Going Retrograde

Every now and then you may read in your horoscope that a planet is going retrograde. What does that mean? It means that from the point of view of an astrologer standing on the surface of the Earth, it looks as if the planet appears to be suddenly slowing down or traveling backwards (although it really isn't). The sun and the moon do not go retrograde, because they always appear to be circling the earth.

When a planet goes retrograde, that generally means that planet will not exert as strong an influence as those planets that appear to be moving forward. This can often signal that changes are in store. Change is not in and of itself a good or bad thing – it's just change. So, when you hear that a certain planet is going retrograde, it's not the end of the world (so to speak). It just means that you should get ready for some changes.

Retrogrades are a goods time to take a break in whatever area the planet influences in your life. For example, Venus is generally associated with ruling the romantic aspects of a person's life. On average, Venus goes into retrograde about every year and a half. This would be a good time to take a good look at where a relationship is going and if you wish to continue it or work at it some more is supporting your passions in life.

When you read in a horoscope that a planet is going retrograde, take note not only of which planet it is but how long it stays in retrograde. Mercury, for example, goes into retrograde for three weeks at a time. In contrast, Pluto goes into retrograde for just over five months.