What is a retrograde in astrology?

A retrograde reframe

Of all the viral topics in astrology, retrogrades inspire the most discussions, memes, and misconceptions. In the age of clickbait, it is not surprising that these periods are often portrayed in a negative light and can even cause panic. While it is wise to enter a retrograde period in advance and have adequate contingency plans, we at CHANI tend to take a more balanced perspective. Retrogrades also offer their own gifts, such as opportunities to refine, revise, and explore the finer details. They can also provide us with opportunities to reconsider our ideas and completely change our minds.

Do planets really move backwards?

When a planet is retrograde, it appears as if it is moving backwards in the sky from our vantage point on Earth. Appears is the key word here. In reality, this is a visual effect caused by a difference in planetary speeds, just as a car in the lane next to you appears to be reversing as you pass it. Visual trick or not, the illusion of backward motion often reflects our experiences during these times. Symbolically, retrogrades manifest in our lives as reflection, introspection and recurring memories – but also as annoying delays or setbacks.

How every planetary retrograde is different

The planets farthest from the sun, such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, are retrograde for about half a year. For that reason, retrogrades don’t have much of an impact on our individual lives – unless the planet is retrograde or stationing directly at a level where you have a major natal planet or point. Although planets appear to be extra charged around the days they station, the planets mentioned above will manifest their themes more clearly on a collective or global level.

The planets closest to our central star – Mercury, Venus and Mars – have characteristic retrograde cycles and tend to affect us personally. Whether it’s in our daily exchanges, relationships, or energy supplies, these retrogrades are causing a stir — from delayed flights (thanks Mercury) to a return of the exes (hey Venus).

Here’s an overview of how all the different planetary retrogrades affect our lives.

• Mercury retrograde: During Mercury retrograde, communications, travel and daily tasks become disoriented and stuck. Misunderstandings are common and technology has a tendency to go haywire. However, Mercury retrogrades also provide excellent times for revision, editing, and careful planning. Spending time at the drawing board during a Mercury retrograde can be quite productive – especially when the messenger planet connects in a cazimi with the Sun, which occurs halfway through each retrograde period. As the fastest moving planet, Mercury goes retrograde three to four times a year.
• Venus retrograde: During a Venus retrograde, our relationships with people, beauty and pleasure come under scrutiny. These times are excellent opportunities to go inward for love and reaffirm our essential needs for partnership and intimacy. Venus retrogrades occur every 18 months and repeat every eight years in the same sign. Over time, Venus’ cycle follows a five-pointed star (or five-petaled rose) in the sky, befitting a planet so concerned with harmony and aesthetics. Like Mercury, Venus forms a cazimi (that auspicious conjunction with the Sun) halfway through its retrograde period. This day is usually a great day to rediscover your connection with love, creativity and your unique beauty.
• Mars retrograde: During a Mars retrograde, which occurs every two years, our will, drives and desires may feel thwarted or hindered. Mars retrogrades can be frustrating and aggravating times. Moreover, we are more likely to suffer from exhaustion and burnout. But it also supports us in exploring our relationship to anger, passion and motivation, and teaches us that anger does not have to be harmful or corrosive. When channeled constructively, it can be an energizing force for good. Even as our vital energy wanes, Mars retrogrades offer crash courses in setting boundaries, conflict resolution, recovery, justice, and self-defense.
• Jupiter retrograde: During a retrograde Jupiter, our dreams, growth opportunities, and wisdom activities need to be recalibrated. These can be times of spiritual doubt and realignment, when we are asked to consider life’s deeper questions. One of the more distant planets from the Sun, Jupiter spends half of each year in retrograde.
• Saturn retrograde: During a retrograde Saturn we delve into issues of authority, discipline, parental archetypes and boundaries. Our long-term plans may be revised, as may our responsibilities and obligations. Like Jupiter, Saturn spends half of each year in retrograde.
• Uranus retrograde: During a Uranus retrograde, our rebellious drive, innovations and relationship to change are reexamined. This is a moment to balance innovation with time-honored paths. Like Jupiter and Saturn, Uranus spends half of each year in retrograde.
• Neptune retrograde: During a Neptune retrograde we often struggle with deep spiritual questions or waves of disillusionment. If you’ve found yourself feeling disillusioned, this period can help you replenish your ability to dream and trust a higher power. Like Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus, Neptune spends half of each year retrograde.
• Pluto retrograde: During a Pluto retrograde, a process of transformation or evolution may require reflection. This can lead to your relationship with your inner strength changing for the better. Like the other outer planets, Pluto spends half of each year in retrograde.

Tips and tricks for every retrograde

1. Play your focus inward. Although external opinions will be more distracting during these times, we also gain deeper access to our inner wisdom – if we listen.
2. To get comfortable with the fact that you don’t have all the answers yet. By loosening your grip on the timelines, the information you want will appear exactly when you need it. And you might end up answering a few questions you didn’t even think you’d ask.
3. To learn to love the process, with all its loose ends, instead of fixating on the outcomes. There’s nothing like a retrograde to reveal which systems need strengthening. Better late than never, right?
4. Make a backup your devices and sample all your texts and emails. Glitches tend to increase during retrograde periods. It pays to be prepared.
5. To get your introspection. Reflection will lead to fruitful course corrections and a deeper understanding of the patterns that repeat themselves in our lives – and how we can reverse them when adjustments are needed.
6. Laughter is medicine. By reframing the inevitable negatives and setbacks of retrograde periods as a comedy of errors, you might even have some fun.

In a society obsessed with machine-like productivity, retrogrades remind us that introspection and rest are crucial parts of any growth cycle. Yes, retrogrades can sow confusion, delays, and delays regarding the mission of the planet involved. But these ringing sounds in the story also give us time to pause and integrate the lessons of that planet.

Only when we let go of control over the process do our creative and intuitive abilities come back online. Meaning becomes more associative and we learn to look within for wisdom. We have the freedom to collage and remix something inspired by the pieces of whatever has been left undone.

Looking for more information? Read your daily horoscope:

Ram | Taurus | Twin | Cancer | Lion | Virgin | Scale

Scorpion | Archer | Ibex | Aquarius | Fishing

Then download the CHANI app iOS or Android for additional horoscopes, meditations, affirmations, readings for the current moon phase and sign, and more.