Retrogrades

Retrograde

Retrograde is the apparent backward motion of a planet across the sky as seen from Earth, caused by the difference in orbital speeds between planets.

Astrologically, it's linked to a period of review, slowdown, and rethinking matters ruled by that planet — Mercury retrograde being the best known example, but every planet except the Sun and Moon can turn retrograde, each at its own frequency.

Retrograde motion is a purely optical effect — the planet doesn't physically reverse on its orbit, it only looks that way from the moving vantage point of Earth.