Retrograde Planets
Retrograde planets are known as ‘Vakri Graha’ in Vedic Astrology. When a planet appears to be moving backward, it is called retrograde.
Retrograde planets are highly karmic planets in astrology and indicate something specific which denotes the unfulfilled karmic balance which is carried forward from the previous births to this birth. In this birth we will experience the excess burden with respect to those planets.
Retrograde planets are strong as they get an additional strength in chestabala , so they give more prominent results as per their placement in the native’s chart.
Retrograde planets are highly misunderstood in astrology
* First misunderstanding is that Retrograde planets give bad results most of the time. The inherent nature of a retrograde planet remains intact, an exalted planet does not become debilitated or vice versa
* They have no retrograde aspect, the aspect is forward.
Retrogression :
As we all know, all the planets in the solar system including Earth revolve around the Sun in the ecliptic path. The planetary speed of all planets around the Sun is not the same. For example, Earth takes roughly 365 days to complete one revolution around the Sun whereas Jupiter takes roughly 12 years to complete one revolution around the Sun, Saturn takes 30 years to complete one revolution around the Sun. All the planets revolve around the Sun from West to East. Due to the difference in speed and relative motion of other planets with respect to Earth we sometimes have an illusionary motion of planets to be moving from East to West. This temporary illusionary motion of planets from East to West is called Retrograde motion.
Every planet gets retrograde in the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th from the Sun. Sun /Moon never gets retrogrades and Rahu/Ketu are always retrograde.
Retrograde planet in Chart
A retrograde planet is of great significance in a native’s Kundli, as the planet gains its chestha Bala (strength) during its retrograde motion.
Retrograde planets are said to bring some amount of unfulfilled desire from the past life. We need to learn the karmic Lessons attached with that planet in this life.
As it’s said that Retrograde planets in Vedic astrology are supposed to give its influence from their previous house also.
Let’s see how planets behave when retrograde
Mercury Retrograde
When Mercury is retrograde in the chart it will influence the signification of Mercury. Mercury is the significator of communication, grasping ability, intelligence etc in Vedic Astrology. So when Mercury is Retrogradei in chart it shows that some sort of karmic lesson regarding communication needs to be understood in this life. Don’t make any important decisions when Mercury is retrograde during transit.
Mars Retrograde
It signifies anger, courage, aggression etc in Vedic astrology. Having Retrograde Mars in birth chart the person will be reluctant to take action, at times can become too aggressive , violent etc
Jupiter Retrograde
Jupiter is the planet of wisdom, expansion, wealth etc. Retrograde Jupiter makes the person very lazy at times or very optimistic. Significations of Jupiter will get highly effected.
Venus Retrograde
Venus is the planet of luxury, comfort, beauty, the spirit of joy, romance, etc. Retrograde Venus may give more than one relationship in the chart, chances of break-ups are there. Venus retrograde will find it hard to express his love well.
Saturn Retrograde
It represents karma, job, hardwork etc. Saturn retrograde in a chart represents the neglect of responsibilities in the previous lives. Saturn retrograde can make either workaholic or they will not work at all. They feel like they are alone, no one understands them.
Among all the Retrograde planets, Saturn transit is most important. In the retrograde Saturn Period one should not start expansion of business or starting new venture.