Rethinking Retrogrades: A Comprehensive Guide

Is Retrograde Season Really That Bad?

What is a retrograde? The idea of things shifting, slowing, or reversing can feel unsettling and can bring up a lot of unnecessary anxiety in people, but what if there was a more constructive way of approaching these retrograde periods? In this blog post, we’ll dig into the nature of a what a retrograde actually is and rethink the symbolism and how it can affect us in our daily lives.

Retrogrades Aren’t Here to Ruin Your Life

Retrogrades aren’t all chaos or disaster. In fact, when navigated thoughtfully they can be the exact opposite. In essence, they are periods of deep revision that can actually give us second chances, allowing us to reassess and refine the aspects of our lives that are connected to the archetypes of each planet. Mercury retrograde invites us to rethink our strategy, how we communicate and process information. Venus retrograde asks us to reconsider our value systems, relationships, and relationship to beauty. Mars retrograde encourages a reevaluation of how we assert ourselves, express passion, and handle anger. Jupiter retrograde opens a space to question our belief systems and personal growth, while Saturn retrograde has us revisiting our responsibilities, discipline, and long-term commitments.

How Retrogrades Fit Into Astrology’s Bigger Picture

When we step back and view astrology as a visual reality, art, and symbolic language, we see that these cycles are rooted in our actual experience of the sky. Astronomy has always been at the heart of our interpretations. Astrology does not live on a two dimensional sheet of paper or on a screen. We are living amongst it, and it is our point of perspective from earth that creates the foundation of the system. Ancient cultures saw the heavens as a living, divine system—an interconnected cosmic order that influenced and mirrored earthly life. The fixed stars (the majority of what you see in the sky) move from east to west through the sky, and were seen as divine - something beyond the human. But the planets, known as the “wandering stars,” move against the backdrop of the fixed stars, from west to east. Their steady forward motion was seen as symbolic of the will and progression of the human experience.

The Science Behind Retrogrades—and Why It Matters

When a planet enters retrograde motion, it appears— from our earthly vantage point— to move backward. This isn’t a literal reversal, but an optical effect created by the differences in planetary orbits. Still, the symbolic impact is profound. The planet, seemingly pulled into the backdrop of the stars, appears to lose its agency, as if surrendering to a greater force. This presents us with several valuable questions and concepts. Could this be a reflection of the divine hand gently redirecting us? Rather than something to fear, what if retrogrades are markers of divine intervention—signposts showing us that certain desires or directions may not align with who we are becoming?

The Stages of Retrograde & How to Navigate Them

1. Pre shadow - This is a period where the retrograding planet first travels through the area of the sky that it will later turn back and retrograde through. The story often begins here. This is the "setup" period. If you can spot the clues, you have a greater chance of understanding the lessons of the cycle. It's easy to miss important details if all of your focus is on the retrograde itself, so pay attention to situations, patterns, or challenges that are surfacing in relation to the archetype and house that the planet is in.

2. Station Retrograde - Here the planet appears to come to a standstill before beginning its backward motion. This is a pivotal moment when things can feel stuck or uncertain. This is not the time to sign that contract, buy that car, or commit to anything you can’t back out of later. If it's possible, chill and wait it out for 48 hours till the planet is at least in motion. If you can, allow your schedule to be flexible on these days so you can roll with the shifting of energy.

3. The Retrograde - With all great story arcs, eventually we land in the thick of it. Inevitably the planet retraces its steps, revisiting the themes that first surfaced during the pre-shadow phase. When we are here it's best to not force things and try to keep space open to rethink, revise and reflect. The best way through is to not bullshit yourself. Self honesty is the greatest recipe for healthy personal transformation.

4. The Cazimi (Midpoint Reset) - This is the halfway mark in the cycle, when the retrograding planet aligns closely (within 1°) with the Sun. This is where we often get the ping and that aha moment fully sets in. Symbolically, this is the "rebirth" of the planet in its cycle, marking a shift in awareness. So pay close attention how your awareness shifts and what insights enter into the fold.

5. Station Direct - The planet reaches another standstill before resuming forward motion. Similar to the station retrograde, this is a sensitive period where energy is still stabilizing. Patience is key—wait before taking major action, as things are still settling. All of those things you've heard not to do during retrogrades? It's in your best interest to not do them, especially while a planet is stationing. 

6. Post-Shadow - it's important to continue to pay attention to the cycle here. While we are out of the retrograde, the planet is still moving forward through the same degrees it retrograded over. Here is where we really have the opportunity to work through it. This is our chance to apply the lessons and allow the pieces to align back into a new configuration. A greater awareness of this whole cycle allows us to get into the nuances of what's being revealed to us. 

Working with Retrogrades

Retrogrades feel like challenges because they often highlight areas where we are resisting necessary change. We may want to push forward, but what if these cosmic pauses are actually protecting us? What if they are guiding us toward something even more aligned with our deeper truth—something we might not have yet imagined for ourselves? Instead of fearing retrogrades, I choose to embrace them as opportunities to surrender, recalibrate, and trust the unseen forces that shape our journey. They remind us that we are not moving through life alone, but in harmony with a greater cosmic rhythm—one that ultimately supports our evolution and illuminates the parts of ourselves that are ready to shine.

I just want to note that there are other factors that we should consider when examining retrogrades - planetary condition of the ruler of the house it's in, if it's crossing a sign barrier, what house it lands in in your personal chart, etc. This guide is a work in progress as I continue to organize my thoughts and write about these dynamics. I’ll be updating it as I continue to explore the topic. Please feel free to chime in with any thoughts or perspectives in the comments below. ✨