In planetary charts and ephemerides, the letter “R” marks a retrograde planet—one that appears to move backwards in the sky. Of course, planets don’t literally reverse direction, but from our view on Earth, it seems like they do. So what does this “backward motion” actually mean? Retrograde = Karmic…

In Vedic astrology, when a planet gets too close to the Sun—less than 5 degrees apart—it’s considered combust. Think of it as the Sun shining so intensely that the nearby planet gets overpowered. That planet struggles to show its best qualities and can even feel “burned out…

A conjunction occurs when two or more planets occupy the same sign. A true or full conjunction is defined as planets being within 20 degrees of one another. If the gap is wider, their mutual influence weakens. A conjunction with a benefic planet strengthens and enhances the other planet’s…

As planets move through the zodiac, they express different qualities and form specific relationships with one another—either through conjunctions or aspects. By nature, planets are classified as benefic (gentle) or malefic (harsh or harmful). Benefic planets include: Jupiter Venus The waxing Moon (Shukla Paksha) Mercury (only when unafflicted or…

Rahu and Ketu are known as aprakasha grahas, or shadow planets. Because of their shadowy nature, classical texts don’t offer detailed descriptions of their placement in the zodiac signs. Instead, they tend to take on the qualities of the rulers of the signs they’re placed in. So, it…