WHAT DOES RETROGRADE MOTION MEAN?

There is a very likely possibility that you were born with one or more planets in retrograde motion. Planets that are retrograde in your Natal Chart would account for why some things would come to you later in Life than others, such as; a fulfilling relationship or marriage, financial abundance, career opportunities, college, children, etc. If you have a retrograde planet in your Natal Chart, look up the retrograde planet in question on the planetary symbols page and adopt the positive attributes of that planet. Easy Peasy!

Further, forwarded e-mails that warn people of Mercury retrograde are really irritating because they aren't providing accurate information. Retrograde Motion is symbolized by the glyph Rx.

Retrograde motion is when it APPEARS as though a planet is actually moving in a backward motion due to the relation of the planet to the earth in its particular position at a certain point in time.

Mercury Retrograde Venus Retrograde Mars Retrograde Jupiter Retrograde

Saturn Retrograde Uranus Retrograde Neptune Retrograde Pluto Retrograde

Let's face it, planets are NEVER actually retrograde (moving backward) or stationary (stopped). This is a phenomenon due to the Sun casting a shadow on the planet making it appear as though it is stationary or that it is in retrograde motion.

Even when a planet "APPEARS" to be in retrograde motion its influence does not change, BUT your individual response to that particular influence of that planet may be different. Unless of course, you remember that this is merely an illusion. IT ISN'T REAL!!!

So how can you use retrograde motion to your advantage?

When a planet is said to be in retrograde motion, you can focus on the energy of the planet (like Mercury) and become more efficient in adopting its positive attributes. So when Mercury is said to be in retrograde motion and it appears communications are going to heck in a hand-basket, this is merely our response and not what actually is. Again, look up Mercury or the retrograde planet in question on the planetary symbols page and adopt the positive attributes of that planet.

The Sun and Moon are never retrograde or stationary. The North and South Node are ALWAYS retrograde.

Mercury is retrograde from January 28, 2008 at 3:24 PM EST until February 18, 2008 at 9:51 PM EST in the sign of independent and freedom-enjoying Aquarius.

Mercury is typically retrograde for 24 days and is stationary about 1 day before and 1 day after retrogradation. Mercury usually turns retrograde three times a year.

There is an illusion that communications go haywire and that the lines of communication are not working as they should when Mercury "appears" to go retrograde. When in fact, the same communication glitches "appear" day in and day out and we just handle it. Mercury brings an awareness and a detailed focus to communication. So instead of moving forward with what you "were" doing, the response to Mercury retrograde is to clean up that which you have not finished or clear out that which you have no intention of using. Clear the past and embrace the future with a clear mind. Mercury also rules the mind and thinking.

Since Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo, these two sun signs can (if they choose) take advantage of this energy the most by getting more detailed, organized and clear. This does not mean that the illusion does not affect everyone else because it does, IF you buy into illusions. Everyone has a Mercury placement somewhere in their natal chart. Mercury sits in one of your 12 houses. And Mercury also transits and progresses through your natal chart. Again, the illusion will affect you IF you buy into illusions.

Do not be afraid of Mercury retrograde. I have found it to be more of time for people to "blame" Mercury for what is happening rather than what is "really" going on. If you let areas of your Life slip, then Mercury Retrograde may just make you more aware until you decide to clean up your act. Embrace the illusion of Mercury Retrograde and channel the energy into "Project Clean Up My Act."

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Venus is retrograde for 42 days and is stationary about 2 days before and 2 days after retrogradation. Venus retro periods occur every eighteen months or so.

VENUS RETROGRADE: Venus was retrograde from July 27 at 1:24 PM EDT until September 8, 2007 at 12:10 PM EDT. This Venus Retrograde began its retrograde motion in Virgo and then turned retrograde in Leo on August 9 until September 8, 2007. The effects of this retrograde motion will be felt until October 11 because it will not be until October 11 that Venus returns to the same degree (in Virgo) that it was when it went retrograde on July 27, 2007.

Venus represents Love and beauty, therefore these two areas of our Life slow down and basically take a back seat. Old relationships may suddenly reappear, proper diet and exercise may be put on the back burner and basic beauty and hygiene regimens may not seem as important. Incidentally, this is NOT the time to have plastic surgery since it is a beauty business. There is just an overall lack of appreciation for all things that represent Love and beauty. This is not a Good time to shop for new clothes.

