A planet is retrograde (vakri in Sanskrit) when it appears to move backward through the zodiac as seen from Earth. Nothing actually reverses; it is an optical effect of the differing orbital speeds of Earth and the other planet. In Vedic astrology a retrograde planet is considered strong but inwardly directed. Its themes turn toward review, revision, and returning to unfinished matters rather than launching new ones.
Mercury, the planet of communication, travel, technology and agreements, turns retrograde about three to four times a year for roughly three weeks at a time. This is why “Mercury retrograde” is the most talked-about transit: it is traditionally associated with crossed wires, travel hiccups and second thoughts on contracts. The classical guidance is not to stop living, but to slow down, re-read before sending, back up important work, and revisit rather than begin.
Beyond Mercury, four other planets can turn retrograde. Venus retrograde turns attention to love, money and values. Mars retrograde asks you to redirect energy inward and avoid impulsive action. Jupiter retrograde favours inner growth and revisiting your beliefs. Saturn retrograde is a period to review duties and rebuild structures with patience. The Sun and Moon are never retrograde, while Rahu and Ketu, the lunar nodes, are always retrograde.
No — Mercury is not retrograde right now (17 June 2026, IST). No major planet is retrograde right now. Retrograde status is computed live from the sidereal position and motion of each planet on the Swiss Ephemeris.
Retrograde, or vakri, is when a planet appears to move backward through the zodiac from Earth's vantage point. It is an effect of orbital speeds, not a real reversal. In Vedic astrology a retrograde planet is treated as strong but inwardly turned, favouring review, revision and return over fresh starts.
Mercury turns retrograde about three to four times a year, for roughly three weeks each time. Mercury retrograde traditionally signals a period to slow down with communication, travel and agreements rather than to begin new ones.
The five planets that can appear retrograde are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The Sun and Moon are never retrograde. Rahu and Ketu, the lunar nodes, are always retrograde by nature.
A transit affects you through your own birth chart. A planet retrograde in a sign and house that matter for you, or ruling a key part of your chart, carries more weight. To see how a current retrograde touches your chart, generate your free Kundli and read it against today's positions.