Due to the arrangement of the planets in concentric orbits around the Sun, it sometimes appears from our vantage point on Earth, that a planet is moving backwards in the zodiac, a condition called “retrograde.”
A retrograde planet is a special situation in astrology. The planet is not behaving normally, therefore its astrological effects are not per its usual manifestation. Yet, when retrograde, a planet is at its closest to the Earth, bright in the Heavens, therefore stronger than usual and accordingly, is powerful for effects.
For astrological interpretation, retrograde planets need to first be divided into two categories:
- Retrograde in the natal horoscope
- Retrograde in transit charts
In the natal horoscope:
When you have a retrograde planet or planets in your birth chart, the energy of that planet is not expressing itself outwardly so clearly. Instead, the planet manifests in a more subjective manner, i.e., with a more personal, inner experience of its energy. The theory is that something from a previous life needs to be “gone back over.” The retrograde planet represents an experience that wasn’t finished, which seeks to be resolved in this lifetime. The essence of that retrograde planet needs to be more fully grasped for the soul to proceed with its evolution. The outward, material manifestations of the retrograde planet are in some way limited, and /or delayed in the person’s life, until the inner awareness is completed.
Mercury Rx: Good for abstract knowledge and writing, but not as good for speaking and dialogue with others. The rational mind is usually quite perceptive, but due to withholding communication, the intelligence is less obvious to others.
Venus Rx: Strong personal aesthetics and unconventional creative expression often make these people artists. Idealism or an unconventional attitude regarding love leads to problems finding satisfaction in relationship.
Mars Rx: The planet of energy and action is being held back, resulting in delaying or deferring action until forced by external stimulus. The aggressive energy of Mars is experienced inwardly, resulting in a buildup of pressure, which can suddenly explode. Sometimes there is great determination to get the seemingly impossible done, and therefore the potential for great accomplishments.
Jupiter Rx: Morality, ethics, and beliefs are constructed internally, are more individualistic, and therefore less in line with society’s norms of behavior. The material signification of the planet of prosperity is not realized as much, or delayed until later in life. Since the planet of opportunity is retracing its steps in the zodiac, people with Jupiter retrograde are good at picking up on opportunities passed over by others.
Saturn Rx: The energy of the planet of structure experienced inwardly leads to strong resilience, endurance, steadfastness, but also a chronic adherence to pre-formed attitudes. The person becomes less adaptable, less flexible, and therefore suffers when the external situation requires change.
Uranus Rx: The planet of freedom and rebellion, turned inward, gives a need to rebel against oneself. This can lead to extreme individualism, and even self-destruction, if Uranus is in a negative placement.
Neptune Rx: The planet of dreams and illusions, expressed inwardly, makes one inclined to retreat into a subjective world of fantasies. If affected by negative planets, retrograde Neptune can make one overly suspicious, even doubting oneself, creating paralyzing paranoia.
Pluto Rx: When driven inward, Pluto’s Shiva-like quality of destruction and regeneration can produce real spiritual progress, if it is in a good position in the chart. In other cases, Pluto’s signification of power gained through generational identity, can reverse, making one the ultimate outcaste.
Retrograde planet in Transit
As distinct from the fixed natal picture, transiting planets are the constantly changing positions of the Heavenly bodies in the zodiac. When juxtaposed against the static picture of the natal chart, they form another set of factors that foretell events. As with the natal chart interpretation, the retrograde planet’s significations are not manifesting normally. By calculating where the retrograde planet’s path in the zodiac will land when transposed to your natal chart, the astrologer can predict what sorts of effects it will have on your life.
There are three phases to the transiting retrograde planet’s influence on a natal chart.
The first phase is the initial contact with the area and /or planet in the natal chart; that portion that the planet will subsequently go back over.
Next comes the actual retrograde motion, where it “backs over” the natal planet and corresponding area of the natal chart.
The final phase happens when the planet returns to normal forward motion, and for the third time, crosses over the natal planet or section that it initially covered.
