It is well known that Mercury retrograde can sabotage any type of communication. Fortunately, it only occurs four times a year for three weeks at a time, but if you were born during Mercury retrograde, its affects may continue a bit longer. It turns out that not everything is awful because many extremely successful people were born while Mercury was in retrograde. Being born with Mercury retrograde in your natal chart can be a great gift, even though it may not initially seem that way. However, it can also make some aspects of your life more ambiguous.
Priorities first Look at your birth chart (you can make a natal chart on Cafe Astrology for free), then locate Mercury to see if you were born during Mercury’s backspin. The word “Rx” will appear above the Mercury symbol in your chart if Mercury was in retrograde when you were born.
What does that signify, then? “They frequently find it difficult to communicate with people because they are lost in their own thoughts. For instance, they converse with themselves while the other person is, of course, unaware of it. They think they spoke what they were thinking, but they did not truly do so “According to Astrology Booth’s website, astrologer Janet Booth. Or they misunderstand what someone says because they extrapolate their own ideas onto the speaker’s words, or they failed to pay attention because they were preoccupied with their internal debate.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because introspective people frequently exhibit extraordinary creativity. The late musical genius Prince was a Mercury-retro baby, claims Booth on her website. She said that people born during Mercury retrograde typically exhibit shyness as children but develop greater extroversion by the time they are in their early 20s. And this is the point at which the majority of artists let loose on the world.
In This Article...
In a natal chart, what does Mercury retrograde mean?
The crucial word here is appears since, strictly speaking, no planet actually goes backwards in its orbit around the Sun. They don’t even slow down, in fact. Because the Earth orbits the Sun at a different rate than the other planets, retrograde-station-direct cycles are essentially illusions that arise from our vantage point on Earth.
More often than any other planet, Mercury goes into retrograde, but outer planets do it more regularly. Mercury can never be farther from the Sun than 28 degrees, and it always changes course when it is farther from the Sun. 710% of the time, Venus and Mars are in retrograde motion. For lengthy stretches of the year, Jupiter through Pluto are in retrograde motion.
A planet or body’s energies are directed inward while it is retrograde in the birth chart. However, there is something about the energies of the planet that the natives keep covert or hidden, even though they are frequently felt more intensely. When expressing the direct or overt energy of the planet, there may be shyness, embarrassment, or awkwardness.
The energies of the retrograde planet can occasionally cause delays in early life as well as denial, a lack of, or something missing. Saturn retrograde people may have experienced a lack of structure, discipline, or even an authoritative figure in their early years, and as a result, they may feel awkward in situations that require strict rules or etiquette. On the other hand, the outcome is similar if the native experienced very strict influences when they were youngerthey frequently feel guilty and worry excessively about fulfilling their obligations, what other people think of them, and how to follow the rules. That is one instance. Another scenario with Uranus retrograde prominent in the chart is where there may have been a lack of freedom, too many rules, or a lack of support for eccentricity and uniqueness in childhood, which resulted in the native’s expression of these traits in adulthood being constrained, choppy, and generally unnatural. When Venus is retrograde, it’s possible that the child was discouraged in some manner when they tried to express their love or become more appealing. It’s also possible that there wasn’t enough money or resources available.
Mercury Retrograde
Mercury is usually more keen and the sense of humor is more eccentric when it is retrograde at birth. When Mercury is retrograde in a person’s natal chart, they process information differently than when Mercury is direct. How many people have a retrograde Mercury at birth? approximately 18%.
It is common for people in this position to spend a lot of time thinking, verifying, and examining their thoughts and ideas before sharing them. Some people in this position battle with questions about their perceptions or their capacity to learn.
Venus Retrograde
Around 7-8% of the time that Venus is in retrograde, which means that 7-8% of births occur during Venus’s retrograde.
The emotional nature is intense when Venus is retrograde at birth. The act of socializing is never taken lightly. In their adolescence, they may exhibit some shyness due to feelings of uneasiness with small chat and social graces, as well as a dislike of superficialities. A person with a retrograde Venus values love greatly, but they may not express it clearly enough for others to understand exactly how passionately they can love. This individual is always more complex than they appear. They can occasionally conceal their romantic (and financial) lives in some way. Those who were born during Venus’s retrograde phase must be on the lookout for romantic self-destruction. An underlying sense of not being “good enough, beautiful enough, or loveable enough” might exist. There may be very deep insecurities. Self-love can be problematic. Fears can cause people to overcompensate by overeating, going on serial dates, etc., or they can have the reverse impact by making them believe they don’t require love. In one lifetime, the same person can swing from either pole. Of course, it is best to strike a balance. See more information on Venus Retrograde, including Venus Retrograde in the signs, in the Natal Chart.
