What does it mean when planets retrograde?
Because of our perspective, we see planets periodically appear to move backward in the sky because of their orbit around the Sun and how it interacts with the orbit of Earth, and astrologers call this retrograde motion. This creates approximately three passes, or transits, across several degrees in any one sign.
Let’s look at our opportunities during retrograde so you’ll know how to approach or work with it. Note that the below generally works for any planet except the luminaries, the Sun and Moon, which do not move in retrograde motion from our vantage point.
The first approach from a planet is direct
The first time a planet moves through a span of degrees in a sign, or most of a sign (if it is fast like Mercury), it appears to be moving in a forward motion that we call direct. We might only notice it if the planet makes an aspect to our personal planets or points. In that case, we experience an insight, a celestial communication, or perhaps a lesson in Saturn’s case. This may be a gentle, supportive nudge with more harmonious aspects like trines or sextiles, or something more in your face, like a breakup you didn’t see coming or an unexpected situation such as getting fired or your landlord suddenly deciding to sell their property; especially if they are in challenging aspects (squares, oppositions, and conjunctions) to your personal planets or points. Please know, I am not saying this is what will happen to you, but they are examples of situations that have happened to me or people I know during challenging transits from the malefics and the outer planets. Some folks do not experience it like this at all.
Generally, transits from the malefic planets Mars and Saturn bring problems to solve (this teaching is courtesy of one of my teachers, Austin Coppock). It may not seem like it when it happens, but my experience has shown that even though these challenges might be a serious PIA, it is in our best interest. I believe these events assist us in changing our trajectory, which might be pretty jarring if we’re not paying attention.
Personally, I’ve found the intensity varies based on my awareness of the malefic, what it does in my natal chart, and whether we’re conversing. This is why I love having a personal practice to provide opportunities for regular dialogue and develop ongoing relationships with the planets. Everyone gets to say what they need to, and they do not need to resort to extreme measures to get my attention. We’re already working* on it or in conversation about it, so there is no need for significant disruption because I am already tuned to a particular part of my life.
The second pass from a planet is retrograde
The second time planets pass through the same space within a period of time, they are retrograde. The length of a retrograde and the number of times it stations retrograde in a sign depends on its speed and orbit around the Sun. So you’ll notice the outer planets spend a lot more time here than planets we can see with the naked eye. But either way, this motion allows us to reflect on the event or insight and our reaction or response to it. Some thoughts or questions we may find ourselves pondering are:
What is important to me has become more apparent as a result of my experience during this transit
The way I am living my life needs some adjustment to be in alignment with my values
I have a deeper understanding of what this person, place, thing, experience, relationship, career, etc., means or does not mean in my life
Have my actions created the conditions or outcomes I wanted? If not, what might I change and do differently?
This review provides material for changes we want to make or experiment with. And those insights do not always materialize right away; sometimes, we’re just deep in the experience. Not only is that OK, but it is entirely normal, especially when multiple transits coincide. In some of those situations, the only way out is through. I find that I intuitively know how to move forward again when the planet that is causing me the most angst stations direct.
The third or final pass from a planet is, again, direct
The third time a planet moves through the same span of degrees of a sign, it is again direct. This is our opportunity to approach the situation differently or amend our actions based on our reflection or experience during the retrograde period. We get to try our new approach, see how it feels, and notice what changes occur.
By obtaining a copy of your natal chart, you can make note of your personal planets or points by sign and by degree so when astrologers talk about transits and retrogrades you’ll know if it pertains to you or not. Personally, I use this information to plan ahead. While life cannot come to a complete standstill, it is still helpful to know the time periods where I will likely want more rest, solitude, or time to process experiences or emotions.
The planets always invite us to deeper engagement and participation in our lives. The planet's retrograde or direct movement lets us know whether it will be a more introspective, reflective time or a more outward, action-oriented time. In sharing this information, my hope is that you’ll approach your astrology, and life, with curiosity and compassion.
*Work is a controversial topic, and it is Erin’s nature to enjoy (most of the time) “working” with the planets. She calls it work because it is not always easy. If your Tarot deck has ever called you out, then you know the type of energy she is talking about here. Think about the “work” it takes to create and maintain healthy relationships; that is the context Erin is referencing.
This journal entry was initially published in The Nature of Invisible Things, Erin’s Substack. Check it out and subscribe to be among the first to access Erin’s insights.