Although the center of the Universe is the Sun, to a stargazer, the heavenly bodies appear to orbit the Earth. Astrology correlates the alignment of the planets in this Earth-centered view to what happens in the affairs of man. When understood within the framework of quantum physics, astrology becomes a valuable tool for recognizing and understanding the Universal flow of energy. In fact, you can think of an astrological chart cast for a specific moment in time and space as a complex energy diagram. 

One of the most useful astrological barometers of energy is the direction of the movement of the planets. As the planets appear to circle around us, there are times when their orbits seem to slow down, stop, and then reverse direction. This is called "retrograde motion." It's an optical illusion that occurs because of the speed of the Earth's rotation. An example of this illusion is when you ride in a fast-moving car and overtake a slower vehicle. As you pass it, the other vehicle appears to slow down and move backwards. 

Astrologers have observed that when a planet is retrograde, the activities it represents become hindered or delayed. Going back over old territory related to those issues is preferable to beginning something new. Retrogrades are good times to review, re-do, rewrite, rehearse or remodel. If used correctly, retrogrades can be very beneficial, because reviewing old stuff during these times often flushes out errors that you didn't know existed. At the least, you gain a deeper perspective. At best, the new perspective leads you to identify and clear away the hidden factors which have prevented you from moving forward previously. 

HOW RETROGRADES MAY AFFECT YOU

If you we were born when a planet was retrograde, you tend to exhibit the energy of that planet in a more inward or introverted way. It's usually not a major hindrance, just an indication of a unique, perhaps introspective, point of view regarding the things symbolized by that planet in your life. At its worst, you may be somewhat passive about the issue, or perhaps not feel comfortable expressing that planet's energy outwardly. Retrograde planets at birth can also indicate past-life matters that you may have left unfinished.

In real time, retrogrades affect everyone in a peripheral way. They bring more problems and aggravation than usual involving the matters they symbolize. For retrograde Mercury, it could be problems with communication; Venus, problems with relationships or money; with Mars, problems involving aggression, etc. But, if a retrograde planet also contacts the position of planets at your birth (called "natal" planets), then you will likely experience these matters in a much more disruptive and personal way. 

Retrograde planets also affect the future you are creating, because the horoscope of an endeavor begun at such a time will forever contain that planet's regressive energy signature. For instance, if Mercury is retrograde, it's not a good time to start a communications company or make an important announcement, both of which are "ruled" by Mercury in Astrology.

The most troublesome times in a retrograde cycle are usually the days when the planet appears to stop -- before it starts to move in the opposite direction, either backwards or forward. These times are called "stations." If the degree of a station falls near a sensitive point in your natal chart, then it may, and often does, trigger a major occurrence. Later when the planet picks up some speed, its potential for difficulty may ease a bit, even when it's retrograde. It would appear that the slower the planet's apparent motion becomes, the more problematic it is. It's like trying to dance while watching your feet. The energy gets tangled up and doesn't flow correctly.

Except for the Sun and the Moon, all of the planets have times when their motion is retrograde. The swift moving inner planets -- Mercury and Venus -- turn retrograde most often, but for relatively short periods; Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, less often but for longer periods. The outer planets -- Neptune, Uranus and Pluto -- are retrograde roughly half of each year. 

Mercury turns retrograde for a period of about three weeks, three or four times each year. This time is fraught with miscommunications, cancellations and false starts. It's not the time to make major decisions or sign contracts; there is a very good chance that you or the other party will change your mind later. Typos and costly mistakes are very likely. If you cannot avoid it, then try to sign agreements on a contingency basis and plan to revisit and finalize the agreement when Mercury is direct. Do not purchase anything associated with transportation or communication, such as a car, computer, telephone or TV. They will most likely be plagued with malfunctions. Mercury retrograde is a good time to re-negotiate, re-establish, or revise. It's also a good time to persuade others to reconsider their earlier decisions. The next Mercury retrograde period is Aug. 9 - Sept. 2, 2004.

Venus is retrograde once a year for approximately six weeks. It will show you the true worth of people and material possessions. Luxuries or stocks and bonds purchased now are likely to lose their value. But it's a good time to buy antiques if you're sure of their value. All relationships can be difficult now. It's a good time to re-evaluate your current relationships to determine if they fully meet your emotional needs. However, it's not good for accurately assessing people you meet for the first time. If they seem to be too good to be true, they probably are! Venus turned retrograde on May 17, 2004, and will not turn direct until June 29, 2004. Continued in Part Two . . .

This article series will appear in One Heart Publication beginning in June.

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BEGINNING REIKI CLASS NOW FORMING IN SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND
I'm in the process of scheduling a Reiki I class on a Saturday or Sunday in Silver Spring within the next few weeks. Space is very limited. Please contact me if you'd like to be included.

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HAVING SURGERY?
Reiki can dramatically reduce swelling, bruising and pain by supporting the body's healing process. Contact me to schedule a series of pre- and post-surgical Reiki sessions. Sessions are available in-person, remotely, at the hospital and in your home (D.C. metro area) if you are unable to drive. Contact me for details.

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HAVE A RELATIONSHIP PROBLEM?
I can help you sort it out with Astrology. Sometimes it's a matter of misunderstanding the other person's motivations. Other times it may be a misconnect in the interaction of your energy patterns. Once the root of the problem is identified and understood, Reiki and Meridian Energy techniques like EFT can smooth out the flow of energy between you and heal your hurt feelings. If it's a more serious karmic problem, then EFT and/or Past-life Regression can clear it and bring relief of guilt, shame, grief or other negative emotions. I offer a free 15-minute phone session to get acquainted and discuss how I can help. Contact me if you'd like to set up an appointment to discuss your relationship problem without obligation.

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ANDREA ARDEN is a Professional Astrologer, Certified Past-life Regression Therapist, Reiki Master Teacher and Feng Shui Consultant. She has more than 25 years' experience empowering people by helping them transform challenging life situations. She assists clients by phone or in-person in the Washington, D.C. area and conducts classes and workshops in Astrology, Reiki, EFT and Feng Shui. She is the current president of the Society for Advancement of Past-life Research and Therapy. Visit her Web site at www.MysticEmpowerment.com or phone 703-765-0690.

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What People Are Saying
"My first session with Andrea  transformed my life. She validated me, gave me insight to understand my problems, and helped point me in the right direction. She's always able to shed light on my issues."

 ~Emily LaBathe, Towson, MD

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