While the phenomenon of Mercury in retrograde receives a great deal of attention, it’s essential to recognize that other planets also engage in this backward dance.
In reality, all planets do so, and many individuals are born with retrograde planets, including Jupiter, Mars, Venus, and Saturn, situated within the houses depicted on their birth charts.
Surprisingly, this fact is less widely understood compared to Mercury’s retrograde, yet it wields a significant influence on one’s life.
During a planet’s retrograde motion, it appears to reverse its course, though this apparent reversal is an optical illusion arising from Earth’s accelerated movement past these planets in their shared orbits around the Sun.
Furthermore, retrograde planets draw closer to Earth than at other times, intensifying their astrological impact. This intensified influence can be positive or not-so-positive, contingent upon the specific planet involved.
When planets undergo retrograde, typically “benefic” planets radiate heightened positivity, while “malefic” planets can bring about heightened disturbances.
Identifying Natal Retrograde Planets
To ascertain how these retrograde planets might affect you on a personal level, employ a natal chart calculator to access your birth chart. If none of your planets bears an “R” label, this indicates that you lack natal retrograde planets, and you can proceed to the following section.
For those with retrograde planets, let’s explore their implications for you.
Note: The following discussion covers the five major planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn—for now, excluding the outer planets, as they don’t govern houses. Additionally, the Sun and the Moon are never retrograde.
The influence of retrograde planets manifests under two circumstances:
If a planet was retrograde in your birth chart, it exerts a lasting impact on your life.
When Earth surpasses a planet in its celestial journey, initiating significant shifts in your personal cosmic configuration. For example, when a “benefic” planet like Venus in your chart assumes retrograde motion, you might encounter heightened passion, romance, and indulgence—potentially bordering on obsession or an “addiction” to love, sensuality, or even material luxuries.
Conversely, the retrograde movement of a “malefic” planet such as Mars could usher in intensified aggression and impulsiveness, inclining you towards daring decisions devoid of due consideration.
Natal Mercury Retrograde. If you were born during a Mercury retrograde, your intellectual acumen and affinity for communication, learning, reading, writing, and discourse are pronounced. Your distinct viewpoint often diverges from that of your partner, leading to a tendency to overanalyze their words and actions.
Cultivate connections with intellectually stimulating companions and foster a vibrant social life involving regular interactions and travels.
Natal Venus Retrograde. Your predilection for pleasure, creativity, and enjoyment is pronounced when Venus retrogrades in your chart. You excel in the realms of visual arts and design, showcasing your talents in fashion, decor, cuisine, and creating enriching experiences.
Your focus on relationships and sensuality sets you apart, potentially giving your love life a unique quality or leading to delays. You seek a romantic partner who resonates with your refined tastes and standards.
Natal Mars Retrograde. Endowed with athleticism, ambition, and competitiveness, you also exhibit a susceptibility to impatience, restlessness, impulsiveness, and anger. Participation in physical activities like martial arts or rigorous exercise proves beneficial, and exercising prudence before significant decisions is essential.
Mindful communication assumes paramount importance in relationships. If kind words aren’t feasible, opt for tactfulness. Prioritize the cultivation of a profound connection before entering a committed partnership.
Natal Jupiter Retrograde. Spiritual, ethical, and philosophical dimensions capture your interest, directing you towards roles in counseling, teaching, or the legal domain. Your friends turn to you for advice, as you radiate generosity and optimism, although be vigilant against overextension or adopting a “Pollyanna” perspective to circumvent challenges.
Marriage and parenthood might transpire later in life. Beware of succumbing to the urge to save or mend your partner.
Natal Saturn Retrograde. Being born during a Saturn retrograde signifies your disposition towards responsibility, dependability, and precision, excelling in technically oriented pursuits. The yearning to have done more or better is recurrent.
Guard against excessive self-criticism and critical attitudes towards partners. Be mindful of inclinations towards privacy or emotional unavailability when single. In relationships, steer clear of codependency. Remember, you are not answerable for the actions of others.
Absence of Retrograde Planets in Your Chart
The absence of retrogrades doesn’t render you impervious to the influence of retrograde planets in the sky, which affects everyone.
The corresponding planetary themes become evident, accentuating areas in your life necessitating refinement or correction. Unfailingly prioritize self-care.