Retrograde planet in the natal chart — is it a great misfortune?
Today, there are various approaches to studying human behavioral psychology. And, undoubtedly, the birth horoscope can greatly assist in this. The planets, both in their normal phase of motion and in retrograde, reveal the nature of a person. Retrograde planets, moving in the opposite direction, have temporary phases.
A natal chart of a particular individual typically shows various aspects, but retrograde planets play a unique and unparalleled role. By determining which retrograde planet is located in a specific house, one can understand in which areas of life difficulties may arise. Some astrologers speak of the karmic essence of these challenges, meaning that a person is born with them, and overcoming them leads to unprecedented inner and spiritual growth. There is an opinion that if a person comprehends and understands the lesson of fate, the retrograde planet may cease its negative influence.
In astrology, it is generally believed that a retrograde planet (and there can be up to five in a birth horoscope) carries a destructive effect. However, when analyzing a person’s life path and their natal chart, very ambiguous conclusions can be drawn. For example, Svetlana’s (34 years old) birth chart shows retrograde Saturn in the 4th house. This indicates that the parental home will leave a lasting imprint on the person’s life, and all events related to it may carry a fatal character. There is also a high likelihood of complexes rooted deeply in childhood. The person may come from a dysfunctional family with various flaws, such as alcoholism or mental illness.
Naturally, the question arises: how can the fate of a person with such retrograde Saturn unfold? Indeed, when communicating with Svetlana, one can sense an internal conflict that persists in her perception of childhood and the parental “nest.” Deep in her soul, she blames her parents for her failures and projects certain situations onto herself. Due to the conflict with her father (which is also indicated by retrograde Saturn in the 4th house), Svetlana attempted to leave her parental home at the age of 16, but her departure was merely formal. She continued to communicate with her parents, maintaining a deep inner dependence. This person is also deeply attached to her parents even now. Nevertheless, this did not prevent Svetlana from creating her own strong and prosperous family, turning the “negative example” from her childhood into a positive path.
Oleksandr (41 years old) has retrograde Mercury in the 10th house. Overall, this person’s natal chart indicates success in their career, but traits such as despotism and tyranny are also present in their character. However, retrograde Mercury unusually softens the aforementioned qualities. Today, Oleksandr is characterized by prudence and caution. Additionally, his mental processes are directed toward a creative inner path, which prevents him from seizing power through violence (as indicated by other characteristics of his birth chart). The conjunction of retrograde Mercury with the Sun may bring success in trade. This person wants to share their wisdom with others. The sense of the depth of their own significance gives them confidence in the future.
Today, Oleksandr does not hold a leadership position and does not “achieve extraordinary feats,” but he works confidently in the field of trade. Due to frivolity and a certain irresponsibility (retrograde Mercury), his financial well-being fluctuates, and opportunistic life views allow him not to lose profit. Perhaps this is his happiness?
The uniqueness of Anna (63 years old) is immediately striking. Her inner maturity and strength are connected to her physical age. Anna’s birth chart speaks for itself and reveals an informal leader. Her retrograde Mars is in the 4th house and perceives other people. In her parental home, Anna suffered from constant quarrels, which undermined her self-confidence. Thanks to this same retrograde planet, she draws strength from others. In communication, this “vampirism” is not overly noticeable, but energetically weak people weaken in her presence. Also, due to retrograde Mars in the 4th house, Anna cannot fully accept responsibility and shifts it onto others. This is why she is content with the role of an informal leader. Anna seeks friends who are older than her, seeing in them a parental figure and trying to resolve her inner, childhood issues. Or she seeks younger friends, in whom she sees herself. Retrograde Mars in the 4th house has confined Anna in relationships with men throughout her life. She was “encased” in her fears. And perhaps, overall, this retrograde position contributed to the fact that Anna had a 25-year marriage and two children. However, in this union, she lived largely due to her lack of self-confidence. According to all other indicators of her natal chart, her life is quite successful, and she holds authority in her environment.
As we can see, the role of retrograde planets in the birth horoscope is very distinctive. Their significance depends on the entire natal chart as a whole. By correctly analyzing the influence of a retrograde planet on a specific area of life, one can derive positive tendencies and draw useful conclusions.
