The astrological phenomenon known as Mercury retrograde periods, during which we’re more likely to experience unexpected traffic, send a text to the incorrect group chat, or show up at the incorrect pub for happy hour, is something that many of us are fairly familiar with. But not only Mercury is subject to these infamous transits. Except for the sun and moon, all the planets in astrology have regularly occurring retrograde periods. During these times, each planet shakes up our lives and imparts cosmic lessons in its special way.

Retrogrades are common astronomical occurrences, but they are also the most feared. This is because planetary retrograde periods are notorious for causing confusion, revisions, and (sometimes unwanted) blasts from the past. Retrogrades, on the other hand, don’t have to be bad or frightening, especially if you know how to work with them and align with their flow. Understanding what retrogrades mean in astrology and how they affect our lives can alter how we react to these unavoidable backspins.

What Is the Process of Retrogrades?

Let’s break down what happens in the cosmos during a retrograde before we get into the astrological meaning of retrogrades. “The word retrograde comes from the Latin word retogradus, which means ‘backward step,'” explains astrologer Leslie Hale of spiritual advising network Keen.com to Bustle. “Astronomers refer to this retrograde motion as ‘apparent backward motion,’ because it is an illusion and the planet is not moving backward.”

An optical illusion known as retrograde happens when a planet’s orbit perfectly lines up with our own. From our vantage point on Earth, planets appear to be slowing down and traveling backward, but they don’t defy physics and reverse their orbit. It’s comparable to how, while we’re driving, a bus in the lane next to us could suddenly seem to drive back when the pace and timing are just right.

Retrogrades are thought to represent a time of reflection, reappraisal, and re-imagination in the domains of life that the planet rules.

How Frequently Do Retrogrades Occur?

Retrogrades are a common occurrence in astrology, with at least one planet retrograding at any given time. These planetary backspins occur in cycles, which differ for each planet. Mercury retrogrades are among the most well-known, as they occur three to four times per year — more frequently than any other planet! Meanwhile, planets like Mars only rotate once every two years.

A Retrograde’s Astrological Significance

In astronomy, retrogrades are an optical illusion, but in astrology, the effects of these planetary transits are very real. “Retrogrades are periods of reevaluating and redoing,” Hale explains. “Because they frequently deal with the past, things, situations, and even people from the past can reappearance.” It’s time to slow down, do some personal reflection, and look back at where we’ve been. We can move forward with more clarity and confidence if we make an effort to check ourselves and learn from our pasts during a retrograde.

During retrogrades, issues we’ve tried to bury or ignore may resurface to haunt us, forcing us to confront them and find a resolution. Even situations that we thought were over could resurface in some way, forcing us to reach new conclusions or learn new lessons.

You may notice that during certain retrogrades, you experience delays in projects, problems in relationships, or personal crises and confusion. Consider these difficulties to be the universe’s way of assisting you to learn from your mistakes and reconnect with yourself before embarking on new adventures. Retrogrades, according to Hale, are “connected with karmic events in life,” so go with the flow.

What Do the Retrograde Planets Mean for Us?

Each planet in astrology governs a different aspect of our lives. While a planet is backspinning, we will feel the retrograde effects in those areas of our lives. Every planet’s retrograde has a different lesson to teach us, and they provide us with opportunities to pause and reflect on our decisions, assess where we are, and make adjustments before moving forward again.

Mercury is the planet of communication, thought, timing, and technology, and it is currently in retrograde. Its retrogrades can cause all kinds of hiccups, scheduling issues, and technological glitches. Mercury spins backward three to four times a year for three weeks at a time.

Venus retrograde: Because Venus is the planet of love, romance, value, and money, its retrogrades frequently have an effect on our relationships or finances. Venus retrogrades about once a year, for about 40 days at a time.

Mars retrograde: Because Mars is a planet of energy, passion, and sexuality, its retrogrades have an impact on how we take action and pursue our goals. Every other year, Mars spins backward for 60 to 80 days.

Jupiter retrograde: Because Jupiter is the planet of expansion and growth, its retrogrades are related to our evolution. Jupiter backspins once a year for approximately four months.

Saturn retrograde: Because Saturn is the planet of rules and restrictions, its retrogrades have an impact on our sense of responsibility. Saturn spins backward for about four and a half months once a year.

Uranus retrograde: Because Uranus is the planet of chaos and unexpected shifts, its retrogrades have a subtle effect on how we deal with a sudden change in our lives. Uranus backspins once a year for approximately five months.

Neptune retrograde: Because Neptune is the planet of dreams and illusions, its retrogrades influence how we perceive our realities.

Pluto retrograde: Because Pluto is the planet of transformation, its retrogrades have a subtle impact on our relationship with slow-moving societal changes. Pluto backspins once every year for about five months.