Important Astrological Dates for Year 2023, Major Astrology Events 2023

The New Year 2023 is likely to bring about major changes around. Important planetary forces are in play and are to set the tone for the year ahead. The eclipses, the retrogrades of the planets and the transits of the major and minor planets would impact us quite dramatically. As always, the cosmos would be teaching us some important life lessons through the planetary movements and placements.

Here are the big dates to watch out for as the New year 2023 unfolds:

The Eclipses of 2023

April 20- Total Solar Eclipse in Aries

This eclipse occurs when the luminaries, the Sun and the Moon join together at the critical degree of 29 degrees Aries and is likely to bring about shock waves. It is likely to bring major transformations. Our social network stands to get affected, however with the Arian trait we would be able face the challenges head-on. This eclipse would be visible in Australia, Asia, Philippines.

May 5- Penumbral Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio 

This lunar eclipse helps us to get rid of our emotions and feelings that help us to cling to our past. Expect major revamp of your life path from this time on. 

It  would be visible in Africa, Asia, Australia.

October 14- Annular Solar Eclipse in Libra 

During this Solar eclipse, the Sun and the Moon meet together in the sign of Libra. This solar eclipse period brings an Ex back into your life. It might bring out hidden secrets out into the open as well . It would be visible over United States, Canada, Alaska, parts of South America, Greenland, and western Africa.

October 28- Partial Lunar Eclipse in Taurus

This eclipse helps us to purge off any unwanted relationships in our lives. It is also an apt time to know our inner self better.  It is visible in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia.

Mercury Retrogrades in 2023 

The year 2023 starts and ends on Mercury retrograde phases. Mercury retrogrades this year during the following periods:

• Capricorn: December 29, 2022 to January 18

• Taurus: April 21 to May 14

• Virgo: August 23 to September 15

• Capricorn & Sagittarius: December 13 to January 1, 2024 

The first phase is from December 29, 2022 to January 18, 2023 in the earthy sign of Capricorn. This would bring about issues related to climate change and the environment to the focus. 

The next retrograde occurs in the second house of  Taurus from April 21 to May 14, yet another earthy sign and this retrograde season brings about material resources into focus.

From August 23 to September 15, Mercury will be retrograde in another earthy sign of Virgo. During this time there might be some data breach, and cutting on expenses are advised.

The final retrograde of the year occurs on  December 13 again in the sign of Capricorn. Look out for communication hiccups and travel plan hitches as the holiday season approaches. 

Detailed overview of the Mercury retrograde phases in 2023

22 July- Venus Retrograde in Leo

Venus is a benefic planet which impacts our lives when it retrogrades. Venus retrogrades once every 18 months and it would be a big phenomenon affecting us. In 2023, Venus starts its retrograde motion on the 22nd of July and lasts till the 3rd of September.  Venus retrograde guides us to re-visit our approach towards love, artistic pursuits and off springs. It takes us away from our real love in life that we would be able to appreciate the goodness of things otherwise.

Read more on Venus retrograde in 2023

16 May- Jupiter Transits Taurus

Jupiter, the benevolent planet transits from the sign of Aries to Taurus on the 16th of May. Taurus is an earthy sign, that is known for stability and security and hence this transit of Jupiter helps us to create anything that makes us feel secure. Jupiter helps is to improve our financial resources and material valuables. Our talents get highlighted this transit period and there would be a steady growth in our lives thanks to the Jupiter transit. 

4th September- Jupiter Retrograde in 2023

Jupiter retrogrades once every year and in 2023, it starts its retrograde phase on the 4th of September at 15 degrees of Taurus and ends this phase on the 30th of December as the year closes. Jupiter retrograde might dwindle our growth prospects. The way we aspire to make money or harness it might need a re-look these days. 

7th March- Saturn Transits Pisces

Saturn, that had been loitering in the sign of Aquarius for the last 2.5 years moves to the sign of Pisces on the 7th of March. Aquarius was the abode of Saturn and hence it was comfortable here and we were able to structure our lives around a social system. Now with its shift to the sign of Pisces this year, there would be drastic transformations in our lives. Our subconscious beliefs and spiritual leanings are in for a major restructuring.

17th June- Saturn Retrograde in 2023

Saturn retrogrades for about 4.5 months every year and in 2023, it retrogrades in the sign of Pisces which starts on the 17th of June and ends on the 4th of November. All through this period we would be searching for a purpose in our lives and rework old redundant works. Saturn retrograde also helps us to get rid off things and relationships that are no longer worthy to stay with us. 

Pluto Transits Aquarius

Pluto, the outermost planet of our solar system has been long posited in the sign of Capricorn, say from 2008. On the 23rd of March in 2023, it shifts position to Aquarius which would mark the start of a new era. For the next decade or so, Pluto stands to impact the way we communicate and connect with each other. There would be major changes in this area with science and technology being the forte of Pluto.

1st May - Pluto Retrograde 2023

Pluto that had just shifted to Aquarius after its long stint in the sign of Capricorn would retrograde on the 1st of May in 2023 and would be so till the  10th of October. Astrology circle has it that this Pluto transit is the Pluto return for the natal chart of America and is likely to bring about a major change for this country.