Retrogrades in the Natal Chart

The term Mercury in Retrograde has seeped quietly, but comprehensively, into popular culture in recent times. While Mercury is the most well known planet to retrograde (probably because it is one of those that is more visible with the naked eye), it certainly is not the only one to do so. Today we are looking at what happens when a planet is in retrograde in the natal chart, and the specific effects of various retrograde planets.

What does retrograde mean?

Astrologers and astronomers (before they had the benefit of telescopes) both noticed the phenomenon of planets that went retrograde. A planet will sometimes seem to stop, move backwards in the night sky for a period of time (relative to its normal motion), and then regain it's forward motion again. This phenomenon is an illusion, caused by the fact that either the planet, or Earth, completes its orbit faster than the other body. The apparent movement seems to slow down as they approach the same point in their circumference, go backwards while the Earth is passing, and then resume forward motion once the Earth is passed. However, astrologers continue to interpret the effects as if the planet actually was going backwards.

Effect in a chart

A person with a retrograde planet in their natal chart will have certain events in their life delayed due to this action, astrologers believe. The retrograde areas in a natal chart (for example, love if Venus is retrograde, communication if Mercury is retrograde) are usually areas of challenge for the person, but not necessarily weakness. In fact, because so much time is spent on these challenges, they may develop into solid strengths over time.

Retrograde effects in general

In some cases, it may also feel to the person in question that the areas of life the retrograde planet rules simply feel askew. This is probably why the retrograde Mercury has such an effect on our public consciousness; as the planet that rules communication, we notice mishaps and misunderstandings, fights and arguments on a grand scale until Mercury is travelling in its normal direction again.

Mercury: Rules communication -- expect misunderstandings when in retrograde. Goes into retrograde for around three weeks, three times a year.

Venus: Goes into retrograde for around six weeks every 18 months. Affects relationships.

Mars: Goes retrograde for about two and a half months every two years or so. Causes anger to turn inwards.

Jupiter: In retrograde for four months of every year! Said to force spiritual re-examination and questioning of values.

Don't fear a retrograde in a natal chart, or in everyday life for that matter. They bring a necessary balance to every aspect of our lives.