Stationary Phase

The transitory phase when a planet moves from direct motion to retrograde motion and vice versa. Some computer programmes indicate the stationary phase by putting an "S" next to the planetary symbol. When the planet changes direction (which it of course only appears to do from the Earth's perspective), it slows down until it comes to a standstill and eventually changes direction. The duration of the phase depends on a planet's orbital period. With the slower moving planets Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto the stationary phase can last up to four weeks if one allows for an orb of several minutes of arc.

Interpretation

A direct planet expresses its energy extrovertly whereas a retrograde planet is more introverted, during the stationary phase the energy concentrates before being discharged when moving in the new direction. When a transiting planet forms an aspect to a natal planet during its stationary phase, the effect is particularly powerful.