Hello folks! Today, let's talk about a much-debated topic in Vedic astrology: retrograde planets. This topic generates a lot of discussions and disagreements. How will a retrograde planet behave? Does it reverse the outcomes of its position in the chart? For example, if Saturn is retrograde in Aries, will it give results similar to Saturn in Libra? Is a retrograde planet auspicious in any way, especially the benefics? Let's dive into this fascinating subject.

What Is Retrograde?

The idea of retrograde needs to be understood first. What is retrograde anyway? While it may seem like the planet is moving backward, it's crucial to understand that this isn't the case. All planets revolve around the Sun, including Earth. When an outer planet comes very close to Earth, it appears to go retrograde. This proximity makes the planet's energy stronger and more impactful on us.

Imagine two cars on a highway; if one slows down, it seems like it's moving backward, even though it isn't. Similarly, the retrograde motion is a perception caused by the change in the planet's speed. This motion is regarded as very strong because it has a significant impact on our internal and mental state.

Retrograde Motion and Its Impact

Retrograde motion, known as "Chesta," signifies the powerful influence on us. If you have a retrograde planet in your chart, its significations are always on your mind, even if they don't manifest in your life. This could be due to past life memories or unresolved issues. The retrograde planet gives you the strength and power to struggle against impossible odds, making it more potent.

However, the energy of a retrograde planet is unpredictable. You may need to try more than once to get the desired results. Sometimes, the results can be strange or unorthodox, not fitting your expectations. There will be times when a retrograde planet can make the impossible possible, especially if it's a benefic like Jupiter.

Types of Retrograde Stations

There are eight types of planetary retrograde motions:

Neutral (Sumean): Considered mean or average.

Vyast (Stationary): Deformed and weak, yet powerful in giving results.

Shigra (Decreasing): Exhausted and weakened but gains strength over time.

Manda (Increasing): Shows extreme desire and material ambition.

Raumandara (Decreasing): Shows frustration and giving up.

Shatara (Increasing): Highest velocity and material desire.

Vakra (Decreasing): Reformed alignment and realization.

Aakra (Increasing): Rebellious energy and denial.

Understanding the term "Vakri" is essential. It means crooked, twisted, indirect, evasive, and even cunning. The planetary movement goes from stationary to retrograde and back to stationary, affecting the planet's behavior.

Assessing Retrograde Planets in Your Chart

Assessing the type of retrograde station in your chart is crucial. For example, a stationary malefic planet can be very problematic, while a stationary benefic can be very powerful. The impact of the retrograde planet depends on its lordship and placement in your chart.

For instance, a retrograde Mercury in the first house can affect your speech, making it crude or impolite. On the other hand, a retrograde Jupiter in the fifth house can make you overcompensate for a lack of education in your early years by becoming highly educated later in life.

Examples from Famous Charts

Let's look at some examples. Barack Obama has two retrograde planets, Jupiter and Saturn, in the first house. This indicates difficult early life circumstances but improvement over time. Bruce Lee's chart also demonstrates the power of retrograde planets. Despite facing many challenges, he kept pushing and achieved great success.

The Essence of Retrograde Planets

Retrograde planets behave somewhat like Rahu, indicating unfulfilled desires and unspent karma. They stand out in the chart and can bring amazing results through persistent effort. However, they also bring obsessive fixation on their significations, leading to overcompensation.

The placement of the retrograde planet shows where this obsessive desire will manifest. For example, a retrograde Venus can bring ups and downs in relationships and finances, while a retrograde Mars can lead to struggles with anger and ambition.

Impact of Specific Retrograde Planets

Each retrograde planet has its unique impact:

Retrograde Saturn: Can bring health issues, career changes, and deep transformation.

Retrograde Venus: Can cause relationship and financial ups and downs, and a strong desire for love and affection.

Retrograde Mars: Can lead to struggles with anger, ambition, and property matters.

Retrograde Jupiter: Can cause issues with money, family, and career but also bring a deep desire for higher learning and spirituality.

Retrograde Mercury: Can lead to communication issues, misunderstandings, and a strong desire to be seen as intelligent and knowledgeable.

Retrograde planets bring challenges but also significant growth and transformation. They make you try repeatedly, ultimately leading to greater success and fulfillment than a direct planet would.

Conclusion

Retrograde planets in Vedic astrology are powerful and complex. They bring challenges, but they also offer incredible opportunities for growth and transformation. Understanding their behavior and impact can help you navigate their influence in your life.

Feel free to share your experiences with retrograde planets in the comments below. Cheers!

```