The feelings of Love are not as apparent as they once were during Venus retrograde. If there is unfinished business with a Loved one or a former relationship, the relationship or issue may resurface. If you are involved in a court battle and you are looking for a settlement, watch for a slow down because Venus naturally rules Libra in the 7th house of contractual relationships, marriage and business partnerships.

Venus retrograde re-surfaces and re-ignites unfinished business with past relationships or re-hashes issues with current relationships. During Venus Retrograde any new relationships developed over this time can feel like de'ja'vu, which in astrological interpretation is the recurrence of a past-Life relationship that was significant to us.

Venus Retrograde is a time when issues with Love and/or relationships needs to be settled once and for all. When Venus takes us "back" to the past, it is a time to clear the past and grow exponentially as a result of that relationship or Love, whether or not that 'Love' is still with us. It does not necessarily mean a reconnection or reconciliation but then again, it could mean just that.

During Venus Retrograde those who are already coupled up may suddenly become too busy for the relationship as they have better things to do with their time. Those who are single will learn more about what they need and desire in relationships than they have in the recent past.

Clarity in Love and relationships for those who are single is the end result of Venus Retrograde. And for everyone, our relationship with money during Venus Retrograde is also significant because how we utilize money reveals our true self-worth.

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Mars is retrograde for 80 days and is stationary about 2-3 days before and 2-3 days after retrogradation. Mars turns retro only once every two years.

Mars is the natural ruler of the 1st house because it naturally rules Aries which is Sun Sign ruler of the 1st house. It takes Mars about 2 ½ years to transit through all 12 signs. This also takes into account its retrograde periods. Mars rules activity and motion. It also rules men in a woman's chart. To a certain degree it also rules work and your health.

Mars affects your appearance and personality because it is the natural ruler of the 1st house. Mars is not only action-oriented and forward moving but it is resistant as well. Mars moves so quickly forward that it often has to retrace it steps, so there is a movement of forward and backward continually. This is exactly why most people with heavy Mars influence move forward quickly and then have to retrace their steps; thereby moving in a backward motion. This is why those with a heavy Mars influence or those naturally ruled by Mars (Aries is naturally ruled by Mars) have a a reputation as being a good starter but not neccessaruliy a good finisher.

Mars is associated with the color red. `

When Mars is retrograde, everyone's thought patterns are more introspective and we tend to think about ways of acting on issues and concerns which relate to the sign involved. With Mars retrograde in Cancer, people with Sun or Moon in Cancer, or Cancer rising, will be especially prone to such introspection. There is little choice but to reconsider personal views and opinions about life, for it presents an opportunity to gain insight into unconscious motivations. Since Cancer is a Cardinal Sign, the other Cardinal Signs, Libra, Capricorn and Aries, will also feel the effects most keenly.

Mars retro in Cancer generates a confused emotional state, placing those most affected at the mercy of the environment. Enthusiasm and inspiration seem muted, as anxieties develop around family issues, urging you to protect all things that make for security, comfort and luxury. Because Mars in Cancer normally generates a bold, independent and fearless nature, during the retrograde phase when nature is turned upon its head we should restrain the urge to exercise undue or tyrannical authority over everything and everybody within the home. Sexual desire is activated and sexual action intensified with passion is often associated with the urge to violence and control. Political leaders should also avoid becoming unduly concerned with homeland security and avoid imposing needless restrictions. This position makes the temper rather uncertain and there is a tendency for people to get restless, being inclined to change occupations.

Beware domestic troubles at home, frequent if not violent scenes and quarrels, child and spouse abuse, etc. It also indicates accidents by fire in the home due to carelessness or lack of past preparation. The danger from fire is further stimulated by the fact that Mars turns retro as he applies to the conjunction with the brilliant fixed star Sirius, the Dog Star, the brightest star in the night sky. Sirius is traditionally described as exhibiting the qualities of both Mars and Jupiter; among other things it awakens the jovian qualities of ambition, pride, fame, leadership, wealth and emotionality, but is also noted for the martial qualities of fires, drought, and danger through impetuosity. Although Mars does not turn in exact conjunction with Sirius, it happens well within the allowable orb. Sirius is located at a few minutes past 14° of Cancer, whilst Mars turns retro in the middle of the thirteenth degree, preventing the culmination of the aspect till next year. Mars will therefore not reach the partile (exact) conjunction with Sirius until April 9, 2008, after the New Moon in Aries (a Mars-ruled sign) so these characteristics are likely to be extended until Mars leaves Cancer on the 9th of May.