The usual effects of this 3-phase process are:
- the planet introduces itself by bringing up some issue or creating an event in your life.
- the planet during its retrograde phase “revisits” that issue or event, which may also entail delaying the resolution or realization of the action.
- having returned to direct motion, the planet again advances over the natal planet and area of the zodiac / portion of your chart, which causes the final resolution or fructification of what it signifies.
Generally speaking, if you have some important project or event that you wish to initiate, it is better to schedule it when the concerned planet is not in its retrograde phase, since the birth chart of that endeavor will forever be plagued by the significations of that planet not operating
normally. For instance: beginning a construction project when Mars is retrograde results in the project continually running into technical obstacles and delays.
Mercury goes retrograde three times in an average year, for approximately three weeks each time. When the planet of Rational Thinking, Communications, Equipment, and Business Transactions, stops operating normally, it leads to all sorts of annoying events. If Mercury goes retrograde over a natal planet or sensitive point in your chart, the problems center on the person or activity signified by that natal planet. By tracking what house or planet in your chart is affected, you can know what to expect and take countermeasures to minimize the difficulties. When the planet of “business” is going in reverse, it is a good time to finish up old business (i.e., pay bills, clean out the closet, etc.)
Venus goes retrograde for approximately 6 weeks every year and half. The planet of Romance going “backwards” makes people re-examine and reconsider their relationships. The planet of Negotiations held back makes it harder to reach an agreement. The planet of Advice and Counsel operating abnormally results in poor advice. Since Venus represents Value, when it is retrograde it is harder to determine the true value of something (i.e., not a good time to make an important purchase). If Venus while retrograde is contacting one of your natal planets, the significations of that planet, and the relationship it represents (e.g., Moon is Mother, Sun is Father or Boss) will be strongly affected.
Mars’ retrograde phase lasts 11 weeks and happens every other year. The planet of Energy and Action is very problematic for starting new projects when it is retrograde. The new endeavor gets held back, and may even backfire. It is more appropriate to use this time to go back to an unfinishedproject that still needs to be completed. The house in your chart where the retrograde Mars is transiting shows what area of your life needs to be “re-worked.” Transiting over a natal planet, retrograde Mars causes all sorts of problems with that planet’s significations, since Mars is the planet of anger, aggression, and destruction.
Jupiter is retrograde for about 4 months each year. The planet of Opportunity retracing its steps in the zodiac suggests checking back with opportunities that did not pan out initially. The planet of wisdom revisiting the part of the Heavens it just passed through suggests finding wisdom by reviewing the past events in your life. In its initial forward movement contacting a natal planet, Jupiter will present an opportunity that concerns the significations of that natal planet. During the retrograde phase the opportunity will appear to be withdrawn, and then resurface again when Jupiter returns to its normal forward motion.
Saturn is the planet of Structure. We can think of Saturn as “Defining” a particular area of your life. When it is going backwards, it is a time of slowing down and redefining the part of your life signified by the house it transits through. Saturn goes through a retrograde phase for approximately 4-1/2 months every year, giving us plenty of opportunity for reconsidering things in our lives.
Saturn is the planet of Pressure. When in forward motion and influencing a natal planet or house in your chart, it puts pressure on that planet’s/ house’s significations. When Retrograde, Saturn is “backing off,” i.e. the pressure is less, allowing you time to self-reflect
or re-define the problem initially presented. In stage 3, when it returns to normal forward motion, the issue must be resolved.
The outer planets, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, move so slowly that their retrograde phase is barely noticed, unless there is an exact conjunction with a natal planet in your chart. In that case, there will be effects, which will generally be disruptive, and hard to control.
love your site!
A fine article
Thank you for that info that came at the right time. I do readings and felt a very strong past Life connection for her in a past Life before I looked on the Net for info on it and you popped up. That took me to my children and family, which took me quickly to a deeper understanding of them.
