Retrograde motion is a phenomenon that
actually occurs quite frequently. Our
Earth is tilted on its axis at 23 ½ degrees and the planets are in a continuous
motion in the skies. They rise in the
east and set in the west due to our Earth’s rotation. The planets in our solar system travel along
the ecliptic and because of our Earth’s rotation move from west to east.
At some point in this rotation the planets
appear to slow down and actually stop their movement in the heavens. This appearance of non-movement is known as
the stationary position in Astrology.
The planets then appear to move backwards and this is termed as retrograde
motion. This is an illusion and does not
actually happen. It only appears to
happen.
These times of retrograde motion can last for
a period of a couple of weeks up to several months depending on the planet
involved.
If the placement of the planet which is in
retrograde makes an aspect to one of the planets in our birth chart energies
are triggered. The type of energy that is
triggered depends entirely on the aspect between the planets and the planets
involved along with the houses that becomes activated during the contact.
Quite often a Planet such as Pluto will go
into retrograde motion and then begin to move forward again and then go back
into retrograde two or three times before it returns to direct motion and
passes beyond the connection with the planetary force it has touching. The first contact when a planet goes
retrograde is always the most intense energy period. It is as though something has been activated
and we act accordingly. Each subsequent
contact is less intense and the final contact is usually associated with coming
to terms with whatever took place as a result of energies of the initial contact.
When Pluto makes a contact to an angle in
our natal chart, especially the Ascendant or the Midheaven, its energies can
have a profound effect in our lives.
Often the retrograde motion lasts a month or two and then passes over
the same degree only to go retrograde again and pass over the same degree
again. The total orb of influence can
last six months to one year. This will transform whatever is being
suggested through the sign on the angle and the aspects from other natal
positions. Great transformations occur
during such events and individuals will go through changes both internally and
externally that alter their lives, often permanently.
To find out more on retrograde planets in
your birth chart or retrograde planets affecting planets or angles in your
chart, you should locate these movements in your ephemeris. A transit and progression chart can be
prepared and will provide great detail of the affects of the exceptional
current number of retrograde planets - Mercury, Mar, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto.
Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and
information on the Astrological charts we offer.
If you have
confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us
concerning the preparation of a chart, please visitwww.holmastrology.com/contact-us
Earlier posts can also
be read on our blog –www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/