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Retrograde Planets

14 Sep

Retrograde Planets

I have been asked by many people as to what Retrogression means for them and how retrograde planets affect their life. Finding a retrograde planet in a chart is as common as having Budha-Aditya yoga in most of the charts. Almost every second person will have one or more planets classified as ‘Retrograde’ in his chart.   
 
For this we have to understand a bit of Astronomy. Retrogression is an ‘apparent’ phenomenon and planet themselves never go back. Because of the complexity of planets orbit around the Sun, their varying speeds and their distance apart creates an illusion that a planet is Retrograde. For an observer on the earth a planet which is seen in the background of Gemini may appear in Taurus after sometime thus creating an impression that the planet has travelled back. This is due to the fact at that moment the earth is going in a straight line and other planet has reached its turning point to go round the Sun. After it is stabilized, it will appear normal.
 
The subject of Retrogression has thrown up a multitude of interpretations by a number of learned astrologers. Some of them are listed below:
  • Retrograde planets become powerful
  • They give the effects of previous house.
  • Retrogression in exalted sign gives negative result and in debilitation sign gives positive results.
  • Benefic getting retrograde will act as Malefic and vice-versa
  • If more than one planet is retrograde, then the planet with most number of degrees in its sign will affect the person most.
  • Planets owing Trikonas if retrograde will be helpful to native.
 Well so much for the interpretations and explanations. I for one do not subscribe to any of the above simply because I believe that there is no change in the motion of planet and its visual representation is because of our perception. Nothing physically has changed and therefore the effect the planet has on the native remains the same. Planets turning retrograde / direct are natural physical phenomenon and can be accurately predicted. This happens as per Laws of Physics.
 
My studies of numerous charts with retrograde planets have brought out  the following conclusions.
  • Retrograde planets give erratic / unpredictable results. There is a deviation from the normal.
  • Whatever little changes that happen will be to the Karakatwas of the planet.
  • Mars is Yogakaraka for Cancer & Leo Lagnas and Saturn for Taurus & Libra Lagnas. For the rest they have to show their inherent malefic nature and expecting them to turn Benefic if they are retrograde is absurd.
  • Whatever retrograde nature there is, it will remain same whether in exalted or debilitated sign.
  • Two or more retrograde planets will weaken the chart since their behavior is unpredictable.
My studies also show that likely changes that may happen for different planets turning retrograde can be quantified as follows.
  • Primarily it will be behavioral changes that will affect one’s life.
  • Mars may turn the native into a beast and uncontrollable rage and destruction.
  • Mercury may lessen ones interest in studies, lose concentration, lack of communication etc.
  • Jupiter can give extremes as becoming sanyasi / detachment or rejection of religion / God.
  • Venus can cause less interest in opposite sex, loss of marital happiness or turn one into a sex maniac.
  • Saturn can turn native into a workaholic or complete neglect of one’s profession.
  • All the above happens only when the planet Dasha / Bhukti operate.
In conclusion I want to reassure readers not to unnecessarily get worried if they have retrograde planets in their charts. Carry on with your life as if all planets are direct. In extreme cases, please modify your behaviour according to circumstances to correct any aberrations that may crop up.