Invite Your Ghost to Rest: Dealing With Regret
Cosmic Currents: Astrology for the Week of July 20th-July 26th
“If only I had done things differently…”
This week’s astrology made me think about regret and how it can keep us tethered in judgment to a self who needs our forgiveness.
Regret is grief for a past we cannot change and mourning the possibilities we’ll never know. Our minds travel back in time, looping the moment before a choice was made. Blame slips in, lamenting that we should have known better. Dissatisfaction takes over as we measure reality against an imagined world of “if only”.
This week, Mars and Venus, the planets of drive and desire, are making difficult aspects with the South Node, a point that represents the past, our comfort zone, and what needs to be released in order for us to grow. Currently, it is in the meticulous sign of Virgo, which if not careful, can easily find itself battling with criticism and perfectionism. It is no surprise that the past is tugging at us hard, drudging up former version’s of ourselves who operated from a different capacity.
And while it can be challenging to face off with ourselves, what is present is an opportunity to release the past and make space for authentic self-definition of who we are becoming.
The Sun is moving into Leo, spotlighting who we are and how boldly we show up in our authenticity. The desire to be seen as we are is heightened yet the week’s introspective transits stir our shadows and reignite old regret. We might long for the days when we could hide in our cozy comfort zone, but that space is too tight to hold us now.
Frustration may arise as we remember when things felt easier, but our sovereignty demands more. The Sun will oppose Pluto shortly after the New Moon in Leo, illuminating power struggles within ourselves. Mercury Rx tends to bring back old ghosts, flooding our memories and text messages with lovers past, reminding us of old stories, and forcing us to deal with the consequences of unfinished business.
Saturn and Neptune, nearly conjunct, are comfortably retrograde in the sign of Aries and will be making a supportive trine with the Sun, continuing to test the boundaries of who we say we are. Prior to that, the Sun will sextile Uranus, hyping us up, and pushing us to break free from self-confinement.
This is the time to confront past choices that kept us small, cut ties with habits that block growth, and pour new energy into the future without the burden of regret. We are being tasked to purge what no longer serves, face any challenges we once sidestepped, and turn “I wish I would have” into “I am doing it now.”
Dealing With Regret
If we are present in the energy of this week, we can find the support to release. The Sun is imbued with the determination, vision, and innovation necessary to propel us forward into self-definition.
The Sun’s sextile to Uranus in Gemini breaks any mental gridlocks, giving us a new perspective to reframe regret as a lesson rather than failure. A sudden insight, unexpected event, or new angle helps us see the past choice without shame. The Sun’s trine to Saturn adds steadiness, so taking responsibility, making repairs, and practicing new boundaries feels doable. Finally, the Sun’s trine to Neptune softens the edges, inviting real self‑compassion and opportunities for forgiveness.
Acknowledge & Reframe: Avoid distractions and bypassing what you are feeling. Name regret as grief and give space fore all of the emotions it brings up.
Take Accountability: Recognize any harm that might have been caused. Take accountability and offer an apology and repair. Even if your actions do not result in reconciliation, it is important to acknowledge the impact.
Build Capacity: Identify any areas of growth that led to the regret. Whether it’s pausing before acting, setting clear boundaries, or asking for help, begin practicing the skill in low‑pressure moments. Repetition in safe settings strengthens the habit so it feels natural when bigger challenges appear in the future.
Practice Self-Compassion: Swap self-punishment for tenderness and care. Forgiving yourself will strengthen your resolve to move forward. Pay attention to your inner dialogue. Trade “I ruined everything” for a neutral truth like “That choice no longer fits who I am.”
Explore Your Values: The lessons of regret can give insight into your values and desires. It wouldn’t be regret if it didn’t speak to something you want now or a version of us we desire to be.
When we lay down regret something new opens up to us. The energy that once fed our rumination shifts into curiosity clearing for creative ideas, honest conversation, and the courage to try again without the weight of self‑punishment. We begin to approach our life as the person we are becoming, not the shadow of the person we once were. Most of all, releasing regret restores choice in the present moment, letting us act from agency instead of an apology for past.
There’s a lot of tension this week forcing us to reckon with regret. If we can stay present with the discomfort we increase our capacity to thrive, refine our discernment, and reduce the potential harm our future choices might create.
Regret, then, becomes a lesson on integrity bringing us into right‑relationship with self and others.
By now, you know how I feel about tension. If this week is tough, and even if it’s not, I need you to focus that energy on a creative or physical outlet. The square between Mars and Venus supports us in embodying our desires. I’mma need you to play…with yourself or somebody.
Don’t forget, our pleasure opens paths to self expansion. Do not teach yourself that self-punishment is the appropriate response to growth. Nor should you mistake over-indulgence or withdrawal as a permanent solution to discomfort. Instead, offer yourself self-compassion, tenderness, and invite your ghost to rest.
Take care…for real! And leave your ex on read.
Astrology for the Week of July 20th-July 26th
Pull up a transit chart to see where this week’s astrology lands for you. Note the houses each planet falls in and keep an eye on those areas of life. For deeper intuitive support or a personalized reading, book a 1:1 session with me.