Significance of Retrograde motion
Retrograde motion, as described in Purana and Jyotisha, is the apparent backward movement of a planet in its orbit, perceived from Earth. This celestial phenomenon is linked to various astrological impacts, including unfavorable conditions for marriages and vows. Historically, it signifies when a planet, such as Mars or Rahu, seems to retrace its course, forming opposition with the sun and affecting calculations related to its position. Additionally, retrograde motion influences natural phenomena and societal conditions, with implications for lunar nodes and planetary revolutions.
Synonyms: Retrogression, Reversal, Regression., Reverse movement
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Retrograde motion'
In Hinduism, retrograde motion signifies the apparent backward movement of planets, viewed as unfavorable for events like marriages and vows, impacting natural phenomena and societal conditions through astrological interpretations.
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A planetary motion where the planet appears to move backward in the Zodiac, affecting the natural phenomena and societal conditions.[1] (2) A celestial movement where a planet, such as Mars, appears to move backwards in its orbit, leading to various astrological impacts.[2] (3) The apparent backward movement of planets in the sky, as observed from Earth.[3]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) Retrograde motion refers to a planet's apparent backward movement in the sky, and its influence, especially when Saturn is in this state, is considered in relation to the sixth house and the resulting health issues.[4] (2) This is another condition in the definition of besiegement, where two malefics are placed behind and in front of the ascendant, respectively, and in this motion.[5] (3) Retrograde motion is the apparent backward movement of the five non-luminary planets through the zodiac by secondary motion, moving in the same direction as the primary motion.[6]
The concept of Retrograde motion in local and regional sources
Retrograde motion describes when a planet appears to reverse direction in the sky, impacting calculations, especially for celestial bodies like Rahu. It affects orbital assessments, indicated by negative values and aligns with specific astronomical phenomena.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is when a planet appears to retrace part of its course, forming an exact opposition with the sun in the zodiac during this period.[7] (2) Retrograde motion refers to the backward movement of a celestial body, and the text mentions that Rahu's motion is retrograde, which affects how its position is calculated, and it is subtracted from a specific value.[8] (3) The text mentions the stations during the retrograde motion and the beginnings of the four quarters of the eccentric of planets.[9] (4) The text mentions the negative sign indicates retrograde motion, and this relates to the number of revolutions that the moon's node makes.[10]