Neptune Retrograde 2028: exact dates, shadow periods and meaning
Author: Viktor Balakirev · Published
In 2028 Neptune is retrograde once: July 11 – December 16. Below: exact station times, signs and degrees, and the shadow of each loop. All times are UTC.
Period: July 11 – December 16
- Retrograde
- — · 158 days
- Signs
- Aries
- Arc
- from 8°54′ Aries back to 6°05′ Aries
- Pre-shadow
- from · 113 days
- Post-shadow
- until · 111 days
- Whole loop with shadow
- 383 days
- Neptune — enters the pre-shadow (degree of the coming direct station)
- Neptune — stations retrograde in Aries (8°54′)
- Neptune — opposition to the Sun — the middle of the loop
- Neptune — stations direct in Aries (6°05′)
- Neptune — leaves the post-shadow (degree of the retrograde station)
How often and how long
From the ephemeris 2000–2050: Neptune turns retrograde on average 1 times a year (a new period every 368 days on median); one period lasts 157–160 days, the whole loop with the shadow 382–383 days.
What Neptune retrograde means
Neptune retrograde is an annual period when the planet appears to move backward in the sky. According to Vronsky, retrograde planets allow us to return to unfinished matters, correct mistakes, and try different approaches to problems. Neptune itself, as Hand explains, can make life confusing and unclear, but also exposes us to beautiful and ideal influences. During retrograde, these themes become more internal and reflective.
Neptune retrograde in 2028: dates and signs
In 2028, Neptune turns retrograde on July 11 at 13:04 UTC, while in Aries. It remains retrograde until December 16 at 20:43 UTC, also in Aries — a period of 158 days. The opposition to the Sun, marking the middle of the retrograde, occurs on September 30 at 02:48 UTC. This is a typical retrograde for Neptune: on average, there is one per year, each lasting 157–160 days.
The shadow periods
The retrograde cycle includes shadow periods. The pre-shadow begins on March 20, 2028, when Neptune first passes the degree of its coming direct station — 113 days before the station. The post-shadow lasts until April 6, 2029, when Neptune returns to the degree of the retrograde station — 111 days after the direct station. The entire loop, including both shadows, spans 383 days. During these times, the themes of the retrograde gradually emerge and then fade.
How to work with this period
According to Vronsky, during the stationary phases (when Neptune appears to stop) it is not advisable to start new projects, as they tend to stall. Instead, use this time for reflection and planning. If you make a decision during the retrograde or stationary phase, implement it only after Neptune turns direct and reaches the same degree where the retrograde began. This is a good time to revisit creative or spiritual pursuits, review your ideals, and clarify any confusion in your life. Neptune retrograde invites you to look inward and reassess, rather than push forward with new ventures.
FAQ
When is Neptune retrograde in 2028?
Neptune retrograde dates 2028: from July 11 13:04 to December 16 20:43 (Aries) (UTC).
When are the Neptune retrograde shadow periods in 2028?
from March 20 to April 6, 2029 (the whole loop 383 days). The pre-shadow starts when the planet passes the degree of its coming direct station; the post-shadow ends when it gets back to the degree of the retrograde station.
How long does Neptune retrograde last?
In 2028: 158 days. From the ephemeris 2000–2050: 157–160 days, on average 1 times a year; the whole loop with the shadow 382–383 days.
Where does this fall in your chart?
The dates are the same for everyone; the house and aspects are yours alone. A free natal chart and personal transits show which area of your life it touches.
- Вронский — Вронский, т.11 «Транзитология II»
- Robert Hand — Horoscope Symbols
- Robert Hand — Planets in Transit: Life Cycles for Living
Dates, times, signs and degrees are computed with the Swiss Ephemeris.