All the planets move around the Sun in the same direction (counterclockwise) but they are in different orbits and traveling at different speeds.  Thus, at certain times they "pass" each other, much as you might pass another car on the freeway; the other car isn't really moving backwards, it only appears that way.  Thus, there are times when, from the Earth, a planet appears to be retrograde, i.e. moving backwards.  Like the slower car on the freeway, this is only an illusion, but astrologically it is considered retrograde and this phenomenon has specific effects, generally to internalize the energy.

Since planetary orbits are predictable, we know when this will occur.  And this is a good thing, because there are some things that you probably don't want to do when certain planets are retrograde.  For example, Mercury retrograde is nearly famous for the communication problems it causes.  Buying a car or major appliance at this time generally does not go well.  Pardon the expression, but it's almost as if a curse has been placed on them and they are prone to breakdown and malfunction on a regular basis.  Phone, cable, internet and computer problems in general are also common as well as misunderstandings between people, who are also affected since Mercury is the natural ruler of our thought process.  You can regularly see the increase in work for mechanics, plumbers and appliance repair shops during this time period.

Each planet has a specific effect when it goes retrograde, which has been compared by astrologer, Christine Shaw, to placing it in Capricorn.  Retrograde planets aren't only a nuisance during transits, but they can also have a specific effect if found in your Natal or Progressed Chart.  Basically, the energy that planet emits will be turned inward.   For example, Mars usually lends itself to energy and action but in retrograde tends toward stalling any action related to the house it's transiting or sometimes passive aggression.  Venus affects what we find pleasing in others or aesthetically but when retrograde, we have a hard time expressing our emotions in this area.  Consider that Venus retrograde is the goddess of war as opposed to the goddess of love.  The chart at the bottom of this page gives a brief summary of the effects of each planet, though books have been written on this subject so it is far from simple in its astrological effects.

If the retrograde planet is one of your personal planets, i.e. the Sun, Moon, your Sun Sign ruler and your Ascendant ruler, then the effects for you will be more dramatic than others.  Which area of your life will take the brunt of its wayward journey will depend on which House it's transiting and any aspects it may throw along the way.  Retrograde planets are indicated on astrological charts with an "Rx." 

Before a planet can move backwards it has to stop which is referred to as "stationing."  Once it starts to slow down the retrograde effects will be felt and they won't end until it stations again and resumes posigrade motion.  And sadly, the effects of any retrograde period won't entirely diminish until the planet actually overtakes the position it was in when it decided to go backwards, which is called the "shadow period."  Once the planet resumes direct motion you will typically become aware of what was transpiring in your unconscious and begin to take action upon it.  Often, by the time the shadow period ends you will have at least started and in some cases even completed the task the Universe brought to your attention. 

The first table below outlines the schedule for 2021 so you can mark your calendar accordingly.  The second one summarizes the various retrograde effects of each of the planets (except the Sun and Moon, which have the good graces to keep moving in the proper direction) so you can know what to expect and plan accordingly, at least as much as humanly possible.  More specific analysis of the effects can be done with your individual chart.

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