The day a transiting planet turns into its retrograde phase is the most sensitive.

In this final article of a three part series, we will explore the transiting retrograde phase.

In the first and second parts of this series we learned about the definition of retrograde planets, as well as some of the key meanings for retrograde planets and how these planets can affect our life with respect to our specific horoscope.

This is especially true for those of us who are born when a planet is in the retrograde phase.

For instance, everyone born during a Mercury retrograde phase may feel the February sixth transiting retrograde phase the strongest and be the most influenced by Mercury retrograde periods. They may also feel more intensely the associated experiences that Mercury represents such as communication and the houses in the horoscope that Mercury influences.

This same principle applies to retrograde Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Saturn.

Here are some basic facts:

• Right now Jupiter is retrograde. Jupiter went retrograde November 6th, 2013 and turns direct March 6th, 2014.
• Venus was retrograde December 21st, 2013 to January 31st, 2014.

Reflecting back I look at my own birth chart and ask:

• On November 6th or December 21st, 2013, what (if any) significant factors happened during the Venus and Jupiter retrogrades? Did I feel strongly about certain areas in my life on the days that Venus and Jupiter turned retrograde?
• What came up for me during these periods around relationships (Venus), spirituality or higher learning (Jupiter) during these times?

Mercury turns retrograde on February 6th through February 28th. It is exciting and valuable to take note of the day Mercury goes retrograde and and during the weeks ahead.

What shifts happened?

Here are some interesting facts about the frequency of retrograde planets:

• Mercury goes retrograde three to four times a year for slightly more than three weeks at a time.
• Venus will turn retrograde every one and a half years for about six weeks.
• Mars has a two year cycle turning retrograde for close to three months.
• Jupiter is retrograde one third of the year. Once a year Jupiter is retrograde for about four months.
• Saturn goes retrograde for about four months at a time, a little more than a year apart.

The beginning of March holds a very unique transiting retrograde phase with Mars and Saturn turning retrograde almost simultaneously in Libra.

It is highly unusual that these two planets will go retrograde at the same time and even more unique that they are doing so while together in the sign of Libra with Rahu. This retrograde timing and combination in Libra has not occurred in many hundreds of years. The specific meaning and how it affects us personally can be determined through a Vedic astrology consultation.

Let’s revisit the original question.

• What do you think now about the time periods of Mercury or other planets in retrograde after reading this blog series?
• What questions do you have?
• What would help you best to further understand your life and the karmic patterns that are traced in the sky by the light of the planets in your horoscope?

There are many other details to consider when viewing a retrograde planet as it relates to our horoscope and our life experience. I wanted to share these fundamental concepts with you so that you could begin to contemplate your desires and what might be the driving force behind them.

What compels you and affects your karma in this lifetime as it relates to retrograde planets and/or Rahu in your horoscope?

If you are interested in having your chart read and your retrograde planets explained please contact me at my website. I would very much enjoy sharing with you the light that can be shed from the astrological perspective of Jyotish!

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Assistant Editor: Renee Picard / Editor: Catherine Monkman

Photo: Wikimedia Commons