Mars Retrograde
Being assertive or standing up for oneself can be difficult when Mars is retrograde at birth since it can arouse anxieties of being ineffectual. There may frequently be detours to take in order to achieve your goals. Despite being deeply ingrained, people frequently misjudge our want nature. Timing may be off frequently, or you may express your desires (or rage) in bursts rather than more freely, keeping these feelings to yourself and letting them fester until you lose control. You could come across too powerful or too weak depending on the situation, and you frequently think of the better thing to say or do afterwards, when you’re not under pressure. As working under pressure or with others can make you feel anxious, it is usually preferable to go at your own pace instead of following a schedule. As you become older, you could find highly original ways to physically express yourself or fairly effectively direct your energy in odd but useful directions.
Retrogrades become more frequent as the planets travel farther from us, and it is more typical for people to have these planets retrograde in their horoscopes.
Jupiter Retrograde
People with Jupiter retrograde in their birth charts have a propensity to have unique or diverse viewpoints, worldviews, or moral codes. Instead of learning from others, they would rather draw lessons from their own experiences and responses to them. They are planners who worry more than others about their future or the effects of their actions because they do not inherently believe in luck. They might have to learn that they are entitled to things that others would take for granted.
Saturn Retrograde
When Saturn is retrograde in the birth chart, feelings of guilt and self-doubt may be more frequent than usual. Internalized fears can cause people to put on a strong face so that others won’t perceive them as being vulnerable. Strong anxiety about disappointing other people, failing to fulfill their obligations, or ultimately making terrible decisions might also exist. Sometimes, discipline and order in childhood were lacking. In some ways, having Saturn retrograde in the chart has a similar effect to having a strong Uranus, where the native finds an excessively regimented or disciplined life unsettling. When they are in circumstances that call for protocol, etiquette, or particular sets of standards and rules, people born with Saturn retrograde may feel extremely uneasy or nervous.
Uranus Retrograde
Uranus retrograde can indicate a hesitance to adapt or a hidden skepticism of emerging ideas or advancements. While Uranus direct locals are more likely to flaunt their peculiarities, or at the very least to be proud of them, these folks may conceal them. Having Uranus in retrograde is comparable to having Saturn dominant in the chart, in certain aspects. With this posture, there may be a buildup of energy, so while they may follow the rules for a while, at some point they may have a fit of rebellion before returning to a more orderly, law-abiding lifestyle.
Neptune Retrograde
People with Neptune retrograde in their birth chart may have a tendency to suppress their weaknesses, spiritual side, or compassion because they feel awkward expressing them. These things may very well exist and go deep, but natives of Neptune retrograde prefer to keep them hidden. These folks may lack a strong sense of faith, making them inherently suspicious. They might anticipate the worse if they are left to fill in the blanks. As they worry about being let down, there can be a great risk of having unrealistically high expectations.
Pluto Retrograde
People with Pluto retrograde in their birth charts may be more likely than those with Pluto direct to dread being controlled, tricked, or misled by others. There might be a propensity for people to conceal these worries because doing so makes them feel more exposed. They may not always be in touch with this urge and don’t communicate their need for power or control to others as readily.
On a natal chart, what does a retrograde look like?
Retrograde. It might as well be known as the “F word” in astrology. When you bring it up, you’ll start to hear groans.
Even individuals who are not well-versed in astrology appear to be aware of the transit nonsense that is Mercury retrograde. Murphy’s Law seems to be in full force at this time of year. What could go wrong frequently does.
We’re talking about that today. (We’ll discuss retrograde transits in a later post; in the meantime, if you’re interested in learning more about the Mercury retrograde transit, check out this post.)
When a planet is retrograde in your natal chart, it indicates that the energy is more inwardly focused or restrained rather than being projected outward. Even though the expression is usually hidden, the native may nevertheless experience it powerfully. Additionally, I think that the energy can occasionally be hard to control and come across as awkward or clumsy. It may even be wholly suppressed.
Retrograde planets in the birth chart are said to indicate that the native’s energy was suppressed while they were young, according to one school of thought. Consider the parent who warned their youngster about using their voice from outside within. You’re suddenly restricted rather than the loud you that you want to be. That is how it is.
