Retrograde Shadow Period

SR means Stationary Retrograde SD means Stationary Direct SA means Shadow Area Times listed are in Greenwich Mean Time Mercury: SA Jan 20 - Mar 18 SR Feb 4, 1:52 SD Feb 25, 15:36 SA May 20 - July 12 SR Jun 4, 5:17 SD Jun 28, 5:45 SA Sep 12 - Nov 7 SR Oct 1, 19:18 SD Oct 23, 0:18 0 Pisces 15 Aquarius 29 Gemini 21 Gemini 29 Libra 14 Libra Venus: SA Feb 3 - May 23 SR Mar 9, 1:05 SD Apr 20, 4:33 17 Aries 1 Aries Mars: SA Mar 18 - Sep 8 SR May 11, 15:57 SD Jul 19, 22:50 29 Sagittarius 15 Sagittarius Jupiter: SD Jan 25, 8:19 SR Nov 2, 14:38 1 Gemini 15 Cancer Saturn: SD Jan 24, 23:48 SR Sep 26, 22:25 24 Taurus 14 Gemini Uranus: SR May 29, 11:30 SD Oct 30, 20:30 24 Aquarius 20 Aquarius Neptune: SR May 10, 18:15 SD Oct 17, 22:44 8 Aquarius 6 Aquarius Pluto: SR Mar 17, 20:30 SD August 23, 12:39 15 Sagittarius 12 Sagittarius For more about retrogrades, click here. Retrogradation is an optical illusion, based on the Earth's relationship with the Sun and another planet. From the Earth's perspective, the planet appears to be going backward in the sky, retracing its steps. In fact, it covers the same small area of the sky three times: first in direct motion, then in retrograde motion and then in direct motion again. Many astrologers pay attention only to the actual retrograde period. However, the planet is in the "shadow area" as soon as it reaches the point where it will turn direct after the retrograde period. It stays in the "shadow area" until it passes the point where it turned retrograde. The "shadow period" tells us how long it takes for the planet to cover this small area of the Zodiac all three times.

Fixed

A Fixed Quality is attached to the Signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. The Fixed Houses are the Second, Fifth, Eighth and Eleventh; if an astrological chart shows a preponderance of Planets in these Houses, its energy is weighted toward fixity. Fixed Signs understand that steadiness is the key. Those influenced by this Quality are happy to forge ahead with their projects, calmly working away until they have achieved their objectives. This is no struggle for Fixed folks, rather it's what makes them tick. These individuals are stable, determined and resolute. They want to get to the finish line and have the persistence and ability to concentrate, characteristics which will get them there. There is no lack of confidence in Fixed individuals. Self-reliance could be a Fixed person's middle name. Those possessed of a Fixed nature are powerful, yet purposeful. There are no wasted motions here: Fixed folks move patiently and steadily toward their goals. They are also steady and reliable and always remember those who helped them out. Conversely, those born under a Fixed Sign can at times be stubborn, my-way-or-the-highway folks. They may have a tendency to get stuck in their ways and to believe that they are always right. Those influenced by a Fixed Quality are determined, reliable and persistent. They have great strength, and strength of purpose, and love to get the job done. So what if they refuse to budge? They get results.

Mutable

A Mutable Quality is attached to the Signs Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. The Mutable Houses are the Third, Sixth, Ninth and Twelfth; if a horoscope shows a preponderance of Planets in these Houses, its energy is weighted toward mutability. Mutable Signs know how to go with the flow. They are adaptable and flexible and can change their form of expression to whatever a situation requires. Standing their ground is of little import to Mutable folks. These people would much rather conform to the norm, so long as their doing so will help the greater good. Luckily, Mutable individuals are versatile and find it quite easy to change. Consider them the chameleons of the Zodiac, since they can take on varied personae. Mutable people are blessed with a tremendous resourcefulness. Talk about making lemonade out of lemons! They know how to squeeze that last drop of juice and make things better in the process. Those influenced by a Mutable Quality in their horoscope also enjoy learning, play fair and are diplomatic and well-liked by others. To their further credit, they are sharp, sympathetic and can see (via a sixth sense?) the essential elements of a situation. At times, however, their desire to please everyone can get them into hot water. They may come across as wishy-washy, inconsistent and downright duplicitous. All this in the name of aiming to please! The beauty of mutability is that those possessing it are flexible, versatile and highly resourceful. These folks are quick to help others and are selfless in the process. While they may occasionally stretch themselves to the breaking point, they know how to bounce back.

Cardinal

A Cardinal Quality is attached to the Signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. The Cardinal Houses are the First, Fourth, Seventh and Tenth; if an astrological chart shows a preponderance of Planets in these Houses, its energy is weighted toward cardinality. Cardinal Signs are the initiators of the Zodiac. They are also found at key jumping-off points on the chart wheel, specifically the Ascendant, Medium Coeli (M.C. or Midheaven), Descendant and Imum Coeli (I.C.). Individuals possessing a Cardinal Quality like to get things going. They are active, quick and ambitious. Many projects get started, thanks to Cardinal initiative, although a good deal of them are never finished. That's because Cardinal folks are much fonder of starting things than finishing them. You won't find a Cardinal person slacking off. These people are full of vim and vigor and possess a drive and ambition that is unmistakable. Enthusiasm and a zest for life fill the Cardinal individual. Some might perceive this rampant energy as domineering, and, at times, it can be. Cardinal people can easily forget about the rest of the pack when they are busily focusing on their own endeavors. Even so, their energetic spirit often wins the day. Cardinal folks are clever and want to win. They love to start things, and whether they finish them or not, there's always a lot going on. Nay sayers who find thesm to be too self-centered will simply have to watch (and marvel) as they speed by!