What retrograde motion is
Planets do not literally reverse their orbital direction. Changes in relative motion between Earth and another body can make its zodiac longitude appear to move backward for a period. Stations mark the transitions into and out of that apparent motion.
Astro Legacy receives longitude speed from the ephemeris calculation and marks a position retrograde when that motion is negative.
Natal and transiting retrograde
A natal retrograde belongs to the birth-chart position and is part of its interpretive context. A transiting retrograde describes the current motion of the moving body. The two fields are separate: a transiting planet can be retrograde while the natal target is direct, and vice versa.
Chart angles are calculated points, not moving planets. A natal retrograde label has no meaningful application to ASC, DESC, MC or IC.
Why transits can repeat
As a planet slows, stations and reverses, it can cross the same natal degree several times:
- a first direct pass;
- a retrograde pass;
- a final direct pass after the second station.
Not every cycle contains all three within the selected horizon. Use exact dates and applying/separating phases to distinguish them.
Mercury retrograde without alarmism
Mercury retrograde is often associated with reviewing communication, plans and information. It does not make every device fail or every agreement invalid. A practical response is to verify details that already matter: names, dates, versions, assumptions and who is responsible for the next step.
The same principle applies to other planets: read the planet’s function, the aspect, houses and real context rather than using “retrograde” as a complete interpretation.
Common questions
Is a retrograde planet weak?
Not automatically. Different traditions evaluate it differently. In Astro Legacy it is explicit context used by the transit result and explanation key.
Does retrograde mean “bad”?
No. It describes apparent motion and can correspond symbolically with review, repetition or internalization, depending on the planet and chart.
Why is the exact date earlier than expected?
The table can show an active separating pass while another pass occurs later. Check the full timeline and phase rather than assuming one date covers the entire cycle.