AstrologgerRetrograde · Vakri
Which planets are retrograde now
As of 7 November 2026, Budh (Mercury), Shukra (Venus) and Shani (Saturn) are retrograde, along with the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu, which are always retrograde.
Now · next 30 days
- Mercury is retrograde now, through 13 Nov 2026Turns direct on 13 Nov 2026 at 21:22 IST
- Venus is retrograde now, through 14 Nov 2026Turns direct on 14 Nov 2026 at 05:57 IST
- Saturn is retrograde now, through 11 Dec 2026Turns direct on 11 Dec 2026 at 05:00 IST
2026 retrograde calendar
| Planet | Retrograde period | Sign |
|---|---|---|
| Guru (Jupiter) | 11 Nov 2025 – 11 Mar 2026 | Cancer |
| Budh (Mercury) | 26 Feb 2026 – 21 Mar 2026 | Aquarius |
| Budh (Mercury) | 29 Jun 2026 – 24 Jul 2026 | Cancer |
| Shani (Saturn) | 27 Jul 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 | Pisces |
| Shukra (Venus) | 3 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 | Libra |
| Budh (Mercury) | 24 Oct 2026 – 13 Nov 2026 | Libra |
| Guru (Jupiter) | 13 Dec 2026 – 13 Apr 2027 | Leo |
Signs are sidereal (Lahiri). Rahu and Ketu are always retrograde and are not listed. Dates are the retrograde and direct station days in IST (New Delhi), matched to DrikPanchang.
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).
Frequently asked questions
What does retrograde (vakri) mean in Vedic astrology?
A planet is retrograde when it appears to move backward through the zodiac from Earth — an apparent motion. In Vedic astrology a retrograde (vakri) graha is considered strong in Chesta Bala and signals a time to review and revisit.
Are Rahu and Ketu always retrograde?
Yes — the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu are always retrograde by nature.
How do retrograde planets affect us?
A retrograde planet turns its significations inward — it favours reviewing, rethinking and finishing old matters over fresh starts. For example, Mercury retrograde is a time to double-check communication, travel and contracts; Venus retrograde can revive past relationships. The effect depends on which houses the planet rules in your chart.
Is a retrograde planet weak?
No — a retrograde planet is counted as strong in Chesta Bala (motional strength) and often delivers its results intensely. A truly "weak" planet is one that is combust or debilitated — retrograde is not weakness but a change in the direction of its energy.
What should you avoid during Mercury retrograde?
During Mercury retrograde, avoid signing contracts or buying electronics in haste, sending important messages without re-checking, and launching brand-new travel plans. Back up data and finish old work instead — it is a time for anything with a "re-" in it.
When is Mercury retrograde in 2026?
In 2026, Mercury is retrograde during: 26 Feb 2026 – 21 Mar 2026; 29 Jun 2026 – 24 Jul 2026; 24 Oct 2026 – 13 Nov 2026 (retrograde and direct station dates, IST, New Delhi — matched to DrikPanchang).