Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Soul Connection | StarGuide | Relationships | More Info | Health

Virgin and Lion - Click for Astrology on the Web Homepage

Retrograde Planetary Cycles: 2007

A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. This traditional concept arises in the illusory planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth, with relation to other planets in our solar system. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way, due to this optical illusion. Click here for more on the science of retrograde planetary motion.

Retrograde periods, although often problematic for us earthlings, are not particularly uncommon. Each planet retrogrades, except the Sun and Moon. As a rule, retrograde planets presage a period of seemingly inevitable or fated events, which relate to their sphere of influence. They present us with a series of events over which we seem to have little or no control, relating especially to the sign in which the retrogradation occurs. For example, transiting Uranus retrograde in Pisces presents quite different sets of circumstances from those generated when it retrogrades into Aquarius.

Unusual Phenomena in 2007

Normally Venus turns retrograde about every 18 months and Mars every two years or so. This year (2007) is somewhat unusual in that both Venus and Mars turn retrograde, Venus turning on July 27, 2007, and the mighty Warrior on November 15, 2007. Moreover, with Pluto on the Galactic Centre, powerful forces are working to rearrange our human destinies.

Pluto on the Galactic Core

It is noteworthy that dark Pluto is still hovering around the Galactic Centre (a.k.a. Galactic Core) and will turn retro in that conjunction on March 31, 2007. The core of our Galaxy, the Milky Way, is currently located at Sag 26Â°56'. This point, discovered in 1932, is thought to contain a massive black hole with the mass of some four million times that of our own Sun. It has a significant effect when aspected, inclining people affected to take a central role in affairs and to have a sense of cosmic destiny.

Pluto is not in partile (exact) conjunction with the GC as it was in 2006, but because it is such a slow-moving planet the partile conjunction is reawakened between July 15 and October 29. On September 7 Pluto actually makes his direct station right on the GC, which in some ways is of greater significance than when he turned retro in this position. It gives the opportunity to move forward with regard to the obstructions signalled and may be expected to lead to the restructuring of society on a more spiritual basis. Or let's hope so, anyway.

Planetary Stations

A retrograde period is best seen as a cycle, which begins when the planet begins to slow to a halt before travelling backwards through the zodiac and ends when the planet returns to the point where it first paused. However, during the cycle, the planet's energy is most powerful (and more likely to generate critical events of universal importance) when the planet makes a station, appearing motionless in the sky. These stationary periods occur at the beginning of the cycle (when the planet first halts as it prepares to move backwards) and midway through the cycle when the retrograde planet slows to a stop before moving forward again.

The planetary direct station (when the retrograde planet seems to halt before moving forward through the zodiac again) is a time of significant power when matters to do with the energies of the planet, house and sign can be favourably activated. The few days either side of this time are ideal for making or implementing decisions in the nature of the planet, sign and house concerned. In particular, the stations of Jupiter and Saturn are important with regard to longer term intentions.

Remember that the outer planets turn retrograde every year for quite some months, so it is not at all unusual to have one or more of them retrograde in one's own personal chart. This is not necessarily unfortunate and the key issues of destiny in such a case depend largely upon the aspects to the retrograde outer planets from the inner personal planets and points.

Current Retrograde Movements

Mercury usually turns retro three times a year. Click for more.

Venus retro periods occur every eighteen months or so. Click for more.

Mars turns retro only once every two years. Click for more.

Jupiter from April 6, 2007 until August 7, 2007. Click for more.

Saturn from December 6, 2006 until April 19, 2007 Click for more
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â from December 19, 2007 until May 3, 2008

Uranus from June 23, 2007 until November 24, 2007

Neptune from May 25, 2007 until October 31, 2007

Pluto from March 31, 2007 until September 7, 2007

Note:
The Moon's North and South Nodes (the Dragon's Head and Tail) are normally retrograde in their movement through the zodiac. The Nodes are not actual planets, but rather sensitive points, or "shadow planets" that have a powerful influence comparable with planetary strength. The True Node from time to time turns direct in motion for a few days, due to the phenomenon known as the "Moon Wobble"; such direct periods are generally considered unfortunate. The Mean Node is always retrograde, as the "Wobble" is averaged out for convenience. Read more about the Moon's Nodes.

Retrograde Planetary Cycles
Mercury Retrograde 24 days Stationary approx. 3 days Venus Retrograde 42 days Stationary approx. 11 days Mars Retrograde 80 days Stationary approx. 20 days Jupiter Retrograde 120 days Stationary approx. 10 days	Saturn Retrograde 140 days Stationary approx. 10 days Uranus Retrograde 150 days Stationary approx. 16 days Neptune Retrograde 160 days Stationary approx. 16 days Pluto Retrograde 160 days Stationary approx. 16 days

To order your own personal horoscope plus personal forecasts, click here.