What are retrogrades and how do they affect us?

A retrograde motion diagram

A retrograde happens when a planet appears to be moving backward in its orbit. It is not moving backward in actuality, but it appears that way because of the relative positions of the planet and Earth and how they are moving around the Sun.

• In astrology, retrograde periods are associated with various challenges and obstacles, but can also be beneficial. They vary from planet to planet because the themes and topics of each planet are all different. 

• It’s important to distinguish that retrogrades affect us on a collective level and an individual level and that many of us were born during retrogrades and therefore could have planets in retrograde in our own birth charts. 

• Many astrologers hold the view that if someone has a personal planet in retrograde in their birth chart, (Mercury, Venus, Mars) they actually handle retrograde periods of that planet better than those who do not have that planet in retrograde. I personally believe this to be true because I have Mercury in retrograde in my birth chart, and I tend to do quite well during most Mercury retrogrades. However, Mars in my birth chart is direct, and I tend to have a lot of trouble during Mars retrogrades, which I also attribute to Mars being in the 12th house in my birth chart.

• Here’s what it could mean if you have retrograde planets in your birth chart, plus what to expect during retrograde transits.

Mercury rx

Natal: A tendency to stutter, or to feel misunderstood in this life will come up. Mental processes may be affected by a lack of confidence or disorder. This usually shows the native hasn’t used their voice properly in the past life. The House where Mercury falls in is where the native needs to properly organize their thoughts around, and the zodiac sign is the energy that helps them make their voice heard.

Transit: Communicative and mental disruptions, being more error-prone, and overlooking big mistakes. Overall, this is not the best time to sign major contracts or make important life decisions. Look at the house being transited by Mercury to know which area of life is being most affected.

Venus rx

Natal: They may not enjoy romance, or the pleasures of life. They need to learn to be romantic and to look for harmony and beauty in the right connection. This usually shows the native hasn’t allowed themselves to enjoy the fun and beautiful aspects of life, so they have to forcefully learn to do so. The House where Venus falls is where the native can find more beauty in life, whilst the zodiac sign is what makes them particularly beautiful.

Transit: This is a time to reevaluate love and the relationships in our lives. You may also be compelled to focus on your appearance, aesthetic, and values/self-worth. Look at where Venus is transiting in your birth chart to know which area of life is being highlighted.
Mars rx

Natal: The native may not know how to show their anger in a healthy way, or how to stand up for themselves properly. This shows too much introvertism in a past life, or too much mismanaged anger and aggression in a past life. The house where Mars falls in is where the native must practice healthy assertion.

Transit: Adopting a more reflective mindset, planning vs. executing plans, hindered progress, past memories resurfacing, assessing how we use our energy and what we dedicate our time to. The house where Mars is placed in your birth chart can reveal which area of life is brought to attention.
Jupiter rx

Natal: They may not know how to enjoy the wisdom they gain, or how to fully appreciate the abundance they obtain in life. There is a push for them to enjoy life, to be optimistic, and to explore the beauty of life more.

Transit: Slowing down, reflecting, reevaluating the trajectory of your life, revisiting lessons and applying them, becoming more grounded, embracing spiritual practices.

Saturn rx

Natal: They may not have structure and discipline in life by default, and they need to willingly understand this and provide themselves with a routine and authority over their own life. This usually shows a repeated occurrence of not being disciplined in past lives. The house where they have Saturn is where they healthily need to find order and structure.

Transit: Shows us where we need more structure and discipline, themes of responsibility and “owning up” often emerge, as well as setting boundaries with others.

Uranus rx

Natal: Karmic pressure to trust their ability to be different and to innovate. The house where Uranus falls in is where they often find themselves standing out.

Transit: Reevaluating who we are, breakthroughs, inner restlessness, delays in desired changes and outcomes, unexpected insights, exploring what makes us unique and where we have been seeking to conform.

Neptune rx

Natal: Karmic pressure to trust their intuition and to avoid being deceived in the area of life where Neptune falls in. This shows carelessness and lack of awareness (self-awareness or otherwise) in their approach during a past life.

Transit: Experiencing confusion, questioning yourself and your judgment, reality tends to “hit” harder during this time, rude awakenings, creative and spiritual inspiration.

Pluto rx

Natal: Karmic pressure to be open to transforming, lots of inner transformation, a deep desire to understand oneself and the world around them, experiencing issues around power and control, they may struggle to see how powerful and capable they truly are.

Transit: Focusing on our shadow side/doing shadow work, major shifts and transformations individually and collectively, getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, heightened awareness.

Chiron rx

Natal: Healing and their embarkment on a healing journey could be delayed. They might have to turn to introspection and take a deeper look within to gain a full understanding of what their emotional wound is. Looking at your Chiron sign, but more importantly, its house placement in your birth chart is necessary in order to know where and what experience(s) this wound stems from.

Transit: Past traumas could resurface, this is a very reflective period, we are compelled to be more compassionate and empathetic with those around us.