Free Astrology Lesson - January 2016

Retrograde Planets in your Birth Chart

Astrology studies the cyclical movements of the planets and their direct influence on human life. In astrology, the Earth is the “center point” of observation. That doesn’t mean other planets orbit around the Earth. Instead, they orbit around the Sun. In astrology, the Earth is the center of observation, but not the center of the universe.

Ancient astrologers were always fascinated when they contemplated the planets and noticed that, from time to time, they would decelerate, standstill and then change direction, either moving retrograde - backward through the zodiac - or returning to their normal direct motion. Even before modern astrology, these planetary changes in motion were immensely important, but not fully understood.

Modern astronomy and astrology discovered that the planets never actually change direction; they all orbit around the Sun. They also never decelerate, and most importantly they never really move backward. Retrograde motion in the planets is merely an optical illusion caused by our own perspective. We all observe the planets from Earth; our center point of view. The Earth and any retrograde planet, travel at different speeds causing this optical illusion. The Sun and the Moon never go retrograde.

When the Earth passes any planet outside of her orbit (the “superior” planets with slower motion: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto), the superior planets look like they are backing up in the zodiac. The inner planets (Mercury and Venus) are “inferior” planets because they orbit between the Earth and the Sun. They also retrograde more often than the Superior planets. Mercury can never be more than 28^o from the Sun and Venus can never be more than 46^o from the Sun. So, when we watch the inferior planets moving away from their distance to the Sun, they are getting ready to enter into their retrograde motion.

Let’s take Mercury, for example, he completes one orbit every 88 days around the Sun. Mercury travels faster than Earth does and retrogrades for three weeks after every four months. Thus, when an inferior planet with a faster orbit cycle passes the Earth on its way orbiting around the Sun, from our point of view, it appears as if Mercury or Venus are moving backward.

It is important to highlight that retrograde planets have different impacts on human activity than do planets in direct motion. Retrograde planets tend to have a deeper internal expression. People with retrograde planets in their birth chart sometimes feel like they have very personal issues related to that/those planet(s). So, the influence and energy of the retrograde planets are experienced in a unique way to the individual. Some astrologers think that people with retrograde planets have stronger links to the past or a heightened concern with past experiences and memories.

Inferior Retrograde Inner-Planets

When Mercury, the planet of intellect and communication, retrogrades in your birth (natal) chart, you might find yourself questioning and judging what others take as the truth, instead of carefully analyzing that information. When Venus, the planet of love and harmony, retrogrades in your birth chart, your concept of romantic love and beauty might be very different than most people, and you find yourself less interested in socializing and with not much desire to find balance and harmony in your life.

Superior Retrograde Social-Planets

When Mars, the planet of action, retrogrades in your birth chart, you feel like you are unable to turn your ideas into action. Your energy levels are lower than the typical Mars high-energy person. When Jupiter, the first social planet of growth and expansion, retrogrades in your birth chart, you have trouble relating to society as an individual, leading to antisocial behavior. You feel like your morals and beliefs are unique, and the most important. On the bright side, you tend to take advantage of opportunities that others ignore. When Saturn, the second social planet of structure and limitations, retrogrades in your birth chart, you might find difficulty in taking responsibility for your actions. You don’t seem to find a solution to delineate the areas in which you most need structure and organization. Saturn lessons are some of the hardest to learn and the longest to master. Most astrologers agree that Saturn retrograde is the most difficult.

Superior Retrograde Outer-Planets

When Uranus, the planet of change and individuality, retrogrades in your birth chart, your desire for freedom and individuality can lead to rebellious behavior. Be aware that your urge to follow your own path and not conform to the standards of society, might limit the freedom of others. When Neptune, the planet of dreams and idealism, retrogrades in your birth chart, you are deeply concerned and confused with your value as an individual. You might find yourself being needy emotionally and dependent on others. You may feel like you are falling apart and out of control, even if you are not. When Pluto, the planet of transformation and regeneration, retrogrades in your birth chart, you often experience Pluto’s powerful and unstoppable force without really understanding it. You feel like nobody understands you, and you can’t let go of your attachment to your illusions.

For planets in direct motion, please refer to our previous lesson, “The Planets, Part II”

Last, but not least, let’s all remember that you were born with an absolute free will and you always have control over your life. Your birth chart report can be a great tool for self-discovery, understanding, healing, and transformation.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year! We look forward to growing with you in 2016!