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What Does Retrograde Mean For Cancers?

We've all heard of or experienced the wackadoo way things tend to go awry when Mercury is retrograde, so it may strike fear in your heart to learn that five planets will be retrograde by this time tomorrow. Yep, you read that right — Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and Pluto are already retrograde and Mercury is joining the party on April 28. So what does five planets being retrograde mean for Cancer? Get ready for a roller coaster couple of months, my Crabby friends.

While I'm a Power Cusp baby (born on the cusp of Aries and Taurus), I'm particularly interested in what goes on with those who are Cancer, 'cause that group includes one of my most favorite people on the planet: My little-sister-slash-BFF. She relies on me to keep her apprised of any big celestial happenings looming on the horizon, since she knows I'll probably be writing about them at some point anyway. So, sis, I did you a solid and dug into what each planet being in retrograde right now means for you and all the other Cancer signs out there. Here's the good news: It's not all bad!

Check it out for yourself — read on to find out what the retrograde phase of the following five planets will bring for Cancer babies.

1. Jupiter

Giant Jupiter is hailed as the planet of expansion, growth, and opportunity, so it's kind of a big deal. It's been retrograde since Jan. 7, though, which has morphed this powerful planet into one of introversion and growth. In general, this makes it a good time for spiritual exploration and examining the things which motivate us.

For Crabs in particular, Jupiter retrograde is actually kind of a great thing. Because it is in Cancer's second house of money and assets, it can bring about financial success or other accolades on the work front. Since Crabs are good with money to begin with, this could lead to financial gain. Because Jupiter retrograde will foster a better understanding of the self, your intellect and philosophical IQ will be tack-sharp, too. Still, even though retrograde Jupiter should be a bit of a joy ride for you, try not to take it for granted and do be mindful of your thought processes during this time.

2. Saturn

Super-serious Saturn is the taskmaster of the universe, and this year it is parked in Cancer's sixth house of work and healthy habits. Since we've already established that retrograde Jupiter will give Crabs a potential boost in their career, Saturn being retrograde isn't much of a downer in that department. Where Crabs should be concerned with retrograde Saturn regarding work is burnout — if you don't take time to recharge your batteries and watch your health, you could suffer due to overworking.

Saturn's retrograde motion might be hard on Cancer's health outside of the stress of work as well. Do yourself a solid and place extra priority on your physical well-being during this particular planet's retrograde. Think regular exercise and a daily multi-vitamin, at the very least.

3. Mars

Mars — which turned retrograde on April 17 and will remain as such until June 29 — affects energies, specifically aggressive ones. After all, it is the planet of both war and sex! So while this retrograde is an important period for everyone to take note of, it's especially important for Crabs. Why? Because Mars is already the ruler of your tenth house of career advancement. Whew, this is shaping up to be a big year for Cancer in terms of professional endeavors.

What this means, in light of Jupiter retrograde's positive effects in the workplace, is that Crabs will need to pick their battles during this time. Easier said than done, since we all know Crabs are tenacious and can be a bit hot-headed. Just try not to rock the boat too much. Just keep doing what you're doing, and good fortune should come your way. If you pick a fight for a promotion or put a ton of energy into seeking out new business, your efforts would likely be in vain.

4. Pluto

Pluto may not technically be considered a planet anymore, but it still carries a lot of weight in the astrological world. Specifically, it hearkens transformation and rebirth. Interestingly, Pluto doesn't necessarily contradict its normal qualities during retrograde — rather, those qualities are amplified. Retrograde Pluto kicks soul-searching into high gear. And since Pluto is in Cancer's seventh house of partnership, this planetary retrograde phase could bring about some change in Cancer's love life.

So head's up, Crabs! Until Saturn goes direct again in late September, your romantic relationships may be volatile. Since Crabs are a sensitive bunch known for being emotional, moody, and brooding (hey, you wear your hearts on your sleeve, and that kind of transparency is beautiful), this will be a testing time for you. You'll need to work hard on communicating with your partner and, if need be, re-examine if your relationship is right for you.

5. Mercury

Ugh. Mercury retrograde's reputation precedes it, and for good reason — when this planet "moves" backwards, communication goes on the fritz. The whole world seems to go in reverse, and mix-ups abound. For Crabs in particular, this retrograde really hits 'em where it hurts: at home.

As you well know, Cancer is the sign of the zodiac that is all about the comforts of home and family. Unfortunately, Mercury retrograde literally wreaks havoc in your house. You'll likely experience frustrations in baking, gardening and any other domestic task to set out to accomplish. This will undoubtedly not sit well with you. However, there is a silver-ish lining. Retrograde Mercury will motivate you to look backward, making this an ideal time to revisit projects that were never completed or need fixing.

Images: Cora Foxx/Bustle; Giphy (5)