What house is Mercury in when it is retrograde?
From May 10 to May 22, the planet of communication will be retrograding through your sixth house of health and daily routine, which could make it a little more difficult for you to go forward as you normally do. Whether you’re planning to go work out with a friend or advance ongoing job projects, delays and misunderstandings may occur. However, you might discover that it would be best for you to take a break from the rush, slow down, and be more deliberate about what you are devoting your heart and soul to. Streamlining your efforts can increase your chances of achieving the outcomes you’ve been aiming for. You’ll do best to embrace spontaneity and creativity during Mercury’s May 22June 3 retrograde period in your fifth house of romance and self-expression, as both will make it simpler for you to enjoy yourself and connect with others.
What zodiac signs will be impacted by the 2021 Mercury retrograde?
The other cardinal signs in the other elements will feel this particular backward turn the most because it is occurring in cardinal Libra. Aries (cardinal fire), Cancer (cardinal water), and Capricorn are included in this (cardinal earth). Aries, it will manifest in your fourth house of domestic life, Cancer, your seventh house of partnerships, and Cap, your tenth house of careers.
Can the ascendant go backwards?
If the ascendant in the birth chart is retrograde, it means the person will have a difficult journey ahead of them. Delays, instability, repetitions, obstructions, a suppressed personality that was unable to express himself, frequently battling against the odds, and significant karmic concerns would all be present. You can utilize the decision you made at birth if you can focus on your spiritual side. The personality experiences the same problems repeatedly, which can be annoying. However, there is a significant karmic lesson at play, so try to be patient and begin your spiritual journey. As always, a well-placed Moon is a huge help in this situation.
What does Rx on a birth sheet mean?
Therefore, your birth chart has one or more retrograde planets. You are aware of the ones I’m referring to. They appear to be unique cosmic prescriptions for your own development because they have a small “Rx” linked to them in a strange way on your horoscope wheel.
Retrograde planets in a birth chart, as well as transiting retrograde cycles in the sky, both have important symbolic meanings. But what precisely is a planet in retrograde? Is every planet in retrograde the same? And what do they indicate for you when they appear in the sky right now or in your birth chart? Keep reading.
Class is in session
The first crucial fact about a retrograde planet is that the word retrograde literally translates to “reverse step” in Latin. From our vantage point on Earth, a retrograde planet appears to be going backward even though it is actually forward from an astronomical standpoint. As a result, when a planet is moving retrograde, we see it moving backward rather than forward in the sky. This occurs as a result of the speed differential between several planets and Earth.
There will be a retrograde cycle on every planet. The Sun and Moon, on the other hand, will never move backward.
When seen from an astrological perspective, a retrograde planet has quite a significant impact. A planet cannot behave normally when it is in retrograde. Instead, it’s comparable to attempting to climb a down escalator in a shopping center. Ever give it a shot? I wish you luck. Because you are attempting to advance in a direction that is not intended for you, you become dissatisfied and worn out. How are you going to be your regular charming self during this? Similarly, a planet in retrograde motion.
Are the planets in retrograde strong?
What does it signify when a planet is in retrograde motion? Simply said, during a planet’s retrograde motion, it is during this time that it is closest to Earth. As a result, anytime a planet appears to be moving backward, it transits close to Earth.
When viewed from Earth, planets in retrograde motion appear to pause and move backward for a while. In fact, planets are always moving forward. It is not possible. Retrograde planets appear to be going backward because we on Earth pass the planet by, which is why it appears they are. When you try to pass another car on the highway, however, you see that even though they are moving forward, they seem to be slowing down and reversing. Similar to planetary retrogression, that effect. The main distinction is that, in this example, cars follow a straight course while planets travel in a circle.
Chesta BalaMotional Strength
Are the planets in retrograde strong? The fact that retrograde planets are closest to Earth during the retrograde period gives them great strength. Therefore, during that time, the heavenly body has the greatest impact over us. As enormous celestial bodies, planets have an impact on us both physically and metaphysically. Astrology is used to explain the metaphysical component.
What does retrograde mean in astrology? In astrology, planets have a greater weight and are therefore capable of producing effects that are more powerful. A retrograde planet technically has additional power points known as Chesta Bala, or points of being close to the earth, in terms of Shadbala, or planetary strength level. As a result, we have unequivocal evidence that the retrograde planet is significantly more potent as a result of raising the Shadbala score.
