Regarding the five planets in apparent retrograde motion:
Each planet represents a specific type of energy. When a planet is retrograde, its energies are turned inward, becoming more subjective. The energy is slower manifesting in the external world.
MERCURY RETROGRADE gives rise to personal misunderstandings; flawed, disrupted, or delayed communications, negotiations and trade; glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses, and trains. And all of these problems usually arise because some crucial piece of information, or component, has gone awry.
It is not exactly wise to make important decisions while Mercury is retrograde, since it is likely that such decisions will be clouded by misinformation, poor communication and careless thinking…especially when it concerns the stock market…you’ve gotta know when to fold ‘em. What you can count on are unforeseen changes and blockages.
MARS RETROGRADE. Astrologer Lynn Koiner writes:
When Mars is retrograde, it depletes the vitality so that it is never a time to initiate. *Whoever initiates loses*— a new project, a great love, an argument, a lawsuit, or an international war. With a new project, it will fizzle out and never really go anywhere. With a hot romance, it too fizzles and it rarely gets to the alter. With an argument, the hostility will come back to haunt you later. In legal matters, stoke your opponent into initiating the lawsuit first. It will be etched in granite that they will lose. In an international war, whoever fires first will automatically lose or ultimately withdraw. Matters commenced while Mars is retrograde will be frustrated and plagued with disruptions until they finally fizzle out. At this time, people become irritated when activities do not run smoothly. The anger may disrupt indirectly and inappropriately – like getting a traffic ticket when you feel annoyed with your job.
I would add to her list: never undertake surgery during a retrograde Mars unless your life is in danger.
JUPITER RETROGRADE emphasizes inner awareness and inner growth and so may slow down personal plans. This is a good time for restoring items or property for resale.
SATURN RETROGRADE presents an opportunity to consider one’s personal set of rules, to observe what kind of internal and emotional factors motivate us…including fear. This is a time to examine failures, learn from them, apply the lessons learned…and proceed forward.
PLUTO RETROGRADE is synonymous with reflection. It is a period of personal reckoning that allows us to do purging of traits in ourselves that we dislike. It is also a time to revisit emotional hang-ups so we can purge the old wounds and be transformed.
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