Concept of Retrograde Planets

Excerpts from Vaults of the Heavens by  Ernst Wilhelm

SHAKTA- POWERFUL – A planet is powerful when retrograde.

The planets outside Earth’s orbit, namely Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, are retrograde when they are opposite, or near opposite, the Sun. When one of these planets is opposite the Sun, Earth is between it and the Sun. At this point the planet is the closest to Earth, its rays, therefore, are the brightest and it becomes powerful in its own nature. The planets inside Earth’s orbit, namely Mercury and Venus, are retrograde when in inferior conjunction, the conjunction wherein the planet is between the Earth and the Sun. At this point the planet is again closest to the Earth. There are differences of opinion regarding the effects of a retrograde planet. Sri Mantresvara agrees that a planet becomes very powerful, and also auspicious, when retrograde as he states in  Phala Deepika, 9; 20:

“When a planet is in a retrograde motion he will produce the same effects as if he is posited in exaltation, even if he is in his enemy’s sign or debilitation.” Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra, in the calculation for the Ishta and  Kashta (good and ill) of the planets, infers that a planet’s benefic tendencies are greater when retrograde. The greater  the Cheshta Bala (motional strength) the greater the good of the planet. The Cheshta Bala is  greatest during a planet’s retrograde motion. It appears, therefore, that a planet is more benefic during its retrograde motion.  Bhavartha Ratnakara, 13; 16 supports this view: “Malefics cause good by  having retrograde motion.”  Saravali, 5; 39, however does not hold the view that malefics are  capable of good when they are retrograde: ”Retrograde planets are very powerful. The benefices confer kingship while the malefic cause misery and aimless wandering.” Furthermore, some astrological classics state that the dasa of a planet that is retrograde is good, while others state that it will be difficult. The fact that there are many contradictions comes as no surprise when you consider that a retrograde planet, though appearing to move retrograde from our view on Earth, is actually moving forward from the view of the Sun. The planet is, therefore, moving in two directions and that makes it tricky  to really know what effects it will give. Is it  going to give the forward  motion effects or the retrograde effects? The most important factor in determining the effects of a retrograde planet is whether the planet is indicating auspicious results or inauspicious results due to its placement, yogas,  etc., and not its natural  benefic or malefic quality. If a retrograde planet  is indicating auspicious results by placement, yogas, etc., then it will give  more auspicious results than if it were not retrograde, all other factors equal. If a retrograde planet is indicating inauspicious results then it will give less inauspicious results then if it were not retrograde, all other factors equal.  A very important factor to be aware of regarding the Shakta Avasthas is  that Shakti is particularly the power of the consciousness. Retrograde planets, therefore, are more under the conscious influence of the native. The native will generally make conscious decisions regarding the affairs of the retrograde planets as well as make conscious decisions during the periods of the retrograde planets. A few other important points regarding retrograde planets follow:

1. A retrograde planet should be considered powerful, as the ShaktaAvastha describes, giving its results with great force and its auspicious results in great measure.
2. All retrograde planets are worse for health than when direct. The retrograde motion is not vitalizing to the physical organism and indicates inherently weaker organs.
3. Retrograde planets, when they affect the 7^th house or lord, or when a retrograde planet is the 7th lord, seems to cause less fulfillment and greater difficulties in relationships. This is because, in relationships, if you are not moving forward, the relationship suffers, and with a retrograde planet it becomes more difficult to move forward.
4. Retrograde planets have more surprises to offer of an unexpected nature.
5. As retrograde planets are closer to Earth they emphasize some aspect of the natives individuality which is more unique to the native’s character. A retrograde planet operates in a manner that is in reverse of, or different from, the collective trend or mentality, thereby individualizing the native.
6. A retrograde planet is traveling back over a portion of space that it has just crossed. This emphasizes a more powerful past life influence with lessons and talents that are of greater importance to develop and use in this lifetime.
7. Retrograde planets often have the capacity to bring something that was in use in the past into the present. They are therefore more inclined to prompt interests that are from an older time or culture than a direct planet.