Retrograde Planets in the Natal Chart
There seems to be some confusion about retrograde planets going along the internet. If you were to average out all the posts describing what happens to an Rx (retrograde) planet, it would likely read something like this:
“Retrograde planets appear to be moving backwards through the sky from the perspective of earth which gives them special properties. The planet’s energy is turned inwards and things that planet rules tend to go haywire, so here are some tips for surviving a retrograde and the shadow period before it:
1) Take some time and reflect on what that planet means. Retrogrades are time for reflection.
2) Expect things to go wrong, even things that planet may or may not rule. Retrogrades are just kinda hectic, so wait till everything is direct to move forward.
3) Don’t do anything that involves that planet. At all. ESPECIALLY if it’s Mercury retrograde.
4) Hide in a bunker under the ground. Wait for all the planets to go direct. It’s just safer that way, ok?
Retrogrades in the natal chart may have a very muted expression because their energy is turned inwards. Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean your doomed, but you’ll just have a LOT of extra difficulty and awkwardness as a result of your retrograde planet because other people won’t get your weird way of doing that planet’s action. On the bright side, though, sometimes these retrogrades can actually bring special talents because the planets motion is turned inwards so it’s like doing a lesson over again.”
It is true, a retrograde planet CAN cause some hiccups when they are transiting, but descriptions like this stigmatize people who natally have retrograde planets. Are they doomed to never be able to use that planet’s energy because it’s “turned inwards”? What does it even mean for a planet’s energy to be “turned inward”? Why are these planets “awkward”? And what exactly are the “special talents” retrograde planets give the native? Those are questions the questions that really need to be answered.
When astrologers describe a planets energy as being turned inwards, what they are trying to get across is a slightly more complex idea in simpler language and that idea is this: Retrograde planets, karmically speaking, are places where we subconsciously know the consequences of using that planet’s energy. All of our actions have consequences both good and bad whether we realize it or not. People with a planet retrograde are likely to have an uneasy feeling about using their retrograde planet’s energy because they can feel the consequences. This doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences from acting with a direct planet, but when we do that, we often aren’t conscious of what could go wrong.
For example, a person with a Mercury Rx will tend to think twice before saying anything or may opt not to say anything at all because they are painfully conscious of the weight their words carry. This can lead them to being labeled as “awkward” in the way they communicate. In transit form, this often looks like communication chaos, but in reality, Mercury Rx is trying to remind us to slow down and think twice about what we say, both verbally and nonverbally, because even small acts of communication can have a big impact on our lives and the lives of others.
How can retrograde planets be hidden talents, you may ask? Well, karmically, people tend to learn through trial and error. They do something, they learn the consequences either good or bad from what they can see. They watch the effects of their actions. That being the case, people with retrograde planets can tap into their planet for a ridiculous amount of talent, but they also tend to be very aware of the cost of doing so and will not do it unless they have a very, very good reason. Again, using Mercury as an example, somebody with a Mercury in retrograde likely knows EXACTLY how to communicate what they’re feeling, they just choose not to because they don’t want to hurt the other person’s feelings. Saying how they feel could result in a lot of emotional fallout, so while they have the talent to really get their point across when provoked, they’re often sorry later if they do.
Hopefully that helps explain the formula for how interpretations for retrograde planets are created. Here are some of my personal interpretations for each planet retrograde when in the natal chart, but if you have anything to add or ask please do so in the comments below.
*Note: These interpretations are single-planet, meaning other aspects and planets in the natal chart can change the expression. These are meant to be combined with the rest of the natal chart.
Mercury Rx: Natives with this placement often get a reputation for being quiet, not having a lot to say, or not being able to get their point across. The truth is, they often know exactly what they want to say but are more aware of the consequences of speaking their mind and would rather stay quiet than deal with that. They also tend to process information more thoroughly than people with direct Mercury placements do because they know the consequences of spreading false information or assuming something is correct right away.
Mars Rx: Natives with this placement may be labeled as weak willed or apathetic since they tend not to be self-starters or have much drive to compete. Often times, the gentle placement of Mars Rx simple doesn’t like the collateral damage of competition. While people with a Mars direct may enjoy activities that require competing, Mars Rx knows that for as high as the winner gets, the loser gets equally low. This may lead them to forgo participation in anything they must do alone, so they may get run over by more competitive types. The upside is they’re generally pretty good at waiting and are very patient people although their lack of a rush can frustrated more ambitious people. While they can be exceptional competitors under the right circumstances, you’re unlikely to find Mars Rx using that ability.
