Retrograde Planets – this term describes the apparent backward motion of planets. In reality, they always move in one direction. What we perceive as backward movement is an illusion. To understand how this happens, imagine two cars. If one increases its speed, to the person inside it, the other car appears to move backward. Similarly, from Earth it seems that a certain planet is moving in reverse. Any planet, while moving retrograde, emits powerful streams of energy. In life, retreat allows one to reconsider, change, discard unsuccessful thoughts, and avoid unnecessary situations. Periods of planetary retrogradation are favorable for deeper understanding of one’s inner life. It is a good time to focus thoughts on personal problems and emotions.
The Sun and Moon are never retrograde; they have a different “issue”—these luminaries experience eclipses, but I will discuss that in another article. All other planets undergo retrograde (backward, reverse) motion at regular intervals.
Retrograde Venus
In astrology, this planet governs the development of personal taste and the formation of an individual’s value system. By the way, it also shapes attitudes toward money and material needs. During Venus’s retrograde motion, a person may discover a new approach to familiar things and new behavioral patterns. At the same time, expressing love and affection toward others becomes difficult, despite the depth of feelings.
With retrograde Venus, there is a tendency to accumulate resentments and constantly replay old conflict scenarios, like a film. Retrograde Venus can dramatize situations and intensify emotions. Many suffer from a lack of love and attention.
At the same time, Venus’s retrograde motion allows for deeper reevaluation of feelings and relationships. This period is very favorable for individual creative work, poetry, and focusing on one’s inner sensations.
In business, retrograde Venus also demands greater thoughtfulness during commercial activities. This especially applies to the banking sector, work with securities, and the stock market. Borrowing money will be quite difficult, as excessive guarantees will be required. Repaying debts is also challenging. Any relocations, interior changes, cosmetic procedures, or plastic surgeries are better postponed until Venus turns direct.
It is very important during this period to pay attention to signs from fate, especially dreams. Heightened intuition, clairvoyance, and premonitions will be relevant. The most hidden talents, especially creative ones, may awaken in every individual.
Moreover, retrograde Venus causes delays or restrictions in all matters it governs: cultural and public events, show business and business in general, romantic and erotic-sexual relationships. During Venus’s retrograde phase, hormonal imbalances, kidney disorders, and female reproductive system diseases often increase.
Retrograde Venus pushes a person to reveal their true self.
During this period, harmful habits such as alcoholism, drug addiction, and others may surface. The risk of sexual assault and various sexual deviations also increases. It is recommended to face the truth and make a personal commitment to positive change. With retrograde Venus, a person’s ability to adapt to people and rapidly changing circumstances is weakened. When left alone with oneself, turn to literature and spiritual nourishment. The key is to avoid conventional advice and not be influenced by others’ opinions.
However, there is one exception to this rule. If Venus is retrograde in your personal horoscope, this is precisely the time to act boldly and actively, opening yourself to the world of feelings and love.
In 2013, Venus will be retrograde from December 22, 2013, to February 1, 2014.
Retrograde Mercury
From an astrological perspective, Mercury governs reason, intellect, communication, and mental processes. When Mercury is retrograde, the mental process appears deeper and more significant. This refers to the ability to understand the feelings and thoughts of others. Due to this reflective quality, a person makes hasty, poorly thought-out decisions much less frequently. In the worst case, retrograde Mercury causes speech difficulties and an inability to explain the motives behind one’s actions or emotions.
During this period, intense internal reverse processes begin in people’s lives, related to mental activity and communication. This includes preparing new laws and decrees, reviewing previously created documents and letters, and verifying and correcting previously received information. The main point during this time is to avoid taking hasty actions—decisions will inevitably be reversed and reconsidered. This is a period when one should listen and think more, rather than speak and make mistakes. Delays with documents, difficulties in publishing, and transportation problems may occur. Travel is best postponed, except for absolutely essential trips requiring completion. This is a particularly critical period for people suffering from nervous disorders. There is also an increase in flare-ups of lung and respiratory tract diseases, along with a higher number of diagnostic errors.
Observing one’s information field and mental processes in the surrounding environment can be beneficial. It is recommended not only to review one’s views but also to analyze thoughts and free them from external influences. This is a good time to set new personal goals.
In 2013, Mercury will go retrograde three times:
From February 23, 2013, to March 17, 2013.
From June 26, 2013, to July 20, 2013.
From October 21, 2013, to November 10, 2013.
Retrograde Mars
Mars’s retrograde motion follows the same principles as Mercury and Venus. Only the area of experience changes, shifting primarily to work and occupation. We gain the opportunity to carry out long-standing plans more effectively and calmly. This period, lasting approximately 2.5 months and occurring roughly once every two years, may bring back rivals and competitors from the past. We gain the chance to achieve what previously seemed unattainable. However, be cautious—investing great effort into achieving something you wish to be long-lasting may prove futile.
During Mars’s retrograde phase, inflammatory processes often flare up in chronic illnesses. Blood loss increases during surgeries, hidden hemorrhages may occur, and surgical wounds show heightened bleeding.
People born under retrograde Mars often fail to see adequate results from their efforts. They feel they exert more energy than others yet achieve the least. They must remember that achieving high results while acting alone is difficult.
In 2013, Mars will not be in retrograde phase.
Retrograde Phases of Other Planets
Retrograde social planets (Jupiter, Saturn) intensify the concentration of their energy at a single point. Greater focus and persistence, less mobility. Retrograde Jupiter can be concentrated on one goal and one problem. Similarly, retrograde Saturn brings even greater dedication to order and imposes more restrictions in the area where it is located. People with retrograde Saturn seek legitimacy, order, and inner stability more intensely. They find it harder to say “no” and set external boundaries. Retrograde Jupiter may indicate that a person’s goals lie more within themselves or in the spiritual realm, while the pursuit of external success and expansion takes a back seat.
Retrograde Uranus — greater stubbornness and a desire to dismantle the foundations in the area where it is located, as well as enhanced intellectual and creative abilities. Retrograde Neptune — mediumistic and clairvoyant abilities, or obsessive fears, ideas, and illusions. Retrograde Pluto — dictatorial tendencies and a desire to control everything.
In 2013, Jupiter continues its retrograde motion begun on 10/04/12, ending on 01/30/13, and again from 11/07/13 to 03/06/14.
In 2013, Saturn will be retrograde from 02/18/13 to 07/08/13.
In 2013, Uranus will be retrograde from 07/18/13 to 12/18/13.
In 2013, Neptune will be retrograde from 06/07/13 to 11/14/13.
In 2013, Pluto will be retrograde from 04/13/13 to 09/21/13.
