What does Retrograde mean?
Retrograde is a noun that means “going in the opposite direction, or moving backwards.” Retrograde motion is the motion of celestial objects moving in the opposite direction of the Earth’s motion. For example, when the Moon is moving westward across the sky (and Sun is moving eastward across the sky), the Moon is said to be retrograde. The motion is often used to describe human behavior, especially the behavior of people who are addicted to drugs.
When used in the context of astronomy, retrograde is a term used to describe the apparent motion of an object in orbit around the Sun when viewed from Earth. Basically, the word retrograde refers to the apparent movement of an object in orbit around the Sun in the opposite direction of the planet’s rotation.
How does Retrograde affect us?
Retrograde is a sub-type of (pre-determined) astrological phenomenon that happens when the Moon is moving backward in its orbit around the Earth. We may have experienced it as children, or seen it on a horoscope; but what exactly is it? Retrograde is the opposite of direct, but not the same as retrograde motion. It is the retrograde effect that is caused when the Moon is moving in the opposite direction of its normal motion around the Earth. It doesn’t have an exact opposite, but it’s close.
Sometimes, we can get ‘lost’ in our daily routine and then things start to appear strange and unknown. Is it a sign that something is going on? Although we try our best to live in the moment, it is quite difficult to take a step back and to appreciate what is happening around us, especially when caught up in our daily routines. The retrograde effect is real, and it is something we can all experience.
When we think of retrograde, we think of the phases of the moon, the retrograde movement of a planet, or the old days when we had to wait for the mail to arrive. We think of time moving backward when it’s time for a retrograde event.
In summary, retrograde means something that moves in the opposite direction and is defined as moving backward or contrary to the usual order. When Mercury goes retrograde, your communications will run amuck. You may have difficulty communicating or misunderstand what others are saying. Don’t rely on electronics or machinery for back-up communication. Phone calls and emails might get lost, or unstable. You’re better off passing notes in class, or writing letters by hand.
