AstrologgerRetrograde · Vakri
Which planets are retrograde now
2026 retrograde calendar
| Planet | Retrograde period | Sign |
|---|---|---|
| Guru (Jupiter) | 12 Nov – 10 Mar | Cancer |
| Budh (Mercury) | 26 Feb – 20 Mar | Aquarius |
| Budh (Mercury) | 30 Jun – 23 Jul | Cancer |
| Shani (Saturn) | 27 Jul – 10 Dec | Pisces |
| Shukra (Venus) | 3 Oct – 13 Nov | Libra |
| Budh (Mercury) | 24 Oct – 13 Nov | Libra |
| Guru (Jupiter) | 13 Dec – 1 Feb | Leo |
Signs are sidereal (Lahiri). Rahu and Ketu are always retrograde and are not listed. Dates are computed from the ephemeris.
What does retrograde (Vakri) mean?
A planet is retrograde when, seen from Earth, it appears to move backward through the zodiac. It is an apparent motion — the planet does not truly reverse — caused by the relative speeds of Earth and the planet in their orbits. In Vedic astrology a retrograde (vakri) graha is considered stronger in some classical measures (Chesta Bala) and is often read as turning its significations inward — a time to review, revisit and refine rather than begin afresh. Rahu and Ketu, the lunar nodes, are always retrograde by nature.
What each planet’s retrograde means
- Mercury — A time to re-check communication, contracts, travel and tech — avoid signing in haste.
- Venus — Old relationships and creative work can resurface; rethink big love decisions and purchases.
- Mars — Energy turns inward — finish pending work rather than launching aggressively, and keep anger in check.
- Jupiter — Rethink beliefs, learning and dharma; a good window for inner growth and reviewing plans.
- Saturn — Review karma, responsibility and discipline; close out old obligations and stay patient.
The actual effect depends on which houses the planet rules and occupies in your own chart.
How to make the most of a retrograde
A retrograde is not something to fear — it is a shift in gear. Because the planet turns its energy inward, its period favours anything with a "re-" prefix: review, revise, reconnect, repair, reflect. During Mercury retrograde, back up data, re-read contracts before signing, and confirm travel plans rather than launching a brand-new venture. During Venus retrograde, revisit relationships and rework creative projects rather than making sudden commitments. Saturn and the outer-planet retrogrades run for months and are felt more as a long season of consolidation than a daily disruption. The classical advice is simple: finish and refine what already exists, and save major fresh starts for when the planet turns direct (margi).