Venus Rx: Natives with this placement tend to shy away from the material side of life. As a result, they often get labeled as having poor financial management and eating disorders when in reality, they tend to not need a lot of physical objects to be happy. It’s not that they don’t like stuff, they are just aware of how it can complicate things. The stereotype about being unloving is absolutely not true, as Venus Rx can know a love beyond what physical needs dictates, but they often question WHY someone loves them and for what reasons. They can get whatever it is that they want or need, but typically that isn’t much because that’s all they want, not because that’s all they can get in whatever house Venus is in. They don’t want to deal with the burning questions of why they do something if material investments are involved, so they keep it simple.
Ceres Rx: Natives with this placement may lead hectic, disorganized lives because frankly, they know how boring a routine can be. People with Ceres Rx are completely capable of running a tight ship but would prefer to let things be loose. They likely frustrate those around them with their apparent lack of discipline and routine, but if they absolutely have to they know how to get themselves back on track just in time to go back to a messy, surprise-oriented way of living.
Juno Rx: Natives with this placement may avoid partnerships and seem to be very “independent” instead. These lone wolves, however, are just trying to avoid dependence on somebody. It’s not that they can’t have partners, it’s just that they often don’t because they don’t want to use another person to compensate for what they can’t do; they want to be able to do it themselves! Juno Rx people typically won’t settle down until they can be for themselves what they want in a partner. This can lead to their partner feeling useless since Juno Rx tend to have a “If I want it done right I’ll do it myself” mentality but they can and do depend on partners once they’re satisfied with their own capabilities.
Jupiter Rx: Natives with this placement may avoid questioning things too deeply or be uneasy about learning too much about topics like politics and religion. These people often have the ability to pull off miracles of luck in their given houses, going much further than their Jupiter direct counterparts but they tend not to because they’re aware of how bad the crash from going too high is. As a result, Jupiter Rx natives tend to be more low key and avoid situations where they learn too much too fast. People may think of them as ignorant or as “killing the vibe” but it’s because Jupiter Rx knows subconsciously about the come down of a good time all too well.
Saturn Rx: Natives with this placement often have a lack of outside structure and as a result get very, very good at structuring themselves. Often, these people are disillusioned with the true cost of achievement and may choose to live life as free spirits rather than submitting to “the system”. Saturn Rx can work remarkably hard and know all the steps that go into making something big happen, but because they can see all the steps and work ahead of time, they tend to abstain. People with Saturn direct may think of them as downers but that’s just because Saturn Rx people know the grim reality of ambition.
Uranus Rx: Natives with this placement are often labeled as old fashioned or unable to keep up with the times because they’re not excited by new ways of doing things and technology. Uranus Rx, however, is very aware that anything that claims to solve a problem is likely to just create another in its place, even if it isn’t obvious. These people may find comfort in tradition because at least then they know what the consequences of the actions that have been tested over generations are and they don’t have to deal with figuring out new solutions to the new problems.
Neptune Rx: Natives with this placement are often labeled as grim and being downers when they feel they’re just being the voice of reason. Neptune Rx knows subconsciously the consequences of getting one’s hopes too high and they know that life is rarely as magical as we build it up to be. While these people may seem to move through life without a sense of wonder since they keep their expectations low, it’s because they don’t want to ruin a truly beautiful moment by making it more than it is in their head.
Pluto Rx: Natives with this placement are often labeled as “chill”, or more frequently, unpassionate. People with a Pluto Rx are usually pretty good at letting things go, especially in their house/sign that Pluto Rx is in, because they know the consequences of obsessing over something. They generally avoid pain because although they are very capable of gritting through rough situations when they need to, they don’t like how those types of experiences shape people. Pluto direct people are more likely to accredit their strength to a hard event they overcame while Pluto Rx people are more likely to wish such events never happened. Inside, they know they have the strength to survive hardship so the appeal of proving that they can isn’t readily present. While they may seem to lack a bond that drives them, they’re quite happy living life in its more gentle manifestations.
