What is The Meaning of Retrograde Planets

The astrological phenomenon of retrogrades is fascinating to observe in the night sky. But what exactly is the meaning of retrograde planets?

And more importantly, how do planets in retrograde affect your life?

In this blog post, explore the most important details for all planets when they are in retrograde.

Plus, discover how to simplify retrograde phases for your ascension journey. Keep reading to learn how to navigate retrogrades. 

When any planet enters into its retrograde phase, the energies from this shift affect people on Earth.

The reason why this happens is to help you focus internally on specific things that need to be addressed. Exactly what you should reflect upon depends on which planet is in its retrograde phase.

When any planet is in retrograde, it can easily cause a flood of emotions, sometimes intense as they rise to the surface to be dealt with. 

When a planet is in retrograde, it appears as though the planet is moving backwards across the sky.

This apparent movement is an illusion. It’s caused by the changing of positions between the Earth and the planet in retrograde. In reality, the planet is moving more slowly than usual relative to the Earth. 

Retrogrades occur for all the planets in the solar system. Although retrograde motion is an optical illusion, it can have a major impact on your life. Because the planets represent different areas of your life experiences.

It’s common to feel powerful influences placed upon your emotions and/or behavior. This is why it’s better to avoid making major decisions during retrograde phases.

By understanding these patterns of the universe, you can learn to flow with them, instead of struggling against them.

For example, Mercury retrograde often causes problems with communication and travel. During this time, you may unexpectedly have issues with phones or emails. Or even missing important appointments. However, you can also use this time to reflect on your relationships and how you communicate better with others. 

When you find out that a planet is in retrograde, remain calm. And view it as a time for personal growth.

Although it may seem like the universe is conspiring against you, retrograde planets are actually trying to help you.

The first step is to find out which planet is in retrograde. Each planet rules over different areas of your life. So understanding which one is affecting you can help you narrow down the source of your problems.

Once you know which planet is causing havoc, there are some things you can do to ease the impact.

For example, if Mercury is retrograde, avoid signing any contracts or making any big decisions.

If Mars is moving backwards, it’s wise to steer clear of arguments and confrontations.

By understanding the effects of retrograde planets, you can weather the storm by being prepared for what to expect. 

In astrology, the planets are divided into two groups: the personal planets and the social planets.

The personal planets include the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars. These are the planets that represent your individual side.

The social planets include Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Chiron. These are the planets that represent your collective experiences.

Understanding the meaning of each planet being in retrograde can help to navigate these challenges. And help to make the most of the opportunities that retrograde motion provides.

For example, retrograde motion can be a time for reflection and introspection. It can also be a time to review your past choices and make necessary changes. 

When a planet is in retrograde, utilize the lists below to know what to expect. And try to see how the retrograde motion is directly impacting your life.

Then, make any adjustments needed to heal, release, and improve your life starting internally. 

Personal planet.
Mercury is the ruler of communication and technology.
Retrograde occurs 3 to 4 times every year, and lasts 3 to 4 weeks. 

Click here to read a blog post with more details about Mercury Retrograde. 

Personal planet.
Planet of love and beauty.
Retrograde occurs every 18 months, and lasts 41 days.

Personal planet.
Planet of taking actions, passions, and determination.
Retrograde occurs once every 26 months, and lasts 72 days.

Social planet.
Retrograde occurs once a year, and lasts 121 days which is 4 months.

Social planet.
Planet of traditions, discipline, and long term progress.
Retrograde occurs once a year, and lasts 138 days, or about 5 months.

Social planet.
Retrograde occurs once a year, and lasts 151 days, or 21 weeks.

Social planet.
The planet of imagination, dreams, and creativity.
Retrograde occurs once a year, and lasts 158 days, or about 5 months. 

This social planet might be far away from Earth, but it still affects people energetically in a powerful way.

It’s the planet of major life transformations, rebirths, and shows you how to more powerfully manifest in your life.

Retrograde occurs once a year, and lasts 5 to 6 months. 

The asteroid Chiron fits into the social planet category. This asteroid is located between Saturn and Uranus, which are both social planets.

Retrograde lasts for about 157 days, or about 5 months.

Its energetic impact is felt by humans so significantly that it’s often included in retrograde calendars.

Chiron is an asteroid that provides humans with a significant amount of cosmic energy that can be as powerful as planets in retrograde.

It reveals your deepest fears along with where you feel vulnerable.

These are the types of wounds and struggles that can easily feel like they take a lifetime to overcome.

However, once you understand these struggles, then you can heal from them. Since these are often tied to soul lessons, ask the angels for help to recognize and understand the reasoning behind the struggles.

If you want to keep everything simpler, only follow Mercury retrograde. At the beginning of every year, make a note of when Mercury retrograde occurs for that year.

Mercury is the most important because of how it affects the technologies that we use daily. 

Click here to see a list of retrogrades for every planet. Their calendars currently extend out more than 70 years.

When you notice yourself being more affected in ways that seem out of the ordinary, then check to see if any other planets are in retrograde.

Navigating retrogrades is much easier when you know what to expect and know what to do during the retrograde phase. Keep calling upon angels for help when needed, and they will always show up to help you.