INTRODUCTION TO: ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY - Vol. 11 NEPTUNE RETROGRADE by Dr. Douglas M. BakerB.A., MRCS, LRCP The Theory, Interpretation and Practice of Esoteric Astrology. A Comprehensive Exploration of the Subject. The retrograde glyph is the doctor's sign for a prescription, but it is also the spiritual signpost or omen of the approaching Path. The omen can only be read and appreciated by those who have eyes (spiritual insight) to see it. Such people are ready for the Path or have already taken it. The twelve ruling planets are descriptive of human consciousness. In the man who sees to look elsewhere than the material world for his expression and inspiration, his retrogressions are equated with spiritual opportunity. Planets become 'sacred' when they go into retrograde motion, providing the individual is sufficiently developed to respond to these retrograding qualities; certainly some of humanity is unable to put them to any significant use. It is possible to give catchwords and phrases to retrograde planets, and these can be very much simplified for the purpose of cursory interpretations of charts. Spiritual awareness, however, requires that we provide backup for the general, overall meanings of them. This takes the form of detailed references to 144 horoscopes, coveringNeptuneretrograde through all the Signs and Houses. These interpretations are in most instances carefully parsed to show that meanings are not arbitrary but very specific, and exactly corresponding to the aspect being interpreted.