Retrogrades
Cycles
As astrologers we can look at each year in many ways. During any given year there are the natural planetary cycles.
We also note the retrogrades as a background ebb and flow similar to radio static from the Big Bang.
On top of this, we can consider more specific movements of the transiting planets and then drill down to a closer inspection of your particular chart, it’s unique placements and the personal effects that you experience.
Retrogradation of the Planets
Retrogradation is the optical illusion of a planet stopping and moving backward and after a while turning and going forwards again. We see this because of our moving viewpoint from planet Earth.
A planetary station is the exact time and position that a planet turns direction either from forwards to backward (stations retrograde SRx) or from backward to forwards (stations direct SD).
All planets except the Sun and the Moon have retrograde periods.
Note: Having a retrograde Sun is an old astrology joke so don’t get caught nodding sagely to that old chestnut.
During the whole year, there is always at least one planet retrograde. It really is a natural state for us to experience and not the dreaded time that many believe.
Embrace each planet’s retrograde period and make the most of the natural slow down that all planets experience during any given year. As above so below.