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Retrograde planets (vakri)

Retrogradation is a planet's apparent backward motion when Earth overtakes it in orbit. In Jyotish a retrograde planet (vakri) is strong by motion (chesta bala), but its themes turn towards the past: review, repetition, return.

JyotiSoft editorial team · dates checked by calculation

In short

  • Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn can be retrograde.
  • The Sun and Moon never are; Rahu and Ketu always are.
  • A retrograde planet is closest to Earth and brightest in the sky.
  • In Jyotish retrogradation is a sign of strength, not weakness.
  • Next Mercury retrograde: 24 October – 13 November 2026.

Why planets go backwards

Earth and the planets orbit the Sun at different speeds. When Earth overtakes an outer planet (or an inner planet overtakes Earth), the planet seems from Earth to stop and move backwards through the zodiac. It is an apparent effect, but it matters astrologically: during these days the planet is closest to Earth and at its brightest.

Retrograde in the birth chart

The classics give a retrograde planet full chesta bala — strength of motion: it is strong and persistent. Psychologically its themes are lived inwardly and with returns: the person reviews, reworks, perfects. A retrograde Saturn often brings deep responsibility and late maturity, a retrograde Jupiter a personal, hard-won philosophy.

Retrograde in transit

During its retrograde a planet goes back over degrees it has already crossed, and its themes surface again. A retrograde Mercury is a cue to double-check contracts and devices; a retrograde Saturn to return to unfinished obligations. It is not a ban on action, but an invitation to care.

The next periods

By JyotiSoft's calculation (sidereal, Lahiri) Mercury is retrograde from 24 October to 13 November 2026. More in Mercury retrograde, autumn 2026.

Questions

Is a retrograde planet weak?
No. In Jyotish it gets full strength of motion; what changes is not the strength but the direction — towards review and repetition.
Can the Sun be retrograde?
No. The Sun and Moon are never retrograde, and Rahu and Ketu always are.
How often is Mercury retrograde?
About three times a year, for about three weeks.
What is a stationary planet?
The moment of turning (stambhana), when the planet is almost still. Its influence is especially strong on those days.

See also

Positions and tables: sidereal zodiac, Lahiri ayanamsha — the same as professional Jyotish astrologers use, and the same calculation as the charts in JyotiSoft. Updated 2026-10-10.

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