Uranus Retrograde Uranus’ energies are very revolutionary. They seek freedom of expression and have a strong desire to remove us from anything that has gone stale or no longer serves a viable purpose. Uranus’ energies act in unexpected manners, and you can never be totally sure how they will respond under pressure. Under most conditions, the area of life being affect by Uranus will be the house it is transiting through especially when in retrograde motion. There is often a feeling that something has to change or be shaken up somewhat before its expression is activated. Quite often, you get warnings of necessary changes in the area of life under its influence when in retrograde and then when it turns direct either you make the necessary changes or life makes things happen for you. If you choose to do nothing, life will often take a leading role and see that the changes take place. More often than not when changes are forced upon us, they may not be overly pleasant in their expression. Things can happen at the spur of the moment, suddenly, unexpectedly, without warning. Uranus motto could be “Expect the unexpected”. When a planet is in retrograde, the energies related to the planet and the house(s) it is transiting are stifled or held back. The energy is turned inward and a time for review is at hand. It is a time to re-think things, to re-do things and in an attempt to repair things, you can prepare for when the energies are released so that you can move forward in the new direction of choice. The best time to move forward in your objectives is when the planet goes direct. Uranus suggests that this is a time for inner reflection not only about your life but on a more personal level – the level of “who you are”. It often provides you with more freedom of expression and you just want to be you, or the new you. This is particularly so if Uranus is retrograde in your birth chart. (Any planet that is retrograde in the birth chart becomes more powerful when it turns retrograde through transit.) Uranus is known as the awakener and this is what it will try to achieve in the area of life dictated by the house it is transiting through in your chart. You should also have a look at the natal placement of Uranus by house and also by aspect as this will give you clues into how things might unfold. As with all of the outer planets, Uranus will make suggestions along the way but it will often create a course with little or no direction or input from you. Life happens and things change. Uranus will be the instigator behind these actions, but remember regardless of how drastic and challenging the conditions may be, Uranus always provides you with exactly what you need. The end result is or will be beneficial. When Uranus goes direct, this will often be the time when these areas of life that are involved will be motivated to move towards the new and to make necessary changes. Again these can be in disruptive ways but just for the moment. Do not spend any time worrying about how things might manifest, as Uranus acts on impulse and without warning and often releases in ways that you cannot be prepared for. Remind yourself, as these changes are taken place, that these are happening for a better future. Some people fear changes. Those who are more evolved, or open to the new, know that when the timing is ripe and change is necessary, it should be welcomed with open arms. Uranus will take you where you need to go, so be open and listen. You will know which avenue to take, if life does not dictate, that is. You have freedom of choice on your response however. Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Neptune Pluto Astrology 101 Retrograde

LEVEL II LEVEL II ASTROLOGY COURSE Holm Astrology Level II Astrology courses are being held September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10 & 17, 2026 . Please note that if you have not studied Astrology previously, our Holm Astrology’s Beginner’s Course is a prerequisite. Watch for announcements of the Beginner’s course in the future. If you are interested in taking our Beginner's course, please contact us to advise. The Level II Astrology Course will consist of ten classes, the main focus of which is transits and we will be touching on progressions. Classes will be $30.00 each. If you wish to pay for the full ten classes, the costs will be reduced to $270.00 for a $30.00 discount. Payment can be made on at our webstore, we can send an invoice or in person. There will be detailed notes emailed after each class. The course is in depth with plenty of class participation. Students are urged to take notes during each class but as mentioned there will be detailed notes for each subject covered in class emailed following class. COURSE REGISTRATION COURSE OUTLINE CLASS ONE: In class one, we will discuss what is referred to as major configurations within the natal chart. Some of these would include the Stellium, the Grand Trine, the Grand Square, the Kite Formation, the T-Square and others. CLASS TWO: In class two, we will discuss the Sun and Moon interactions within the natal chart. We will also discuss the Sun’s interactions to other planets. We will go into detail with the energies of the Sun sign and its house position. We will also discuss the Moon and its aspects within the natal chart, its sign and house position. We will discuss planetary patterns found within the natal chart e.g. the bowl configuration, the splash pattern, the bucket and others. CLASS