Learn Astrology
Clarity. No Fluff.
Planetary Stations and Retrograde Motion in the Birth Chart
Retrograde and stationary planets in the natal chart, through both traditional and modern astrological frameworks.
The Naked Eye: Astrology as Embodied Perception
The entire astrological tradition is built on what a human being standing on Earth can see when they look up. Every concept in the system traces back to that perceptual foundation.
Cazimi, Combust, and Under the Beams: Proximity to the Sun
The three zones of solar proximity — cazimi, combust, and under the beams — describe whether a planet operates openly or below the surface.
Accurate.Simple.Capable.
Made for All Levels
The chart wheel reads cleanly without astrological background. Aspect grids and planetary conditions are one click deeper for those who want them.
Simple Surface, Deep Core
Every chart type — natal, transit, synastry, returns, progressions — from a single profile.
Swiss Ephemeris
Swiss Ephemeris under professional license. Accurate to the minute of arc.
House Systems & Orbs
Switch between Placidus, Whole Sign, Koch, Equal House, and several others. Tighten or loosen aspect orbs. Add asteroids. Defaults work; the controls are there if you want them.
Accurate.
Simple.
Capable.
Made for All Levels
The chart wheel reads cleanly without astrological background. Aspect grids and planetary conditions are one click deeper for those who want them.
House Systems & Orbs
Switch between Placidus, Whole Sign, Koch, Equal House, and several others. Tighten or loosen aspect orbs. Add asteroids. Defaults work; the controls are there if you want them.
Simple Surface, Deep Core
Every chart type — natal, transit, synastry, returns, progressions — from a single profile.
Swiss Ephemeris
Swiss Ephemeris under professional license. Accurate to the minute of arc.
A Couple
of Things
What does it mean when a planet is in retrograde?
Retrograde is an optical phenomenon — as Earth overtakes a slower outer planet (or as a faster inner planet laps Earth), the other planet appears to move backwards against the zodiac. Traditional astrology read retrograde as a debility; modern astrology reads it as introspection. Both readings have a substantial history; they describe the same observation differently.
What planet is in retrograde right now?
The tracker above shows the current retrogrades and the exact dates each planet stations direct. Mercury is the most frequent (3–4 times a year); Mars retrogrades every two years; Jupiter and Saturn retrograde annually for several months.
How long do planetary retrogrades last?
Retrograde duration varies by planet. Mercury retrograde lasts about 3 weeks and happens 3-4 times per year. Venus retrograde lasts about 40 days every 18 months. Mars retrograde lasts 2-3 months every 2 years. Outer planets (Jupiter through Pluto) retrograde for 4-5 months annually.
What is a stationing planet?
A stationing planet is slowing to a near-standstill before changing direction. 'Stationing retrograde' marks entry into a retrograde period; 'stationing direct' marks the exit. Traditional astrologers like Lilly noted that stationary planets are concentrated rather than weakened — their influence on the degree they occupy is intensified because they linger there.
When is Mercury retrograde in 2025?
The tracker above lists all Mercury retrograde dates for the coming 12 months, including exact station dates. Pick any date to see past or future Mercury retrograde periods.
Do all planets go retrograde?
All planets except the Sun and Moon retrograde. Mercury, Venus, and Mars retrogrades are personal — short enough to feel as discrete events. Jupiter and Saturn retrograde annually for months. Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto retrograde for half the year and operate at a generational scale rather than a personal one.