Retrograde motion is an apparent (not actual) backward movement of a planet through the zodiac, caused by Earth overtaking or being overtaken by the planet in their orbits. All planets except Sun and Moon retrograde periodically. Mercury retrograde (~3 weeks, 3 times a year) is most popular in modern astrology — interpreted as a time for review, revisits, and communication breakdowns. Vedic astrology treats retrograde planets (vakri) as energized, sometimes amplified, sometimes karmic.
← Glossary
Both · Glossary
Retrograde
When a planet appears to move backward through the zodiac from Earth's vantage.