What happens when a Planet goes Retrograde?

Most planets go backward at least once a year, so planetary retrogrades happen often. When viewed from Earth, a planet in retrograde appears to be traveling backward in the sky. Because of how far apart Earth, as well as the planets, are in their orbits around the Sun, we see them appear to be closer together than they are.

Imagine you are on a train and pass another train that is going the opposite way. From where you are, it looks like the other train is going backward. But you recognize that the second train is going in the right direction. This happens because your point of view depends on how you move.

When a planet appears to be moving backward in its orbit, this does not signify that the earth is genuinely changing its orbital path.

Retrograde periods can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Mercury, Venus, and Mars have shorter retrograde periods and happen more often. Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, on the other hand, have retrograde periods that are longer and happen less often.

Planetary Retrogrades and Their Effects

In Vedic astrology, the traditional affiliations and meanings of each planet are used to determine how that planet’s retrograde time affects a particular domain of life and a collection of topics.

It’s possible that during a planet’s retrograde period, its energy may be experienced as being more introspective or reflective, and that its influence will be felt more intensely in the spheres of life that are related to that planet.

The following is a summary of some of the possible meanings that might be derived from the retrograde motions of the various planets according to Vedic astrology:

Mercury retrograde:- Mercury is the planet of connectivity, transportation, and the mind. When Mercury is retrograde, it can cause delays or problems in these areas, or it can be a good time to think about these things and work on yourself.

Venus retrograde:- Venus is the planet of love, partnerships, and values, so when it goes into retrograde, it could bring changes or obstacles in these aspects, or it may be a good opportunity for reflection and internal research about these things.

Mars retrograde:- Mars is the planet of action, confidence, and desire. During its retrograde phase, starting or pursuing goals may be harder or take longer, or it might be a good time for introspection and inner work about such factors.

Jupiter retrograde:- Jupiter is linked to growth, expansion, and wealth, so its retrograde period could bring obstacles or delays related to expansion and growth or it might be a good opportunity for reflection and internal work related to these things.

Saturn retrograde:- Saturn’s retrograde period can bring delays or difficulties with matters of discipline and organization or it can be a time for introspection and inner work on these topics, given Saturn’s association with these themes.

Take into account that these are only a few instances, and that the meaning of a retrograde phase will vary depending on the astrological sign in which it happens. Various Vedic astrologers could have distinct views about what retrograde periods mean and how important they are. In the end, what these periods mean and how important they are depend on what you believe and how you interpret them.

How long each planet's retrograde periods tend to last:

• Mercury: Three weeks approximately

• Venus: approximately two months

• Mars: approximately two and a half months

• Jupiter: four months approximately

• Saturn: approximately five months

It’s crucial to keep in mind that because of the planets’ irregular orbits and other reasons, the actual length of a retrograde period may differ slightly from these averages.

The period of a retrograde phase can also be determined by the planet’s proximity to the Sun, in addition to the Earth’s and other planets’ positions in their orbits.

Conclusion

It is essential to remember that the astrological understanding of retrograde periods should be seen as a metaphorical or symbolic foundation for comprehending the energy and forces at play on the planet. Various astrologers might well have different ideas about what retrograde periods mean and how important they are. In the end, what these periods mean and how important they are depend on what you believe and how you interpret them.