We’ve already covered the basic meaning when Outer Planets retrograde with Chiron in Part 1 as well as the Social Planets in Part 2. Here in Part 3, we’ll be talking about the peronal planets, Mercury, Venus and Mars.
When these planets retrograde, their effects are more impactful and noticeable as compared to other planets. Not only because of how close they are to the Sun but also because of their shorter transitory periods. Especially since their expressions are more personal, of how we take action, how we love and how we think or communicate, and not of external surroundings like the social planets or longer transitory periods like the outer planets. These personal planets are of ourselves.
What does Retrograde mean?
Retrograde means the planet appears to be moving backwards, when it’s really just how that particular planet is orbiting when viewed from Earth. The effect this has on us will be either of these or a combination.
1. There will be a delay in the expression of that planet, in the sign/house it’s in. Delay of plans, delay of results.
2. There will be an inward expression or reflection of that planet in our lives.
3. There will be a different way in how the planet expresses itself. Not according to societal norms.
Mercury Retrograde
OCCURRENCE AND DURATION
Retrogrades 3-4 times a year, around 22 days.
MERCURY’S MEANING
Mercury is about communication, messages, thoughts, processes, writing, speaking and learning.
MERCURY RETROGRADE IN BIRTH CHART
May have trouble communicating. thinking about what to say and taking a longer time to process information. Often misunderstanding others and misunderstood. May learn how to better communicate later on in life.
MERCURY RETROGRADE TRANSIT
Miscommunications. Delays in processes. Mistakes. Technology failures. Errors in written documents.
Venus Retrograde
OCCURRENCE AND DURATION
Retrogrades every 18 months, around 40 days.
VENUS’S MEANING
Venus is about love, beauty, art, relationships and attraction.
VENUS RETROGRADE IN BIRTH CHART
Trouble relating to others romantically or platonically. Feels unworthy of love or feels less attractive to others. May not relate to beauty/art the same way as others normally would.
VENUS RETROGRADE TRANSIT
Past romantic relationships may reappear. Relationships started during this period most likely to be very triggering. May make one do a drastic makeover to one’s appearance only to regret after.
Mars Retrograde
OCCURRENCE AND DURATION
Retrogrades every 26 months, around 2.5 months
MARS’S MEANING
Mars is about action, passion, aggression.
MARS RETROGRADE IN BIRTH CHART
Lacks the drive to take action. Often repressed, leading to outbursts.
MARS RETROGRADE TRANSIT
Anything that requires action, in order to achieve something, may not result in the desired outcome. Inner work of dealing with anger triggers.
These are just the basic interpretations of how retrogrades will show up. For more information, especially of these personal planets, find out what house and sign you have it in and if it’s making any aspects.
Have a retrograde planet in your birth chart and always feel like people don’t quite understand where you’re coming from? Find out why when you book a reading with us.
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