In case you didn’t know, when a planet is “retrograde,” it means Earth is going through its orbit and the planet looks to be travelling backward from our perspective. “All the planets suffer retrograde motion, but Mercury is the most commonand feared!” writes Kavanagh, “since he frequently causes what I like to call ‘Mercury mischief’ in his many three-to-four annual retrogrades.” “Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, Pluto, and Chiron are all larger, outer celestial bodies that have a long annual retrograde motion, usually four to five months. Every alternate year, Venus and Mars, which orbit closer to Earth, retrograde.” She goes on to say that the sun and moon never go retrograde.
“Retrograde simply means the planet’s energy is partly obstructed externally, limiting the expression of those living areas that fall under that planet’s dominion.” Ambi Kavanagh, astrologer
So, if you have a retrograde planet (or several) in your natal chart, what does that mean? Consider it a karmic lesson that must be learned during your lifetime. “It’s not all doom and gloom, and it certainly doesn’t make for a ‘poor’ chart,” Kavanagh says. “Retrograde essentially means that the planet’s energy is partly obstructed externally, limiting the expression of those living regions that fall within its domain. The soul of the chart holder opted to incarnate in order to gain deeper internal lessons about the domains of life ruled by that particular planet.”
In This Article...
What effect does retrograde have on us?
When Mercury goes retrograde, what happens and how does it effect us? Many astrology believers believe that retrograde motion starts a cycle of bad luck, but what exactly does this mean?
Mercury retrograde is an optical illusion in which the planet appears to be travelling backwards from our perspective on Earth. According to astrologers, technology and communication may be hampered during this seeming rearward motion, casting a damper on anyone’s summer attitude.
Check out everything you need to know about Mercury’s retrograde, including how to use its energy and what it means for you…
What happens when Mercury is retrograde?
Even if you don’t believe in horoscopes or astrology, you’ve probably heard of Mercury retrograde, the planetary phenomenon we’ve all learned to fear. It’s a moment when things can feel slightly out of balance, and it’s said to affect communication and technology. You may lose your keys, miss appointments, or learn that your computer has unexpectedly broken down.
Mercury retrograde is an optical illusion in which the planet appears to shift course and move backwards in the sky, according to science. When is it going to happen? The most important dates in 2022 are: 13 January to 3 February 3, 10 May to 2 June, and 9 September to 1 October.
We are currently in the Age of Aquarius, a sign linked with “rapid change, building communities, fighting for issues you care about, and technical advancements,” and this year’s retrogrades are all between earth and air signs. It will be a wonderful moment to take stock of finances and partnerships in a year that is pressing us to make important love and money decisions, spanning Capricorn to Aquarius, Taurus to Gemini, and Virgo to Libra.
What does it mean to be retrograde, and why is it significant?
“Mercury must be retrograde” has become a catchphrase for explaining why things in our lives have gone awry. Everything that can go wrong will go wrong during this planetary phase, according to astrology’s Murphy’s Law. That is, at least, how we use it in everyday conversation. But, in astrological terms, what does Mercury retrograde really mean?
When Mercury appears to go backward in its orbit, it is said to be retrograde. Mercury spends only 88 days to circle the sun, compared to Earth’s 365 days, hence this optical illusion occurs several times a year. As a result, astrologists believe that the regions of life ruled by this planet may likewise take a wrong turn. That, according to astrologer Emily Ridout, suggests issues with communication and travel.
“In mythology, Mercury is the winged messenger of the gods,” she explains.
Because we use our brains to communicate (writing, spoken word, email, contracts, agreements, etc. ), that imagery represents the intellect. The planet nearest to the sun is connected with sending and receiving messages, as well as being a mode of transportation (i.e., transportation). While a Mercury retrograde may cause a squabble with your significant other or cause your train to be delayed, it isn’t the cause of your toaster breaking this morning.
In what retrograde are we now, in the year 2021?
The retrograde of Mercury has returned! Mercury, the planet in astrology that governs communication, entered retrograde on September 27, 2021, and will remain so until October 18, 2021. Mercury retrograde causes the planet to appear to move backwards from west to east.
Is it true that planets in retrograde have a lot of power?
What does it signify when the planets are moving backwards? In layman’s terms, when planets are retrograde, they are closest to Earth during that time. As a result, whenever a planet appears to be moving backwards, it transits close to Earth.
When seen from Earth, retrograde planets appear to stop and move backward for a period of time. Planets, in fact, never come to a halt or travel backward. That is unthinkable. They appear to be travelling backward because we, on Earth, pass past the planet, which causes retrograde planets to appear to be moving backward. When you try to overtake another vehicle on the highway, you’ll see that they appear to slow down and fall back, even if they’re moving forward. Planetary retrogression is a comparable effect. The only distinction is that planets follow a circular path, whereas cars follow a linear one in our case.
