The most popular interpretation of a retrograde planet in a birth chart is that it will be felt “inward,” meaning the impact of the planet will primarily be internal. However, retrograde planets also hold significance through the lens of “secondary progression”. Understanding how these planets evolve in a birth chart can reveal how we experience life’s journey differently.

If you have a retrograde planet in your birth chart and create a secondary progression chart for your current stage of life, you’ll notice something interesting: instead of moving counterclockwise like most planets, the retrograde planet has progressed in the opposite direction. (You can get your secondary progression chart for free from astro-seek.com.) For example, if someone’s Mars is in the First House and NOT retrograde, it will eventually move to the Second House, Third House, and so on. In contrast, if someone has retrograde Mars in the First House, it will eventually move to the Twelfth House, Eleventh House, and so forth. As a result, the life experiences of a person with forward-moving planet will differ significantly from someone with the same placement moving in a retrograde (backward) direction.

Let’s use ‘Mars in First house’ placement as an example to gain a deeper understanding of the role of retrograde planets:

“Person A”, born with Mars in the First House (direct), might display traits such as being dominant, ambitious, and a fighter for their beliefs. On the downside, they may sometimes appear insensitive to others’ needs and prefer to work independently. As Mars progresses to the Second House, these traits might shift into identifying their self-worth with their possessions or values. They may become focused on material wealth or measure their success by their financial standing, becoming sensitive about their values and beliefs.

“Person B”, born with Mars in the First House but retrograde, will share similar core characteristics with Person A. However, as they age and Mars progresses to the Twelfth House, their journey might look very different. They could channel their energy into serving a social (or a selfless) cause. They may feel unrecognized for their efforts, experience misunderstandings, or prefer working behind the scenes or in solitude. This evolution of Mars’ energy creates a unique life path for Person B compared to Person A. While their core traits may be the same, they manifest and develop very differently.

From a surface level, it might be difficult to see the similarities between these two individuals because they outwardly express Mars’ energy in contrasting ways. Some might even find it hard to associate qualities like “dominance” with Person “B” due to their quieter, behind-the-scenes personality. Nevertheless, it’s the same Mars energy as person A evolving along different areas of life.

It’s important to note that retrograde placements are neither inherently “good” nor “bad.” In astrology, there is no absolute judgment about what is favorable or unfavorable. Every blessing comes with a challenge, and every challenge with an opportunity. Understanding retrograde planets from this perspective can help us gain deeper self-awareness and, ultimately, self-acceptance.

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