Retrograde phases are not exactly curses or opportunities to blame your failures, as many believe when discussing this topic on the internet. I see retrogrades as an opportunity to reboot, when the planets appear to be moving backward across the sky. Let’s take a look at how astrologers analyze their influence and provide clear strategies for behavior.
What is retrograde motion in practice
Retrograde motion occurs due to the difference in orbital speeds: Earth overtakes the outer planets (Mars and beyond), creating an optical illusion of backward motion. It lasts from 3 weeks to 5 months; Mercury moves 3 times a year for 21 days, Venus once every 18 months, and Mars once every 2 years. Astrologers calculate using ephemerides: for example, retro Mercury in Gemini increases confusion in communication, and in Virgo, in routine.
Wikipedia defines: “Retrograde motion, known since Babylon, is the apparent reversal of planets and affects the pace of life.” Ptolemy in Tetrabiblos (2nd century) called this “unfavorable stations,” where the energy of the planet becomes introverted: reflection instead of external action. Now, in February 2026, Mercury is retrograde until March 10 – a classic time for reviewing contracts.
The influence of key planets
Retrograde Mercury affects communications: delayed emails, gadget malfunctions, misunderstandings. Venus retrograde (next in March 2027) – reevaluation of relationships, rejection of toxic connections. Mars retrograde, a brake on ambitions, frustration in actions, but a chance for inner strength.
Jupiter and Saturn retrograde longer: Jupiter teaches modesty in growth, Saturn teaches discipline without fanaticism. Quote from Steven Arroyo’s book Astrology, Karma, and Transformation: “Retrogradation is a pause for karmic cleansing, not a mistake, but a lesson.”
Clear behavioral strategies
Don’t resist, adapt. For Mercury retrograde, use the “triple check” strategy. Read texts three times, make backups, and avoid new contracts. Color therapy: blue for calmness, ritual – a diary of past mistakes for lessons.
Retrograde Venus pause shopping and dating, return to exes only after analysis. Redirect aggression into yoga or boxing, plan micro-goals instead of marathons. Astrologers advises: “Retrograde is a time to plant seeds inside, harvest later.”
Ultimately, retrograde planets are a cosmic time-out for fine-tuning your life, where transits become tools for growth. Balance your energies through rituals and check-ins, and chaos will become your ally. Try tracking Mercury in retrograde right now, and the synchronicities will surprise you!