Retrograde

Retrograde motion is an optical illusion caused by the relative speeds of Earth and another planet in their orbits, like when you pass a slower car on the highway and it briefly appears to move backward. The planet is not actually reversing course. Astrologically, retrograde periods invite you to slow down, revisit, and revise matters related to that planet. Mercury retrograde is the most famous (happening three times a year), associated with communication mix-ups and tech glitches, but all planets except the Sun and Moon experience retrogrades. Despite the hype, retrogrades are not cosmic curses, they are natural, predictable cycles that are ideal for reflection, editing, and revisiting past decisions rather than launching brand-new ventures.