Vakri (Retrograde) Planets:
A retrograde planet is one that appears to move in the opposite direction. In reality, it does not move backward. The Earth’s motion around the Sun seems faster than that of other planets, making the second planet appear to move in reverse. It’s like one vehicle overtaking another— the slower vehicle seems to move backward.
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn can become retrograde at times, while Rahu and Ketu are always in retrograde motion. The curvature of the planets’ orbits differs for those outside the Earth’s orbit compared to those inside it. Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn are positioned outside the Earth’s orbit, while Venus and Mercury are inside it.
The Sun and the Moon do not go retrograde, but Rahu and Ketu are always in retrograde motion. Venus becomes retrograde when it reaches 29 degrees from the Sun, and Mercury goes retrograde when it reaches its furthest degree, which is 28 degrees.
A retrograde planet affects two houses simultaneously, so its influence is stronger and its vision falls more on these houses. As a result, the planet becomes more powerful.
Each retrograde planet has different effects:
- Mars: Can create accident situations and lead to criminal behavior.
- Mercury: May cause financial problems, lead to harsh speech, and cause physical issues.
- Venus: Can lead to defamation, reduce happiness, and create problems in married life.
- Saturn: Causes ups and downs in jobs or business and can lead to physical problems.
It is important to note that retrograde planets do not always produce negative results. While their power to create both positive and negative outcomes is increased, the effects depend on other factors in the chart. If a planet is positioned between two retrograde planets, its power to influence is reduced.
The duration of retrograde motion for each planet is as follows:
- Saturn: Retrograde for 140 days, stationary for 5 days before and after retrograde.
- Jupiter: Retrograde for 120 days, stationary for 3 or 4 days.
- Venus: Retrograde for 42 days, stationary for 2 days.
- Mercury: Retrograde for 24 days, stationary for 1 day before and after retrograde.
