The term retrograde refers to a planet’s periodic apparent backward motion in the sky, a time known as its retrograde period.
The illusion of retrograde planets is caused by the different relative speeds of the planets and the size of their orbit around the Sun. Mercury and Venus are always retrograde at their inferior conjunction with the Sun. The other planets are always retrograde at their opposition with the Sun. The Sun and Moon can not go retrograde. A retrograde period ends once the planet stations direct, and resumes apparent forward motion.
In astrology, retrograde periods are usually regarded as signifying unusual or problematic times for the significations of the retrograde planet. For example, the most commonly discussed retrograde is the Mercury retrograde period, which is well known for coinciding with disturbances in the regular flow of communication, resulting in misstatements, unwelcome disclosures, miscalculations, do-overs, delays, problems with technology, schedules, traffic, etc.
Alternative interpretations include the retrograde period as being a time of withdrawal, reflection and introspection, as well as the significations of the planet being simply more pronounced rather than good or bad either way.
Mercury goes retrograde 3 times a year, and goes retrograde close to the same degree every 20 years. Each Mercury retrograde lasts about three weeks.
Venus goes retrograde 5 times every 8 years, and each retrograde occurs close to the same degree every 8 years. Each Venus retrograde lasts about 40 days.
Mars goes retrograde 7 times every 15 years, and each retrograde occurs close to the same degree every 15 years. Each Mars retrograde lasts about 72 days.
Jupiter goes retrograde once a year, and it goes retrograde close to the same degree every 12 years. Each Jupiter retrograde lasts about 121 days.
Saturn goes retrograde once a year, and it goes retrograde close to the same degree every 30 years. Each Saturn retrograde lasts about 138 days.
Uranus goes retrograde once a year, and it goes retrograde close to the same degree every 84 years. Each Uranus retrograde l;asts about 151 days.
Neptune goes retrograde once a year, and it goes retrograde close to the same degree every 165 years. Each Neptune retrograde lasts about 158 days.
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