When Mars is retrograde in Cancer, indigestion tends to occur from eating foods that are too spicy because Cancer rules the stomach and Mars rules all things hot and spicy, including fires. During Mars retrograde, make certain you drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses daily) especially before you eat. Drinking water will offset any acid indigestion and reduce the tendency to overeat. Overeating is the potential during Mars retrograde. By the way, Mars rules acute and inflammatory infections as well.

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Jupiter is retrograde for 120 days and is stationary about 5 days before and 5 days after retrogradation. Jupiter is retrograde from from May 9, 2008 until September 7, 2008

I cannot stress enough how important it is to realize that retrograde motion is an illusion but the illusion is strong enough to influence our perspective. Since Jupiter is in retrograde motion right now in the sign of Capricorn, then let's look at the Capricorn motto, "I use therefore I am." Capricorn represents career, public image, recognition and status in the community. Capricorn is the utilitarian of the zodiac, so it is important to look at the Capricorn motto, "I use therefore I am" and see if you use, abuse, misuse or disuse.

When Jupiter goes retrograde, our perspective and perceptions change, which makes this a perfect time to go deep within ourselves for understanding, introspection and enlightenment. It may seem as though the energy stops or slows down significantly in the house that Jupiter is moving through in your Natal Chart. The best way to handle this energy is to go within and seek self-improvement. If Jupiter is "outer" on a global level, then retrograde motion would cause you to go "inner" or "inward" to seek answers. It's very cool when you think about it. What a great time to pursue and understand yourself.

This slowdown is commonly referred to in astrology as driving with the parking brake on. It's not like you can't move forward, it just feels strange, might smell a little bad but nonetheless, you are still moving forward until you stop driving with the parking brake on. Since the parking brake is set by the Universe, then you might have to take a different route . . possibly walk but you are still able to move forward. Not to mention, walking (or going inward) is still serving Jupiter's intended purpose. This has nothing to do with a car, it is merely a metaphor. You just have to slow down and get creative with how you will proceed forward. The speed at which you move might be slower but the slowness is for a reason.

This is a wonderful time to improve yourself so that you can be prepared to handle bigger, better and more when Jupiter returns to its normal state. Too much of a Good thing can actually cause problems. Just like the person who wins the lottery and does not take the time to gain a clear sense of self-perspective. Once they receive the money, they spend it haphazardly and end up worse off than they were when they won the money. The winner who embraces the internal reflection and seeks answers as to what to do with the money will ultimately prove to be a success. This is like the fable of the tortoise and the hare. The period of slowness that the self-reflecting winner voluntarily embraces rather than appearing on the news to reveal their winnings to the world will make all the difference in their future dealings.

Refrain from choosing fear when a planet goes into retrograde motion. The retrograde motion is an illusion where you naturally respond through perspective in order to upgrade your character with the house involved in your Natal Chart.

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Saturn is retrograde for 140 days and is stationary about 5 days before and 5 days after retrogradation.

Saturn Retrograde in Virgo from December 19, 2007 until May 2, 2008.

Folks, you must remember that retrograde motion is merely an illusion. Folks, it isn't real, although your response to it is real. I will give you several examples below to help you through Saturn 'retrograde' in Virgo from December 19, 2007 until May 2, 2008. Retrograde means 'backward' and when you think about it, no planet ever really moves backward. It is merely the Sun casting a shadow on the planet making it appear as though it has slowed down to the point of moving backward.

Example #2 way down below is ONLY for those who have Saturn Retrograde in their Natal Chart or if you have been abused. Take the information that I have in Example #2 and apply it to the house where Saturn sits in your Natal Chart in Example #1.

SATURN KEYWORDS: Fear, past, karma, patience, contraction (squeezing), effort, discipline, responsibility, restriction, teacher, taskmaster, lessons, hard, father, authority, seriousness, stability, caution, mature, concentration, endurance, work and persistence.

My Goodness! When you look at those keywords, you would think that Saturn is trying to tell us something. Those keywords make it clear that Saturn is set on challenging us to grow up, fly right and get our act together. Now what do you think will happen if you deliberately choose not to take responsibility and discipline yourself? Take a wild guess . . . then Saturn will do it for you. OUCHY! Saturn will teach you a lesson, just like a father and authority figure would do. Saturn has no problem getting out the belt and whacking your behind for your own Good. Saturn will ground you and take away your toys. No going out for you on Saturday night if you cannot behave and act responsible. Saturn will also cause you to hold others responsible for their actions. Especially those from your past.

