Jyotish Term
Retrograde — वक्री (Vakri)
Short answer. A graha is retrograde (vakri) when, from Earth's vantage point, it appears to move backwards through the zodiac. This is an optical effect of Earth overtaking outer planets or being overtaken by Mercury and Venus. Vedic astrology treats retrograde planets as functionally strengthened.
The Sun and Moon are never retrograde. The five visible planets — Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn — each retrograde periodically: Mercury about three times a year (~3 weeks each), Venus about every 18 months (~6 weeks), Mars about every 26 months (~10 weeks), Jupiter once a year (~4 months), Saturn once a year (~4.5 months). Rahu and Ketu are always retrograde by nature. Vedic interpretation diverges from popular Western framing here: classical Jyotish considers a retrograde planet to be functionally stronger, not weaker — it acquires additional intensity and brings its themes into clearer focus, often through reversal, review, or unfinished business. A retrograde benefic in a kendra (angular house) is considered an especially favorable signature for whatever the planet rules. The colloquial Western notion of retrograde as a period of universal misfortune is not the Vedic view.
Related terms
- Graha — Graha is the Vedic term for a planet — literally meaning 'one who seizes' or 'one who grabs'. Vedic astrology recognises nine grahas: the seven classical planets plus the two lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu.
- Drishti — Drishti is the Vedic term for a planetary aspect — the influence a graha exerts on other houses by its line of sight from its current position. Every graha aspects the 7th house from itself; Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn have additional special aspects.
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