I can't find much information about this on the net. I only manage to find vague interpretation like turning the energy inward, resembling the 12H energy, or giving wisdom. How do you think retrograde planets work in a chart?
And I'm curious about how they combine with signs too. Like, if retrograde planets reduce the energy, then let's say Mercury is in retrograde, if it's in Pisces or Sagittarius then its energy will be reduced drastically since Mercury is in detriment in Sagittarius and fall in Pisces. But how about when Mercury is in Gemini (like in my case)? Does the retrograde reduce Gemini's energy or does Gemini reduce the retrograte's effect? Does the effect of the retrograde become balanced out and Mercury no longer has the retrograde effect?
Also how does retrograde planets work in a progressed chart? Right now my Mercury is no longer retrograde in my progressed chart. Does it mean I'm no longer feel the effect of the retrograde?
Years ago, I purchased a few little pamphlets (small books, with a larger price tag) on the internet from The Federation of Astrologers whose org. publishes their own. These were mostly by Helen Adams Garrett, who I think is known too as a Horary Astrologer. The two books I have left, having sold a few others are "The Karmic Horoscope" and "More about Retrogrades" which she wrote. She says she is a Uranian Astrologer who follows the school of Astrology founded in Germany by
He was one who suggested TransNeptunian planets were "real" and should be studied and utilized.
A little about the founder can be read here and elsewhere on Wikipedia:
https://www.astro.com/astrowiki/en/Uranian_Astrology
Anyway, in her "More About Retrogrades", Helen Adams Garrett says that Uranian Astrology suggests that we see rx planets as related to past lifetimes in which we (not exactly failed), but need to hone the vibrations better, so we take them on this time around to practice and get better at it. (it being, whatever you see the planet designating)
So to her and the group of Uranian Astrologers (of which there are many in the world) the Retrograde planets take on a new kind of urgency in our lives to learn about and understand.
An example pg. 9:
"For an accurate interpretation of Mercury retrograde it is important that "helio" (heliocentric) Mercury be taken into consideration. "
When studying the rx planets, they would erect both a Geocentric AND a Heliocentric chart to track Mercury and then blend the characteristics of the two positional signs.
I personally have not taken the time or interest to study and compare in my chart as suggested by this book, but it makes sense to me to see the planets which are retrograde as far more important then we take for granted.
example: My daughter has both Venus rx and Saturn rx. She's had a terrible time of it in life with her love life and loss that Saturn connected with the Venus vibes would inject. So, imo; she is meeting her karmic needs by all this loss and pain.
example: I have only the outer planets - retrograde being Saturn, Uranus & Pluto.
I do tend to think alternately, meaning, I can think of at least two things at the same time. My mind is very fast but here on earth, as an earthling, with Capricorn Mercury, it takes me time (more like patience) to learn any given thing. But once learned, it's never forgotten, so perhaps for me, Uranus rx pertains to an alternate type of cultural experience, and the same with Neptune - which I'm still attempting to learn in this lifetime by having traveled to mostly exotic countries for 10 years, learning by doing so, how different cultures are and live.
My Saturn rx is easy for me to examine, because the keyword I need in this lifetime is to learn once again, "patience". Saturn is my most important planet too, because I'm Capricorn Sun-Merc-Mars all ruled by this rx planet.
If I look at my Sidereal chart (for hints) I see that my ASC is no longer in Cancer, but in Gemini, (quick thinking, quick acting, usually at my own peril ), so I must learn to slow down before talking and thinking can be conquered with meditation.
So the way I see RX planets, its a honing of repeated lessons, which is necessary, and then blend with what we know or think we do of past lives.
Sidereal ASC, Sun & Moon for instance, should also be noted when doing this, because according to Cayce and others before him, (Vedic B.V.Raman, etc) it shows us our larger soul's condition better then would tropical ASC, Sun & Moon (which shows us this particular lifetime)
That's all I have for now.
If you find anything useful out of this to think about that you had not before, then I did my job.