UNDERSTANDING RETROGRADES

Traditional chart interpretation regarded a retrograde natal planet as being weakened, but many of today's astrologers have different opinions: the planet's energy is more internalized or strengthened, or causes delay or confusion. To illustrate, retrograde Mercury causes mail to be lost, appointments to be missed and a general breakdown in communication. Helen Adams writes: 'For far too long retrograde planets have been misunderstood or not understood at all . . . retrogrades are not really all bad!' Here she presents a guide to interpreting retrograde planets in the natal and progressed chart as well as by transit. Also included is each retrograde planet's relationship to health.