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Retrograde Planets, Mercury Retrograde
Retrograde Planets, Mercury Retrograde
Retrograde Planets
As all the planets are moving at different speeds, there will be times when a particular planet will appear
from Earth that it is not moving at all, and at times that a planet is actually moving backwards when viewed
against the backdrop of a fixed star. In such periods, the planet is said to be in retrograde motion.
In the ephemeris, planets which are in retrograde are denoted by a R after the degree and minute
designation.A retrograde planet may denote delayed development of factors relating to that planet rather
than any negative influence as was suggested in ancient Astrology. A capital S alongside the planetary
degree in the ephemeris stands for the word stationary and will occur when the planet is slowing down and
has virtually stopped moving. The capital letter D is soemtimes used indicating that the palnet is in direct
motion and is written when a planet changes from a backward direction or retrograde to a forward direction
or direct.Perhaps the greatest impact of retrograde planets can be felt when the outer planets turn
retrograde while forming a transit aspect to one of the natal planets.
Retrograde planets are thought to be weak in their effect, which is true for the personal planets of Mercury,
Venus and Mars but it is not so with the outer planets which stay Retrograde for up to six months.
Mars Retrograde- Mars retrograde in a persons birth chart causes the person to be very frigid or to go to
the extremes. Some have sex aversions. Mars retrograde six to eight days, of course, that is sixty to eighty
years in a horoscope progression. During its slow moving period, two weeks before and after retrogression it
indicates its effects mainly in females.
Venus Retrograde- The effect of Venus retrograde is disastrous to a happy married life. As Venus slowly
turns retrograde, the person gradually gets disinterested in sexual activities. Venus seems to work alike in all
signs when retrograde. It affects men particularly.
Mercury Retrograde- When Mercury goes retrograde, many of our everyday affairs ruled by Mercury are
disrupted. When Mercury is retrograde, mental mistakes abound. Travel plans are often messed up.
Misunderstandings with those in the family or at work occur. Those who have belief in Astrology will refrain
from making any sort of contract when Mercury is retrograde.
Jupiter Retrograde- Such persons often get success in other people's failures. They have the unique ability
to succeed in projects that were abandoned by others. Such people revive sick companies and uncover
hidden assets. In order to achieve their mental goal they prefer to bargain.
Saturn Retrograde- Persons with Saturn Retrograde in their birth charts do not like to be known in public,
they find security in intellectuals or spirituals. They easily yield to external influences. They appear shy,
uneasy, introvert, lacking in self assertion or attempt to cover their lapse with the pretext of arrogance. They
feel alone, isolated, separated from their friends and are seldom understood and very reserved.
Three or four times a year, never on the same dates, Mercury loops Earthward (to our
eye) in a retrograde cycle back over zodiacal territory. During this passage 3 and a half
week transit, our attention moves towards unfinished business. Since all backward
movement symbolizes a return to source, we can use these times to attend to our inner
perceptions, and reconnect with the spiritual source of our thoughts. This introversion can
bring about a critical purification process that can help us gain new insights based on
prior knowledge.
It's important to figure out how this transit affects the patterns in your life as they will
repeat. I know some readers are not into retrograde, but it has its pitfalls whether you
believe it nor not. With shifting reality, much doesn't work in general, but this transit can
make things a bit more confusing, indecisive and difficult. To me Mercury Retrograde
means Repetitions and Delays. Pay attention to details now, especially linked to
transportation and communication. We also find mixed or missed messages. Plans
change. Things are lost or forgotten. Decisions will be made and revisited. Don't forget
that Mercury is the Trickster who brings messages and learning lessons in round-about
ways that we attract by synchronicity
Travel: Lost luggage, flight delays, vehicle problems, getting lost even with a GPS
system
A planet that is retrograde means that the planet was making an apparent backward motion at
the time of birth. If a planet was retrograde at the time of birth, then that planet is notated in
the natal horoscope with an Rx by the astrologer. Planets never move backwards, hence the
term apparent. The Sun and Moon never retrograde. Many people watch the motion of current
From an earth view, a planet only appears to move backwards for a given length of time. Refer
to the section on Planet Motion for approximate retrograde periods. In the Ephemeris, the day
determine the length of time, run your finger down the planet information column until you
find a D. On this day the planet resumes it's "direct" motion again. Some astrologers put more
emphasis on retrograde planets in the birth chart than others. I have found that they add an
The energy of a retrograde planet is expressed more on an inner level Sometimes the
individual has difficulty expressing the energy outwardly. Some part of that planets energy is
held back. Retrograde planets often cause one to stop and reconsider the consequences, so
that spontaneous expression is blocked in some way. At other times, the outward behavior
becomes exaggerated in an attempt to reconcile the inner doubts. Here are some examples of
regarding an unachieved goal or an unfinished life lesson or lessons. Generally, natal planets in
retrograde tend to internalize their influences, allowing you to work on your character. Your
Sun and your Moon are never retrograde. The closest the Moon comes is when it is Void of
Course. This is a time when it is best to refrain from beginning anything that you wish to see
come to completion.
