Meanwhile the Equinox continued to retrograde

Definition

“Meanwhile the Equinox continued to retrograde” refers to the precession of the equinoxes: the gradual westward movement of the equinoctial points against the background of fixed stars. Caused by the slow wobble of Earth’s rotational axis, this astronomical shift averages about one degree every 72 years and completes a cycle in roughly 26,000 years. It is not planetary retrograde motion.

Astrological Meaning

In astrology, precession helps explain the distinction between the tropical and sidereal zodiacs. The tropical zodiac anchors 0° Aries to the March equinox, so its signs remain aligned with the seasons. Most sidereal systems instead relate zodiacal positions to fixed stars and apply an ayanamsha to account for precession. Traditional discussions may also connect the equinox’s backward movement with astrological ages, although the boundaries, timing, and interpretive value of those ages vary among astrologers.

Why It Matters

Understanding this phrase prevents confusion between an astronomical cycle and the apparent retrograde motion of planets. It also clarifies why tropical and sidereal charts can assign different zodiac signs to the same planet without using different planetary positions in the sky. The concept is most useful when comparing astrological systems, historical texts, and long-term celestial cycles.

Related Encyclopedia Entries

• Precession of the Equinoxes
• Tropical Zodiac
• Sidereal Zodiac
• Ayanamsha
• Astrological Ages
• Retrograde Motion