Occasionally you’ll notice that I mention a certain planet is retrograde and will remain that way for a period of time. A planet is considered to be retrograde when it appears to the observer on Earth to be moving backwards. All the planets sometimes go retrograde except the sun and the moon, which are not technically planets, but instead considered to be luminaries. When a planet is in retrograde motion its astrological interpretation is altered and the planets influence seems to operate on a more subtle or subconscious level or it augurs a revisiting of past situations.

Although each month I’ll keep you abreast of whether a planet has turned retrograde, you can look in an astrological calendar, almanac or astronomers ephemeris to find out in advance when a particular planet will retrograde. The same symbol used on medical prescriptions,Rx, is used in astrology to indicate a retrograde planet.

Below is an abbreviated guide to the interpretation of planetary retrogrades so that you can plan the appropriate activity for that period.

Mercury Rx
Thwarts the normal flow of communication and transportation. Good period to engage in any activity that begins with the prefix re: renew, revise, review, redo, etc. Not a good travel time unless revisiting a place.

Venus Rx
Meeting social contacts from the past, getting a beauty makeover or remodeling. You become more sensitive than usual. Relationships break up. Public debuts are not as successful as you might expect.

Mars Rx
Sexually magnetic, old cravings or desires return, urge to seek revenge for past wrongs. This is a more useful time for planning a strategy of action to be executed when mars goes direct. Not a good time to start something new. Bottled up energy could cause health problems.

Jupiter Rx
Reevaluate beliefs or philosophies, review legal matters. Opportunities result from past endeavors. Expansion and economic growth slows. Not beneficial for financial investments or expanding a business.

Saturn Rx
Return to past policies or researching history. Beneficial for digging up the past or searching family background. Economic slow down or standstill. Retreat. Plans are delayed. Lessons learned from past mistakes or punishment for misdeeds.

Uranus Rx
Review past creative ideas or inventions. Break with the past. Seek ways to become independent or more individualistic. Enlightenment or understanding about a past situation can occur.

Neptune Rx
Spiritual retreat. Inner exploration is favorable.
Revive past artistic or creative inclinations. Meditation or dreams could reveal past lives. Past addictions and cravings could resurface. Drugs unleash negative side affects.

Pluto Rx
An auspicious time for reviewing the past, conducting research and investigations or getting a makeover. Repent for past mistakes. Hidden fears and secrets resurface. Repayment of debts are demanded. Good time for soul searching. Many seek revenge for the past wrong doings.

July Guide To The Most Auspicious Days

New Moon occurs on July 10th at 6:27 AM. EDT in the sign of Cancer. Our concerns turn to home and family. Time to start anew in strengthening family ties or building a home.

Full Moon occurs in the sign of Aquarius on July 24th at 5:08 AM. EDT. The expectations of friends or groups may be at odds with what you want and need.

Sun enters Leo at 8:16 PM. EDT on July 23rd. Leos are the leaders, performers and benefactors of the zodiac. They seek recognition for what they do.

DATING/ MARRIAGE/ ROMANCE/ FRIENDSHIP/ DINING/ ENTERTAINMENT
Dates: 2, 5, 7,10, 13, 15, 20, 22, 29, 30

FINANCES/ BUSINESS/ SALES/ LOTTERY/ BUY, RENT, MOVE INTO HOME/ SEEK JOB
Dates: 3- 5, 8 - 13, 15, 20, 22, 29, 30

CONTRACTS/ SUBMIT MANUSCRIPTS/ EDUCATION/COMMUNICATION/ LEGAL AFFAIRS/ SEEK EMPLOYMENT
Dates: 2- 5, 7 - 13, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29, 30, 31

TRAVEL/ BUY A CAR/ ENGINE & MECHANICAL REPAIRS
Dates: 3, 4, 7, 9, 10- 13, 15, 20, 29, 30

BUYING CLOTHES/ BEAUTY/ TATTOOS
Dates: 1-3, 5, 8, 15, 22, 30

MEDITATION/ PRAYER/ SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES
Dates:2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 15, 18- 20, 25, 29, 30

Ama is an astrologer and pathfinder. For questions email her at lafngcro@yahoo.com. For more information about astrological services provided visit www.amalaughingcrow.net.

For more "Astrology" click here to view back issues.

© Melt Magazine 2002