What Is a Planetary, Asteroid, or Celestial Body Retrograde?
Retrogrades are symbolized by an ℞ in your astrological chart, as a planetary, asteroid, or a celestial body[with the exception of our luminaries, The Sun and Moon].
What is meant by a ‘retrograde planet, asteroid, or celestial body’? Retrograde literally means “going backward”. Astronomically, it means the planetary body “appears to be moving in a backward motion” however, it is not actually moving backwards. It is an optical illusion from our Earthly perspective. Due to the orbital speeds of our planets, occurring during certain times of our year, they only appear to be moving backwards from our viewing perspective on Earth.
As clearly written in one of my treasured books, Astrology for Yourself[1], In your natal chart, if a planetary body is retrograde at the time of your birth(℞ in your chart), “you will experience that planetary function in a different way that if it were in “Direct motion”. “You will experience using this planetary function at the extreme ranges of expression”. [2]
If a planet doesn’t show to be retrograde, it is considered in “Direct” or typical motion. “You will express its functions like the normal of how most other people do” [3] than most others do
If a planet is symbolized by an ℞ in your chart, “you will express that planetary function in a much different way than most others do ; a way that is more specialized and unique to your own individuality” [4]
As expressed by Judy Hall in The Astrology Bible, “The effect of retrograde movement is most marked in transits”, and goes on to express, retrograde planetary objects may “turn energies inward, making them less conscious or to reflect karmic stumbling blocks”[5]
Astrologically, Retrogrades often present opportunities for transformation, growth and evolution, as it is during these retrogradation periods that we take time to remember our Re’s i.e., re-visit, review, reflect, re-think, re-assess, re-examine, re-evaluate and re-consider starting new projects, taking the time to deeply reflect on that which is already created for our own evolution & transformation.
How Often Do Planetary Bodies Retrograde?
Mercury – Retrogrades approximately 3-4 times a year for about 3 weeks
Venus – Retrogrades approximately every 18 months for about 6 weeks
Mars – Retrogrades approximately every two years for about 2-2 ½ months and ultimately Direct for 22 months
Jupiter – Retrogrades annually for approximately for 4 months, and is Direct for about 9 months
Saturn – Retrogrades yearly for approximately 4 ½ -5 months, and is Direct for about 9 months
Uranus – Retrogrades once yearly for approximately 5 months every year
Neptune – Retrogrades for approximately 5-6 months every year
Pluto – – Retrogrades for approximately 5-6 months every year
Current Retrogrades
•Uranus ♅ (℞) Retrograde in Taurus 11/7/25 9:22p EST
•Neptune ♆ Retrograde(℞) in Pisces♓9/22/25 5:48a EDT
•Jupiter ♃ Retrograde(℞) in Cancer♋ 11/11/25 11:41a EST
Key Asteroids, Centaurs, Dwarf Planets Currently in Retrograde [℞]
Ceres Pallas Juno Vesta Chiron Eris Sedna
•Chiron Retrograde(℞) in Aries♈ 7/30/25 10:42a EDT
•Eris Retrograde(℞) in Aries♈
•Sedna Retrograde(℞) in Gemini 9/3/25
Nodal Axis
Changed in 1/11/2025
•N Node ☊ ℞ Pisces ♓*True Node
•S Node ☋ ℞ Virgo♍
[1] Bloch, Douglas, and George, Demetra, Astrology For Yourself, 1987, p147 [2]Ibid [3]Ibid [4]Ibid [5] Hall, Judy, The Astrology Bible,2005,p151