Retrogressions of 2023 - Fire as Dominant Element - Time to Purify & Start a Fresh

An overview of the retrogression for 2023:

With Mercury’s retrogression on the 21st of April…. we will start the retrogression season of planets…. for this year…

It’s the rhythm of the universe that time to time…. all planets, except the sun and the moon, go retrograde.

Rahu-Ketu has a natural retrograde motion ….

All the planets of the solar system move around the Sun in the same direction but their speed is different.

But, actually, no planet moves in reverse or in backward motion.

When planets with different speed moves in the same direction then the slow-moving planet will appear to be going backward which is perceived as retrogression of the planets.

For example…the runners on a racecourse.

All the runners are running in the same direction at different speeds as per their capacity to run.

The slow runner may appear to be moving back from the fast one….

But he is moving ahead in the same direction … but with slow speed than the fast runner…

If individually, we are… that slow-moving runner… then psychologically, we do feel the impact and pressure of others moving ahead…

That’s where the game changes… In the panic of others moving forward… faster than us … we either try to move faster than normal or get slow further… depending on our conscious…

In both cases… we can make mistakes…as we are not behaving normally…

Same way…planets always move direct in the same direction… at a different speed which …at times… create an impression of retrogression ….

But nothing actually happens in the sky. The planets are doing the same job…. With the same intensity & signification.

The only difference is retro planets are closer to Earth & little away from Sun than normal…

So, the impact of the retro planet can be felt stronger…. As apparently, they move slower…

It is perceived that retrogression creates delays, hardships, and blockages.

Individually, retrogression impacts our psychology …in such a manner that it can influence our action… based on our perception and consciousness…

In reality, it does not necessarily create blockages, otherwise, the entire world would stop functioning….

Actually, there is a symbolic message behind this…

It signals the time to dig deep, reflect, rethink, and then redo something…

You can think of all ‘RE’ words like regain, review, revise, refine…

A natal retrograde planet in the birth chart is significant as there is a specific area in our life that needs our special attention.

At times even the purpose of our life is with that planet, sign & house with retro connections…

In a broad way, whether in transit or in a birth chart, retrogression impacts… our perception deeply...

In transit, it’s an opportunity to slow down where the retrogression happens & do things differently with an extra focus...

It’s time to make necessary corrections in how we handle the same…

The impact is more internal or psychological…. we feel that way…

Retrogression is neither good nor bad…. But retro planets are very powerful.

It’s the raw impact of the planet… without much interference from Sun… as the retro planet is far from the command of the Sun...

They act 100% on their natural - original signification… based on the sign they are placed in…

So, individually we can think of a person without any boundaries…A class without a teacher or an office without a boss.

There are no rules…the planet is self-governing & which makes it strong.

The behavior of everyone will be different based on their personal strength of the planet…

But the expression of the planet’s energy can be unpredictable & very unique.

Internally, there are 3 major impacts when a planet is retrograde:

There is slowness…

It can lead to confusion, mistakes, misunderstanding & repetition in the task… & thus

There can be delays but with an opportunity to work differently…with new & improved ways…

The purpose of retrograde planets is to master that area where it is retrograde.

So, expect… repeated attempts with gradual progress & a great opportunity to gain a better understanding… of the areas signified by that planet…

Initially, there can be difficulty expressing the energy externally…. or there can be confusion creating a mental block…

This can force us to stop and reconsider our actions….

Every year, in transit we have certain planets going retrograde… giving us an opportunity to relearn a specific lesson for our own growth.

We have a fixed timeline for each planet, with their duration to get retrograde… every year….

Mercury gets retrograde 3 times a year.

Mars & Venus once…. every 2 years. Early this year we had retrogression of Mars

& In the mid of this year, we shall have Venus retrograde in Cancer-Leo.

Interestingly, we have retrogression of all the slow-moving planets - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune & Pluto every year ...

Individually or in transit the theme of a retro planet is a need of some reworking and reflection on a specific area, where a planet is retrograde...

Since February we had a time of all planets direct …but now with Mercury retro on 21st April …

We are starting with the Retrograde season… & one by one the planets will get retrograde ….

We can focus on the signification of planet, house & sign …

But most importantly the degree at which a planet gets retrograde & direct … as that’s where a planet is stationed.

That’s where a planet takes a pause and reflects something which was missed in its direct motion…

This year, all Dharma & Fire signs… has some notable retro placements & Aries is a prominent one…

Mercury gets retro in all 3 fire signs.