Chesta Bala is one of the six strengths that make up the overall Shadbala score on the planet’s Shadbala scale. Chesta refers to the force necessary for the movement of the planet in this context. In other words, this strength is defined as how much physical effort the planet expends, which also strengthens its astrological impacts.
As a result, whenever a planet goes retrograde, it needs to exert more power or effort to continue moving, which gives it Chesta Bala.
What does Venus going backwards in your natal chart mean?
The feeling nature is intense when Venus is retrograde in the natal chart. The act of socializing is never taken lightly. In their adolescence, they may exhibit some shyness due to feelings of uneasiness with small chat and social graces, as well as a dislike of superficialities. A person with a retrograde Venus values love greatly, but they may not express it clearly enough for others to understand exactly how passionately they can love. This individual is always more complex than they appear. They can occasionally conceal their romantic (and financial) lives in some way.
Those who were born during Venus’s retrograde phase must be on the lookout for romantic self-destruction. An underlying sense of not being “good enough, beautiful enough, or loveable enough” might exist. There may be very deep insecurities. Self-love can be problematic. Fears can cause people to overcompensate by overeating, going on serial dates, etc., or they can have the reverse impact by making them believe they don’t require love. In one lifetime, the same person can swing from either pole. Of course, it is best to strike a balance.
It’s crucial for Venus retrograde individuals to refrain from seeking happiness elsewhere. The love you deserve will come to you when you cultivate happiness within and take ownership of your own happiness.
A person born with Venus retrograde can seem to be made or broken by relationships since they take them so seriously. This job comes with a deep-seated fear of being rejected. Whether or not the Venus retrograde person has moved on physically, there can be an exceptionally protracted emotional healing period following a breakup. Emotionally recovering from a tough relationship or breakup might take several years.
Venus retrograde individuals could be perceived by others as having a unique set of values when it comes to romantic relationships. But many Venus retrograde people have a strong moral code, and their views are very meaningful and real to them. It’s only that the majority may not always adhere to the same code!
If they are not satisfied with what they have to offer as a person, some retrograde Venus residents may appear to be purchasing love or they may express their love through materialistic attention more than others. With this situation, love and money may be tied together too intimately. In fact, Venus retrograde natives may experience financial losses in their love life.
With Venus retrograde, there may be privacy or secrecy about finances. They might store a secret stash, while on the other hand, they might quietly struggle with debt, be a closet shopper, or engage in gambling. Additionally, it could be difficult to demand what they are worth. When it comes to taking money, requesting a raise, or applying for high-paying employment, there could be reluctance. Venus retrograde in a person’s chart can cause them to undercharge for their services.
With this status, they could also have expectations of themselves that are excessively high. Retrograde Venus people may be focused on superficial parts of themselves, such as through extreme body awareness/shyness or care about their physical appearance, even when they detest superficiality in others. Ironically, those in this position should really question why they hold themselves to a higher standard than their romantic partners.
As a way to avoid putting their hearts on the line, insecurities might result in overcompensation, frequently with the features of the Venus sign. For instance, emphasis may be placed on sex instead of closeness or on monetary presents rather than more spiritual or overt displays of affection.
Delay in falling in love or getting married is sometimes linked to Venus retrograde. Many Venus residents in retrograde do, however, create early, committed alliances. However, generally speaking, it takes them a while before they truly open up to the union process. There may be considerable hesitation.
Natives of retrograde Venus are frequently misunderstood. This is due to two factors: first, they may not have traditional beliefs about love, marriage, women’s roles, and relationships; second, they might conceal their genuine emotions, which makes matters worse. Retrograde Venus locals may appear less emotional than they actually are due to defense strategies. In actuality, they have very strong feelings and take a very long time to not just get to know and trust someone, but also to move on from a challenging relationship.
One of the reasons their beliefs and attitudes are unconventional is that they may be profound thinkers when it comes to love and relationships, spotting problems and defects that others might not always notice. Many are ardent supporters of women’s rights and have a sensitive place for those who suffer as a result of strict regulations and expectations.
Natives of retrograde Venus can be a little challenging to adore because they appear to need more assurance than other people. Their current romantic desires and worries may be worsened by difficult childhood or early love experiences.
I don’t think folks born with Venus retrograde have a ball when Venus is in retrograde transit. They may, however, appear to handle this period better than others since they may be a little more accustomed to the energy that is there throughout the roughly 40 days of Venus retrograde.