Planets which seem to be moving in the opposite direction of their movement (when seen from Earth) in their respective orbits are termed as retrograde planets in Astrology or Vakriya (or Vakri) grahas in Jyotisha. In actual no planet moves in the opposite direction but since the Earth is also revolving around the Sun, due to which according to the concept of relative motion many times it seems that the planet is moving in opposite direction.

While all planets can go into retrograde motion, the most commonly observed retrograde planets in astrology are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Retrograde planets are believed to have a unique influence on a person’s life and can bring about specific effects and energies.