Retrogression of Planets Part-II

Retrograde planets influence the primary structure of the human consciousness and its relationship with its human life. By blocking the "chakras" and then interfering with the Pancha Mahabhutas, they create disconnection and imbalances, inability to control the senses. An individual has to understand the retrograde planets and nurture them to bring back harmony.

Vedic Astrology classics say that retrograde planets are strong. The quality of the planet changes when it turns retrograde. Retrograde planets are closest to earth; therefore their impact on the individual is the strongest. In what respect they are stronger? What would be their effect? Two influences of retrograde planets need to be taken into account – their affect in the natal chart and by transit. The individual with retrograde planets does not always know how to control its energy. Therefore they struggle to express the planets qualities - over-emphasizing them or being in denial of their positive qualities or misusing their power. Knowing how to deal with the retrograde in the natal chart is the key. Retrogrades by transit can influence everyone whether we have them in our chart or not. A straight thinking person can suddenly change their ways under the influence of retrograde Mercury. So we all have to learn to cope with the retrograde transit and be aware of them annually.

A planet in debilitation if retrograde acts like an exalted one and an exalted planet like a debilitated one. The reason: debilitated planets have the potential to be unethical and negative, when they twist around, they start behaving in the opposite manner. Whereas an exalted planet is a good one, when it gets twisted it inherits the potential do bad. The benefics which are usually the positive, influences can become ambiguous, non-spiritual, disobedient by being retrograde, whereas the malefic can definitely become more negative due to their retrogression. Controlling the malefics in Vakriya, is a lot more difficult. The main aspect which has been noticed about retrogrades is that they do not follow tradition and in the ancient times when astrology was written, those who did not follow tradition were considered bad and unethical. Whereas now, we honour those who go outside the box, who are non- traditionalists. So the influence of retrogrades has to be thought from the point of view of the society and times we live in. Also we must celebrate their potential to be original, different, according to their karakas, and at the same time try to control their negative aspects.

Also we should not forget the houses the retrograde planets rule. Retrograde planet's dasha can bring about health issues; they also can bring diminishing returns. The start of the dasha may appear very good, but the quality of the dasha can reduce as it progresses.

In astrology, a planet in retrograde motion has special significance. The effects that the planets produces when in retrograde motion are far different than the ones they exert while moving directly. In the horoscopes, retrograde planets acquire special power and effects, while in retrograde motion at the time of birth. Theses are known as `Vakriya` planets in Hindu astrology. Usually the retrograde planets in our horoscope are depicted with R in front of its position in chart.

Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Mars and Saturn turn retrograde at regular intervals. They generally move direct, then for a certain time period they appear to, slow down and seem stationary for a long time, apparently stationary retrograde. At this time their powers are at their highest. Then they, apparently, move retrograde, giving erratic and more prominent effects. After a particular time span, they again seem to slow down and apparently, seem to be stationary, what we call stationary direct. Then they once again acquire a direct motion.

Whenever a planet starts in a motion other than the normal course, it yields unusual effects as well. In general, the fields ruled by these planets suffer the major influence. For example, communication hazards will be more during Mercury retrograde. Accidents due to rashness will be enhanced during Mars retrograde and so on.

Hence, each planetary retrogression should be considered as a time to be cautious, and to consider things from a different viewpoint.

To Be Continued..