Retrograde Planets

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 in 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 in retrograde.

For example, Mercury in retrograde is nearly famous for the communication problems it causes. Buying a car or a 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.

Each planet has a specific affect 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 generally emits will be turned inward. For example, Mars usually lends itself to energy and aggression but in retrograde tends toward 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. 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.

Before a planet can move backwards it has to stop and during this period it 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, retrograde's full effects won't diminish entirely until the planet actually overtakes the position it was in when it decided to go backwards! 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", as shown in the chart to the left, where six planets are so marked.

The first table below outlines the schedule 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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Planet	Begin Retrograde	End Retrograde	Begin Retrograde	End Retrograde	End Shadow Period
Uranus	14:48 Taurus	10:49 Taurus	20 August 2021	17 January 2022	5 May 2022
Venus	26:29 Capricorn	11:07 Capricorn	19 December 2021	29 January 2022	2 March 2022
Mercury	10:19 Aquarius	24:23 Capricorn	14 January 2022	4 February 2022	24 February 2022
Pluto	28:36 Capricorn	26:07 Capricorn	29 April 2022	8 October 2022	30 January 2023
Mercury	04:51 Gemini	26:05 Taurus	10 May 2022	3 June 2022	18 June 2022
Saturn	25:15 Aquarius	18:35 Aquarius	4 June 2022	23 October 2022	27 January 2023
Neptune	25:27 Pisces	22:38 Pisces	28 June 2022	4 December 2022	25 March 2023
Jupiter	08:43 Aries	28:48 Pisces	28 July 2022	23 November 2022	14 February 2023
Uranus	18:55 Taurus	14:56 Taurus	24 August 2022	22 January 2023	9 May 2023
Mercury	08:55 Libra	24:13 Virgo	10 September 2022	2 October 2022	17 October 2022
Mars	25:37 Gemini	08:09 Gemini	30 October 2022	12 January 2023	16 March 2023
Mercury	24:21 Capricorn	08:19 Capricorn	29 December 2022	18 January 2023	7 February 2023

Planet	Stationary	Rx Frequency	Rx Duration	Transit Effect	Natal/Progressed Chart Effect
Mercury	hrs - days	3X/year	3 weeks	Communications of all types, verbal and electronic, are disrupted or misinterpreted on all levels, including personal, business and legal. Paperwork gets lost or messed up, computers crash, appliances go out, cars break down. Anything purchased during this period is likely to never be "quite right."	You are likely to be frequently misunderstood or you may have problems with self-expression. You are likely to be introverted. When Mercury goes posigrade in your progressed chart, you are likely to "come out of your shell."
Venus	3-4 days	1X/18 months	6 weeks	Forces a good hard look at areas affected by Venus, i.e. romantic relationships and finances. Value system is likely to be questioned and may be redefined.	You may have relationship issues in that you either feel unloved, cannot accept affection comfortably or withdraw from your partner. You could also feel you never have enough money.
Mars	~ 5 days	1X/24 months	2 months	Emotions and energy are turned inward resulting in passive aggression & stress. Competitive nature is likely to be also turned inward, causing a person to compete more with themselves than others. Motivation and enthusiasm for a project can wane.	May have trouble asserting yourself, be overly shy, and unable to stay focused on goals. Allowing others to walk on you or expecting them to fight your battles for you are also possible. If/when Mars goes direct in the progressed chart, these can reverse and vice versa.
Jupiter	5-8 days	1X/year	4 months	Ethics reevaluated, religious beliefs questioned, philosophies revisited, often on a grand scale. Not a good time to travel as plans are likely to be disrupted.	May constantly seek the meaning in life and attempt to find spiritual values that never quite seem right. Can also be enthusiastic about worn-out ideas, but on the positive side may found hidden value or potential in certain situations or businesses. When/if Jupiter goes direct in the progressed chart, over-confidence can result in over-extending plans or finances.
Saturn	11-12 days	1X/year	4.5 months	Expect delays and the necessity of extra effort. Authority issues could arise. Projects you thought were completed will require rework.	Likely to have frequent conflicts with authority or feel persecuted. May fear approaching authority figures in general. If/when Saturn goes Rx in the progressed chart, may acquire a sense of "What's the use?" and sabotage your own achievements.
Uranus	2 weeks	1X/year	5 months	Expect the unexpected. Surprises and changes abound in events and behavior. Plans, no matter how firm, are likely to be disrupted. Introverts may become extroverts and vice versa.	Behavior is likely to be quite unpredictable, especially in areas affected by Uranus' house placement and/or aspects to planets in other houses.
Neptune	2 weeks	1X/year	5 months	Logic yields to intuition and creativity. As the planet of illusion, there may be more media emphasis on fantasy. More likely to be deceived or misled. Rather than feeling connected with others may feel isolated.	Can be very prone to living in a fantasy world steeped in idealism. May set unrealistic goals and not possess the logic required to meet them. Very intuitive and possibly psychic with a deep understanding of human nature. May be incapable of dealing with harsh realities and try to escape via denial or possibly alcohol or drug abuse. Strong affinity for the arts.
Pluto	~ 17 days	1X/year	5 months	Fresh starts/dead ends; destruction/ rebuilding. Can be heavy forces outside your control, i.e. war, weapons, government upheaval. May be forced to reevaluate what we value most or trigger intense soul searching and figurative digging through old baggage, especially when opposite or in conjunction with the Ascendant.	Abuse of power is common, either as the one being used and manipulated or the one on a power trip.