When your North and South Nodes are retrograde, you have a strong indication that
Listing of Mercury and other planet retrogrades for the current year.
Below are some interpretations for retrograde planets found in the natal chart. With
discernment, you may use these ideas as a basis for figuring out how the current retrogrades
Mercury Retrograde
* feels misunderstood
Mercury involves mental processes and communication of all kinds. Exploring ideas, seeking
knowledge, writing, public speaking, making contacts, even short trips and commerce fall into
Mercury‘s domain. Mercury is retrograde at least three times each year, and is our most
frequently retrograde planet. During this usually three week timeframe, misunderstandings
increase, mail and email gets lost, messages are delayed or appear elsewhere, misdirection
and frustration with miscommunications of all kinds tend to intensify. Odd ideas tend to occur
as normal abilities and patterns of writing, learning, and speech become disrupted.
For a few, this retrograde actually has the opposite effect. New ideas, new speaking or writing
abilities are often revealed in folks whose natal Mercury is retrograde. Are you normally
hesitant or afraid to speak out? Do you find yourself very concerned with how others will take
your words or what will happen if you speak your mind? You few, may tend to get a kind of
vacation from or improvements in both your usual internal and external dialogue.
In Karmic terms, Mercury retrograde in your natal chart suggests that you may be dealing
with old lessons about the negative consequences of uninhibited speech. Motives mean a lot to
you. You could find yourself attracting more than your share of criticism or opposition to your
ideas, but if you let that stop you from speaking your mind, you are essentially inhibiting
yourself from communicating. You can learn to overcome your fears. Most other people are
actually more concerned with how the world sees them than they are about what they think
about you. Apply your curiosity, flexibility, and take an active interest in the welfare or
interests of people around you. Half of your ability comes from listening! If speaking to groups
of people makes you nervous, let your thoughts escape into the outside world by writing. Make
small talk wherever possible about any topics of interest, while you boost your self confidence
and begin to overcome your hesitance of expounding your personal views in public.
Venus Retrograde
Venus involves pleasure, love, romance, relaxation, aesthetics, peaceful feelings, harmony,
money, and values. Venus tends to work by attraction. Approximately every eighteen months
or so, Venus slips into retrograde for about six weeks. While Venus is retrograde, you are more
likely to find your ability to attract what you want restricted or inhibited. You could find
yourself much more concerned with achieving or maintaining external beauty, your flow of
ready cash, questioning your ideas of pleasure, aesthetics, or even revaluating your feelings
Do you find yourself inhibited about seeking what you really want from your romantic partner?
Does your ability to attract the money and attention you feel that you need seem to cause you
A natal Venus retrograde can cause you difficulty achieving fulfillment or finding your right
romantic partner. You may be more in love with your ideas about love than you are with any
real person you know. In karmic terms, you need to complete a life lesson about giving and
receiving love and affection. You are here to determine what is truly of value to you and learn
about creating a balance of give and take in your romantic life. Your romantic dialogue has a
tendency to be far too internal at times, causing you to inhibit the flow of good things into
your life. You will have to be willing to experience loving and being loved in order to attract
what you desire into your life and create the feelings of security you need.
Mars Retrograde
Mars represents direct energy, physical expression, individual action and assertiveness, as well
as anger, desire, sexuality, competitiveness and motivation for self interest. Mars energies
tend to burst forward exerted in short duration. Every two years Mars goes retrograde for two
to two-and-a-half months. What often results are upsets and frustrations in daily life as
emotions which should be externalized becoming internalized, a kind of chewing up one’s self.
When you finally explode, it is likely as not that in doing so you will be acting out aggressively
If you have Mars in retrograde in your natal chart, you may find that you are waging an
internal battle causing you difficulty in asserting yourself because you are afraid of the
consequences of releasing your anger. You may tend to over think before you act. You may
find that you have a tendency to hold back. In karmic terms, you are likely to be attempting to
make up for some vaguely recollected but deeply influential past misdeeds you now regret.
Whatever the cause, you are holding yourself back instead of standing up directly for your own
interests. This works directly against the life lesson that you are here to accomplish. Your are
learning about yourself, defining who you are by what actions you take. You will need to let go
of timidity or a lack of direction in order work out how you can initiate actions without creating
a chaos of needless destruction. Here is a key indicated by your 7th House Sign and its natural
ruler Venus.
Jupiter Retrograde
Approximately four months a year, this planet slips into retrograde. When it does, you are
likely to see its influence roll through your life and society around you. Plans have a tendency
to implode. Jupiter retrograde influences us internally to look within to seek new meanings.
