In Short
In relation to Astronomy, the dictionary definition for Retrograde is: (verb) directed or moving backward. When a planet is retrograding, it appears to be moving backward from our viewpoint on Earth, even though it actually isn’t. Contrary to the popular terminology “in retrograde”, it is not something a planet enters (noun), it is an action that a planet appears to take. (glad we got this grammar lesson out of the way ;)
All planets retrograde, although some do more than others. Because each planet expends different energy and therefore influences different areas of your life, each planet’s retrograde effects will affect you differently. Retrogrades don’t cause your life to fall apart, they show you your uncovered wounds. When you get caught up in life, it’s easy to brush over things that aren’t serving you well or are hurting you emotionally. Retrogrades dig up what has been repressed, forcing you to face it so you can heal and move forward. For example, the hyper-popularized Mercury Retrograde doesn’t require you to back up your computer or screen texts from your ex, it asks you to evaluate strained relationships and think about how you feel about the way people communicate with you.
Purpose
Retrogrades dig up the wounds you have repressed, forcing you to face them so you can heal and move forward. Each planet’s energetic significance factors into the areas of life you deal with during its retrograde.
Intention
Mercury Retrograde
Mercury is the fastest-moving planet, therefore it retrogrades three or four times a year. Centered around communication and mental processing, it brings up hurt feelings over words that have been said, burnout, strained relationships, and stress.
Venus Retrograde
Venus retrogrades every eighteen months for about six weeks at a time. Venus’ retrograde forces you to evaluate whether you are self-sacrificing or selfish in your relationships. It also brings up old relationship wounds and your feelings about where you are versus where you want to be when it comes to romantic partnerships.
Mars Retrograde
Mars retrogrades around every twenty-six months, lasting a few weeks. Dealing with regret, they bring up wounds related to times you didn’t stand up for yourself or were too harsh on others in an effort to assert your needs. It helps you objectively see how you go about getting what you want.
Jupiter Retrograde
Jupiter retrogrades every nine months, lasting about four months. Its energy causes you to question your beliefs, encouraging you to let go of the ones that no longer serve you.
Saturn Retrograde
Saturn retrogrades around every twelve months, lasting four-and-a-half months. Its energy helps you evaluate the areas of your life that lack structure. Because Saturn is also representative of the father, Saturn retrogrades can also bring up childhood wounds related to your father figure.
Uranus Retrograde
Uranus retrogrades around every twelve months, lasting five months. It stimulates change, forcing you to address what hasn’t served you well in the past year. The things that need to be changed will feel intolerable and overwhelming to you during this time.
Neptune Retrograde
Neptune retrogrades every twelve months, lasting for around five months. One of the melancholiest retrogrades, it deals with themes of addiction, loss, and self-deception. It is the hardest retrograde to face because it aims to show you how you have let yourself down.
Pluto Retrograde
Pluto retrogrades for half of the year, every year. It is one of the most significant retrogrades, dealing with your subconscious thoughts, emotions, and gut feelings. Everything that has laid underneath the surface of your consciousness will come out and help you make decisions that honor your essential self. You can read my deep dive into Pluto’s annual retrograde here!
Integration
Maintaining awareness of which planets are currently stationed retrograde will help you navigate the energy you’re receiving! My favorite website to follow the dates of current retrogrades is Astro-Seek’s retrograde calendar.