2022 Retrograde Planets
The graphics below show the key dates and degrees for a planet’s retrograde.
- The grey lines show the shadow periods, during which the themes of the retrograde either start to emerge (pre-shadow) or are resolved (post-shadow).
- The yellow line is when the planet appears to go backwards and re-traces the same degrees it had already covered, marking the need to revisit and rework whatever surfaced before.
- The most turbulent times are a few days either side of a ‘station’ – when the planet in question appears to slow down to a standstill and its effects are felt most strongly. This happens either before the apparent backwards movement (Station Retrograde or Rx) or when the retrograde motion ends (Station Direct).
- For Mercury and Venus, the dates and degrees in yellow indicate cazimi, which is the exact (17′ or less) conjunction with the Sun. This is a moment of great clarity and marks a symbolic turning point at the exact middle of the backwards motion.
- On the other hand, superior planets (from Mars outwards) oppose the Sun when they reach the middle of the retrograde. While still significant, the effect is not as revelatory as a cazimi.