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By Kylie
You’ll often hear astrologers talk about planets being ‘retrograde’ or ‘out of phase’. In its simplest form, a retrograde occurs when Earth passes a planet, making that planet appear to slow down, stop, then move in a reverse direction. It’s an optical illusion similar to that of passing a car that’s slower than yours. As you hoon on by and glance up at your rearview mirror, the slower car appears to be going backwards. It’s still chugging along of course in the same direction at the same speed it was, you’ve simply left it behind you in a cloud of dust.
"Depending on the sign a planet goes retrograde in and the house it affects in your natal chart, some effects can actually work in your favour."
When a planet is in ‘reverse’, the areas of life influenced by that planet often feel ‘out of whack’. It’s the Helter Skelter of the cosmic world. You’ll hear words such as ‘confusion’, ‘uncertainty’, ‘chaos’ and ‘disorder’ to describe the effects of a retrograde period – and certainly that’s true on some levels – but it’s not all doom and gloom. Depending on the sign a planet goes retrograde in and the house it affects in your natal chart, some effects can actually work in your favour. Generally speaking, the “opposite-is-true” rule applies. For example, when cosmic communicator Mercury is retrograde, those people (all you Geminis out there) who make conversation an art form, may suddenly struggle to get their point across effectively or without confusing everyone within a five-mile radius. On the other hand, for someone not quite as gifted with the gab, Mercury retrograde can signal a time when they feel more comfortable and at ease talking the talk.
Retrograde periods are also perfect for ‘re-doing’ – especially those things governed by the planet out of phase. Reassess, reflect, reconsider, re-examine, re-evaluate; even perfect Virgo can find something that needs to be reviewed and redone. Think of it as a time of rest and recuperation; a time to absorb and understand everything that’s happened up to that point. Retrograde periods don’t have to be disruptive; it just takes a bit more planning than usual to keep things on track.
All the planets – except the Sun and the Moon – go retrograde.
Mercury – Ideas, communication, perception, travel
Mercury retrograde can trigger personal misunderstandings, disruptive, incomplete or confusing communications (lost or misdirected mail, email problems, temperamental mobile phones), computer crashes, transport disruptions (strikes, breakdowns) and travel problems (delays, lost tickets and passports) to name a few. The common denominator is usually the absence of crucial information or communication. Mental clarity is affected as well (kinda like drinking too much wine), so it’s a good idea to postpone making important decisions or signing contracts and other legal documents while Mercury is out of phase.
Venus – Beauty, romance, love, fashion, wealth, social attitudes, pleasure
When the planet of nice goes retrograde, typical Venusian influences are suddenly less important. Leaving the house with no make-up on and wearing yesterday’s underwear? Venus retrograde. Deciding that orange is in fact ‘your’ colour and re-designing your entire wardrobe to suit? Venus retrograde. Organising the social event of the year and putting the wrong date on the invitation? Venus retrograde. You get the picture. Nice things just don’t gel when Venus is out of phase. Avoid refurbishing or redecorating your home, expect relationships to slow down or stall and for diplomacy to take a hike.
Mars – Passion, anger, action, motivation, physical energy, strength
Mars retrograde causes irrational behaviour, self-assessment (think critical analysis in a Bridget Jones kind of way), conflict within relationships and dissatisfaction with “the way things are”. On the plus side, this is the perfect time to rethink and readjust current projects so they’re more in line with your personal views, opinions and beliefs. If you’re doing something for all the wrong reasons, Mars retrograde is your one-stop-shop for stopping the something or changing the reasons.
Jupiter – Faith, luck, trust, abundance
There’s no such thing as a “sure thing” when Jupiter goes retrograde. Something that seemed certain can suddenly seem a lot less definite, projects can grind to a halt or at the very least experience delays and expansion on any level becomes difficult. Rather than pouting about though, this is a good time to find your inner wisdom and have faith that things will turn out for the best in the long run. Need to rethink travel plans (especially overseas), legal matters or philosophical and religious beliefs? Now’s as good a time as any.
Saturn – Rules, regulations, organisation
Thinking of changing your job? Don’t do it when Saturn is retrograde; maintaining the status-quo is all-important. Saturn is about structure; so now isn’t the best time to shake things up too much. You’ll also probably find yourself with added responsibility or extra commitments on your plate, whether you volunteered for them or not. Time management can be tough too as everything seems to take longer than usual. If you’re thinking of making ground-breaking, earth-shattering leaps forward, forget about it. Progress isn’t one of Saturn’s strong points. Instead, go over and consolidate the things you’re already committed to. Saturn just loves consolidation.
Uranus – Change, independence, technology
Uranus is the planet of insight and sudden, revolutionary change; it’s the rule-breaker, the freedom-fighter and the “don’t tell me I can’t do that” planet of the cosmos. When this troublemaker goes retrograde, it usually affects some area of your life that looks suspiciously like a comfort zone (hello Taurus). There is pressure to transform, and this usually involves a complete turn-around in your thinking and attitudes. A change is as good as a holiday or so they say; Uranus retrograde is now your official planetary travel agent. The key is to remain flexible and go with the flow. If you want to break free, it’s now or never.
Neptune – Intuition, dreams, fantasy
Feeling confused? Don’t worry, so is everyone else. When Neptune is out of phase, things aren’t always what they seem and logic seems to fly right out the window. On the bright side, Neptune retrograde can also help you see things without your rose-coloured glasses. Reality bites, but it’s refreshing. If you’ve lived with false expectations or illusions of how someone or something is (or should be), you may come crashing back to Earth with a thud; but the jolt will do you good.
Pluto – Transformation, extremes, inevitable outcomes
Beginnings and endings are Pluto’s specialty. When retrograde, Pluto can take the things that we hold onto most tightly away from us, without warning. Pluto doesn’t have a great reputation and admittedly his work is a bit on the dark side (think Darth Vader); but it’s important work all the same. Death and destruction are on the agenda (literally and figuratively-speaking), but so are rejuvenation and regeneration. Unfortunately folks, you can’t have one without the other. Learn to let it go.
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