THREE: We will discuss how to determine planetary strength within the natal chart. The Sun’s ruling planet and its house position, the ascendants ruling planet and its house position. We will discuss in great detail about the transits of the planet Jupiter. We will discuss how it is affecting the charts of some of our students (those that wish to discuss this in detail) and also look at the effects of Jupiter in transit within the natal chart. CLASS FOUR: We will discuss the effects of a planet found in its own sign or house in the natal chart. We will also speak of the effects of planets (if any) tied to the Ascendant or MC. We will discuss the transits of Saturn to planets within the natal chart. We will also use, as example, those students who are currently having transiting Saturn affecting their natal chart (with their consent). CLASS FIVE: We will discuss the effects of stationary planets in the natal chart as well as the effects of stationary planets while in transit. We will discuss tight aspects within the natal chart and then go into detail with the transits of Uranus through the natal chart and also with the permission of those involved, discuss openly the transits of Uranus and how it is affecting any student’s natal chart. CLASS SIX: In class six, we will discuss how to find the Dispositor pattern in the natal chart. We will also discuss mutual reception and the Moon’s nodes. We will talk about the transits of Neptune and with consent discuss how transiting Neptune is affecting student’s charts CLASS SEVEN: In class seven, we will discuss the most aspected planet in the natal chart and the most un-aspected planet in the natal chart we well as what influence this may have We will speak in detail of the transits of Pluto through the natal chart and its effects when in touches other planets. We will also discuss, with permission, the transit of Pluto on a personal basis with students in class. CLASS EIGHT: In class eight, we will discuss the inner planets in transit through the natal chart and also speak of hemisphere emphasis within the natal chart. We will have a review of the transits and address any questions students may have in preparation for the test in class nine. CLASS NINE: We will be having an in-house test on the subjects we have been covered throughout the course. This test will determine how the students are advancing in the Level II and will indicate area that need further review before moving on to Level III. The test will also be a good indicator of how well students are at deciphering the natal chart together with any transits taking place within a natal chart at any point in time. CLASS TEN: In our final class, we will be reviewing the test answers and address any questions students may have. The tests will be returned to the students and we will have an open discussion on the information gains from the Level II course. Frequently Asked Questions about Our Barrie Astrology Classes Where are Holm Astrology educational classes located? All Holm Astrology educational classes are held in-person, in-class just minutes north of Barrie, Ontario. We proudly serve students seeking local astrology training across Barrie, Springwater, and the greater Simcoe County region. What astrology courses do you offer in the Barrie area? We offer a structured curriculum including Beginner's Astrology (Level I), Level II transits and chart delineation, and Level III advanced astrology courses. Our courses run locally in the Spring and Fall semesters, with evening sessions starting promptly at 7:00 PM. Back to Top of Page COURSE REGISTRATION Return to the Astrology Classes Main Page

ASCENDANT OR RISING SIGN ASCENDANT OR RISING SIGN The Ascendant Sign or Rising Sign is descriptive of our outside personality, the one we reveal to the world. This will usually differ from our Sun Sign and this is a sure reason why some individuals are seen as quite different from the typical characteristics associated with their Sun Sign personality. The Sun Sign still resonates and is usually more prominent as we get to know and fulfill the characteristics of our true selves. The Sun Sign is you’re inside personality while the Ascendant sign reveals an outer personality that we are willing to reveal to the world. The Ascendant Sign often depicts our appearance and the way we carry ourselves in our outside environment. It is believed at least by this Astrologer that we are meant to merge our Sun Sign with our Rising Sign as well as the sign and house placement of the Moon as we develop and mature. It is with this merging that we can distinguish our true more complete selves and we can represent our true selves in a more authentic manner. The Ascendant sign is also a very significant point when transits and progressions move across or make important aspects to it. The changes and transformations that are often accompanied through the transit connections to this point are very significant to our overall development. Changes in our appearance, our evolution, our ideologies and life concepts as well as changes to relationships with important people all come under careful scrutiny during these transiting times. For example, Uranus crossing over the Ascendant often correlates with major wants for something new and exciting in life. We are often viewed from the outside world as being rather eccentric in our behaviour during powerful transits or progressions affecting this area of our chart. The want to