Retrograde

Every planet can move in 2 distinct motions - Direct and Retrograde. A planet, if in retrograde motion, can alter how it expresses its energy in your chart. While it doesn't completely flip a planet's nature, it does modify how that planetary energy manifests in your life.

What is Retrograde? #

Retrograde in Vedic astrology refers to the phenomenon where a planet appears to move backwards from the perspective of the earth.

Key points about retrogression:

Rahu and Ketu always move retrograde. Sun and Moon never move retrograde.

This means that there are only 5 planets - Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Mars and Saturn - that bring changes when they enter into retrograde motion.

It is important to note that the effect of a retrograde planet is most significant when it is retrograde in your birth chart.

What does Retrogression imply? #

Karmic settlements: A retrograde planet is strongly associated with karmic burdens. It suggests that something was not completed or done correctly in a past life. The karmic debt can also be related to the house placed prior to the one in which the retrograde planet sits.

Struggle: There is often a sense of struggle associated with a retrograde planet. This represents a challenge that needs to be overcome.

Sudden events: Retrograde planets can be a source of sudden and unexpected events in your life especially during the Mahadasha of the planet moving retrograde.

Introspection: Planets in retrograde often make one reflect especially in relation to the areas governed by the specific planet. These reflections often act as a guide to navigate the future.

Intensified energy: Retrograde planets are said to possess an extra surge of energy. This can intensify its influence and drive a person to revisit their past.

How do all planets behave in retrograde motion? #

As previously mentioned there are only 5 planets that can enter into retrograde motion. Lets discuss the effects of all when they enter retrograde

Mercury in retrograde #

Causes confusion and reflection: Mercury in retrograde generally creates confusion. Individuals with this placement tend to reflect a lot compared to an individual without such a placement who thinks about the past and future somewhat equally.

Carefulness and high potential: Constant carefulness can make individuals very careful about their actions, particularly in areas that mercury governs such as communication, logical thinking and calculations. This carefulness can lead to such individuals being excellent learners due their meticulous nature.

Cautious communication and decision making: People with mercury retrograde think extensively before communicating. This makes them appear hesitant but thoughtful in communication. They tend be reserved in communication and may struggle to express themselves freely.

Potential of capability or foolishness: A retrograde Mercury can bestow extra capability and intelligence if associated with benefic planets. On the other hand if associated with malefics, it can cause an individual to be perceived as foolish.

Venus in retrograde #

Reserved in relationships: An individual with retrograde Venus tend to be reserved when it comes to romantic relationships and they constantly re-evaluate their connections.

Paranoia regarding happiness and finances: Venus retrograde also affects how individuals perceive happiness and finances. They can be very wary of their financial situation and might feel paranoid about losing the things they are passionate about and that bring them joy.

Reflection Leading to Maturity in Relationships: Retrogression implies reflection, and those with Venus retrograde often reflect on past relationship mistakes. This often leads to developing maturity in relationships.

Luxuries with Struggle of Ease: If Venus retrograde is associated with malefic planets like Saturn and Mars, acquiring luxuries in life might involve a lot of struggle. However, if associated with benefic planets, they are likely to enjoy many luxuries.

Saturn in retrograde #

Causing progress: Contrary to popular belief, a retrograde Saturn opens up boundaries for career growth and progress in life.

Progressive nature: Individuals with Saturn retrograde enjoy the process of constructing and developing things for improvement and efficiency making them good architects and designers.

Activity: While a direct Saturn can indicate a tendency towards being slow or lazy, a retrograde Saturn often makes a person active and agile, preventing the slow progression typically associated with Saturn.

Mars in retrograde #

Strategic approach: Mars in retrograde can cause hesitation in taking immediate action, but this often leads to better strategic planning. The individual might face difficulties with impulsive decisions but becomes better at long-term planning.

Power and authority: A retrograde Mars bestows extra power and authority. If Mars is aspected by beneficial planets, this will be channeled in a positive direction. Conversely if associated with malefic planets, this can be channeled in negative direction even in criminal activities.

Jupiter in retrograde #

Confusion in faith: When Jupiter is in retrograde, it often creates confusion in one's faith. The individual might reflect a lot on their beliefs, questioning their validity and reasons for believing. It may also lead to increased spirituality later on in life.

Learning through experience: Jupiter in retrograde motion might cause unconventional learning patterns in the earlier stages of an individuals life but with time, they become good at gaining wisdom through personal experience rather than traditional education.

Positive outcomes: If Jupiter is well placed in divisional charts, it suggests the individual will eventually pass the presented challenges and realize positive outcomes, leading to happiness.

What happens when retrograde planets enter their mahadasha? #

The Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra indicates that the effects of a retrograde planet during its Dasa (major planetary period) are experienced in a reverse order. For example, the effects normally felt at the end of a Dasa might be felt at the beginning if the planet is retrograde.

For example, during the dasha of a retrograde planet:

• A planet in the first 10 degrees gives its effects at the beginning of the Dasa and

• The planet placed in the last 10 degrees gives its effects at the end of the Dasha

Exalted and debilitated retrograde planets #

Exalted retrograde planets: The exalted planet will good results and influence over the house in which it resides but its retrograde status indicates that the individual may not be aware of its effects fully or in simpler words lack of realisation.

Debilitated retrograde planets: A planet which is both debilitated and retrograde also carries the theme of no realisation. Individuals without realising their limitations from the debilitated planet might act without hesitation. This could paradoxically lead to better results.

Classical vs modern interpretations #

Classical astrology often viewed retrograde benefics favorably and malefics unfavorably, while modern astrology tends to highlight challenges with retrograde benefics related to realization and internal struggles, and the strengths and unique manifestations in retrograde malefics. Especially in the context of modern life.