In this interesting world of astrology, “retrograde” is really a word used fairly often and usually preceded by mention of delays, interruptions, and an overall feeling that things are somehow going in the opposite direction. But what really does retrograde actually mean out there in the universe, and how can it be understood to influence one’s life at home and abroad?

Finally, retrograde motion in astronomy is an apparent change of direction of the motion of a planet from our planet’s viewpoint. Be aware that planets never actually begin moving backwards in terms of actual motion in their orbits. Instead, this “backward” motion is an optical illusion because of the relative velocities and positions of Earth and other planets as they orbit the Sun.

Use this analogy: you are on a faster moving vehicle overtaking a slower moving one on an interstate. Overtaking, the slower car might seem as if it is traveling in the reverse direction as compared to your faster speed, but it’s still traveling forward. It is the same phenomenon that occurs when Earth, whose speed in orbit changes, moves in front of some other planet and produces the optical illusion of the other planet slowing down and reversing direction against the zodiac background.

Beyond Mere Delays: The Astrological Significance

While the literal meaning of retrograde describes an optical phenomenon, the astrological meaning of retrograde is far more profound. Rather than literal reversal, retrograde phases are typically interpreted as occasions for interiorization, reflection, and exploration of the specific energies and themes that the planet in retrograde governs.

The following is an overview of what retrograde phases typically signify:

• Internal Orientation: Retrogrades facilitate internal orientation rather than external. The typical external expression of a planet’s energy is put on hold for some time, necessitating reflection and re-evaluation of internal processes.
• Re-view and Re-evaluation: These periods are prone to surfacing old issues, outstanding business, and repetitive patterns typical in the domain of the planet. Review, reconsider, and perhaps even rectify these problems is in order.
• Rethinking and Refining: Retrograde cycles provide us an opportunity to rethink our plan in areas affected by the planet. We can resubmit plans, revisit and revise projects, or rethink our attitude.
• Potential for Delays and Obstacles: The so-called “backward” motion can, sometimes, manifest as obstacles, delays, or resistance in the external world, primarily in the domain of the retrograde planet. It is not negative but a nudge from the universe to pause and watch.
• Retrograde Surprise Meetups: Old friends or situations can turn up during retrograde times, requiring closure, re-done relationships, or new insights.

The Effect of Different Planetary Retrogrades:

Every planet governs a section of our life, and so their phases of retrogression matter:

• Mercury Retrograde: Infamously linked with communication issues, technical breakdown, and travel hassles. It’s the time to double-check facts carefully, take care while signing important documents, and be patient when everything does not go according to plan. But it’s also good for editing, remembering in-progress work, and reuniting with old friends.
• Venus Retrograde: Affects love concerns, relationships, beauty, and values. We will find ourselves re-examining our relationships, our self-image, and what we really find beautiful and fun. Old relationships become very much in the forefront.
• Mars Retrograde: Affects energy, drive, ambition, and forceful action. We’re less energetic or have barriers in our effort to accomplish things. It’s a time when we need to look at our action style and how we direct our energy.
• Jupiter Retrograde: Connected to luck, expansion, wisdom, and belief structures. This retrograde is where we get a chance to study our philosophies, our perception of abundance, and our process of personal evolution.
• Saturn Retrograde: Pertains to structure, accountability, discipline, and long-range goals. Time is taken for us to study our commitment, boundaries, and structural support that we’ve implemented in life.
• Outer Planet Retrogrades (Uranus, Neptune, Pluto): Slower planets take longer to retrograde and have more general or societal energy, bringing changes in the world and revolutionary inner change on an en masse level.

Working through Retrograde Cycles

Rather than fearing retrograde periods, it is better to understand what they are all about and coexist with their energies:

• Construct Patience: Anticipate possible slowdown and learn to adapt to unexpected situations.
• Get involved in Review and Reflection: Make use of time to reflect and review again.
• Show Diligence: Especially during Mercury retrograde, pay close attention to communication and details.
• Finalize Current Working: Retrogrades can be the ideal times for completing pending tasks.
• Avoid starting New Initiatives: Initiating significant new enterprises during a full retrograde may be greeted by further resistance unless properly prepared.

Briefly, astrological retrograde motion is a strong symbolic period that reminds us to pause, glance, and reconsider the areas of our lives touched by the planet involved. In understanding this cyclical process, we are more able to move through these stages with greater awareness and apply their reflective potential for personal growth and increased knowledge, wherever our own journey leads us.

Also read: Moon in Gemini: Embrace the Social and Mental Buzz