The Planets, Retrograde, and You
In astrology, the chart of an individual and the planetary affects are impacted and influenced by their spin and movement. Typically, from our perspective here on Earth, planets rotate on a forward path. There’s a brief period, called the stationary period, when the planets slow and appear to have stopped moving altogether. But at times, after resting in a stationary position, planets will also appear to be spinning backwards. This phenomenon for astrologers means that the planet is in retrograde.
Jupiter
It takes 12 years for Jupiter to travel around the Sun. It pauses into a stationary position for 5 to 8 days. It’s retrograde period lasts for about 4 months or so, approximately once each year. Jupiter rules over your need to grow, expand and learn.
One of the two social planets, Jupiter can affect people in a very holistic manner. This retrograde causes society to reevaluate ethics. Spiritual beliefs and positions are questioned, laws and acceptable or unacceptable behaviors are re-evaluated. Jupiter’s retrograde reminds us we’re all interconnected, as a society, culture and people. From this view point we see more of the things we have in common, instead of differences. We look at those behaviors that may have once been unacceptable, or had a stigma to them and find compassion and acceptance.
Jupiter is also a ruler of travel. When in retrograde, travel plans are often adversely affected. Even the best well laid plans can fall apart. Luggage can be lost, means of transportation can develop mechanical problems and reservations can be mixed up or canceled.
Mars
Mars requires 687 days to travel one cycle around the Sun depending on the time of year. It’s stationary for up to 5 days. Its retrograde period happens every 2 years and it stays in this state for 2 to 2 and a half months. Mars rules over physical needs or physical expressions of emotions.
As the Planet of War, when Mars is in a retrograde period it can create anger and discord. Often it turns inward and people go through periods of great self doubt. Passive aggression, inner angst, stress and anguish are all contributions of the Mars retrograde. This inner angst can be released in unhealthy ways, and directed at others. Such as creating illness, heightened stress, an increase in conflicts and severe road rage. But people who are fairly balanced individuals, both in emotion and nature, may not be as affected by this retrograde as others might be. But be assured that no one escapes it’s affects. Short tempers can be applied to even the most calm and patient people.
Mercury
The Mercury retrograde is perhaps the best known retrograde. It requires 88 days to make a complete pass around the Sun and remains stationary for anywhere between a few hours or a few days, depending on the time of year. This planet goes into retrograde 3 times a year for about 3 weeks each time. Mercury has the highest frequency of retrograde, but stays in this cycle for the shortest length of time. Mercury rules over communication and thought or thinking things through.
Communication is greatly affected by this planet’s pull. During this period, individuals may find their messages can be conveyed through other less familiar mediums. Messages may be misunderstood; whispers may be overheard and mail or email may be misdirected. Reviewing legal matters can become confusing, or unclear. Public speaking can become difficult, and those giving speeches can be easily misquoted.
You may find it easier to provide self-expression through other forms rather than verbal or written.
Neptune
It takes 165 years for Neptune to circle the Sun. It can spend 14 years in each Sign of the Zodiac. and remain stationary for about 2 weeks. Neptune goes into retrograde 5 months out of every year. Neptune rules over logic and the importance of balance or the flow of life.
When in retrograde, logic falls to the wayside. People gain an increased interest in intuition or esoteric matters. Dreams and psychic abilities find new followers, as people beginning to analyze their inner natures. New outlets of communications come to the surface as artistic abilities get expressed.
Neptune is also the ruler over bacteria, viruses and the immune system. So when it goes retrograde, allergies may kick up or worsen. In addition, children who are given vaccinations during this time, can develop stronger reactions to the drugs. Many people will suffer with an over-sensitive immune system and can develop more serious diseases.
Pluto (Yes, Pluto may not be classified as a planet anymore but it’s still important)
It takes 248 years for Pluto to rotate around the Sun. So this planet can spend up to 21 years in each Sign. It typically spends 17 days in a stationary position and about 5 months in retrograde during each Earth year. Pluto rules over generations, learning from each generation to the next. It also rules over history and learning from the past.
Pluto’s retrograde brings change, with fresh starts and dead ends. During this period, things we hang onto the most can suddenly be taken away causing us to reevaluate what we value most. Change can occur through destruction and rebuilding or rejuvenation and regeneration. Outside forces are at work as well, including government upheaval, weapons and war. Change can often be difficult, and sometimes being forced into change is the only way to push some people forward in life.
Saturn
Saturn’s average cycle around the Sun is 29 and a half years. Its stationary period, lasts for about 11 or 12 days. And once a year it goes retrograde for about 4 and a half months. Saturn rules over status or your desire to protect your position, in life or in opinion/belief.
One of the two social planets, Saturn slows everything down. But in retrograde it can be a tough taskmaster. It can make us work harder or take longer to think things through, for both our actions or the events occurring around us. There are no short cuts during this time period and detailed plans shouldn’t be rushed. Take time to breathe and do things right the first time.
Issues with authority may also be in the forefront during this retrograde. Working on legal matters, such as contracts or deals may be delayed. Deadlines may be extended and may find yourself working on something you thought was already complete.
Uranus
Uranus takes a full 84 years to orbit the Sun. It’s very long year can cause this planet to remain in each Sign of the Zodiac for about 7 years. The stationary period for Uranus is 2 weeks, and its retrograde lasts for about 5 months out of every Earth year. Uranus rules over motivation, goals and originality.
Uranus in retrograde, suggests you expect the unexpected. Surprises come out of no where. This can be wonderful or undesirable, depending on the situation. Uranus is the odd ball of the planets in our solar system. It can bring whims of fancy that amaze and amuse. Or it can come with chaos either externally in the world or internally to the individual.
At this time, some people might find their wilder side coming to the surface, or the outgoing person can become uncharacteristically shy. Extreme variations or opposites in your personality are not uncommon and you’ll find yourself behaving very differently than other people perceive you.
Venus
Venus revolves around the Sun in 225 days and remains stationary for 3 to 4 days. Every 18 months or so, this planet slips into retrograde for approximately 6 weeks. Venus rules over relationships and feelings.
A Venus retrograde focuses on romantic relationships and intimate emotions. Suppressed feelings may come to the surface and you might find new ways to expressing them. People may reevaluate what they want, from life and from those around them. And during this retrograde, they may also seek these new desires elsewhere. Even individual value systems can come into question. What we valued most may seem unimportant, or what we disagreed with before can some how not seem so bad or different. We may find ourselves re-evaluating the meaning of personal views, such as friendship, love, intimacy or even spiritual beliefs.