What is All Planets in Direct Motion in Astrology?

All Planets in Direct Motion in astrology occurs when all ten of the major planets are in direct motion. A planet or body is called retrograde in astrology when it appears to be moving backward through the Zodiac. When it's no longer appearing to move backwards and appears to move forward again, this is called turning direct. Direct motion is forward motion.

The normal motion for most bodies in astrology is forward, so when they appear to be retrograde, this can throw the energy of that planet of body off. The ten major planets are the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.

The Sun and Moon are the only planets that don't retrograde; Mercury retrogrades several times each year for a few weeks at a time, while Venus retrogrades for about 1/2 months every 1 1/2 years, and Mars retrograde about every 2 years for about 2 month. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto retrograde for months at a time every year.

While I do consider Ceres along with the regular planets, and Chiron is often depicted with them, neither are technically considered when determining if all planets are direct or not.

Impact of All Planets in Direct Motion

All Planets in Direct Motion (or APDM for short) usually occurs at least once per year. How long it lasts can vary, as little as a few days to as much as a few months. 

Since the normal motion for the planets is forward, retrograde motion throws this off. What does that mean when they're all in forward motion then? It means we're in a period where we're moving ahead at a steady pace, gaining momentum, and ready to make quick progress. It's full-steam ahead!

This can be difficult to really maximize when it only lasts for a few days, but when APDM lasts for a few weeks or months, that can be a hyper productive period for progress and success. We can be clear about what we want to achieve, what we're working on now, what our plans are, and what the next steps are.

Retrograde planets, particularly Mercury, Venus, and Mars, like to throw a monkey wrench in our plans and keep us from making progress. During APDM, it's the exact opposite, and all planets are working in our favor.

Is All Planets in Direct Motion Ever Bad?

On a personal level, if you're experiencing hard aspects (particularly by Saturn, Uranus, or Pluto), then it might not be such a great period for you. Almost everything in astrology that hits you personally has a bigger impact than anything broad that affects us all.

If the planets are making bad aspects to each other, particularly hard aspects between Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, then it might be a more difficult period in general. But, we can still feel more on track and keep going forward with some effort.

How should I use All Planets in Direct Motion?

We should all focus on trying to make the most of this energy when it's available to us. If it's short, for say under two weeks, then you'll need to work on some quick wins and small projects or goals that can be accomplished quickly. You can feel you have less blocks on your path, and a clearer head as you pursue.

If it's going to be longer, then you can set a bigger goal, make a bigger plan, and go for a bigger win. Focus on something that requires clear thinking and discipline, and make the most of energy you have to make it happen.

Especially pay attention if you're going to experience any particularly beneficial aspects during APDM. That can show you're getting an extra boost during this time to go big.

When is All Planets in Direct Motion in 2024?

At the time of posting this article, it's 2024, and APDM is about to start! We experience APDM starting January 27th once Uranus turns direct, and it'll last until Ap[ril 1st when Mercury retrograde starts. That's over 2 months of APDM - and Ceres and Chiron are direct too, so added bonus!

There will be another APDM period shortly afterward, April 25th (when Mercury turns direct) to May 2nd (when Pluto turns retrograde). This is obviously a much shorter period of only about a week, so you'll want to make the most of the earlier period. That's it for APDM in 2024.

Suggested Reading: Positive Transit Aspects