What Really Are Retrogrades? – Times of India

Retrogrades are one of those things in astrology that very often pique our interest and simultaneously perplex us. Astrologically speaking, a retrograde occurs when a planet appears to be moving in a reverse position from Earth. Technically, it is an optical illusion: The difference in orbiting speed by the various planets causes that backward motion, but astrologically it means a great deal. A retrograde is considered to be a time of reflection, reviewing, and re-evaluation— when the energy of the planet involved is getting internalized rather than being radiated outward.
What Happens During a Retrograde?
A planet in retrograde shows its usual influence in an entirely different manner. Most of the time it will hamper the forward momentum of the planet and is sure to create delays, confusion, or bring up unresolved issues. These are themes ruled by the planet requiring deeper attention. When Mercury, the planet governing communication and travel, is in retrograde, for instance, we experience a significant number of misunderstandings, technological break-downs, and travel plans are simply delayed.
Retrogrades aren’t bad in themselves. They provide us with the ability to step back, reflect on what we’re doing, and sometimes reassess our approaches in the areas that the retrograde planet governs. It’s a time for tying up loose ends, for correcting previous mistakes, and for new views on old problems.
Retrogrades and Their Effect
Since the planets express different kinds of influences, so do the results of being retrograde. Inner planets: Mercury, Venus, and Mars make for shorter retrogrades and typically affect personal life much more strongly. Outer planets-Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto-are in retrograde many months of the year, and generally have much less direct impact, working on matters closer to the system and collective themes rather than on personal, day-to-day details.
Ultimately, retrogrades are a cosmic reminder to slow down, reflect, and correct your course. Aligning with the introspective energy of retrogrades may help us in turning those pause periods into periods of personal growth, clarity, and transmutation.