You may find you can best use these opportunities to revaluate your life and reach new levels
If Jupiter is retrograde in your natal chart, you have a very rich internal life. You actually make
your own luck. Abundance is felt within as you search the world looking to discover truth and
develop a broader philosophy of life and living. At the same time, you may feel hesitant about
involving yourself to deeply in others affairs or sharing your views out of a concern for being
thought so different that you may be cast out by public opinion. Speculations may not bring
you all the external rewards you seek, but each time you take a chance, your adventures allow
you to gain from a wide variety of experiences. You must remain open and honest with
yourself in order to expand your spirituality and allow your inner voice to guide you.
Saturn Retrograde
* hides fears
Saturn deals with karma, limits, responsibility, tradition, conservatives, authorities, long term
goals and accomplishments patiently created, taking responsibility, creating structure, and
setting boundaries. Once a year the planet Saturn goes into retrograde for about four-and-a-
half months. During this influence, you will probably find it unwise to attempt sudden changes
or to rush through things. Take practical steps and accept limitations while you take serious
steps toward your long term goals. Saturn retrograde can cause you to become your own
hardest taskmaster, limit your actions or leave you feeling blocked and pessimistic. .
Saturn retrograde in your natal chart, indicates that you are likely to have been abused by
those with power over you, perhaps having faced unfair situations at home. You may need to
declare personal boundaries, to work out conflicts with authority on a karmic scale. You could
feel that fate conspires against your desires but it’s really you putting the brakes on through
feelings of persecution or inhibition in the house where it is placed until you work out how to
face doing or confronting whoever or whatever it is that threatens you. Your lesson is one of
patience and steady application of hard work as you overcome the impatient urge to cut
corners. Everything you gain will be hard won but you will eventually succeed, win the respect
of others and actually can shine where you faced difficulties before.
Uranus Retrograde
Planet of change, independence and risk Uranus is retrograde for about five months out of
every year. While it is, you can expect the unexpected. The situation is not secure. Things are
subject to sudden fluctuation and you may be feeling a bit stubborn, rebellious, your emotions
explosive and uncooperative toward anyone or anything that represents the status quo.
Internally, you may feel like you are so ready to take a risk and just blow off conventional
If Uranus is retrograde in your natal chart, you fare more than ready to try something new
and are very likely to experience wide fluxuations in circumstances in the areas of life
represented by the house in which Uranus is placed even if your manner has a tendency to
hide it. You really do have a tendency to push thing to extremes there. You are actually a
catalyst for positive energies if you channel your rebelliousness into originality as you move
toward independence and personal freedom. Karma indicates that you are here to learn about
individuality, opening up to an attitude that change is very good and that personal
experimentation with the cultural order is as great way to shake this up.
Neptune Retrograde
Neptune goes into retrograde five months out of every year, a time when a lack of boundaries,
imagination, creativity and a desire to experience the pleasures of the moment can get the
best of you as logic is set aside replaced by feelings and intuition. There is a tremendous
amount of creative potential for you to achieve your dreams if you rise above your ego and
Neptune retrograde in your natal chart indicates that you could feel inhibited by the harsh
realities of the physical world, choosing to spend a lot of time in your own imagination.
Daydreams could replace active participation in life inhibiting your ability to realize your
potentials in the areas of life represented by the house where Neptune is placed. Substance
abuse can be triggered by a need to escape and you can fall prey to your own illusions if you
don’t accept people as they are and use your sensitivity to let go of limitations as you stay
connected to others.
Pluto Retrograde
* they get what they want by acting like they don't care
Pluto is the planet of complete transformation, upheaval, reversals, and bew beginnings, and
spends on average, five months out of the year in retrograde. is also a time of destruction and
rebuilding when intense situations and outside forces intervene. Be willing to go to extremes
and prepared to cut away the useless in those areas of life represented by the house your
Pluto is in, releasing what no longer serves you in order to regenerate your life.
Pluto retrograde in your natal chart indicates that you are here to learn karmic lessons about
intensity, control, and struggles for dominance. While you are wrestling with you own inner
conflicts, outside forces are likely to upset your life. You are likely to find public opinion can be
fickle, giving you little outward reason for blind trust in others. The people who make up your
world may revere you one moment and revile you the next. Part of your lesson is to refuse to
get locked in a battle of egos. Penetrate to the essence of the situation uncovering hidden
truth. Trust your instincts being completely honest with yourself. Forgive yourself and others,
but do not forget the lessons as you learn that you are the final authority. You may not always
be able to control what you face nor what is done, but you are in sole control of how you
• Mercury • Saturn
Retrograde 24 days Retrograde 140 days
Stationary approx. 3 Stationary approx. 10
days days
• Venus • Uranus
Retrograde 42 days Retrograde 150 days
Stationary approx. 11 Stationary approx. 16
days days
• Mars • Neptune
Retrograde 80 days Retrograde 160 days
Stationary approx. 20 Stationary approx. 16
days days
• Jupiter • Pluto
Retrograde 120 days Retrograde 160 days
Stationary approx. 10 Stationary approx. 16
days days