Love, Light, Peace
Barbara Blount
PS. if you would like a short reading, love to return the help you gave me
thanks Ron, i have mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn ,Mercury all retrograde in my natal chart?
it means that i would not achieve what i want in this life ?
Thanks
When a chart has three of more retrograde planets, success is delayed until late in life. It also indicates a strong internal belief system, i.e., one is not susceptible to the conventional societal structure. Multiple retrograde planets indicate a lot of karma from past lives that needs to be resolved. Oftentimes the lack of success impels the person to pursue a spiritual life.
Yup, I have five planets Rx in my Western natal chart. This describes me. I used it to study self-healing of unresolved unconscious disturbances. Along the way, 40 years, became a competent Health Intuitive. So I found a way to use it to my advantage.
Hello Ron,
I’ve Saturn as Rx in Scorpio in 6th.
What does this effect? For this reason I’m told to wear a Blue Sapphire.
Waiting to hear from you.
Dev
A natural malefic planet in a dusthana house like the 6th is highly problematic. Much depends on the other details of the chart, but generally, it is not good to boost the power of a malefic planet in the 6th house.
Dear Ron, could you please write about combustion? I have many doubts about its implications.
Thanks a lot for your teachings.
Blessings, vamsi
Thanks for your suggestion to write an article about combustion. It is an often misunderstood topic in astrology. I will add combustion to my list of “articles for the future.” Hopefully I will get to it at some point.
Hello Ron,
Great article. Accidently landed on it during Google search on retrograde planets. I’ve Saturn Rx in Aquarius (5H), Ketu (3H), Jup (8H), Ve,Ma, Ra (all in 9H), Su (10H), Me (11), Mo (12H) of birth chart. What does this effect? I’m told to wear a Emerald and Cat’s Eye.
Waiting to hear from you.
Renee
Gem therapy is not an exact science. Different charts react differently, some people are more sensitive than others, different gem specimens have different strengths. The best technique is to tape the gem to your finger and try it out for a few days, then take it off, and see if you noticed any effects.
Hi Ron,
I have Saturn, Neptune & Uranus all retrograde in the 5th House, Capricorn. I also have Pluto retrograde in 3rd House, Scorpio, and Node retrograde in 6th House, Aquarious. What does this all indicate and what should I do ?
Thanks !
The only way I can give an true interpretation of positions in a chart is to study the whole chart, with all its different factors, and then make an assessment. If you want to order a reading, go to: livingskillfully.com/astrology_readings
I have retrograde mars in 10th house. What should I do ? What are it’s indications?
Planet of combat in the 4th house of Home Life is difficult. Retrograde Mars probably worse. Best for retrograde Mars is to find an outlet through physical activities, competition, etc. to “bleed off” the build-up of pressure.
retrograde mars in 10 may create some problems in career in periods governed by mars. however though yr mars is in 10th sign it may actually fall in 9th house or bhava in a kp chart, in which case it will affect higher education, travel or father
A Retrograde Mars in the 10th house of the natal chart will always be a problem; worse during a Mars period or sub-period, or when activated by a transiting planet. However, if there are beneficial effects on the 10th house, then the retrograde Mars can have favorable effects. Mars is the planet of Logic & Strategy, and becomes stronger in these areas when retrograde. As for the Bhava chart, or KP chart, these techniques are always secondary to the main Rasi Chart. Bhava chart can help to understand secondary effects of natal planets. It’s similar to checking the Vargas (harmonic charts): we get more details by consulting derivative charts.
Good to know!
Sir,
It is my pleasure to be in touch with you. Great article on reintegration. In fact all articles I read have some really useful, meaningful and very knowledgeable. I have Arise ascendant. Ketu in 3(H),Moon and Jup(4) H,Sun, Mercury(6), Saturn,Venus in (7) and Rahu,Mars in(9) houses.
Gemini ascendant and Jupiter Rx in 4th house and Mercury Rx in 9th house. Currently mercury->rahu->Jupiter period going on . Can you suggest something please. I am quite in health issues right no. Please help a bit.
