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| "The Cosmic Trickster: Mercury Retrograde" © 2025 April Moon Astrology |
Retrogrades & Transits
Astrology isn’t only about the sky on the day you were born — it’s also about what the sky is doing today. That’s where transits and retrogrades come in. Think of them as the cosmic weather: some days are bright and breezy, others invite you to slow down, reflect, and carry an umbrella.
What Are Transits?
A transit happens when a planet in the sky makes a connection to a planet or point in your birth chart. It’s like the universe checking in: “How’s this part of your life going?”
- Fast movers (Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars): short moods and quick events — like passing showers.
- Slow movers (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto): bigger themes and longer lessons — like the change of seasons.
Transits don’t decide who you are; they describe the timing and tone of the moment you’re living.
⏪ What Is Retrograde?
Sometimes a planet appears to move backward in the sky from our point of view on Earth. That’s a retrograde (it’s an optical illusion, but in astrology it matters).
Retrograde energy says: pause, review, reconsider. Instead of pushing outward, we turn inward and tidy up what’s already on our plate.
Mercury Retrograde (the famous one)
Mercury rules talk, travel, tech, and daily logistics — so when it’s retrograde (3–4 times a year), those areas can feel glitchy.
- Double‑check messages, dates, and details.
- Back up files and leave extra travel time.
- Revisit old ideas or conversations with fresh eyes.
It’s not a curse; it’s a reminder to slow down and be thoughtful.
Other Retrogrades (Quick Feel)
- Venus Retrograde: love, values, and money patterns under review.
- Mars Retrograde: energy, drive, and conflict strategies re‑tooled.
- Jupiter Retrograde: big plans and beliefs refined.
- Saturn Retrograde: responsibilities, boundaries, and commitments re‑examined.
- Uranus/Neptune/Pluto Retrograde: slower, more collective shifts — cultural tides and deep inner evolution.
How to Read Transits (Simple & Friendly)
- Spot the planet. Each one brings its vibe (Mercury = messages, Venus = relationships/values, Mars = action, etc.).
- Notice the speed. Fast planet = quick weather. Slow planet = season of growth.
- Look for the house (optional). If you know your Rising sign, find which house the transiting planet is moving through — that shows where in life it lands (home, work, love, etc.).
- Exact hits are louder. If a transit closely contacts one of your natal planets or angles, you’ll feel it more personally.
Working With Retrogrades & Transits
- Name the weather. “This is a Saturn week: I’ll plan, simplify, and be patient.”
- Match the pace. Push on green lights; reflect on yellow; rest on red.
- No fear, just flow. Retrograde ≠ doom. It’s review mode — edit, realign, and move on.
- Track what repeats. Slow‑moving transits come in chapters; noticing patterns makes them easier to navigate.
In short: Transits describe the mood of the moment; retrogrades invite a thoughtful pause. Together they keep life human‑sized — a rhythm of forward steps, breathers, and breakthroughs that help us grow on purpose.