Retrograde Planets - Understanding Apparent Backward Motion
Explore the fascinating phenomenon of planetary retrograde motion in Vedic astrology. Learn how retrograding planets influence life events, personality traits, and spiritual growth.
Retrograde motion appears to defy the laws of physics, but it's actually a beautiful demonstration of how our perspective shapes our understanding of the cosmos.
The Celestial Illusion
Retrograde motion is an optical illusion where planets appear to move backward in the sky from Earth's perspective.
The Optical Illusion
Imagine you're in a car on a highway. When you overtake a slower car, it appears to move backward relative to you, even though both cars are moving forward. This is similar to retrograde motion.
Earth (inner lane)
Mars (outer lane)
When Earth (traveling faster in its inner orbit) laps a slower outer planet like Mars, the planet appears to move backward in the sky from our perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Retrograde Calculator
Check current and upcoming retrograde periods for all planets