Retrograde

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Retrograde refers to the phenomenon of planets appearing to move backwards in the heavens from our perspective on Earth. This happens whenever the Earth passes a planet in its orbit around the Sun. As the Earth approaches the other planet, from our vantage point, it appears as if the other planet slows and then stops and then is finally perceived as travelling backwards.

In Astrology, a planets retrograde period is a time for people to reflect on the information and messages the planet imparts to us. It's a time to re-group, re-learn; it's a time to sow. Once the planet goes direct again, it is a time to plant, or to use the knowledge we have gained during the retrograde period.

If you are born with a planet in retrograde, it means that that planets energies and gifts are slowed or delayed. You have to work a little harder to bring them out than someone without that planet in retrograde.

All planets (not including the Moon) have retrograde periods:

Mercury: goes retrograde approximately three times a year for three weeks

Venus: goes retrograde approximately every 18 months for upwards of six weeks

Mars: goes retrograde every two years for eight to 10 weeks

Jupiter: goes retrograde once a year for approximately four months

Saturn: goes retrograde once a year for approximately four to five months

Uranus: goes retrograde once a year for approximately five months

Neptune: goes retrograde once a year for approximately five months

Pluto: goes retrograde once a year for approximately five months

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