Retrograde Planets in Tarot
Working with retrograde energy
Retrograde Planets in Tarot
When a planet appears to move backward from Earth's perspective, it's retrograde (Rx). This reverses or internalizes the planet's energy.
Mercury Retrograde ☿Rx
Normal Mercury (The Magician): Communication, thought, commerce, technology Retrograde: Review, revise, rethink, reconnect with past
Tarot indicators:
- Reversed cards: Especially Air cards (Swords)
- The Hanged Man: Pause, new perspective, waiting
- Eight of Swords: Mental restriction, rethinking
During Mercury Rx:
- Don't start new projects
- Review and revise existing work
- Reconnect with old friends
- Back up technology
- Expect communication delays
Venus Retrograde ♀Rx
Normal Venus (The Empress): Love, beauty, pleasure, values Retrograde: Re-evaluate relationships, reconsider values
Tarot indicators:
- The Lovers reversed: Relationship review
- Two of Cups reversed: Partnership reassessment
- Six of Pentacles: Re-balancing resources and values
During Venus Rx:
- Review relationship patterns
- Reassess what you value
- Avoid major purchases
- Old flames may return
Mars Retrograde ♂Rx
Normal Mars (The Tower, The Emperor): Action, desire, aggression Retrograde: Passive energy, internalized anger, review goals
Tarot indicators:
- Five of Wands reversed: Conflict avoidance
- The Tower reversed: Internal transformation
- Knight of Wands reversed: Delayed action
During Mars Rx:
- Energy feels low or frustrated
- Anger turns inward
- Review goals and strategies
- Not ideal for starting new ventures
Jupiter & Saturn Retrograde
Jupiter ♃Rx: Internal growth, philosophical review Saturn ♄Rx: Reassess structures, soften restrictions
Less impactful than personal planet retrogrades, but still important for inner work.
Reading for Retrogrades
When retrograde planets are active, look for:
- Reversed cards: Natural alignment with retrograde energy
- "Re-" themes: Return, review, revise, reconnect, release
- Past connections: Old situations returning
Example Spread During Mercury Rx:
- What needs review?
- What communication should I revisit?
- What am I rethinking?
- How do I use this pause productively?
Retrogrades aren't "bad"—they're necessary pauses for review and integration.