Retrogradeवक्री

A planet appears "retrograde" (marked with ℞) when, from Earth's point of view, it seems to move backward through the zodiac — an optical effect of relative orbital speeds, not an actual reversal.

In practice

Classically, a retrograde planet's usual significations are considered to turn inward or delayed — often associated with revisiting the past, second attempts, or unexpected reversals in whatever that planet governs.

How it's calculated

Determined from the planet's actual apparent daily motion — negative motion means retrograde.

Related terms

Graha (Planet) →