Planetary States: Direct, Retrograde, and Stationary — Astrological Knowledge Base
Explore the trajectories of planetary motion and their psychological implications. From the outward action of direct motion to the introspective reorientation of retrogrades, and the focused energy of stationary periods.
Planetary Motion States
From the forward momentum of direct motion to the introspective reflection of retrograde, changes in planetary speed and direction reveal different facets of energy expression.
Direct
DThe planet is moving forward in zodiacal longitude at a normal or average pace. This is the standard direction of planetary flow.
Psychological Impact
The planetary energy functions externally and overtly. The individual finds it natural to express the planet's archetype in the outer world without hesitation.
Karmic Lessons
Represents current life progress and the active application of will. It suggests moving forward with life lessons rather than revisiting them.
Retrograde
RxAn apparent backward motion from the perspective of Earth. The planet appears to retrace its steps through the zodiac.
Psychological Impact
The energy is turned inward, subjective, and reflective. The individual may have difficulty expressing the function socially or may do so in a unique, non-conforming way.
Karmic Lessons
Indicates unfinished business from the past or past lives. It compels the soul to review, redo, and internalize lessons before moving forward.
Stationary
SThe planet's speed slows to near zero as it prepares to change direction (either to retrograde or direct). It appears motionless in the sky.
Psychological Impact
The planetary archetype is extremely concentrated and focused. It represents a powerful, immovable conviction or a focal point of psychological intensity.
Karmic Lessons
A critical turning point. The specific degree where the planet stations becomes a sensitive trigger point for major life events and karmic shifts.
Stationary Direct
SDThe planet is stationary but about to resume forward motion. It is waking up from its slumber.
Psychological Impact
There is a sense of emerging clarity and renewed energy. The internal processing is complete, and the psyche is ready to externalize the energy with great force.
Karmic Lessons
Represents the release of karmic debt. The lesson has been learned, and the soul is ready to implement new wisdom in the world.
Stationary Retrograde
SRThe planet is stationary but about to turn backward. It marks the beginning of the retrograde phase.
Psychological Impact
A sudden shift in perspective occurs. The individual feels a strong urge to pull back, reconsider, and withdraw energy from the outer world.
Karmic Lessons
A 'stop' sign from the universe. It signals that current external pursuits need to be paused to address underlying spiritual or emotional issues.
Fast
FastThe planet is traveling significantly faster than its average daily motion.
Psychological Impact
The mind or energy works quickly, adaptably, and efficiently. However, it can also lead to skimming the surface, impatience, or lack of depth.
Karmic Lessons
Suggests a quick learner or someone who needs to process experiences rapidly to cover more ground in this lifetime.
Slow
SlowThe planet is traveling significantly slower than its average daily motion.
Psychological Impact
The energy is processed deeply, thoroughly, and cautiously. There may be hesitation or resistance to change, but the eventual understanding is profound.
Karmic Lessons
Indicates a need for thoroughness. The soul has chosen to study this specific planetary archetype in depth, refusing to move on until it is mastered.
Distance from the Sun
As the core of our solar system, the Sun's light and heat constantly influence the energetic state of other planets, ranging from the challenging 'combustion' to the powerful 'cazimi'.
Cazimi
Within 0°17' (minutes) of the Sun's center.
Energetic State
Greatly empowered
In-depth Analysis
The planet is 'in the heart' of the King (Sun). It is purified, elevated, and given access to the highest power. The planet's qualities are idealized and expressed brilliantly, like a trusted advisor whispering in the King's ear.
Combustion
Typically within 8°30' of the Sun (but outside the 17' Cazimi zone).
Energetic State
Debilitated / Weakened
In-depth Analysis
The planet is burnt up by the Sun's proximity. Its individual signification is invisible, overwhelmed, or damaged. The person may feel unable to express this part of themselves, or it is consumed by the ego/willpower.
Under Beams
Typically within 15° to 17° of the Sun (depending on the planet).
Energetic State
Obscured
In-depth Analysis
The planet is hidden by the Sun's glare but not actually burning. It is less severe than combustion. The planet acts covertly or lacks public visibility, operating in the background or shadows.
Oriental
Rising before the Sun (visible in the eastern sky before dawn).
Energetic State
Active / Expressive
In-depth Analysis
The planet acts as a scout or herald. It is eager, anticipatory, and assertive. In the psyche, this planetary function leads the personality and is quick to manifest in action.
Occidental
Setting after the Sun (visible in the western sky after dusk).
Energetic State
Passive / Reflective
In-depth Analysis
The planet follows the will (Sun). It is more reflective, deliberate, and reactive. It evaluates actions after they have occurred rather than initiating them.
Mutual Reception
When two planets are mutually located in each other's ruling signs, they establish a special 'hospitable' relationship, allowing them to lend each other strength and resolve difficulties.
By Domicile
Two planets are positioned in signs ruled by each other (e.g., Mars in Cancer and Moon in Aries).
Energetic State
Strongest mutual support
In-depth Analysis
This acts as a 'house swap.' Even if the planets are in difficult signs individually, they provide resources to each other. They act as perfect hosts, giving the other planet full access to their tools and strength. It mitigates debility.
By Exaltation
Two planets are positioned in signs where the other is exalted (e.g., Sun in Libra and Saturn in Aries).
Energetic State
High intensity support
In-depth Analysis
The planets treat each other like honored guests or VIPs. They put each other on a pedestal. This creates a dynamic of high inspiration and promotion, though sometimes the expectations are unrealistic or strictly performative.
Mixed
One planet is in the other's domicile, while the second is in the first's exaltation (or another dignity).
Energetic State
Asymmetrical support
In-depth Analysis
The relationship is helpful but unequal. One planet (the host) serves the other, while the other (the guest) is elevated. It suggests a dynamic of mentorship or patronage where one side gives resources and the other provides prestige.