In the retrograde cycle, a planet journeys through a portion of the zodiac three times – first in direct motion, then in retrograde motion, and finally in direct motion. I call that area of the zodiac the Retrograde Shadow. From the time the planet enters this degree, it seems to cast a shadow of its character on the area. When astrologers observe the retrograde cycle in its entirety, it seems as if the planet is walking back and forth through a symbolic process, looking at that process from different perspectives. Of course, at a different level, we understand that the planet is not really changing its direction, but it is just a perceptive illusion on our part from our perspective on the Earth.

As a planet enters the Shadow, it passes the zodiacal degree where it will eventually turn direct. I call that degree the BSP, the Beginning Shadow Point. That degree seems to be sensitized from that point in the cycle, and an observant person may pick up clues to the nature of the planet’s process throughout the cycle. There is a foretaste of the impact of the planet’s activity while it is retrograde. That which manifests (symbolic of the planet in the sign and its aspects) as the planet moves toward its retrograde station can be seen from a different viewpoint after it turns retrograde. Perhaps the retrograde cycle is giving us clues to the very nature of time.

After the planet turns direct, there seems to be a remedial period in which the two different perspectives may be understood and integrated.

As the planet leaves the Shadow, it passes by the degree at which it previously turned retrograde. This releases the tension created during the Shadow, and I call that degree the ESP, Ending Shadow Point. As those degrees are also the station points, the Shadow points remain sensitized for some time afterwards, much the same as eclipse degrees.