Astrologically speaking, planets go retrograde all the time.  When a planet is retrograde, it appears to be moving backwards through its orbit.  It never actually moves backwards; instead, it’s moving slower in its orbit around the sun than the earth is moving at that time.  So it’s an optical illusion, which is helpful to remember.

I think the heart of humanity is in a retrograde phase at the moment.  So many people I’ve spoken to are exhibiting signs of being retrograde, it’s uncanny.  It can’t be a coincidence, and until someone comes up with a better theory, I’m saying we’re retrograde.  If this isn’t true for you, thank your lucky stars!

What are some symptoms of humanity in retrograde?  Everything slows down or stops.  It feels like you take one step forward and three steps backwards.  Your plans get thwarted at every turn, both personally and professionally.  You lack clarity and focus.  It’s difficult, sometimes impossible, to get motivated to do things that used to bring you great joy.  And if you’re trying to get tedious things done, forget about it because the procrastination will be relentless.  If you work for yourself, you might find that most of your clients leave at the same time.  You might also find that you can’t generate your usual enthusiasm for the work, even if it’s work that’s near and dear to your heart.

You may find yourself conflicted about a love relationship; certain one moment that it’s over and then madly in love with your partner again the next day.  It’s maddening feel so conflicted and unclear.  Chances are good that you’ve had a major blowout with your loved one in the past 3-6 months if you are in a retrograde phase.  You may have even decided to end a relationship.

If any of this is resonating as truth for you, take heart.  Remember, retrograde is an optical illusion.  We really are not moving backwards; we’re moving forward in a slow, steady way.  This is a perfect time for reflection.  Take a good look at the obstacles you’ve been encountering and discern their meaning.  What can you learn from this experience?  Have you noticed any attachments or qualities you might like to change?  Take the time now to rest, to reflect, and to review what’s been happening in your life.  What changes do you want to make?  Start planning them now, but don’t make any moves until after the first of the year.  Mars and Mercury are both due to go retrograde later this month, which will slow things down yet again.  Consider your plans to be in their incubation stage and wait to hatch them.  You can hatch them once Mars goes direct on March 10^th (for more on the Mars retrograde, http://www.astrologycom.com/marsret.html)

The good news is that once planets move direct again, their effects can be quite powerful.  I think that’s true for us as well.  Once we move out of this retrograde cycle and our clarity and motivation return, there will be no stopping us!