Gael’s Astrological Discourse on the value of Retrograding Planets

Making the best of the possibilities and how to move forward again

Here is the definition from the dictionary of Oxford Languages for the word retrograde ~

As an adjective: directed or moving backward

As a noun: a degenerate person

As a verb: go back in position or time

I love when a word has such potential. This one can be used as an adjective, noun and verb. I think I like it as a verb best. As many of you know I am a big fan of time travel concepts so going back in time resonates with me. Science Fiction is not my favorite genre, but I don’t necessarily consider time travel to be science fiction. To call it fiction would suggest it isn’t true, or possible. I’ve devoted great time to research on time travel concepts. I hope to write a short story compilation in the future.

Planets don’t actually move backwards around the sun. As the Earth orbits, passing a slower moving planet, or being passed by a slower moving planet, the slower moving planet appears to be moving backward. It’s illusory; but provides an energetic effect just the same.

During a retrograde period, it is time to slow down and take stock of your position, your path. It’s time for introspection which can shed light on that path forward with wisdom. This naturally assists in making smart choices with acknowledged intention. Having intention helps us take responsibility for our actions, thoughts and words. We are less likely to trip if we take care of the task of personal responsibility. I guarantee if you do, the retrograde periods won’t reek as much havoc in your life. The retrograde periods provide necessary and quite valuable opportunities for learning and growth. It is important to stand still, to slow down and access your experiences, actions and desires.

The how to retrograde bible suggests Re - anything. Reflect, Redo, Rethink, Redefine, Revoke, Revamp, Reconnect, Resolve, Review, Retrieve and Research…

You get it.

Excluding the luminaries, the Sun and Moon, and my favorite planet - the Earth, all the remaining planets retrograde. Mercury, the fastest moving planet, retrogrades every four months - these are the most well-known and talked about. Is it because of their frequency? Or is it because Mercury is our communicator, and a very personal planet, and communication is key to smooth encounters. The mainstream jokes about them and everyone starts blaming everything on Mercury Retrograde, all the while missing the opportunity to do some observation and house cleaning. I get it, but it’s frustrating. If a pattern keeps repeating itself, wouldn’t you want to examine it to change the outcome?

The closer a planet is to Earth the shorter the retrograde - which of course means longer retrograde periods for the planets further away. How often do these other planets retrograde and what can we expect? Let’s dive in - while remembering that these are valuable opportunities to recognize what isn’t working and to remove it from our life.

The time of frequency and length is approximate. When I say 2 years (24 months) it could be slightly extended.

Venus - Frequency: once roughly every 18 months

Length of Retrograde: around 42 days

Venus went Retrograde in Aries earlier this week (March 2) making a tight conjunction with Saturn. This provides us the opportunity to revisit our values (a very Venus thing) and ideas about relationships and if we are in one, our own personal relationship. It isn’t something your partner may have said or something they did that is causing you to focus on the relationship, it is Venus’ retrograde energy providing an opportunity to dive into yourself to determine if the relationship truly meshes with your desires and your values. It won’t move direct until April 13, but it shifts back into Pisces on March 28. Wait until this time to determine if the relationship is on a path of stability. This will be the time to make adjustments.

Mars - Frequency: once every 2 years

Length of Retrograde: about 2.5 months

It may affect your energy levels making you feel tired or unmotivated. Notice what boosts you up and what wears you down. Thoughts about your path forward may arise - reconnect with your goals and ambitions. Avoid outbursts of expression. Don’t be passive aggressive. Do self-care.

Jupiter - Frequency: once every year

Length of Retrograde: around 4 months

Listen to inner guidance and avoid overcommitting or indulging - especially where major financial decisions are concerned. This is especially true if Jupiter is transiting your second house. Avoid hastiness. Be mindful and deliberate. Reevaluate what gives your life meaning. Connect with your spiritual beliefs and values.

Saturn - Frequency: once a year

Length of Retrograde: between 4 - 4.5. months

It could be time to evaluate your long-term goals and commitments. Saturn is our task master. Saturn provides structure to our lives and urges us to take responsibility - to be good humans. If the structures in our lives aren’t working, or stable, it may become obvious during this time. Saturn retrograde provides the opportunity to rebalance and redirect our lives.

The outer planets affect the greater world collectively. Many issues that arise affect us globally. However, they will affect you personally if aspects are made to any of your natal planets, as well as through the house the planet is traversing. The true focus of the retrograde planet will be colored by the sign and element of the planet in retrograde. Once you learn about the energy of each planet, its ruler and the elements, this will make more sense.

Uranus - Frequency: once a year - approximately every 7 months

Length of Retrograde: around 5 months

Uranus is all about authenticity and the freedom to be our true selves - our belief that all humanity deserves this. If something is holding us shackled, this retrograde period will make it quite obvious. To what extreme would you go to feel independent and free? Uranus energy can be rebellious. If you aren’t paying attention, those shackles may tighten making you very uncomfortable. Think about what changes you could make that would free you. It’s okay to feel like an outsider and want different things than others.

Neptune - Frequency: Annual

Length of Retrograde: 5 months

Like the energy of Neptune, this retrograde period could be more subtle, perhaps beckoning you into deep self-reflection and spiritual alignment. You may feel disillusioned or confused - like you’re experiencing a deep inner fog. Confront the illusions and embrace your intuition. Feel your connection with the Divine. It can be a real wake up call. The goal is to create balance between what is real and what is fantasy. Fantasy and dreams are necessary to create the world we want to live in. What is possible? This comes, however, with the responsibility to discern between the two. Let the retrograde period allow you to experience some genuine focus on your softest, most vulnerable self. It’s is often in our dream state that insight can filter through.

Pluto - Frequency: once a year

Length of Retrograde: 5-6 months

Pluto is all about transformation and evolution. We may encounter the negative aspects of ourselves and witness society’s shadow side. Pluto energy deals with authority, recognition and power. What are our beliefs about these things? Do we feel powerful or powerless? What makes us feel this way? Time to get down and honest and to forgive. Forgive our past actions and those that did us wrong. Make a pact to move forward with this understanding on our true path.

I’m hoping this wasn’t too overwhelming. It’s best to take one step at a time. Mercury goes retrograde next week and my post just prior will focus on how to best work with the possible information that will come your way. It will help you know what to pay attention to and how to navigate obstacles. There is a shadow period prior to and just after the retrograde period for each planet. It provides important clues as to what to expect. It’s not that complicated but more for advanced students of astrology. If there is interest, I will cover it in my bi-weekly classes for my paid subscribers.

Important to note and remember is that the area of life that will be impacted directly will be the house the planet is moving through. Any aspects the planet makes to the planets in your natal chart will be awakened and there can be triggers. Remember though that simply by paying attention you can learn to work through challenges. Everything is not necessarily a challenge, good things come too, but it’s the challenges most people focus on or remember. Learning to pay attention through astrological understanding provides a path of personal growth. It guides us to achieve and become our highest self. Retrogrades provide the opportunity - a time out if you will, to reflect and reevaluate. The Universe beckons to dance with you. By paying attention you can learn the dance steps and how to effortlessly flow across the dance floor. I find comfort in my connection to the Universe. I hope you can to.

Disclaimer: I don’t follow rules regarding the capitalization of words. I do my best with punctuation, but I may be incorrect at times. The English language is difficult enough. The tedious harping of what is proper prevents creativity. It blocks the flow. I am though nit-picky about such things as using the appropriate word if classified as a homophone (to, too and two; and their there and they’re). We all have our specific quirks. I apologize if mine annoy you. I try not to criticize anyone’s expression. It’s hard enough to conjure the words, let alone spit them out ~ both verbally and written.