by Robert Wilkinson
This was originally part of the series on retrograde planets but it seemed worthy of independent examination. The speeds of our natal and progressed planets are linked to the RX phenomenon, but have their own meaning in our lives separate from the phenomenon of retrogradation. Today we take a brief look at some possible manifestations.
A factor affecting both retrograde and direct planetary effects is that in some parts of its orbit a planet speeds up, and whether direct or retrograde, it is still moving faster than at other points in its orbit. That's why planets move faster through some signs, while in other signs they slow down.
This is an entirely different but related field of study to the retrograde phenomenon, and can help us understand some subtle but powerful nuances in our planetary positions and how they work as progressions. A progressed planet in fast motion moves through the sign experience at a much quicker degree than a slow planet. You can see how this would affect our experience of that planet's manifestations, since they would be quicker and more condensed across time.
In but one example of how this relates to retrogrades, if we are born just before Mercury retrograde, we'll experience a slow Mercury function for the progressed duration of the retrograde, but after the point of maximum retrogradation Mercury will again begin to speed up in future years. Thus a person with this would start life with a slow Mercury, but will end life with a fast Mercury.
A slow function isn't necessarily a bad thing; it's just slower relative to when it's faster. Whether a planetary function is slow or fast, how favorable one or the other is, depends on other factors, such as individual learning styles and requirements of the moment.
Going back to our Mercury retrograde example, a person born with Mercury direct not long after its retrograde will start life with an accelerating Mercury. However, after a certain point in life indicated by the progressed chart Mercury will again begin to slow down as it approaches its next retrograde period.
Thus these people go from a quick Mercury function toward a slowed function later in life. Again, whether slowness is good or bad depends on the individual circumstances. Some things in life are better taken slowly, while others require we move along quickly as we learn, understand, and act on what that experience is about. Some things need quick coordination, while other things can only be effectively coordinated over a period of time.
The point of maximum retrogradation is the slowest speed a planet attains at that point in its orbit. From that point on the planet speeds up in motion until it reaches its maximum speed, then it begins to slow again until the next time it goes stationary retrograde.
All the planets speed up, then slow down, then speed up, then slow down. They do this in each sign, though as I mentioned they move much more quickly in some signs than others. This is related to what are termed "perihelion" and "apehelion," describing where a planet is in its orbit around the Sun. On a related note, the Moon's fluxes around the Earth use the terms "perigee" and "apogee" to describe the same orbital distance issue.
Copyright © 2008 Robert Wilkinson
Dear Robert,
When I was born my Mars was 0 deg 56 min Capricorn Retrograde. (6/29/54) Now Mars is progressed forward, about to re-enter Capricorn and contact his own place. Like a Mars return, only 54 years later... what can I expect? A huge burst of energy, feverish activity, a temper tantrum? Pluto is here at the same time. I've been pretty busy lately, and excercising more than usual. Just wondered what your opinion would be. Thanks! :)
Posted by: Valerie | September 03, 2008 at 05:17 PM