Retrogrades and eclipses-oh my!
We're just a few days away from our THIRD eclipse in a row, and as of tomorrow we'll have six planets in retrograde! A planet is said to be in retrograde, when the vantage point of Earth, it appears to be spinning backward. But, what is really happening is that the Earth is completing its orbit around the Sun faster than other planets outside its orbit. Periodically, the Earth will outpace the other planets—and that’s when retrograde mayhem breaks loose.
Much like a speeding car or train passing a slower one, the planet that’s being passed will appear to stop and move backward—which is the apparent retrograde period. Then, once the Earth completely passes this planet in its orbit, the motion appears normal again, and the planet is said to be “direct” or “prograde” (to use the scientific term). Chances are, you’ve been in a vehicle that felt like it was moving in reverse when it was passed, so you know the feeling!
Each retrograde cycle has a “shadow period”—the awkward adjustment of the retrograde planet from apparent backward to forward motion…and vice-versa. For that reason, you may feel the stirrings of a retrograde cycle for several days, even weeks, before it officially begins.
While retrograde planets are just an illusion, astrology followers or spiritually sensitive folks can attest to experiencing their effects. The areas that a retrograde planet rules can become weak, challenging or troublesome during this cycle.
Since all planets go retrograde periodically, it is important to embrace these inevitable cycles as a fact of life, and an opportunity to build character. As the Buddha said, “No mud, no lotus.” Sometimes, it takes a challenge for us to develop the inner strength and self-knowledge we need to evolve as humans.
That being said, eclipses and retrogrades are the Universe's way for you to go deep within to tune into your intuition, and reclaim your truth. You can use this intense healing energy to move your life forward, and let go of the people, places, things, beliefs and habits that no longer serve you.
During retrogrades, the most paramount thing to do is to SLOW DOWN. If you want to make any changes in your life, it's vital to transform your life from the inside out. To begin to listen to that small still voice that is within all of us, which we usually ignore and which leads us into "struggles".
So, instead of hiding in your house or spending this entire month whining about how tough you have it, why not instead make the most of these retrograde energies and focus on the RE words-Revisit your intentions and revise your goals; Remember what makes you happy and do more of that; Release yourself from relationships and circumstances that no longer benefit you and most importantly Reconnect with your soul which wants to help you know what your next steps are on this incredibly amazing journey that you and I are both privileged to be on together.