Here we go . . . whenever I type the word "Saturn" below, remember all of the keywords that go with Saturn. Memorize these keywords and practice them during Saturn Retrograde in the house that is ruled by Virgo in your Natal Chart because that is the house that Saturn is retrograding through for you personally from December 19, 2007 until May 2, 2008.

Wherever you find Saturn retrograding in your Natal Chart is where Saturn will be holding you solely accountable. When Saturn is in retrograde motion this is where your actions and reactions will be addressed. The sign that Saturn is in (Virgo right now) is the house in your Natal Chart that will be most affected.

SATURN IN THE 1ST HOUSE - You may experience an early reticence to express yourself. You may be limited by feelings of inadequacy which spring from early childhood. You are responsible and reliable, and probably somewhat cautious. These issues will be revisited during Saturn retrograde and will need to be cleared. Also, please note, since Saturn is in Virgo, the house in your Natal Chart ruled by Virgo will also be affected.

SATURN IN THE 2ND HOUSE - You may experience feelings of emotional and financial poverty early in life. Later you will develop an ability to build up your personal resources through hard work. These issues will be revisited during Saturn retrograde and will need to be cleared. Also, please note, since Saturn is in Virgo, the house in your Natal Chart ruled by Virgo will also be affected.

SATURN IN THE 3RD HOUSE - Your communicating ability may have been restricted in early childhood resulting from a fear of expressing yourself. You may gradually build up a skill in communicating through your own hard efforts. These issues will be revisited during Saturn retrograde and will need to be cleared. Also, please note, since Saturn is in Virgo, the house in your Natal Chart ruled by Virgo will also be affected.

SATURN IN THE 4TH HOUSE - Home may not have been supportive early in your life, resulting in you feeling a lack of a firm footing in life. Later you may build up a solid foundation based on your own hard work, and your home life will become a solid base for you. These issues will be revisited during Saturn retrograde and will need to be cleared. Also, please note, since Saturn is in Virgo, the house in your Natal Chart ruled by Virgo will also be affected.

SATURN IN THE 5TH HOUSE - You may have experienced a lack of fun felt early in life, resulting in a reticence to relax or play later in life. You will find that structuring your creative work and recreation time is your best approach. These issues will be revisited during Saturn retrograde and will need to be cleared. Also, please note, since Saturn is in Virgo, the house in your Natal Chart ruled by Virgo will also be affected.

SATURN IN THE 6TH HOUSE - You have a need for structured daily work. You may have health problems early in life. A daily health program may be beneficial. You may also have good organizational abilities. These issues will be revisited during Saturn retrograde and will need to be cleared. Also, please note, since Saturn is in Virgo, the house in your Natal Chart ruled by Virgo will also be affected.

SATURN IN THE 7TH HOUSE - You may have a fear of commitment in relationships. Early in life you may have felt overwhelmed by one-to-one relationships. You will learn much through your intimate relationships. These issues will be revisited during Saturn retrograde and will need to be cleared. Also, please note, since Saturn is in Virgo, the house in your Natal Chart ruled by Virgo will also be affected.

SATURN IN THE 8TH HOUSE - You may have a fear of joint enterprises, feel overwhelmed by intimacy, or feel restricted in sexual expression. You will learn much through probing the deeper issues in life. You will learn much through your intimate relationships. These issues will be revisited during Saturn retrograde and will need to be cleared. Also, please note, since Saturn is in Virgo, the house in your Natal Chart ruled by Virgo will also be affected.

SATURN IN THE 9TH HOUSE - You may feel restricted in exploring the meaning of life. Later in life you may eventually mount a serious investigation into the philosophical or religious realms. These issues will be revisited during Saturn retrograde and will need to be cleared. Also, please note, since Saturn is in Virgo, the house in your Natal Chart ruled by Virgo will also be affected.

SATURN IN THE 10TH HOUSE - You have a fear of public failure, and approach your career with caution. After early setbacks you will become hard-working and respectable in your chosen profession. These issues will be revisited during Saturn retrograde and will need to be cleared. Also, please note, since Saturn is in Virgo, the house in your Natal Chart ruled by Virgo will also be affected.

SATURN IN THE 11TH HOUSE - You are shy in groups of people and have a handful of serious friendships. You may carefully select your friends, or socialize mainly with colleagues. These issues will be revisited during Saturn retrograde and will need to be cleared. Also, please note, since Saturn is in Virgo, the house in your Natal Chart ruled by Virgo will also be affected.