break free from restrictive or old outdated ways or relationships that fall into this category are often by-products of a Uranus transit especially when in Conjunction, Square or Opposition. Uranus is also known as the awakener and many will go through an awakening process as Uranus transits this placement. It is important to also look at the opposing house cusp (7th) and the ruling planet and house placement of your ascendant sign to gain further insight into potential changes taking place in your life. The aspect that the planet is making will define whether it is stressful or an opportunity or just plain easy flow, while the planet will define the type of action that can be anticipated. The house placement of the Ascendant’s ruling planet will also define the area of life that will be affected. Any outer planet that transits this placement will have significant influence on your life. It often takes several years for these slow moving bodies to move out of the orb of influence. Those that are sensitive can feel the approach of the planet by as much as 4-5 degrees and the separation of the link by up to 2-3 degree. The affects will be felt for a long period of time and will change life’s conditions significantly. Often these outer planets signify a complete change in your life’s course and a new beginning. Have a close look at any outer planet making a conjunction in particular, as this is the most powerful of the major aspects. The planet and the sign on the Ascendant will merge and act as an intensifying agent of the conditions already in place in the birth chart. Be ready for change, transformation and a new beginning as these powerful entities begin taking hold in your life. DESCENDANT OR DC IMUM COELI OR IC MIDHEAVEN OR MC Back to Axis or Angular House Cusps Back to Astrology 101

The Eighth House The Eighth House The eighth house is rather a mysterious house, although not quite as mysterious as the twelfth house . It is considered an occult house and many undertones related to the mystic have their origins in this house. The occult is closely linked to this house, as it is naturally ruled by Scorpio , which has its routes buried in the psychic underground This house is ruled by the planet Pluto . Pluto regenerates and causes one to delve deep into one’s own psyche and discover the undercurrents that push and pull us to where we are meant to go throughout our lives. Pluto is all about transformations, and life and death issues which is closely linked to the eighth house. Death and rebirth can be brought forward on many levels. This house deeply relates to death and rebirth. By the time a transiting planet passes through this house, we will have undergone a transformation which will focus on the energies of the planet transiting this house. If there are planets located within this house, such as the Sun, we will experience great changes to our core personality, especially if Uranus or Pluto are the planets transiting our Sun in this house. This house offers support and an interest to uncover our most inner characteristics which are found deep inside that places that we may not venture often. When an outer planet is transiting through this house, we may be forced to dig up issues that have been locked up in our subconscious for years. The support that this house speaks about occurs when we confront these so called demons that have been dormant for years and face them head-on to transform them into something that can assist us in our overall growth This is also the house of legacies, wills, inheritance, alimony and taxes. Depending on what needs to surface while a transforming planet such as Pluto passes through this area of our chart, these areas will be brought to the surface. Other people’s money is governed by this house as well as joint finances. Often these types of issues are resolved by the time a transiting planet passes through this house if there is a connection to these matters. This is the house of the unspoken word, and often there are other powers related to spiritual connections associated to this house. People with many planets in this house natally often have a marked increase in psychic experiences and especially when linked to any signs that are in the element of water. This is a powerful house and often the necessary changes that need to take place in a person’s life unravel during times when planets are transiting through this house. It usually takes a little time to uncover all the transformations that have taken place, as much lies beneath the surface and you will have to uncover the hidden messages that may be revealed during transits through the eighth house. Sex is also under the domain of this house and much can be uncovered by the study of this house to ascertain the sexual undercurrents in a person’s life. The sign on the cusp will help to uncover much of these sexual undertones of the individual and how they respond to sexual "content" entering their lives. Astrology 101 The Eighth house is naturally ruled by Scorpio . The eighth house is the house of INTIMACY, TRANSFORMATION and SHARED RESOURCES The First House The Second House The Third House The Fourth House The Fifth House The Sixth House The Seventh House The Ninth House The Tenth House The Eleventh House The Twelfth House

