All About Astrology

Apparent Motion: Retrograde, Shadow & Direct

Direct Motion

The normal motion of a planet. The Sun and Moon are always in Direct motion. All the other planets can move in retrograde motion at times.

Retrograde Motion

A planet moves backwards through the Zodiac in its Geocentric position - as seen from the earth. For the personal planets, Mercury, Venus and Mars, this happens rarely in terms of total duration. For Mars this type of motion occurs once every two years or so, and lasts about eight weeks. Venus is retrograde - like Mars - about every two years, but for only about six weeks. The outer planets beyond Mars go into retrograde motion for about 5 months of every year. Astrologers interpret transiting personal retrograde planets as more inner directed. Transiting Mars retrograde inhibits direct action. When Venus is retrograde we might expect relationships with other people to operate on…