Chesta BalaMotional Strength
Is it true that planets in retrograde have a lot of power? Because they are closest to Earth during their retrograde period, retrograde planets are particularly powerful. Hence, the heavenly body effects us the greatest during that time period. Planets, as large heavenly bodies, have physical and metaphysical effects on us. Astrology is used to describe the metaphysical aspect.
What is the meaning of Retrograde in astrology? In terms of astrology, planets carry more power and thus capable of giving more stronger effects. Technically speaking, in terms of Shadbala or planetary strength level, a retrograde planet possesses additional power points dubbed Chesta Bala, or points of being close to the earth. As a result, we have concrete evidence that the retrograde planet is far more potent as a result of the extra points it adds to the overall Shadbala score.
Chesta Bala is one of the six strengths that make up the overall Shadbala score on the planet, according to the Shadbala scale. Chesta here refers to the force that is required for the planet’s movement. In other words, this regarded strength defines how much effort the planet gives physically which also raises the potency of its impacts when it comes to astrology.
As a result, whenever a planet goes retrograde, it requires more work or force to maintain traveling, resulting in Chesta Bala.
What effect does retrograde have on relationships?
Mercury retrograde can wreak havoc on romantic relationships, family dynamics, and emotions in general, as communication goes crazy. You can say the wrong thing at the wrong time, send an uncomfortable text, or make two reservations at the same time. It’s more difficult to make decisions, so if you’re single, now isn’t the time to swipe left or right all the time.
If you’re on the fence about someone, whether it’s a present relationship or a hookup from last night, Mercury retrograde isn’t the best time to make a decision.
Is Mercury Retrograde making you feel blue?
Now is the time to have a free psychic reading to help you turn things around.
It’s risky to sign legal documents like prenups and divorce papers during this period since you’re more likely to miss anything vital (especially if you ignore the fine print).
Who will be impacted by the Mercury retrograde in 2021?
There’s a reason Mercury retrograde is one of the most well-known astrological events. Mercury retrograde, despite the fact that there are many scarier things that can happen in the zodiac, tends to take the cake because of how visible its effects can be. Mercury, after all, is the planet of communication, logic, and deception, making it a planet that has an impact on your life on a daily basis. Mercury is in charge of helping you think clearly, make plans, speak your mind, and go from point A to point B. If you’re born under one of the zodiac signs that will be most affected by the Mercury retrograde in the fall of 2021Aries, Gemini, Virgo, or Libra, you might not even realize it.
Because this retrograde is in the cardinal air sign of Libra, it has the potential to stir up some drama in your love life, friendships, and overall relationships. People from your past, especially those with whom you still have unfinished business, may appear out of nowhere. Unspoken truths may even surface, causing you to resolve long-standing issues with people. Plus, let’s not forget how awkward Mercury retrograde can be, which is why a Mercury retrograde in Libra will make you feel anything but refined, beautiful, and spotless. Prepare to spill your drink on your crush, to trip and fall at a posh gathering, and to tell a joke that falls flat.
This retrograde, which begins on September 27 at 25 degrees Libra and ends on October 18 at 10 degrees Libra, will test your understanding of all things connected to this lovely, passionate, and graceful zodiac sign. The following zodiac signs can expect the following:
In the year 2022, which planet is retrograde?
Mercury will be in apparent retrograde motion in 2022 between the dates of January 13 and February 3. The dates are May 10 to June 2. The dates are September 9 through October 1.
When Mercury is retrograde, what signs are affected?
Nothing in astrology is more infamous than the dreadful Mercury retrograde. After all, Mercury is the planet that rules communication and cognitive function, so it has a lot of influence in your day-to-day life. When this fast-moving, very intelligent inner planet goes retrograde, it can cause confusion and miscalculations, causing all of your plans to fall apart. Fortunately, if you belong to one of the zodiac signs that will be least affected by Mercury retrograde in spring 2022Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricornyou won’t have to prepare for absolute disaster.
The next Mercury retrograde begins on May 10th, when Mercury is at 4 degrees Gemini. Miscommunication is a prominent topic of this flighty and fickle retrograde, as this mutable air sign has a tendency to think faster than its lips can keep up with. Mercury won’t remain in Gemini for long, as it will retrograde back into Taurus on May 22, returning to its stubborn and slow-moving zone once more. You may find yourself overthinking each decision and struggling to see past your loyalties to particular attitudes and ideas as Mercury returns to this fixed earth sign. Keep an open mind and double-check that you know what you’re talking about.
Mercury retrograde might throw your life into a loop, but it’s crucial to remember that it only lasts about three weeks. This retrograde, which ends on June 3 at 26 degrees Taurus, may lead you back in time, bringing up unfinished business that has to be addressed. Let this retrograde give you another chance to try again if there are any things left unsaid or decisions that have yet to be taken.
Cardinal signs, on the other hand, may be spared the brunt of this retrograde’s effects. This is why: