What changes in the sky?
When Mars is retrograde, its ecliptic longitude viewed from Earth decreases for a period. Its orbital direction around the Sun does not change; motion of the viewpoint changes the apparent direction. R in a natal table refers to this motion at birth. Physical rotation on the planet's axis is another datum. The displayed marker is the calculated result of apparent motion.
Stations, periods and returning to a degree
A station is the instant when apparent motion changes direction; motion can be very slow nearby. A retrograde's beginning and end must be found from actual motion within the selected date range. A longitude may be crossed more than once. Since the local calendar day depends on timezone, preserve the UTC instant and displayed timezone when comparing.
Effort, aims and the organisation of action
Mars retrograde symbolism can examine the direction of effort, how a request is expressed and the way extended work is sustained. A slower pace need not mean lost strength. Revising a plan or setting a clearer boundary can be another form of progress, and disagreement need not inevitably increase.
A concrete observation
Write the step receiving the most effort in a goal. Does it resolve the obstacle or repeat the same movement? Consider practical alternatives such as rest, support and a change of scale independently of the date.
Separate natal retrograde from today's retrograde
R at birth does not mean the planet remains retrograde in the sky for your lifetime. A current period belongs to another time calculation, and a personal transit also needs its relation to natal placements. A retrograde label does not establish reduced ability, an inevitable adverse event or a need to delegate a decision to the date. Read very small speed differences near a station alongside calculation precision.
Sources and approach
These sources explain the page's traditional concepts or calculation context. Original Starmora examples and reflection prompts are not predictions attributed to the sources.