Planetary Retrogrades

When a planet appears to move backward in the sky, it's retrograde. Each planet's retrograde brings opportunities for review, reflection, and revision.

Retrograde is not a random curse word. It is a timing condition. To read it well, ask which planet is retrograde, what that planet rules in astrology, which sign it is retracing, and where it falls in your chart. That tells you what is being reviewed and why.

What is Retrograde?

Retrograde is an optical illusion caused by the relative positions and speeds of Earth and other planets. When a planet is retrograde, its energy turns inward, a time for reflection rather than new beginnings.

Rather than fearing retrogrades, use them as opportunities to revisit, revise, and reflect on the themes each planet represents.

Sources: Lunary transit interpretation framework, Astronomy Engine planetary calculations, traditional retrograde doctrine.

Direct Answer and Citation Sources

A planetary retrograde is an apparent backward motion of a planet as seen from Earth. Lunary calculates retrograde windows from apparent geocentric planetary motion, then adds astrology interpretation for each planet.

2026 astrology calendar JSON Next Mercury retrograde fact Mercury status today Methodology