How And Why Planets Retrograde According to Astrology
- Kundliguru
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
Retrograde motion is a powerful phenomenon that influences how planetary energies manifest in a birth chart or during transits. Retrograde planets are often viewed as introspective, intense, and karmically significant, bringing delays, reconsiderations, or internal struggles related to the area of life they rule.
But what exactly causes planets to retrograde? Let’s explore this in the light of Vedic astronomy and planetary behavior, focusing on both the inner (Mercury and Venus) and outer planets (Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn).
Understanding Retrograde Motion
From Earth’s perspective, retrograde motion is an optical illusion in which a planet appears to move backward in the sky relative to the zodiac. This happens due to the relative speeds and orbital paths of the Earth and other planets around the Sun.
While the movement isn’t actually backward in space, it holds symbolic significance in astrology, as retrograde planets don’t behave the way they normally do — they turn inward, intensify, and sometimes obstruct the flow of events.
Mercury and Venus Retrograde: When the Sun Comes Too Close
Mercury and Venus are inner planets, meaning their orbits lie between the Earth and the Sun. In Vedic astrology, these two planets go retrograde when the Sun comes too close to them in a particular sign. When the Earth, Mercury/Venus, and Sun align in a particular way, their motion from our point of view appears reversed.
Mercury retrogrades about three times a year, each time for approximately 20 to 21 days.
Venus retrogrades roughly once every 18 months, for a duration of about six weeks.
This proximity to the Sun causes them to appear moving backward in the sky, symbolizing times for reflection, reconsideration, and reevaluation — especially in communication (Mercury) and relationships or values (Venus).
Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn: Retrograde When Sun Becomes 5th From Them
The outer planets — Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn — have longer orbital cycles and move slower compared to Earth. Their retrograde motion is observed when the Sun becomes 5th from them in transit. In other words, when there is a quincunx (150°) angular relationship between the Sun and these outer planets, retrograde begins.
Example:
If Mars is in Aries, and the Sun transits into Leo (5th sign from Aries), Mars begins to retrograde. The planet will appear to move backward in the zodiac until the Sun becomes 9th from it (a trine angle of 120°), at which point the retrograde ends and the planet resumes direct motion.
This logic applies to:
Mars, which retrogrades once every 2.5 years.
Jupiter and Saturn, which retrograde every year for a significant portion of the year.
During their retrograde phases:
Mars brings internalized action, aggression, and delayed ambition.
Jupiter promotes internal growth, re-evaluation of beliefs, and philosophical introspection.
Saturn slows down karma and responsibilities, urging a more cautious and reflective approach.
The Symbolism of Retrograde in Vedic Astrology
Retrograde planets are often said to carry past life karma or unresolved lessons. They may give results in unusual ways — sometimes sooner, sometimes later, and often after a process of internal growth or trials. The energy of a retrograde planet can also be more subjective or introspective, giving the native a unique perspective on that planet’s themes.
While they may create delays or challenges, they are not inherently bad — instead, they often strengthen inner development.
Conclusion
In Vedic astrology, the retrograde motion of planets is not just an astronomical curiosity — it's a powerful symbol of karmic review and inner redirection. Whether it’s Mercury asking you to recheck your words, Venus urging you to re-evaluate your relationships, or Saturn demanding reflection on your responsibilities — retrogrades serve a meaningful purpose.
Understanding their timing and triggers, such as the Sun’s relative position, gives us deeper insight into how and when these energies shift — and how best to align with them.
