According to NASA, the apparent retro motion of
planets can be attributed to difference in orbital
speeds of planets. For example Mars takes just
about twice as long to make one trip around
Sun as the Earth, and hence when Earth passes
along the slower Mars, this illusion occurs.
This phenomenon can be further explained
in a more generalised manner by taking
an example of moving cars. Let’s imagine
ourselves travelling in a car which is moving at
a faster speed than another car, moving in the
same direction but slightly ahead of us. Now
as we approach the slower car it appears to be
stationary for a moment and on coming parallel
it seems to move slightly backwards. However
as we keep moving on with our speed, the
slower car seems to resume its movement in
the forward direction. In reality the slower car
is moving all the time; however the impression
created is that the slower car had stopped,
moved slightly backward and then resumed
its journey. Thus, a perception is created that
the slower car is moving in some sort of a
loop. Hence the use of word "apparent" while
referring to the retrograde motion of the
planets; because as observed from the Earth
the planet in the retrograde motion “appears”
to do a “loop travel”.
Now, generally in the astrological interpretation
of retro planets it is thought that such planets
become "unconventional" i.e. that they tend to
behave in manner that is different from their
stipulated character.
Planets in a chart are like different energy
sources that manifest according to their PACs
(Placement Aspect Conjunction). In case of a
retro planet, the inherent energy still follows its
marked course but it just “appears” to pause,
take an inward turn & then get expressed. It
is like taking a decision and before putting
it into action or announcing it, retrospecting
it over & over in one's own mind. This, from
an outsider’s perspective emerges as if the
person is slow, hesitant or indecisive. The
reality however is that energies become more
subjective, inner & personal.
Taking the example of Mercury, the planet that
controls intelligence, senses, communication.
With Mercury retro the intelligence turns
inwards, creating a tendency to repeatedly
go back into past experiences and extract
knowledge. The thought process is more in
sub-conscious mind than in conscious side.
The inner knowledge is much more than what
is communicated at conscious level. Since the
real intelligent self is less obvious to the outer
world, the person does not seem to be sharp
and rational.
Mars, the planet of action, energy and logic
when goes retro would signify that the energy
is held back, as instead of usual explosion,
Mars(R) uses up its energy to revisit events
and build up the action plan internally, that
is brought out only if triggered by a reason/
idea/determination. Though this process
gives the natives a hidden potential for
accomplishments but outwardly they appear
to be meek, slow & sometimes stubborn.
When the beauty, luxury, balance and
happiness of Venus turns retro, the creativity
& expression are manifested internally. With
the inner self glowing with the Venusian
light, the search for a suitable outlet leads to
difficulties or delays in matters of relationships
and related satisfaction. Though the inner self
of such natives becomes aesthetically and
artistically refined, outwardly they appear
to be struggling with the nitty-gritties of
relationships.
With the Guru (Jupiter) becoming retro; ethics,
beliefs, expansions are directed inwards.
Seeking explanations, finding truth using the
teacher that's within oneself becomes the goal.
Unique insights, inner richness & optimism
help the natives to realise their life path but
outwardly they seem to be “not-in-line” with
the social norms, snobbish or high-handed.
When the karmadhipati Saturn turns retro,
characteristics like restrictions, discipline,
organisation, endurance all get attached to
inner self. "Look before you leap", can be out
of fear, practicality, responsibility but it is a
part of the inner expression. Redoing in order
to achieve the right thing makes the natives
appear self-conscious, insecure & ignorant.
Coming to the karmic Rahu & Ketu deemed to be
always retrograde, they represent the baggages
carried over from past lives - the things that were
attained & that are yet to be achieved. Rahu
takes us back & forth to the desired carried over
from bygones, in the process magnifying them.
Clouding the soul with it; Rahu probes the mind
to work & rework to achieve those left overs this
time outwardly giving a materialistic, malefic
& individualistic expression. Ketu, on the other
hand sticks to the point of "no lust" to achieve
things of past and tends to mask the soul to
keep away from them, outwardly appears to be
detaching, non-motivating & obstructive.
The above presents a general synopsis of the
characteristics of the planets in retrograde
motion. The same however, gets modified and
individualised depending upon the lordships
and other attributes attached to the planets.
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