Vakrī (retrograde) describes the apparent backward motion of a planet as seen from Earth. Planets don't actually reverse direction; it's an optical effect caused by differences in orbital speed. In Vedic astrology, a retrograde planet is considered to be in a strengthened state — its energy turned inward, intensified, and often operating through indirect or past-karma channels. Classical interpretations differ: Parashara notes that retrograde benefics give excellent results, while retrograde malefics may cause excess. Retrograde planets in transit are particularly significant for revisiting unresolved karmas from the past.