods that cause noticeable havoc in our lives (ahem, Mercury retrograde), Neptune's rewind is felt more on a subconscious level. Plus, Neptune spends about half the year, every year, in retrograde.

When Neptune is retrograde, you are offered a chance for revision when it comes to your dreams and creativity. This period offers you an opportunity to go inward and reflect deeper on areas of your life where you are self-sacrificing or overidealizing a person or situation. "We're called to unravel illusions, confront fears, and embrace our sacred purpose with wickedly potent clarity," Morgan Garza, CMO and head witch at spiritual app Sage, tells POPSUGAR.

Neptune retrograde 2023 falls between June 30 and December 6, 2023, as it continues to spark revelations in its home sign of Pisces. Since Neptune represents all things otherworldly, when it's retrograde, it emphasizes your dreams and desires — and can easily embellish the truth. "Things can get lost in translation during Neptune retrograde," Lauren Ash, an astrologer tells POPSUGAR. "Oftentimes, Neptune retrograde feels like it's bringing a haze to your life that blurs the lines between dreams and reality." That said, you should take extra caution when it comes to following your heart and avoid over-romanticizing.

As the planet of fantasy, Ash explains that journaling about your dreams is a paramount practice during Neptune retrograde. "Even something as simple as starting your morning with a quick five-minute journaling session about your dreams the night before can begin to paint a picture for you," Ash explains. Dig deeper through dream interpretation and lean on its symbolisms and archetypes. What do you associate these images with? This is all about leaning into your intuition.

With Neptune being associated with the subconscious self, Garza says this is the prime time to turn inward. "Reflect on any illusions or self-deceptions that may be hindering your progress," says Garza. "Set clear intentions for the changes you wish to manifest." Establishing boundaries is important during Neptune retrograde. Per Garza, that can look like seeking clarity, questioning information, and spending a little time reading the fine print before making major commitments.

This is a deeply personal time that calls for self-reflection and emphasizes the need for boundaries. Ultimately, you're prompted to step outside of yourself and shift into a totally new perspective. "During Neptune retrograde, it's a good time to break out of old patterns of thinking and behavior," says Ash. While you conjure up all that you want to manifest during Neptune retrograde, try not to get too swept away and keep yourself grounded in reality.

Read how the 2023 Neptune retrograde will affect the zodiac signs, based on your sun or rising sign.

Slow down, Aries. Whether it's debuting business ideas, starting new projects, or sparking relationships, try not to make promises you can't keep. "Keep your eyes on the prize and don't overextend yourself," says Ash.

Avoid getting caught up in the moment, Taurus. Ash says this will spark your spiritual side, making it the perfect time to take up habits like yoga and reading, and ultimately, "doing things that help improve your relationship with yourself," she says.

There's pressure to perform and be your shining self, Gemini — but remember that aiming for perfection is a recipe for disaster. Take a break from all your vanity projects, explains Ash. "The key to surviving isn't working smarter, it's working less," she adds.

Things might get a little uncomfortable in your social circle, Cancer. Pay attention to cues or snide remarks within your relationships. If you're having bad luck, don't get discouraged. As Ash puts it, "Don't run away from them, lean into the [relationships] that are solid."

Neptune retrograde may have you feeling overexposed, Leo. "Neptune retrograde might have you feeling like going into hermit mode," says Ash. It could be worth it to revisit your goals and commitments, and make adjustments where needed.

The mystical energy of this transit is sparking creativity from the depths of your core, Virgo, and now's the perfect time to follow your gut when it comes to the arts. "Don't overthink it — embrace the inspiration as it comes," explains Ash.

Allow yourself to revel in some romance and let the sweetness in, Libra. But while you could be swept away more easily during this time, "make sure you're not ignoring any red flags," says Ash.

Follow your passions right now, Scorpio, they may reveal secrets or desires in the undercurrent of this transit. "The obstacles that were holding you back might seem to disappear overnight, Scorpio," says Ash. "Too good to be true? Not if you're willing to take a brave lead forward into the unknown!"

Your self-doubt is taking the backseat, Sagittarius. "This retrograde is your chance to leave your pessimistic mindset behind," says Ash. Lean on others for support if you get discouraged along the way, but "don't let past failures keep you from claiming what's yours," Ash adds.

Neptune retrograde is clearing up some confusion as it helps you see from a different perspective, Capricorn. Keep high hopes and try to reach an understanding with others. "Don't let your need to always be right keep you from seeing what's good for you," says Ash.

You're reevaluating your values right now, Aquarius — and it's OK to admit you've changed your mind. Take time to seriously address changes. "Give yourself the time and space to embrace these complicated emotions before moving forward in a more positive, healing direction," Ash explains.

Neptune retrograde might feel like a total identity crisis, Pisces, but the revelations you have now have a higher purpose for you in the end. This intense period might tempt you to go MIA, but "avoid getting stuck in the past and living in a reality that doesn't serve you anymore," says Ash.