Retrograde Planets:
Part Two
What happens when you find that some planets in your personal horoscope
are Retrograde? Can you believe everything that you have heard? How
did that happen, anyway? Well, take heart. The planet in question
was not going backwards. From here on Earth, it looked that way, but
it was just the appearance of retrograde motion.
Because the Earth is "The Third Rock From The Sun," there
are two planets closer to the Sun. These are the "inner planets,"
Mercury and Venus. The remaining planets are further from the Sun,
and are called the "outer planets." Typically, Mercury appears
to be retrograde three or four times a year; Venus, on the other hand,
appears to be retrograde only once a year. The outer planets, except
for Mars, are retrograde only once a year. Mars goes retrograde every
second year.
Astrologers have long pondered the meaning of retrograde planets in
a horoscope. Some interpretations border on the mystical and the esoteric,
such as past life or reincarnation implications. The more conventional
interpretation is that the retrograde planet has its action deferred
or is expressed internally. Some examples follow.
Retrograde (Rx) Mercury in the natal chart is still Mercury, however
modified in its action. It is still the planet of communication, the
five senses, and the intellect. The function of the Rx Mercury will
be expressed as something other than the expected, something away
from the norm. Perhaps a few of the senses will be extraordinary.
Perhaps the verbal ability will be noteworthy. How about intellectual
function? Ask anyone with a natal retrograde Mercury, and he will
tell you that his mind and intellect are extraordinary and he will
shyly admit to genius.
Retrograde (Rx) Venus in the natal chart is still Venus, however modified
in its action. It is still the planet of love, of emotions, of beauty,
of refinement and taste. The function of the Rx Venus will be expressed
as other than expected. Perhaps the expression of love will be unusual,
with a great deal of internalization before it is expressed. This
tendency toward internalization may express itself in an art form
such as poetry.
Retrograde (Rx) Mars in the natal chart is still Mars, however modified
in its action. It is still the planet of energy, aggression, activity,
and pioneering. The function of the Rx Mars will be expressed as other
than expected. Some Astrologers have associated the Rx Mars with a
propensity for accidents. I have not seen this to be the case. Rx
Mars people may have difficulty in expressing anger and may choose
a lifestyle or occupation which avoids confrontation.
Retrograde (Rx) Jupiter in the natal chart is still Jupiter, however
modified in its action. It is still the planet of expansion, generosity,
jubilance, and good fortune. The function of the Rx Jupiter will be
expressed as other than expected. Some Astrologers assign negative
qualities to the otherwise beneficent and benign Jupiter. They talk
about getting into trouble from overindulgence, extravagance instead
of generosity, and laziness brought about by good fortune. It is as
if there is too much of a good thing expressed. I have not found this
to be the case, but the reader should be aware of these possibilities.
Retrograde (Rx) Saturn in the natal chart is still Saturn, however
modified in its action. It is still the planet of structure, organization,
discipline, and perseverance. The function of the Rx Saturn will be
expressed as other than expected. Everyone has Saturn somewhere in
the natal horoscope. The person with a Rx Saturn has a built-in maturity
and discipline to help him handle any of the Saturn-like problems
or situations that Life may bring.
Retrograde (Rx) Uranus in the natal chart is still Uranus, however
modified in its action. It is still the planet of the unusual, the
unexpected, the unique, and the original. The function of the Rx Uranus
will be expressed as other than expected. How can that be? When Direct,
Uranus is unusual, shocking, surprising and "different"
in its action. Everyone has Uranus somewhere in the natal horoscope.
The person with a Rx Uranus expresses a reinforced characteristic
of Uranus. He is far ahead of his time.
Retrograde (Rx) Neptune in the natal chart is still Neptune, however
modified in its action. It is still the planet of inspiration, dedication,
sensitivity, illusion, and deception. The function of the Rx Neptune
will be expressed as other than expected. The person with a Rx Neptune
may not have the capability to pretend or act other than how he is
in a straightforward manner. He will probably choose a career that
places a premium on honesty and integrity.
Retrograde (Rx) Pluto in the natal chart is still Pluto, however modified
in its action. It is still the planet of growth, development, transformation,
and masses of people. The function of the Rx Pluto will be expressed
as other than expected. The person with a Rx Pluto may turn these
attributes inward and work on his own personal growth and inner transformation.
He may exhibit a specific talent for working with masses of people.
Look for charisma!
The preceding has been a basic summary of the retrograde condition
in the natal chart. If you are in doubt about the interpretation of
a retrograde planet, resort to the meaning of the planet itself and
look for something unusual in its expression.
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