The Latin word retrogradus, which literally translates to “backward step,” is where the word retrograde originates.
Retrograde, as the name suggests, occurs when a planet, as seen from Earth, appears to move backward in its orbit. Due to the fact that it is an optical illusion, astronomers refer to this as “apparent retrograde motion.”
Direct or prograde motion is the opposite of retrograde motion. Astrologers are more likely to use the word “direct motion,” while astronomers prefer the term “prograde motion.”
In This Article...
How does a planet moving backwards impact us?
What occurs and how does Mercury’s retrograde phase impact us? Many proponents of astrology think that the retrograde motion starts a cycle of bad luck, but what does it actually mean?
Mercury retrograde is an optical illusion, which implies that from our vantage point on earth, it appears as though the planet is travelling backward. Astrologers think that disruptions in electronics and communication during this alleged backward motion could dampen everyone’s summer attitude.
Find out what Mercury’s retrograde means for you, how to use its power, and anything else you need to know about it here.
What consequences does the retrograde have?
Mercury is the planet of communication and has a lot to say because it rules both Gemini and Virgo. The characteristics of mercurial energy include being innovative, talkative, and open-minded. It also strongly supports multitasking. Mercury is the planet of communication, technology, agreements, and all types of partnerships. We may encounter delays, hiccups, and miscommunication when various facets of our lives are impacted by the optical illusion of Mercury retrograde’s seeming backward velocity. However, these retrograde periods give us productive chances to start giving up control and let go of our demand for it. The next retrograde seasons will leave us better off than when they began if we can shift our mindset and see these challenges as the opportunity that they are. See? It isn’t that horrible!
What does the word “retrograde” mean?
An optical illusion known as a retrograde happens when a planet’s orbit perfectly lines up with our own. From our vantage point on Earth, planets appear to be slowing down and going backward, but in reality they do not defy physics and reverse their orbit. It’s comparable to how, while we’re driving, a bus in the lane next to us could suddenly seem to drive backwards when the pace and timing are just right.
Retrogrades are thought to represent a time of reflection, reappraisal, and reimagination in the domains of life that the planet rules.
Are the planets in retrograde strong?
What does it signify when a planet is in retrograde motion? Simply said, during a planet’s retrograde motion, it is during this time that it is closest to Earth. As a result, anytime a planet appears to be moving backward, it transits close to Earth.
When viewed from Earth, planets in retrograde motion appear to pause and move backward for a while. In fact, planets are always moving forward. It is not possible. Retrograde planets appear to be going backward because we on Earth pass the planet by, which is why it appears they are. When you try to pass another car on the highway, however, you see that even though they are moving forward, they seem to be slowing down and reversing. Similar to planetary retrogression, that effect. The main distinction is that, in this example, cars follow a straight course while planets travel in a circle.
Chesta BalaMotional Strength
Are the planets in retrograde strong? The fact that retrograde planets are closest to Earth during the retrograde period gives them great strength. Therefore, during that time, the heavenly body has the greatest impact over us. As enormous celestial bodies, planets have an impact on us both physically and metaphysically. Astrology is used to explain the metaphysical component.
What does retrograde mean in astrology? In astrology, planets have a greater weight and are therefore capable of producing effects that are more powerful. A retrograde planet technically has additional power points known as Chesta Bala, or points of being close to the earth, in terms of Shadbala, or planetary strength level. As a result, we have unequivocal evidence that the retrograde planet is significantly more potent as a result of raising the Shadbala score.
Chesta Bala is one of the six strengths that make up the overall Shadbala score on the planet’s Shadbala scale. Chesta refers to the force necessary for the movement of the planet in this context. In other words, this strength is defined as how much physical effort the planet expends, which also strengthens its astrological impacts.
As a result, whenever a planet goes retrograde, it needs to exert more power or effort to continue moving, which gives it Chesta Bala.
What planet is now 2021 in retrograde?
One revolution of Mercury, one of the planets with the shortest orbits around the sun, takes about 88 days. Mercury is one of the planets that moves the fastest. The aforementioned aspects of a native’s life are impacted by Mercury Retrograde in 2021. Due to Mercury’s retrograde motion, all of these spheres of existence spin.
What is now 2022 retrograde?
Knowing when Mercury will turn retrograde is very significant since, like every year, Mercury will turn retrograde in 2022 as well. In fact, based on the above table, Mercury will turn retrograde three times this year.
When is a planet in my natal chart retrograde?
ICYWW, a planet is said to be “retrograde” if Earth is orbiting it and it looks to be travelling backward from our perspective. All of the planets go through retrograde motion, but Mercury is the most prevalent and feared because of his numerous three- to four-yearly retrogrades, which frequently result in what Kavanagh refers to as “Mercury mischief.” “Every year, the larger, outer celestial bodiesincluding Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, Pluto, and Chironmove backward for a significant amount of timetypically four to five months. Every alternate year, closer to Earth orbiting planets Venus and Mars go into retrograde.” She continues, “The sun and moon never go backwards.”
When a planet goes retrograde, its energy is effectively partly blocked from the outside, making it harder for living forms to express themselves there. Ambi Kavanagh is an astrologer.
What does it signify if your natal chart has one or more retrograde planets? Consider it a karmic lesson you must learn in this lifetime. It’s not all terrible news, and the chart doesn’t seem particularly bad either, according to Kavanagh. “When a planet is retrograde, its energy is effectively partially blocked from the outside, making it harder for the life areas that fall under its purview to express themselves. The soul of the chart holder opted to take on physical form in order to receive more profound lessons about the aspects of life that particular planet rules.”
Do every planet enter a retrograde phase?
You’ve certainly heard of Mercury retrograde, the quarterly mayhem that happens when the messenger planet passes the Earth and appears to go backward from our vantage point, unless you happen to live under a chunk of meteorite that fell to Earth. Every Internet outage, small argument, and postponed brunch date for the next three weeks can be attributed to a spinning rock 48 million miles away. During Mercury retrogrades, even the most ardent critics of astrology begin to change their minds.
But did you know that every planet experiences a period of retrograde motion? All of the planets, with the exception of Venus and Mars, undergo annual retrograde cycles.
What activities are prohibited during a retrograde?
Ellen Bowles, an astrologer and co-author of Astrology SOS, claims that “we can have technical or mechanical troubles, and our wires can seem crossed in all our channels of communication.” “Planetary retrogrades are occasions for everyone to stop and think. We are being advised to slow down and double-check the details when Mercury is retrograde.” The urge to meticulously examine every last aspect extends beyond the three to four weeks of the retrograde period itself. The same guidelines for what not to do during Mercury retrograde also apply during this time, which lasts for a week or two before and after the actual retrograde. This period is known as Mercury’s shadow phase or “retroshade.”