Detailed explanation of planetary retrograde

Mercury retrograde occurs 3-4 times a year, each time lasting about 3 weeks. This is a period of "information blockage". Misunderstandings, copywriting errors, lost emails, corrupted data, and travel delays occur frequently.

Responsible for: communication, thinking, information, contracts, technology, transportation.

Impact: This is a period of "information congestion". There are misunderstandings, copywriting errors, lost emails, corrupted data, and travel delays.

Homework: "Review and Correction". This is the best time to back up data, proofread contracts, and rewrite copy. For contact with "ex-partners" or "old friends", the retrograde invites you to return to handle "unfinished" conversations, rather than (usually) starting new stories.

Taboo: Avoid signing new contracts, purchasing new electronic products, and initiating brand-new projects.

There are two one-week shadow periods before and after Mercury retrograde, during which Mercury's energy has either begun to stabilize or has not fully recovered yet. The complete retrograde cycle actually lasts about five weeks.

Venus Retrograde: Period of Value Revaluation

Venus goes retrograde approximately every 18 months, lasting for about 6 weeks each time. This is a period of "value reassessment".

Responsible for: love, relationships, money, values, aesthetics.

Impact: Old flames are most likely to appear at this moment, but this is often about "karmic resolution" rather than "rekindling past love". Rifts in your current relationship will be magnified, and you will start to question: "Do I really love him?" "Do I deserve to be loved?"

Homework: "Re-evaluate values". You must re-examine your views on love, money, and self-worth.

Taboo: Avoid starting a new relationship, getting married, making major investments, or undergoing cosmetic surgery (aesthetic judgment is prone to errors).

Although Venus retrograde occurs less frequently, its impact is profound. It invites us to delve deeper into our desires and values.

Mars Retrograde: Energy Suppression Period

Mars goes into retrograde approximately every 2 years, lasting for about 2-3 months each time. This is a period of "energy suppression".

Governed by: action, desire, anger, conflict.

Impact: You will feel extremely "frustrated", with plans being hindered, efficiency low, and a sense of unexplained anger rising. People are reluctant to engage in direct confrontation, but "passive aggression" (holding back anger, procrastination) occurs frequently.

Homework: "Redefine your strategy". Your action is compelled to turn inward, to reflect on your "motivation" - why are you fighting? Is your strategy wrong from the beginning?

Taboo: Avoid initiating new "wars" (such as lawsuits, new competitive projects) or forcefully pushing through plans.

Mars's retrograde motion will diminish our motivation and vitality. Exercise with extra caution as the risk of injury increases.

Outer planets in retrograde: A profound adjustment of the era

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto all go retrograde for 4-5 months every year, and their influence is slow, collective, but more profound.

Jupiter Retrograde: "Introspection of Beliefs". When Jupiter is direct, we expand outward and pursue opportunities. When it is retrograde, we look inward at our "beliefs" - am I overly optimistic? Are my beliefs blind?

Saturn Retrograde: "Review of Karma". When Saturn is direct, we build external structures. When it is retrograde, we are forced to go back and re-examine the "unlearned" life lessons. Are you avoiding responsibility? Is your "foundation" solid?

Uranus Retrograde: "Inner Awakening". Direct Uranus signifies "External Mutation". Retrograde Uranus signifies "Internal Revolution". We feel uneasy on a spiritual level, eager to break those old patterns that limit ourselves from the "inside".

Neptune Retrograde: "The Dispelling of the Mist." Direct Neptune represents "Dreams and Filters." During a retrograde period, the "illusionary foam" we weave for ourselves will be punctured, forcing us to face reality and see through the self-deception.

Pluto Retrograde: "The Emergence of Shadows". Direct Pluto signifies "External Upheaval". Retrograde Pluto signifies "Deep Psychological Detoxification", which brings to the surface our deepest repressed fears, obsessions, and controlling desires, forcing us to "embrace death and live".

Conclusion: Embracing the rhythm of the universe

Going against the flow is by no means a bad thing. It is merely the "inhalation" of cosmic rhythm (going with the flow is the "exhalation"). A life that only exhales and does not inhale cannot survive.

When the next retrograde cycle arrives, please don't panic. View it as a sacred invitation: an invitation to slow down, tune out the noise, look within, and engage in repair, reflection, and integration.

This is the inevitable path for the evolution of the soul.

Create a retrograde calendar to track upcoming retrograde cycles. This way, you can plan important activities accordingly, schedule introspection and tidying up during the retrograde period, and advance new projects during the direct period.

Remember, not all retrograde planets will have a strong impact on you. The key is whether the retrograde planet touches an important position in your natal chart. If the retrograde planet forms a close aspect with your Sun, Moon, or Ascendant, you will feel its influence more strongly.