Retrogrades

Then, once the Earth completely passes this planet in its orbit, the motion appears normal again, and the planet is said to be “direct” or “prograde” (to use the snappy scientific term). Chances are, you’ve been in a vehicle that felt like it was moving in reverse when it was passed, so you know the feeling!

Each retrograde cycle has a ‘shadow period‘ the awkward adjustment of the retrograde planet from apparent backward to forward motion…and vice-versa. For that reason, you may feel the stirrings of a retrograde cycle for several days, even weeks, before it officially begins.

While retrograde planets are just an illusion, astrology followers can attest to experiencing their effects.

The areas that a retrograde planet rules can become weak, challenging or troublesome during this cycle.

All planets go retrograde periodically, so we need to embrace these inevitable cycles as a fact of life, and an opportunity to build character.

As the Buddha said, “No mud, no lotus.” Sometimes, it takes a challenge for us to develop the inner strength and self-knowledge we need to evolve as humans.

 

Planetary Retrograde Cycles

Below is a table showing:

• Retrograde Period (Number of days the retrograde lasts)
• Retrograde Cycle (Number of days between retrograde periods)

The planets, retrograde

The most commonly-known retrograde is Mercury—planet of communication, transportation, travel and technology—which goes retrograde for three weeks, three or four times a year.

During a Mercury retrograde cycle, arguments and misunderstandings rage, plans fall apart, cars break down, and computers crash suddenly.

Astrologers advise precautions: back up your digital files before this period begins, postpone any deals, and plan to be repeated or explain yourself a few extra times.

Love planet Venus goes retrograde every 18 months, which can reveal any weak links in a relationship or bring back past paramours.

Astrologers advise against proposals, weddings, and any major relationship moves during this 4-6 week period, although the tabloids are predictably peppered with celebrity breakups each time Venus goes rogue.

Mars is retrograde every two years for about two months, which can stir up conflict and fighting.

The “outer planets”—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto—all go retrograde for four to five months every year.

So forget about hiding under a rock, because most of the time at least one planet, if not more, is retrograde.