Thanks Ron
I do not do “off the cuff” readings. My readings are detailed, taking in all factors present in the natal chart, and making careful predictions. Doing quick evaluations only results in inaccuracy, and gives Vedic Astrology a bad name. Therefore, if you want an accurate assessment of your predicament, you should consider Ordering a Reading.
Very interesting and informative. I have four planets in retrograde!
Multiple retrograde planets often indicate a life that does not produce so much on the material plane, but more for the intangibles / non-material. Therefore it is very rich on the internal levels.
hi Ron,
Read your article on retrograde planets and found it very informative.I have retrograde saturn in 10th house in my birth chart . Also undergoing sade sati period now as i am a scorpio rasi.
Pls let me know what can be the effects of it m facing a lot of issues in career and been jobless for past 1.5 yrs
Saturn is the planet of Responsibilities and Burdens. Wherever it transits in your birth chart, you are faced with more pressure and need to buckle down and Work things out. If Saturn is particularly negative for your chart it can bring out its worst, which is Suffering. Saturn can go so far as to deny you something connected to the house it transits through, or the one opposite. Retrograde Saturn can be especially bad, if it is in a negative position. Saturn changes signs in January 2017, going into Sagittarius.
Very Interesting article …m have more than 4 planets in retrograde despite of being over educated m jobless n also a totally failure in my personal life…surely will become monk one day…one query ….do retrograde planets in delibilated sign also prove bad as according to ancient vedic astrology they act as an exalted sign ….
Retrograde planets are strong, but not operating normally. Therefore their effects have to be analyzed with care, with all the details considered. In general, a person born with multiple retrograde planets will experience more success later in life, rather than sooner. Retrograde planets tend to manifest more of their non-material significations; the material significations (marriage, success, etc.) are not denied, but are delayed.
Ron,
I have Mercury in 5th in Gemini ( 62 degrees ) Rx ( Sun,Venus and Mars at 66 Degrees). Saturn (Asc. Lord ) (at 0 degrees and 23 Minutes in Aries ) ( With Moon at 10 Degrees in Aries ) Jupiter at Leo .
All planets, between Rahu ( 27Degrees Pisces) and Ketu.
Can you guide what is the area of my past karma that i should resolve in this birth?
Rgds,
A correct interpretation of a chart is only possible by considering All of the details of the chart. Predicting on the basis of partial information only results in an incorrect answer.
i love this sight. u give me lots of information that I can clearly understand. thank you. you have made my day better.
Good Artical. I have cancer ascendant, moon in 2 nd house, Mars and Saturn together retrograde in Libra a forth house, Ketu retrograde in 5 th house Vergo, Jupiter retrograde in 6 th house, Sun, Venus and Mercury all together in 10 th house Arise, Rahu retrograde in Tauras 11 th house. Will I face the malefic effect of mars and Saturn. What should I do 4 that. Please reply. I am facing lots of difficulties in life. Should I go for gems therapy? How do I reduce the malefic effect of any planet.
There is no simple answer to your problem. Please consider ordering a full reading for an analysis and predictions.
Can you please elaborate the subject “Retrograde Planets in natal Chart and in transit” separately to understand easily. How it is linked with Past Life? pl. Clarify in detail. It is one of the subject which is not dealt with clearly & elaborately
A retrograde planet in a natal chart indicates something that is 1) Delayed and 2) Needs to be “Gone Back Over.” Since it appears in the natal chart, this energy pattern is manifesting in this lifetime. It can be debated whether or not it is indicating something not finished in a Past Life, but that, of course, cannot be proven. What is certain is that the significations of that retrograde planet will require more attention, more effort to be productive, than would be the case if it were not retrograde.
I am fond of astrology and often read my horoscope at https://horo.io/. I agree with you that the retrograde period is the best time that the universe gives us to work on mistakes. Time to think about some past situations that you would like to change and correct what you think has been violated.