Mercury retrograde has become the most well-known of the zodiac’s planetary retrogrades, though other planets and systems are known to go into retrogrades from time to time in astrological contexts.
Planets appear to be either retrograde or in their usual resting energy state at any given time. The concept of retroshades, also known as retrograde shadows, is far less common, but it may provide a literal and figurative link to understanding the natural transitions that occur before and after a retrograde. In fact, the distinction between retrograde and the shadow cast by a retrograde can be so subtle that the two are frequently mistaken for a complete retrograde period in your chart.
A retroshade period is a stationing phase in which the station of the astrological movement is changed and adjusted to.The shadow cast by a retrograde in either direction, both as a planet enters and exits retrograde, can be felt in our lives as a drastic, full round-about turn at times, and as subtle changes that you must be attuned to notice that a retrograde is fading into a retroshade at other times. The full effects of a strong retrograde shadow in a person’s life can be explained as feelings of energy, events, and changes in direction similar to a U-turn.
The duration of a shadow period
The duration of a retrograde can vary, as can the spatial significance on your chart, which has been attributed to the distance of various planets from the sun and our planet Earth. Retrograde shadows, on the other hand, tend to be consistent both entering and exiting a full retrograde, as each lasts about two weeks. Retroshade periods last three weeks on average and up to four weeks between the pre-retrograde and post-retrograde shadow periods.
Furthermore, the length of the post-retrograde shadow following a planetary retrograde period can be longer than the shadow period preceding it, especially if there is a lot of energetic and practical experience to catch up on as the planet exits retrograde. The shadow periods before and after retrogrades are analogous to the dessert, appetizer, or even palate cleansing courses served between entrées. The retrograde is the main course in this case.
The sun and planets, like any other moving object, require a period of acceleration or deceleration to return to their original positions. This is precisely what happens during the four weeks at either end of a retrograde. Many people compare the planetary effects during these retrograde shadows to mini-reverse periods.
The retroshade refers to the slowing or quickening of energy
To recap, a retrograde period occurs when a planet or aspect of your birth chart, as well as within the larger astrological sphere, moves backward for an extended period of time. To put it mildly, Mercury can be a rather disruptive planet, so the backwards movement — also known as opposite behavioral energy — can drastically alter your life. This is especially true for those with Mercury as a ruler or advisor in prominent areas of their astrological birth charts.
Take this transition period to look inward, journal about current happenings in your life, and seek wisdom towards resolving conflict or knowing which aspects of your relationships can be resolved over time. Retroshades, like desserts and appetizers, are delectable treats for transitioning your mind, consciousness, and awareness for the upcoming retrograde. If you’re coming out of a retrograde, shadow periods are ideal times to reflect on your discoveries from the retrograde as well as any major changes in your life.
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