Glossary
Retrograde: meaning in astrology
Retrograde is the apparent backward motion of a planet against the stars, seen from Earth. Nothing actually reverses; it is an optical effect of Earth overtaking or being overtaken by another planet. Mercury goes retrograde about three times a year for roughly three weeks.
The Sun and Moon never do. In Vedic astrology Rahu and Ketu are treated as always retrograde, and a retrograde planet is often read as strengthened rather than weakened.
Where does "Retrograde" come up on this site?
36 guides use the term. The ones that use it most:
- Mars in Aquarius: Western and Vedic readings
- Mars in Aries: Western and Vedic readings
- Mars in Cancer: Western and Vedic readings
- Mars in Capricorn: Western and Vedic readings
- Mars in Gemini: Western and Vedic readings
- Mars in Leo: Western and Vedic readings
- Mars in Libra: Western and Vedic readings
- Mars in Pisces: Western and Vedic readings
How we calculate
Is astrology a guarantee of what will happen?
No. These calculations locate celestial bodies; astrology is a reflection and timing tradition, not evidence of guaranteed health, financial or relationship outcomes.
How are these results calculated?
Positions come from Astronomy Engine, an open-source astronomy library, and are checked against Swiss Ephemeris in our methodology tests. Western readings use the tropical zodiac; Vedic readings subtract the Lahiri ayanamsa. Terms are defined in the glossary.
Next: compare your birth chart, see today's sky, or make a private vision board.