Retrograde Planets

What is Retrograde Motion?

In astronomy, the term retrograde is used to describe a celestial object’s orbit or spin that is the opposite of what we normally see in most of the observable universe. In most cases, the orbits of planets, moons, comets, and asteroids appear counter-clockwise when viewed from their north pole. Similarly, the spin of a planet or moon is also counter-clockwise when viewed from their north pole looking down. But occasionally either the spin or orbit of a body is reversed (clockwise) … both Venus and Uranus have retrograde spin and Triton (the large moon of Neptune) has a retrograde orbit. Some comets and small asteroids, as well as artificial satellites, will have retrograde orbits around the sun or a planet. All of these would be considered true retrograde motion. But when we talk of retrograde motion in astrology, we’re actually referring to an optical illusion that is referred to as “retrogradation” in astronomy. This phenomenon occurs when a planet appears to slow down, stop briefly, then reverse direction from an observer’s perspective on Earth. This happens when a planet with a faster orbit comes upon and passes a planet with a slower orbit. In the example shown in the diagram, you can see by the numbered locations how Mars seems to slow, stop, and then reverse direction as seen by an observer on Earth (3 & 4) and then returns to it’s normal direction of travel later in the orbit (5 & 6). Neither planet actually changes it’s orbital speed or direction, it’s really just an illusion from the observer’s perspective. It’s sort of like passing another car on the freeway. As you overtake the slower car it appears to go even slower and as you pass by it might look like it’s moving backwards.

Why does retrograde motion matter?

The basic concept of astrology is that energies from the cosmos have an effect on the human body. And while the scientific community might disagree, the energies of the planetary bodies can be felt by humans, though most of us don’t notice. Regardless, our energetic field is impacted by other energies and the planets in our solar system are relatively close to us compared to the rest of the objects in the universe. As planets travel around the Sun, their proximity to Earth varies depending on where they are in their orbit, and where Earth is in it’s orbit. During most of their travel, the other planets are far enough from Earth that variations in distance from us seems to have a negligible effect. But when another planet comes closest to Earth the energies are intensified a bit, and when in retrograde since they seem to “hang around” for a while, it can be a little overwhelming. It’s sort of like being out in the afternoon sun. If you spend too much time outside on a sunny day you can get burned.

Planetary Influences

Most of the planets in our solar system are named for Roman deities (Uranus and Pluto are named for characters in Greek mythology) and the areas of human life they represent are similar to those found in Roman mythology. When a planet goes retrograde, it’s area(s) of influence are the same but it’s usually more introspective. Below are very brief overviews of each planet’s representation/influence and a description of how that changes during the retrograde period.

Mercury Mercury influences communication and connections of all types, including technological devices like computers and phones. When Mercury is in retrograde all sorts of things break down, especially communication between humans. It is generally considered a bad idea to enter into contracts, make major purchases, or begin new projects during Mercury’s retrograde period. On the up-side, Mercury retrograde is an excellent time to do research, make plans, and look inward at obstacles to self-growth. Mercury is retrograde three times each year for about 3 weeks. Venus Venus rules love and passion within all partnerships. Venus is also connected to money. When Venus is retrograde we can have unresolved relationship issues come back up. New romantic relationships begun during this period can sour once Venus goes direct again and investments made during Venus retrograde periods can lose value. Introspection into our love life at this time can aid us in figuring out what we really want from a relationship. and how we handle our emotions Venus goes retrograde about once every 18 months or so and is in retrograde for approximately 6 weeks. Mars Mars influences conflict, our personal energy, and motivation. Retrograde Mars seems to keep us from moving forward. Situations stagnate, causing frustration and flared tempers. Projects stall and we seem unable to act on the simplest of plans. We can use this period to reflect on any unresolved internal conflicts and gain insight into what is keeping us from moving forward in life. It’s also a good time to circle back and complete unfinished tasks or repair/redo things that have been left on a back burner. Mars goes retrograde about every 26 months for anywhere from 55 to 80 days. Jupiter Jupiter is connected to wisdom, truth, and luck. When Jupiter is retrograde, our ability to see the “big picture” is affected. Through truth and wisdom we are offered an opportunity to see where things are going wrong in our lives. This is a great time to review our beliefs and desires. Introspection when Jupiter is retrograde gives us a better connection between the body, mind, and spirit aiding in our self-improvement. Jupiter is retrograde every year for about 4 months. Saturn Saturn is ruler of all aspects of civilization and politics as well as our personal reputation and social status. Retrograde Saturn tends to increase our maturity and causes our smaller worries and concerns to be less important. Introspection during this time gives us a more clear understanding of how we fit into the world and helps us focus on our duties and responsibilities. It’s a good time to work on long term goals and finding new ways to deal with the pitfalls in life. Saturn goes retrograde each year for 140 days or so. Uranus Uranus is the bringer of chaos and impacts our internal freedom. Where the other planet retrograde periods tend to have us acting a bit more impulsively, Uranus retrograde actually calms us and helps us to be more objective about our lives. But beware … while enlightenment is a good keyword for Uranus retrograde, ignoring those things about yourself that you don’t wish to acknowledge could lead to disaster because Uranus tends to force us to see the truth about what’s holding us back. Uranus is retrograde around 5 months each year. Neptune Neptune is the ruler of dreams, the imagination, and fantasies. When Neptune is retrograde we have a much easier time with our spirituality, but at the same time we can be more vulnerable to deceptions and delusions. This is a great time to focus on our inner vision and we may gain a deeper understanding of ourselves through dreams, but we must make sure we stay grounded as it’s very easy to float away in our fantasies. Neptune goes retrograde for about 150 days every year. Pluto Pluto influences change, transformations, and psychic energies. Pluto retrograde causes us to question who we really are, though there may be quite a bit of confusion as we work through any introspections. This is an excellent time to do shadow work but we need to remember to be gentle with ourselves and not work on anything too heavy as we can easily get discouraged or depressed during this time. Pluto is in retrograde from 5 to 6 months out of the year,

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