A station occurs when a planet appears to temporarily stop moving before changing its direction in the sky.
Definition
In astrology, a station refers to the apparent pause of a planet's motion as observed from Earth, occurring when it transitions from direct to retrograde motion or vice versa. This phenomenon is due to the relative positions and motions of Earth and the planet in question. A planet is said to be 'stationing direct' when it prepares to move from retrograde to direct motion, and 'stationing retrograde' when transitioning from direct to retrograde motion. Stations are significant because the planet's influence is considered particularly strong and focused during these periods. Astrologers often interpret this as a time of heightened importance for the themes and functions of the planet involved. For example, a Mercury station might emphasize communication or decision-making, while a Saturn station could highlight responsibility or structural changes. Stations occur over a short time frame, typically lasting for a day or two, but their effects can extend beyond the exact station date in interpretation.
In a chart
In a natal or transit chart, stations are indicated by planets whose motion shifts from direct to retrograde or vice versa, often shown with an 'S' or 'Stationary' label next to their degree. Pay attention to slow-moving planets, as their stations can have longer-lasting impacts. Ignore minor discrepancies in speed for faster planets unless explicitly marked.