Jupiter & Uranus will be retro in Aries.

Venus in Leo…

So, the fire element & its signification can play a prominent role this year while dealing with retrogression.

Fire is the spirit within us…a creator & even destroyer & represents our desire

Everything starts with a seed of that one desire.

It gives fertility & growth but is also capable to destroy things to ashes…

Fire element signifies our adventurous, spontaneous & egoistic side…

Also, our approach towards dominance… Who will rule & what...can be signified by fire signs…

Fire signs also indicate our willpower, passion, and responsibilities…where we generally use our energy the most….

We can look for courage, strength & power in fire signs….

Fire brings light also & signifies knowledge, confidence, leadership qualities, & heat…

On the downside, fire can trigger conflicts, can make us jealous… & angry…

But Fire helps to purify, heal & transform in the end…

Expect more than normal hot summer, fire accidents, or heated arguments… this year with retrogression…

So, check the fire signs & their signification in your chart…

Especially, Aries, then Leo & Sagittarius….

Reflect on where there is a need for some rework, change, or improvement & which area of your life needs some fire of enthusiasm…

We also have a solar eclipse in Aries… observe where you have to work … what is the area of concern…or modification…

Generally, the fire signs indicate our dharma in this lifetime…

It points out our sense of identity, duties, responsibility & purpose in life.

& Aires is raw fire…. the 1st sign of the zodiac…where the birth takes place, has the spark in it… & potential to activate things…

Expect a new beginning somewhere in your life… this year…. depending on your dasha period….

But certainly, it impacts you as a person, your actions, your freedom, your individuality, and your health….

& Most importantly your moral responsibilities & purpose of life….

Most of this year, we shall be dealing with all these signification of Fire signs.

It’s the time to learn the missed lessons & improve ourselves…

2023 is the year of Ketu, number 7 which is another indication of a prominent fire element….this year…

What will help us to balance this fire is the water element…

The second most important element this year where the most retrogression is happening is the water element….

Apart from Cancer-Scorpio-Pisces…. Capricorn & Aquarius also has a signification of water element.

4-8-12 are moksha signs which signal to surrender, let go for peace and grow spiritually.

They demand us to be emotional and caring while handling any challenging situation…

With these signs… we learn some lasting lessons & attain enlightenment.

I have highlighted certain key degrees of the retrograde planets… to watch for in transit & even in your natal chart…

They are 3°, 6°, 11°, 13°, 21°, 28°

We also have the eclipse degree as 5°, 20°, 27° & 11°

So, if any of your natal planets or cusp is close to any of these degrees with plus or minus 2 degrees… then retrogression of those planets can be eventful for you…

More so if you are also running the Dasha period of those planets.

Do not get into good or bad impact… it's time for reflection and to do something right that you couldn’t do earlier….

As mentioned earlier focus on the Fire trine & especially the Aires sign where Mercury & Jupiter both are getting retro at almost the same degree point…

Also, observe the timeline….and the events that will happen during Mercury retrograde in April….

Expect a similar or extended version of the same…. when Jupiter will get retro at the same degrees...

Also, watch the Pluto & Uranus stationed degrees for some major events…which can bring some radical and unexpected changes.

With all this analysis I want to draw your attention to the point of reference which can be important to interpret & know the likely impact of these retrogressions.

Further, check the significance of the house & sign of the retro planet.

Here I have shared the most general significations for each house and sign for your reference.

The cusp or house significations can give you a fair idea of where you need to reflect…

& The sign in which the retrogression happens can indicate…how you will probably feel or experience those energies.

The signification of retrograde planet will indicate…. what type of energies will get impacted …

Here I have shared the most common signification of the planet for your reference…

This year Mercury gets retro in all fire signs…it impacts the way we think & communicates about…. ?our own self, our logical thinking, intelligence, & reasoning power….

It will draw our focus on working on our personal responsibility, educating with the latest knowledge & to expressing it with confidence….

It can be a good time to withdraw temporarily from the situation… to improve & understand things better.….

Even Venus will be retro in the Leo sign & will cross Ashlesha-Magha gandanta a total of 3 times…

It is the right time to step back and observe our emotional side from a different angle...

Improve the way you express your feelings & affection in relations….

It can be challenging for relations, peace of mind, home & even finances.

Expect a lot of fluctuations in these significations. It can be a test of your emotional commitments & the way you express them…

It can either give you healing in your relations or bring transformation...

It is the best time to reassess your needs with a proper evaluation of your values, love & pleasure.

Venus has a cycle of 8 years where Venus comes back to the same place while in retrogression.

Previously in July 2015, Venus was retro in Cancer-Leo & in Ashlesha-Magha gandanta…

Do reflect on your experience back in 2015 for better understanding…

Then, we had Mars retro…early this year & now there is no Mars retrogression till December 2024…

It impacts our actions, and aggression, along with our passion, energy, and desires...

There can be doubts about our capacity to fight or defend ourselves…we may lack the willpower & courage or become impulsive …

It will be best to think twice before taking action.

This year, we have a new cycle of Jupiter in Aries giving us lessons on our reliability on luck…v/s our own capacity to lead & initiate anything new…

Retro Jupiter in Aries can shake our faith in our ability but also can give us wisdom, & knowledge to improve our power…

Retro Jupiter in Aries may push us to keep up with our stamina, and leadership qualities, & keep exploring new opportunities.

This time, Jupiter will get retro in Bharani nakshatra where we have Venus also retro in Leo/Cancer gandanta…

Bharani is a survival point of our chart & can certainly give some major transformation.

It’s time to trust your own self & action more than your luck….

Talking about Saturn's retrogression then With?Saturn retro…. the correction can be in your professional commitments, your health…. along with your tough responsibilities, ambition & discipline…

It is also about any limitations or restrictions that you have in life…. your fears & the way you deal with your sufferings...

Saturn will mostly be in Shatabhisha nakshatra during its retrogression & Saturn is also aspecting Rahu in Aries…

This clearly indicates that we shall have concrete results during its retrogression

Saturn’s retrogression teaches us to work on being organized & committed…be duty-bound & consistent in our actions…

With Saturn & Rahu, it's always time for the result of your past deeds…generally, Saturn gives slow results but with retrogression, you may experience instant results of what you say or do.

Now talking about the slowest outer planets – Uranus, Neptune & Pluto… who have more of a global or collective impact…

With these outer planets…& their retrogression we can have significant changes not only on an individual level but …it’s something about everyone, society… & community in general…

It can be some collective matter, any natural calamities which impact us personally & have an impact on our soul…Like we experienced Covid in 2020….

Uranus will be retro in Bharani & Kritika nakshatra…& this is the final transit of Uranus in Bharani nakshatra.

So, expect a final correction of Aires sign & what Venus represents in our chart...

Significations like finances, relations, our personality & health can have the most impact…

Uranus will not transit Bharani for the next 84 years…. Most of us will not be alive to experience the next transit of Uranus in Aries…

It’s time to reflect on where in your life you need a unique approach, & do things differently…

Retro Uranus can get you out of your comfort zone…. giving you totally new experience…& in the most sudden & unexpected manner…

Then Neptune?will be retro In Pisces – Purva Bhadra pada nakshatra mostly – again Jupiter’s nakshatra …

The signification of Pisces sign & Jupiter will be impacted in our chart…

It’s time to rethink …where did you lose touch with reality…about your intuitions, illusions in life & what you were trying to escape…

Its retrogression teaches us to work on our dreamy side & imagination...teaches us to be practical &.to live in the present

Lastly, Pluto – the mighty will be retro In Capricorn - Uttarashada Nakshatra… Sun’s Nakshatra

There is absolutely no personal control over what is happening …when Pluto is influencing our key planet or house…

We will be forced to evolve, transform, & surrender our ego… Pluto heals in the hardest way…

Without even you realize…things can change…. that you have never thought of changing….

Focus on the lordship of the Sun, the role Sun plays in your chart…. & the sign placement of Capricorn…

You may feel powerless and you may lose your control there…

Pluto retrogression can bring the truth, and reality in front of us in the most unexpected manner….

Acceptance & change is the only way out with Pluto's retrogression...

That was all about the impact of the planets while in retrogression for 2023.

To summarize:

There is nothing to worry about retrogression…. It’s all about understanding how they impact us…

All the retrograde planets help us to work on something in our lives & can be seen as a chance to improve…

Retrogression takes us back…will force us to remember the past & encourages us to use those past experiences in the present to make it better.

There are no straight answers with these planets…& we need to repeatedly do things to get them right…

& The most active time of reflection is when a planet is stationary ...

Before starting retrogression, the planet stops and before starting its direct motion.

Use this time period to find your answers, clear any confusion and take a step ahead…