Ceres is an asteroid which is found between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Its main influence in Astrology focuses on nurturing and protection, but has also been known to be connected to anguish and grief. Ceres Ceres is an asteroid which is found between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Its main influence in Astrology focuses on nurturing and protection, but has also been known to be connected to anguish and grief. Some individuals suggest that Ceres is connected to loss and that people will go to great lengths to regain what was once lost even if it means discarding anything that gets in their way of this recovery. The problem is sometimes we cannot regain what is lost. This is where the nurturing instinct and protection influences may surface with someone who has lost something important to them or in direct relationship to “something” that has been physically lost to them. The placement of Ceres by sign and house position will define what area of life needs nurturing and in what manner this nurturing can take place. A couple of examples might help. We will use both the sign and the house placement for clarity. If, for example, Ceres were found in the sign of Aries, what this individual needs and wants to give would be self-regulated. They would work diligently driving themselves, sometimes using force, to achieve their objectives. Action is what is needed and if for example this were in the third house, their needs and wants may involve their siblings or even neighbours. A great way to help heal or nurture that which needs to be nurtured would be through communicative techniques with this example house placement. With our example, the intellect would play a significant role in what unfolds. They would feel as though it would be up to them to move ahead and their priority may be to nurture what suits them or push for nurturing those siblings, but this individual would want to be the forerunner in what takes place. Another example may be Ceres in the sign of Leo. These individuals would really appreciate attention and even admiration if it goes to the extreme. Above all with this example, these individuals would like respect and to be noticed for what they do even if the actions were being carried out for someone else. They would want to control the situation but would have strong consideration for what the other person may want. If Ceres happened to be in the fifth house with our Leo example, the focus may involve a romantic partnership or their children. Enjoyment and experiencing life would be strong points with this placement and living life to the fullest would help in the healing process. Let’s look at one more example. Let’s say that this last example, the individual has a Scorpio Ceres in the 12th house. This individual may need healing through acts connected to sexual expression or through internal integration and eventual transformation. There would be a need or deep understanding of the mystical or spiritual side of life and a strong want for full understanding of these subjects. Anything mysterious would open doors to eventual healing through deep self-study or a strong push to help others through their own methods of self-study revealing anything that needs to surface. This in turn would lead to healing deep integrated wounds. Due to this placement of Ceres being in the twelfth house with this last example, this individual may work behind closed doors or undercover in some manner, as this work could be secretive or subdued in some way. They may work in hospitals or prisons or work as a volunteer for the underdog. With this placement, they may use their own understanding of what needs healing in others because they have lived under similar conditions themselves (knowledge through direct experience). There is a strong need for healing and also to be the healing agent when it comes to Ceres in the Astrology chart. It is a mothering influence and some say it is connected to the sign Virgo with Venus having rulership. So Venus in the sign of Virgo suits this asteroid (which is also known as a dwarf planet). Comets, Astroids, Etc. Chiron Juno Astrology 101

Sun in Taurus Taurus As we move from the fiery sign of Aries into the earth sign of Taurus, we have pushed ourselves out there in the world and are now ready to move into a more secure life situation. Aries instigates aggressive pursuit to make something out of ourselves and Taurus now wants to instil a more sure-footed response. Taurus is all about building a foundation that can stand the test of time. This is often acquired through material means and security is often measured by the rewards offered from a bank account that is slowly but steadily rising. Taurus is security minded and uses determination and discipline to reach their objectives in life. They do not rush out there and stake their claim as Aries individuals would do. Taurus people choose a more solid structure that guarantees success. They are determined and not afraid of hard work. They understand that if this is what it takes to achieve success, then that is the route to take. They are not very spontaneous and like the tried and tested route. They quietly build on this structured ground and move forward in their quest for security. They rarely sway off the chosen path and can be counted on in any situation. In times of strife, they are usually cool-headed and ward off anything that could jeopardize their sense of security through perseverance and staying steadfast. They are very calm individuals although once they become angry, they are quite explosive and have a difficult time settling down. Taurus individuals are very fixed in their ways and also quite opinionated. Some are considered inflexible and stubborn to a fault as they have a difficult time adapting to anything new. They will stubbornly adhere to their ways of doing things. They may not be spontaneous in their decisions, but they will remain true to their word once it is given. This makes them quite reliable and responsible individuals. In loving relationships, they are faithful to their loved ones and will work hard at maintaining a meaningful relationship. They are romantics and also very sensual people. Taurus individuals will lavishly look after those they love with luxury and surround them with beauty. They are very earthy and not inclined to wanderlust activities. They prefer to remain at home as travel is not something that means a whole lot to them. They will, however, travel to keep their loved ones happy. They like structure in their life and anything new that has potential of unsettling their comfortable life can produce anxiety and worry. They like things to be predictable and steady. To uncover more meaning in life, Taurus individuals will school themselves through practical learning and formulated ideas. If this suggests long tedious tasks that require concentrated energy and an ability to keep moving in an intended direction, they can be counted on to reach this destination. Patience is a key character trait that they can rely on throughout their lives. Their motto could be “good things are worth waiting for”. Astrology 101 Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus and the second house. Sapphire is the stone of Taurus. The alternative stone is Emerald. Other stones associated with Taurus include Amblygonite, Blue Tourmaline, Carnelian, Emerald, Kunzite, Kyanite, Rhodonite, Rose Quartz, Selenite, and Variscite. Return to Sun Sign Page

Saturn Saturn is the ruling planet of Capricorn and of the tenth house . Saturn is known as the task maker and challenges you in your life, to uphold written laws, to move forward in your quest for achievement and provides you with the stamina and perseverance to stay on course. Saturn is known as the task maker because of its relentless pursuit in objectifying and setting standards in order for you to achieve your goals in life. Saturn makes you work for your rewards and only through a steady approach and applied pressure does Saturn’s rewards pay off. Saturn moves around the zodiac every 28 to 30 years and these period’s, ages 29, 58 and 87 are turning points in our lives. The first Saturn return, which occurs around the age 29, is extremely relevant to our lives and (depending which house Saturn is located in your birth chart) during this time many of us experience period significant to our relationship. Some will go through transformations within the home front ( fourth house ), some will experience relationship changes ( seventh house ) while others go through a transformation in their working environment and occupation ( tenth house ). The changed experiences will be reflected by the house. The placement of Saturn in your birth chart represents an area of life that will require your attention and usually unless Saturn is accentuated with mostly positive aspects, will produce stumbling blocks and stress in overcoming obstacles in life. As stated, Saturn is the task maker, but it is also the disciplinarian, the teacher and the one that provides you with rewards for all your hard work, or provides you with challenges and obstacles to overcome when you try to ignore its influence in your life. Astrology 101 Saturn is planet of Karma and restrictions and delays. It is the teacher and the task maker. Saturn rules Capricorn. It is associates with the Tenth House. Some Astrologers say it co-rules Aquarius but again this is questionable. The Sun The Moon Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Uranus Neptune Pluto

Venus' Return VENUS' RETURN A Venus return chart that closely matches the natal chart by sign and degree signifies an important year. Venus’ cycle is approximately one year, a little over or under by roughly one month depending on the year. The house position and aspects and especially contacts with the angles define what type of return can be anticipated. When deciphering a Venus return remember to take into consideration that this is a chart which has to do with Venetian matters. These matters will have an influence on love and affection and often speaks of a love interest. Sometimes it speaks of the daughter or a young important female and in some cases on a wider scale is representative of women in general. Venus also has to do with social activities such as marriage and social events such as parties and engagements of importance. Venus also has to do with popularity and material objects such as gifts and acquisitions often referred to as elegant or pleasing to the eye. The house Venus is located in within the Venus return will be an area of interest and much can be said with regards to what this period will be about by its house position. The Ascendant and the placement of its ruler also help uncover the potential that lies within this Venus return chart. The aspects which Venus receives from other planets in this chart define how positive or challenging this period might be. However, it should be noted that Venus in many cases helps to alleviate some conditions especially when linked favourably to the Sun, Jupiter and the Ascendant. Challenging aspects to Venus in the return can affect love connections and also finances but favourable aspects will also affect these areas in a complimentary and positive manner. Remember all challenges found in any chart are put in place to be resolved and they are the ones that hold the greatest lessons which propel us forward in life. All returns are indicative of the beginning of a new cycle and are defined by what the return planet ( Venus in this case) is about. Astrology 101 Planetary Returns Mercury Return Mars Return Saturn's Return Outer Planet's Return (Uranus, Neptune & Pluto)

The Eleventh House The Eleventh House The eleventh house deals primarily with group endeavours, clubs and organizations that we would like to be affiliated with. Within these groups, we seek to find fulfilment and often as a group we define our ideals and ambitions. This is the house where we define our goals. These are often inner goals and through the discovery of these aspirations, we can uncover our contribution to the world. How we uncover this involvement may be discovered through the sign ruling this house cusp and planets found within the house. The relative ease or difficulty in reaching these aspirations are influenced by the planets in this house and the aspects formed through contacts with other planets. The eleventh house is also the house of friendships and the ruler along with any planets found within this house will define the type of individuals that we may associate with. Friends and acquaintances are often found within a group consciousness and gatherings of like-minded individuals. Planetary links and aspects to these planets will define the degree of difficulty in maintaining these friendships or relative ease in forming them. The fifth house is the opposite house to the eleventh house and often defines the love that we give out into the world. The eleventh house has to do with the love received, usually through friendship and group acquaintances. If the eleventh house ruler is under developmental tension, defined by the sign’s ruler and aspects to this ruling planet, there are often difficulties when it comes to a balance between love given and love received. Often the individual feels as though they are doing all the giving and not enough is returned. If for example you have Scorpio ruling the eleventh house, then the ruling planets would be Pluto and Mars . This would suggest that the organizations that you would want to be involved in would probably have metaphysical undertones and this could be a driving force within the structure of these groups. Much of your maturation would be developed through interchanges within these groups, would lead to transformations that at some point in life would cause you to re-evaluate who you are, and what you could do to change the world around you. Astrology 101 The Eleventh House is naturally ruled by Aquarius. The Eleventh house deals with GROUPS and FRIENDSHIPS. The First House The Second House The Third House The Fourth House The Fifth House The Sixth House The Seventh House The Eighth House The Ninth House The Tenth House The Twelfth House

Scorpio There are three main types of Scorpio people and this is why it is such a misrepresented sign. It is often referred to or designated as the Scorpion whose character traits are often the ones that are less desirable. The sign of Scorpio also has the salamander and the eagle personalities. The Scorpion carries with it traits such as deception and these individuals can harbour qualities that are not to be trusted. They are known for the sexual promiscuity and their sexual trickery or cheating capabilities. They also have a very vengeful side and once crossed, it is best to be on the lookout as they can be quite deceptive and sneaky in their plans to equal the score. You are best not to cross them although in some cases they can be plain spiteful and often very vindictive even without provocation. Jealousy is also a strong character trait and although they feel that it might be all right for them to have clandestine affairs, they would not take it well if their partner were to play the same game. It is rather one sided and although they may be quite aware that it is wrong to carry on this way, they still feel entitled and have difficulties controlling their strong desires. Alternatively, there is also the salamander and the eagle personalities of Scorpio. Many will carry traits of both persona’s but those that have found a way to rise above the Scorpion tendencies can become very altruistic in their natures. Most Scorpio individuals regardless of classification have a need to go beneath the surface and dig deep for answers, and because of this, they make great psychologists, pathologists and private investigators, along with surgeons and in some cases miners. The eagle personalities has found their way past primal urges and because of their tendency to go deep are often found in circles involving the mystical side of life. They are true to the cause of self-exploration and seek out qualities within themselves that can not only benefit them personally but also aid others in their time of need. They are quite loyal to their word, their friends and their lovers. Those that seek spiritual enlightenment are always ready to uncover their deepest and most mysterious character flaws and make dramatic changes and transformations to their character due to the planetary influence of Pluto. Most Scorpio