What Are Retrograde Planets In Astrology?

Retrograde planets in astrology are when the planets appear to be moving backwards. This isn't the case though as planets do not move backwards. Its actually an optical illusion. When an astrologer looks up to sky they see the sun and all the planets orbiting around it, the sun being the centre of our universe. There are times looking at the planets from earth that they appear to slow down, pause and even move backwards. They haven't stopped or slowed down its just an illusions from looking at the planets from earth. The best way to explain this is to imagine there are two trains going the same way with you on one of them. As one train starts to accelerate, it appears from inside this train that the slower train is moving backwards. But we know its not going backwards, its just the train we are in has sped up. This again is an optical illusion and the retrograde motion of the planets works in the same way.

The only exception with the planets going retrograde is the Sun and Moon, they are never in a retrograde motion. Mercury is the planet that retrogrades most often, 3 times a year and for about 3 weeks each time. This year (2011) the planet Mercury will be retrograde from 30th March to the 23rd April, the next one is from 3rd August to the 26th, then the last one is from the 24th November through to 14th December.

Mercury is associated with the rational mind and all forms of communications such as travelling, conversations in any form such as email or over the telephone. It governs how we trade and exchange goods, services and contracts. If Mercury is retrograde its influences becomes magnified and turbulent. Almost like a storm is brewing. Gemini and Virgo signs are ruled by this planet so this means you will be more affected. There could be delays with travel or car problems, delays with mail or contracts, misunderstandings and communication breakdowns, cancelled appointments and problems with electrical equipment especially anything to do with communications such as computers telephones etc. This explains the trouble we had here in the UK regarding all the travel problems caused by the snow. If you look at the dates of when Mercury was retrograde last year you will see its exactly when the storm broke as it were.
Articles Source:http://entertainment.ezinemark.com/what-are-retrograde-planets-in-astrology-31ded1ad977.html
           
About the Author:Carolyn Clayton writes for English Astrologer Patrick Arundell who offers Horoscope & Astrology readings including love horoscopes, chinese horoscopes and much more.