Retrograde

Definition

Retrograde is when a planet appears to move backward through the zodiac as seen from Earth. For the planets beyond us (Mars through Pluto), it happens when Earth, on its faster inner orbit, overtakes them; for the planets inside our orbit (Mercury and Venus), it happens as they swing between Earth and the Sun. The planet does not really reverse — it just looks that way from where you stand.

In Tradition

Western astrology tends to read a retrograde period as a time when a planet's usual outward expression turns inward instead. Traditional astrology goes a step further and counts retrograde motion as an "accidental debility" — a circumstance that weakens how effectively the planet can act.

In Practice

In a birth chart, astrologers treat a retrograde planet as one whose condition is modified — its energy worked through more inwardly. The cycles by transit are regular: Mercury turns retrograde 3 to 4 times a year for about 22 to 24 days each time; Venus does so roughly every 18 months; Mars roughly every 26 months for 60 to 80 days. The planets beyond Mars each go retrograde once a year, for progressively longer stretches. In horary work, mutual application — a direct planet and a retrograde planet moving toward each other — is considered an especially strong contact.

Historical Origin

Ancient astronomers knew this apparent backward motion well, and astrologers worked it into practice from the earliest Hellenistic period. Retrograde motion figures in the doctrines of application and separation set out by Ptolemy and by Dorotheus of Sidon (1st century CE).

Etymology

Origin: Latin. Meaning: From Latin retrogradus, composed of retro ("backward") and gradus ("step"), literally "stepping backward".

Further Reading

• Erin Sullivan, Retrograde Planets
• Anthony Louis, Horary Astrology Plain and Simple