Retrograde Planets in Birth Chart

Which of your natal planets are retrograde (Vakri)?

A planet is retrograde (Vakri) when, from Earth's point of view, it appears to move backward against the zodiac — an optical effect of orbital speed differences, not an actual reversal in space. This page checks each planet's motion at the exact moment of your birth — a permanent feature of your chart, distinct from the yearly retrograde calendars that show when a planet turns retrograde for everyone.

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How to Read It

Classical Jyotish reads a natally retrograde planet as functioning with unusual intensity — some texts treat it as strengthened, focusing its energy inward and making its effects more pronounced, for better or worse depending on the planet's other dignities. Rahu and Ketu, the lunar nodes, are always retrograde by nature and are omitted here rather than shown as a constant, uninformative "yes."

Retrograde Planets in Birth Chart — FAQ

Is a retrograde planet at birth a bad sign?

No — classical Jyotish does not treat natal retrograde motion as inherently negative. Several traditions read a retrograde planet as gaining unusual strength (Vakri planets are sometimes given elevated Sthana Bala in Shadbala calculations), with its effects turned more inward and intense.

Why aren't the Sun and Moon shown on this page?

The Sun and Moon never appear retrograde from Earth — their apparent motion along the ecliptic is always forward, so they're excluded from this check along with Rahu/Ketu (which are the reverse: always retrograde).