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Retrograde planets

Retrograde motion is an apparent backward movement of a planet in the sky: seen from Earth it appears to retreat through the zodiac for a few weeks, although it really keeps moving forward. We calculate the stations and the edges of the shadow from NASA ephemerides.

What retrograde and the shadow are

A station is the moment a planet stops in the sky and reverses direction: the retrograde station starts the retrograde period, the direct station ends it.

The shadow is the stretch of the zodiac that the planet crosses three times: before the retrograde, during it and after it. The shadow begins when the planet first reaches the degree of the future direct station, and ends when, after the direct station, it again reaches the degree of the retrograde station.

In astrology retrograde periods are linked with review, returns and slowing down in the planet's area of life. These are tendencies and tradition, not a guarantee: treat them as a reason to recheck your plans, not as a ban.

Mercury retrograde

Mercury is linked with communication, documents, travel and technology. It goes retrograde three to four times a year, for about three weeks each time. In these periods astrologers advise rechecking agreements and paperwork, not rushing to sign, and not being surprised when old topics and people return.

Venus retrograde

Venus is tied to relationships, values and money. It goes retrograde about once every 19 months, for around 40 days. It is a time to review what you truly value in relationships, taste and spending; traditionally, sharp changes of look and big purchases for pleasure are not advised.

Mars retrograde

Mars is energy, action and will. It goes retrograde about once every 26 months, for two to three months. Astrologers link this period with slowing down, accumulated fatigue and the need to save strength; it is better to finish what you have started than to begin much that is new.

See how a retrograde affects your own chart: transits and forecasts are in the app.

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