What does the term "Retrograde" mean by the way?

Retrograde sounds a "hi-fi" astrological term as far as planets are concerned. What does that mean actually?
Any planet which is retrograde, just stops on its path for a while. ( thus creating a havoc on us, the dependent mankind !) But, let us not forget
that strong ruling planets in our Birth-chart in fact benefit by this retrograde behaviour or stopping of the planets in their path.
On an additional note, Sun & Moon never turn retrograde..whereas, Rahu & Ketu ALWAYS move reverse / retrograde!

Planets and their movement

Planets of the solar system move around the Sun, by a naturally regulated movement and speed.Their speed and path are pre-determined. These planets also affect our lives depending on the type of their movements around the sun, which is astonishing.
The birth chart of a person says ALL, and carries imprint of the time when he or she is born, and one sees the life through that prism always. There are so many variations to these, that it is impossible to fathom or label or type-caste any human being.
One can only give a rough idea about general features, personality or life of a
person. Any planet moving at a regular speed will affect our lives in a normal
way, and if it has a strong positive effect on our existence, then good things
come our way, during that particular time period.
However, if this planet is not-so-favourable, or negative in the birth chart, then
it might create some trouble leaving us clueless about what is happening to our
lives. Similarly, a retrograde planet will intensify this good or bad effect during
this time.
Movements of planets during 2009 will be discussed in the next write-up.

Archives

Last fortnight...
1. Mercury changing from retrograde to normalcy will bring relief to the students & people associated with the field of Communication will do well. Media prevail once again.
2. Moon in Leo bring changes in share market, mostly for the good of investors. (but only for a day more, after that Moon will be in Virgo, and changes will subside).
Last week..
Sun will stay in Gemini for one month..Hence the sun sign "Gemini "Moon changes each house every 2.25 days, and hence the ups and down in mooods are visiible, depending on one's personal horoscopes..However, Moon is one of the non-harming, lucky planets, so one should make the best use of its good vibrations when it is favourable to us.