About Michael Erlewine
The Retrograde Phenomenon
Burn Rate
Perhaps no astrological factor has more different
opinions and less agreement among astrologers than
the phenomenon of retrograde motion—the fact that,
from the earth's view, all the planets appear to move
backward, in reverse motion through the zodiac, one or
more times a year. Expert's opinions range from the
thought that there is no effect whatsoever when a planet
is retrograde, to the idea that there is a very dramatic
effect; however, even if (and where) an effect is
indicated, there is a wide range of declaration as to
what that effect might be. The interpretations are all
over the board. In this section, we will examine the
physical astronomy behind the retrograde phenomenon,
and, based on that, go on to discuss how it might be
interpreted.