Retrogrades
The Definitive Guide 2018
Welcome to our guide to Planetary Retrogrades.
Planets in Retrogrades, like the Mercury Retrograde, are now regarded as a popular subculture and form part of our culture on an annual basis.
Here we’ll take a look at what happens typically with retrogrades, and how we can use them productively.
Okay, so let’s look at Retrogrades.

Planetary Retrogrades In Astrology
Planetary Retrograde Meaning
You know those times when everything goes haywire, and you can’t figure out why? Look up, stargazer: A planet could be retrograde—meaning that from the vantage point of Earth, it appears to be spinning backwards.
What’s really happening?
Well, the Earth is completing its orbit around the Sun faster than other planets outside its orbit. Periodically, it will outpace them—and that’s when retrograde mayhem breaks loose.
Much like a speeding car or train passing a slower one, the planet that’s being passed will appear to stop and move backward—which is the apparent retrograde period.

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)
Planet | Retrograde Duration | Retrograde Cycle |
---|---|---|
Mercury | 21 Days | 116 Days |
Venus | 41 Days | 584 Days |
Mars | 72 Days | 780 Days |
Jupiter | 121 Days | 399 Days |
Saturn | 138 Days | 378 Days |
Uranus | 151 Days | 370 Days |
Neptune | 158 Days | 367 Days |
Pluto | 182 Days | 365 Days |
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.
Astrology Meaning
FACT: The word astrology is from the Greek word ‘astrologia‘.
In fact, Astrology is the combination of the 2 Greek words: astro, which means star and logos, which means study.
Simply put. Astrology means “study of stars”
So what’s good about retrogrades?
The prefix re- means to go back—and retrogrades are a time to polish up projects already in the works or to dig up ones you’ve set aside.
Retrogrades turn our attention to the past, and can actually be cosmic “grace periods” when we can finish all the things we’ve started or strengthen our plans, ensuring that we don’t move forward on a shaky foundation.
Old friends, lovers and past issues can resurface, giving you a chance to reconnect or revise.
This can be a useful time to resolve any arguments, revisit old ideas, research an idea or renew a commitment.
Tighten up your routines and plans during these periods, and you’ll be ready to rock when the retrograde period ends.
Planets In Retrograde
Retrograde Planet Hub
If you are looking at an overview guide to Retrogrades and planets in retrograde, then look no further. This is your hub for planets in retrograde.
Mercury Retrograde

What You’ll Learn
We start with the most famous of retrogrades in Astrology – Mercury Retrograde.
Get in touch with old friends and contacts, back up devices and data, edit and clarify your thoughts, dust off an old writing project or course of study.
Venus Retrograde

What You’ll Learn
Here we take a look at the next retrograde and the one that last the lease amount of time in Astrology – Venus Retrograde.
Heal any issues in your relationship or blocks to love. Recognise when you’re in the wrong match and move on.
Mars Retrograde

What You’ll Learn
Next up with have the fire planet and another close neighbour of ours – Mars Retrograde.
Learn how to handle pressure and conflict more effectively. Release a grudge, lay down your swords.
Slow down and stop rushing to avoid accidents.
Jupiter Retrograde

What You’ll Learn
We now move into the first of the outer planets retrogrades in Astrology – Jupiter Retrograde.
Slow down the risk-taking and evaluate before rushing ahead. Travel to an old favourite place. Pick up an abandoned entrepreneurial venture.
Saturn Retrograde

What You’ll Learn
Now we look at the first of the We start with the most famous of retrogrades in Astrology – Saturn Retrograde.
Tighten up your plans, rethink your goals and career path. Practice self-discipline and delay instant gratification.
Uranus Retrograde

What You’ll Learn
We start with the most famous of retrogrades in Astrology – Uranus Retrograde.
Watch your contrarian tendencies and make sure you’re not being a rebel without a cause. Question your political stance, study up on politics, scientific developments and current events, reconnect with a humanitarian cause.
Neptune Retrograde

What You’ll Learn
We start with the most famous of retrogrades in Astrology – Neptune Retrograde.
Resume a creative, musical or artistic project. Dive into your subconscious, do healing work and therapy, explore and question your spiritual beliefs. Meditate to get more in tune with your intuition.
Pluto Retrograde

What You’ll Learn
We start with the most famous of retrogrades in Astrology – Pluto Retrograde.
Explore your “shadow side” and delve into old fears, limiting beliefs and entrenched unconscious patterns. Protect yourself against unsafe people and situations.
Birthchart Guide

Astrological Elements

Planets Of Astrology