individuals are great at uncovering the truth and they often have a penetrating gaze as though they see past the superficial and see right to the core. This can be a little formidable for those that are overly sensitive. They feel that their privacy is important yet private matter can be alluring to the Scorpio individual for they want to uncover all tendencies hidden within. Most Scorpio individuals have an air of secrecy about them and you will have a difficult time uncovering the deeper facets of their personality. They may even hide their true selves so as to remain a secret and to capture the fascination of others. Nearly all Scorpio individuals have a sensual appeal to them and many are aware of this quality but the eagle type does not abuse this trait. They understand that sexual connections are normal and that the appeal that they have should not be abused. If you are looking for a stimulating individual, one who will be hard to decipher and one who is interested in uncovering the deeper meanings of life and the undercurrents of the psyche, a Scorpio individual would be the individual you are seeking. Astrology 101 Scorpio is ruled by Pluto and co-ruled by Mars as well as the eighth house . Beryl is the stone for Scorpio. Beryl is a family of many stones including aquamarine, bixbite, emerald, helidor, goshenite and morganite. Alternative stones associated with Scorpio include Agate, Boji Stone, Charoite, Dioptase, Golden Yellow Topaz, Hiddenite, Kunzite, Labradorite, Malachite, Moonstone, Peridot, Rhodochrosite, Ruby, Turquoise, and Variscite. Return to Sun Sign Page

All the planets except the Sun and Moon go into retrograde motion. Retrograde suggests that the energies of the planets are not in full expression or allowed freedom of expression. The energies are stifled in some way with the exception of Saturn. RETROGRADE MOTION All of the planets move around our Sun in the same direction and have their own cycle time depending on their distance from the Sun. Retrograde motion is in fact an illusion as it appears as though the planets slow down and then move backwards. What actually takes place is that the planet in question makes its closest approach to the earth and gives the viewer the false visual that it is moving backwards. The planets all go into retrograde and then direct throughout their full cycles around the Sun. The outer planets are in retrograde about 40 percent of the time (and their energetic affects are generational). The inner planets go in retrograde for shorter periods of time. The inner planets (Mercury, Venus and Mars) are said to be personal planets and when in retrograde are the most challenging and often require inner reflection, alignment and adjustment. They will force us into action, and this action required is often the best approach once the planet in question has turn direct once again. It should be noted that if you have a retrograde planet in the birth chart and when it receives an aspect from the same planet transiting in retrograde, the energies will be more intense than for someone who does not have that particular planet in retrograde in their natal chart. It should also be said that it needs to make a direct aspect within five degrees to have a meaningful impact in our lives. The more planets it touches by aspect the stronger the influence. Jupiter and Saturn are in retrograde approximately one third of the time and are considered less personal and less of a challenge. It should also be noted that when a planet is in retrograde, the normal flow of energy is disrupted and often held back or stifled. Saturn is the exception. Saturn’s energies are actually less restrictive and delayed in retrograde motion. It is considered more favourable in retrograde than when it is in direct motion. When planets are in retrograde it is a time when we need to reflect and to put our focus on decision making. It is a time for making plans and to change our objectives or our perspective on what this retrograde cycle would be implying. It is important to take into consideration the planet in question and its position in our chart as well as any aspects it will be making. If it crosses a planet for example by conjunction when it turns direct once again it will move across that same position and the energies in place will once again be intensified. There is also a period called stationary retrograde and stationary direct when, for a few days up to several days, the planet appears to be stationary or not moving at all. It slows down and then stays at the same degree for a short period (the length of time will depend on the planet as some planets will stay in their stationary position longer than others). When it is in this stationary position, the energies are at their strongest and will be intensely felt especially if the transiting planet in question touches a natal planet at the same time. While in retrograde, you should resist taking action. Know that once the planet goes direct, it is time to take physical action. Pay attention to what these energies are pointing towards (planet, sign and house position) and make plans so that you can set them in motion when this retrograde period is over (except as mentioned with Saturn as its energies are less obtrusive in retrograde motion). Astrology 101 No Retrograde Planets In Retrograde Mercury Retrograde Venus Retrograde Mars Retrograde Jupiter Retrograde Saturn Retrograde Uranus Retrograde Neptune Retrograde Pluto Retrograde