What is Nghịch hành?
Retrograde is the apparent backward motion of a planet against the background stars as seen from Earth, caused by differences in orbital speed, and in astrology it is often linked to slowdowns, revisiting, or reversals of related themes.
Also called: retrograde planet
What Is Retrograde?
Retrograde is the phenomenon in which a planet appears to move backwards against the backdrop of the stars when seen from Earth. This is not because the planet actually reverses its direction of rotation, but because Earth and that planet travel along their orbits at different speeds. When Earth overtakes an outer planet, or is overtaken by an inner planet, the viewing angle from Earth makes that planet seem to drift backwards for a stretch and then continue forward again.
In Western astrology, every planet can go retrograde except the Sun and the Moon. Articles on this site have covered Mercury, Venus and Mars retrograde, each planet tied to its own group of themes such as communication, love or action.
Why does retrograde get so much attention in astrology?
In astrology, retrograde is often seen as a period when that planet's themes slow down, reverse or need to be reconsidered. For example, Mercury retrograde is often associated with misunderstandings in communication, equipment glitches, or the need to revisit an old issue. Venus retrograde is often linked to love, values and relationships that need to be re-examined. Mars retrograde is often tied to delays, conflict or action taken at the wrong time.
It should be noted that this is traditional knowledge offered for reference, not verified by science. The astronomical phenomenon of retrograde is real and can be calculated precisely, but the interpretation of its meaning belongs to astrology, not to natural science.
How is retrograde different from concepts easily confused with it?
Retrograde is easily confused with "a planet moving backwards" in the physical sense. In reality, a planet does not reverse its orbit around the Sun; only the image observed from Earth changes. Retrograde is also different from "conjunction" or "opposition", which are angles formed by the relative positions of celestial bodies. Retrograde is about the direction of apparent motion, while conjunction and opposition are about angular distance.
Moreover, retrograde does not mean "something bad". In many readings, it is a period suited to reviewing, repairing or completing unfinished business rather than making a fresh start.
Does every planet go retrograde?
Not every celestial body goes retrograde in the usual sense. The Sun and the Moon are not considered retrograde in astrology because they do not have apparent backward motion against the stars by the same mechanism. The remaining planets all have retrograde cycles with different frequencies and durations, depending on distance and orbital speed.
How do the different schools understand it?
- Traditional understanding: Retrograde is a period when a planet is weakened or works unfavourably, so it is best to limit launches, signings or starting major projects.
- Psychological understanding: Retrograde is an opportunity to look inward, review old patterns and complete what is still unfinished, rather than being simply a bad omen.
- Modern understanding: Retrograde is neither good nor bad; its meaning depends on the planet, the house, the aspects and the specific context of each chart.
A summary table of retrograde planets and the corresponding groups of themes in astrology.
| Planet | Group of themes tied to retrograde |
|---|---|
| Mercury | Communication, misunderstandings, equipment glitches, revisiting old issues |
| Venus | Love, values, relationships that need to be re-examined |
| Mars | Delays, conflict, action taken at the wrong time |
| Sun | Not considered retrograde |
| Moon | Not considered retrograde |
