What is a retrograde motion?

Answer 1

Rotation that is opposite to the common rotation of most objects in the solar system.

Most of the planets rotate counter-clockwise, while Venus and Uranus rotate in a retrograde motion - clockwise.

moving backward motion

Answer 2

A planet that is retrograde means that the planet was making an apparent backward motion at the time of birth. If a planet was retrograde at the time of birth, then that planet is notated in the natal chart with an Rx by the astrologer. Planets never move backwards, hence the term apparent. The Sun and Moon never retrograde. Many people watch the motion of current retrograde planets, especially Mercury.

The energy of a retrograde planet is expressed more on an inner level Sometimes the individual has difficulty expressing the energy outwardly. Some part of that planets energy is held back. Retrograde planets often cause one to stop and reconsider the consequences, so that spontaneous expression is blocked in some way. At other times, the outward behavior becomes exaggerated in an attempt to reconcile the inner doubts. Here are some examples of how retrograde planets may manifest in a persons chart.

Answer 3

Retrograde motion is where a body is moving in the direction opposite to the movement of something else. Not to be confused with apparent retrograde motion. [See related link]

If you were on a child's roundabout and your friend was running alongside in the same direction you were spinning, that would be prograde. If however, your friend turned around and ran the opposite way, that would be retrograde motion. [See related link for a pictorial]

In astronomy:

• The Earth and four other planets rotate in the same direction as the Sun does; Prograde.
• Venus and Uranus rotate in the opposite direction; retrograde.

Do not confuse this with retrograde revolution, as no planet revolves in the opposite direction to the Sun.