Retrogrades don’t have to suck: how to use planetary retrogrades for good

Retrograde.

A trigger word if ever there was one.

Retrogrades are notorious for causing drama, confusion, delays, and stagnation relative to themes associated with the planet in question. But it ain’t all bad.

The word retrograde comes from the Latin retrogradus, meaning “to walk backward.” And while planets do not technically move in reverse, they decelerate to the point that they appear to move backward from our vantage here on Earth.

Metaphorically speaking, retrogrades are an invitation for us to walk it back. On that stroll we are likely to reckon with projects, people, and unsutured wounds from the past that are in deep need of resolution.

Planetary retrogrades aren’t all bad — in fact, they’re necessary

Retrograde periods are excellent times to REVIEW, REFLECT, REDO, REVISE, REINVEST, AND REVISIT. If a verb has the prefix “re-” before it, a retrograde is likely the perfect time to do it.

In comparison, retrograde periods aren’t ideal for starting new things; they’re more suited for reassessing your previous progress, plans, or relationships and fine-tuning or purging them entirely.

Yes, during a retrograde, you may receive an unwelcome text from an ex or even sense that something is “breaking down” or losing speed.

Remember that the universe is not a malevolent force, and the planets move at varying speeds and degrees to bring about necessary change and purposeful progress.

Retrogrades are the best times to release control, surrender, and observe how the universe is shifting around you. When the planets slow down, we go in, focusing on the internal, i.e., the reactions and actions we can control versus everything and everyone we can’t.

Retrogrades can be triggering but we need them as they encourage us to slow down, breathe deep, and change course. As creatures of habit living in a solar patriarchy that demands speed and rewards production, our punishing pacing can cause us to miss beautiful experiences, relationships, and opportunities.

Retrogrades offer a second chance.

Planetary PSA if an opportunity or relationship falls away or utterly implodes during a retrograde cycle, chances are the planet is doing you a favor. Trust that every closed door, dumpster fire, broken heart, and battered dream can kick open a skylight of unforetold potential.

How each planetary retrograde affects you — and the world

Not all planetary retrogrades hit as hard as others.

The retrogrades that we feel most acutely involve the personal planets: Mercury, Venus, or Mars. Each luminary rules an area of our daily lives: communication, relationships, and conflict/action, respectively, and that’s why we feel their effects more intensely.

The outer planets—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto—relate to bigger themes in our lives and the world around us. These themes often influence our larger aspirations and impact the structures of our society at large.

Each planet is tied to a specific arena of our lives and brings with it a signature energy. That’s why when each one retrogrades — in essence, weakening its strength and power — we find whatever it rules to be up for review.

Here’s a quick list of how each retrograde affects you.

Mercury retrograde

As the planet of communication, technology, and the mind, Mercury is the fastest-moving planet in the sky. However, because it moves so quickly, it also experiences the most yearly retrogrades — usually three to four times. This is the most noticeable retrograde because we can see it so clearly in our lives, creating mental fog and disagreements and causing anything with moving parts to break down.

Each retrograde period lasts about three weeks, but when we factor in retroshade, the pre-and post-shadow period of Mercury’s backspin, we spend up to six months a year at the mercy of Mercury’s slow-down showdown.

Venus retrograde

Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and relationships, retrogrades roughly every 18 months for a period of about six weeks. When she does, we often see exes and old relationships resurface so we can gain closure and cauterize or step back into the fire and rekindle. We also tend to look at everything through pleasantly dangerous rose-colored glasses, so it’s not an ideal time to get married, start a relationship, or change your appearance.

Etymologically, Venus derives from the Latin word for desire. Apropos of this, the planet’s retrograde is an invitation to reevaluate our relationship to wanting and our hierarchies of pleasure.

Mars retrograde

As the planet of sex, passion, drive, and energy, Mars’s retrograde periods can be exhausting. The general vibe is slow motion and unsexy edging with mixed results and no gusto. Because Mars rules conflict and war, we may become more combative or find that battles from the past come in hot and looking to spar. Mars retrograde periods are not favorable for launching a big project—or anything, really. These periods occur roughly every 26 months for about two to 2½ months at a time.

Jupiter retrograde

Jupiter, the planet of luck, wealth, and expansion, has far less obvious retrograde periods than those listed above.

Because Jupiter is known as the “great benefic,” the celestial body that rains down blessings and boons, its retrograde often brings with it the possibility of making good on missed chances and the opportunity to truly assess the endeavors we are attached to.

If the ROI doesn’t include cash money, delirious joy, hallowed truth, steady orgasms, or personal advancement, then it’s “trash, trash, trash, not for you.” These periods occur once a year for about four months at a time.

Saturn retrograde

As the planet of life lessons, karma, and perseverance, Saturn is known to fortify through trial and obstacles, sharpening our will against the angels of adversity. We’re talking work, b–ch, but the kind you’re thankful for in the long run, the kind of resistance that shows you what you’re capable of.

When the planet goes retrograde, we are called to reflect on where we are falling or failing on our respective paths and whether or not it may be time to find a new way forward. For every 12 months, Saturn is usually retrograde for about 4½ months.

Astrology 101: Your guide to the star

Uranus retrograde

As the planet of chaos, liberation and freedom, Uranus retrograde periods help us to understand how we are pursuing our own independence and evolving in our lives. We tend to become aware of where we stand and where we can transform next. Once a year, Uranus is retrograde for roughly five months.

Neptune retrograde

As the planet of imagination, spirituality and illusion, Neptune retrograde periods help us to understand how we are connecting to our soul’s mission. We are often taught to turn within to understand compassion and any delusions or murky influences that may exist within. These cycles take place once a year for about five to six months.

Pluto retrograde

As the planet of rebirth, power, and intensity, Pluto aids us in burning down what is to make the soil rich for what might yet be. These periods help us uncover hidden, subconscious and self-sabotaging forces within our lives. Pluto “tests” the mettle of its children and casts out and cuts loose what holds them back. Rarely gentle but always necessary these cycles last for about five to six months and take place once a year.

Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.

Kyle Thomas is a globally recognized pop culture astrologer who has been featured in “Access Hollywood,” E! Entertainment, NBC & ABC television, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Hulu, Bustle, Elite Daily, Marie Claire and more. He is known for his cosmic guidance for celebrities, business executives and prominent influencers. His work harnesses the power of the stars in regards to entertainment lifestyle and trends affecting people worldwide. For more information, visit KyleThomasAstrology.com.