astrobabble:

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RETROGRADES!

The planets, including Earth always move in a direct motion around the Sun. But, seen from Earth it could look as if a planet is stationary – has come to a halt, not moving or even moving backwards.   This is simply an optical illusion caused by the fact we are looking at planets orbiting the Sun at different speeds from Earth. This backward course is called a retrograde motion.   There is less power and potential in a retrograde planet than there is in one moving forward.

Retrogrades favor reunion but not a return to an old situation because a reunion is short-term, not good for trying to restore or make something permanent.  A retrograde can also be an indication of information being withheld.  However, this depends on the planet that is retrograde and the sign it’s in.  Beware of start something new during a retrograde cycle.

When the planets after Saturn are retrograde, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, there is a degree of subtle sabotage, undermining, deceit, deception and things hidden, all of which often don’t reveal themselves until the planet has moved forward.  Below are examples of retrogrades from Mercury – Saturn and t heir effects.

MERCURY:  Frequent changes of mind, problems with travel, all forms of communication, siblings, relatives, business, projects, plans, ideas, study, health, employees/employers and potential for misunderstandings.    During this cycle Mercury favors dialogue with Self using modalities such as meditation. Retrogrades are always positive when focused internally as opposed to externally.  If anything is externalized it is unlikely to succeed.

VENUS: Problematic for love except when dealing with an existing relationship/friendship/partnership.  New relationships/friendships will not work out. Negotiations with others and contractual agreements will be broken.  The same  for peace treaties/diplomatic relations.   Social events should be planned for after the retrograde is over, as the event will lack the warmth needed for success and experience hindrance and let-downs.  

Venus also represents legalities and currency. Any plans to increase during this time will also fail or at least the financial reward would not be that much. Venus also deals with land and real estate.    Borrowing money/loans is’t a good idea either because the Financial institution will turn out to be unhelpful/not interested in giving out funds.  

Venus works well, when, without any outside motivations for success, an artistic pursuit is strived for, then great  personal enjoyment is derived from it without involving others.

MARS Mars represents action, energy, new beginnings and enterprise .  When the planet retrogrades all external action is inhibited.    Out of all the planets Mars is the one that influences people to take action immediately, especially during retrograde cycles.   If any  kind of initiated action is started during this particular cycle it will be left undone/unfinished because of impatience and rash actions.  Mars is the same as the others signs as it loses its positive external action during a retrograde.

Also if a new job is begun in a retrograde, hard work will go un-noticed and the person underrated.  Plus there is the strong possibility of conflict  with employers/employees.  People will be left unimpressed and consider the person useless.   Regardless of good intentions, Mars is very bad for starting wars or any type of conflict.  The person who initiates the confrontation will lose regardless of how long the action continues.  The same applies to legal matters.  Mars is the planet for causing trouble.    Anything connected to blood, surgeries, accidents, sharp instruments and quarrels will have a not very good outcome.  It’s not advised to engage in surgery either, unless it’s an emergency, because with Mars retrograde, excessive blood loss is a possibility.    Violence erupting is another Mars retrograde trait, leading to bloodshed.   Anything to do with cars should be handled with care too during this cycle.  Last but not least.  Marriage near or during Mars retrograde has the potential to be filled with conflict, difficulties and arguments.

JUPITER: Jupiter influences anything connected to higher education, philosophy, literary, publishing, other cultures, travel abroad, good luck, opportunity, expansion. All of these areas will be less favorable/successful during the retrograde.   Little good or anything positive will come form efforts made to move forward. If returning home or to a familiar location, things won’t go as planned and little if any progress made.  Moving should be done after the cycle is over.

Politics and political parties also come under Jupiter.  If a campaign is started during this time, the campaign will not succeed and the political party will probably lose.   If trying to create career success through expansion e.g a tour to gain popularity, nothing much will come from it.   Jupiter in retrograde withholds its benevolence.  Although when it comes to spiritual matters, inner development, without any intent to externalize, the outcome would be beneficial.   This is because the efforts would be solely based on inner growth and development of consciousness, then Jupiter retrograde brings success.

SATURN: A retrograde Saturn indicates, obstacles, difficulties, delays and very little co-operation from those in positions of power/authority.  The form or structure of anything new will be weak and be subject to problems and setbacks of all kinds.  Attention to detail is very much a necessity during this particular retrograde.  The best course of action during the four month cycle is to restructure what has already been created and focus on personal physical structure.