SATURN IN THE 12TH HOUSE - You fear anything hidden. This may be because you feel that your own boundaries are constantly threatened. A serious examination of hidden realms may help you to conquer your fears. These issues will be revisited during Saturn retrograde and will need to be cleared. Also, please note, since Saturn is in Virgo, the house in your Natal Chart ruled by Virgo will also be affected.

1) Example #2 - Those who HAVE Saturn Retrograde in their Natal Chart and those who have been abused.

They are the ones who rebel against authority. These people will not be pushed around. They typically have father issues and have probably gone through a time when they did not even believe in the Ultimate Father (God). Those with Saturn Retrograde are often victims at the hand of someone who was in authority or someone who had power over them. When these people grow up . . they are PISSED OFF, with an emphasis on the "pissed" and "off". Sorry, but there was no other way to say it. They have a chip on their shoulder. These people have been violated. During Saturn Retrograde, the feelings from that legitimate anger may return if the individual has not yet dealt with it and the probability of the victim holding the abuser accountable will happen during Saturn Retrograde. Confrontation is inevitable if the individual chooses to put the responsibility where it should be in the first place. Keep in mind that abuse in astrology shows up in many forms in the Natal Chart. This is just one of them. Also, abuse in astrology is either sexual, emotional, physical, neglect, fear (intimidation) or chemical. In astrology, abuse is abuse and no one form is worse than the other because it is still abuse.

When Saturn goes retrograde affecting those in Example #1, because they naturally have Saturn retrograde in their Natal Chart, the illusion is that they are holding everyone else accountable and not really the person who did the abusing. This is a perfect example of an abused woman who holds all men accountable when it just isn't true. That is the illusion. She will often seek out men just like the abuser in order to gain the Love that was not properly given in the first place. If this illusion has not been properly addressed, the feelings may return in order to address it once and for all. In this instance, the illusion is that all men are created equal. The reality is they are all different.

These individuals (male or female) with Saturn Retrograde in their natal chart are tough and they are typically arrogant because they rebel against authority, which is also an illusion. They are really reserved, alone, shy and introverted. They will voluntarily isolate themselves from others (family and friends) because they are not understood by them. That's because they are not telling others their personal abused business. The healing will come when they realize that it was not their fault once and for all, thereby turning to a higher authority figure than the one they encountered here on the planet . . . namely, God the Ultimate Father. These people will become very spiritual and closer to God as a result. If that is what they choose. It's all free will. The free will of one person affects the free will of another person. A person with this a Retrograde Saturn in their Natal Chart will now have to learn responsibility and self-discipline because it was not taught properly to them. YOU MUST ACCEPT PERSONALITY RESPONSIBILITY for all of your 'free will actions and reactions', otherwise it is a Life of blaming the abuser and everyone else for who you are. You must overcome this.

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Uranus is retrograde from June 23, 2007 until November 24, 2007

Uranus is retrograde for 150 days and is stationary about 16 days before and 16 days after retrogradation.

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Neptune is retrograde from May 24, 2007 until October 31, 2007

Neptune is retrograde for 160 days and is stationary about 16 days before and 16 days after retrogradation.

This is a time where reasoning and all logic may be tossed aside in favor of mysticism, intuition and the esoteric. Dreams, visions and fantasy take over and it is important to use these gifts rather than escape into a dreamlike state through drugs and alcohol. This is a time where drug and alcohol abuse may run rampant, at the same time those who choose the alternative will build their intuition and be able to interpret their dreams more fully.

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Pluto is retrograde for 160 days and is stationary about 16 days before and 16 days after retrogradation.

Paybacks are hell. What house is Capricorn in your Natal Chart? Actually, Pluto will retrograde so far back that it will retrograde back into Sagittarius on June 15, 2008 and remain in retrograde in Sagittarius until this retrograde period ends on September 8, 2008. After all, Pluto is only at 1 degree 9 minutes before it retrogrades. Pluto is the higher octave of Mars, which represents volatility, power, betrayal, battle, enemies, jealousy, cruelty, selfishness that can easily turn into ruthlessness and weaponry. You may just feel as though everyone and everything is working against you. Pluto has the ability to bring your worst fear standing in front of you as you finally look at it face to face. If you have not corrected your past or still have some deep issues in the house that Capricorn and or Sagittarius rule, then paybacks just may be hell. It will be best that you rectify any issues that you have on your own or what you have done, especially if you have done something to someone else before Pluto Retrograde calls you on your stuff and pays you back. Check your Natal Chart for the area that Capricorn rules at 1 degree and then on back to Sagittarius at 28 degrees during the whole Pluto Retrogradation.

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