Stationary
A turning point between direct and retrograde motion.
The physical explanation
At a station, apparent motion in longitude momentarily reaches zero. The planet is still moving in its orbit. The calculated sky says ‘Near station’ when the apparent speed along the zodiac is below 0.008 degrees per day. This is a teaching threshold chosen for this app, not a universal definition. The Time Machine can find the next approximate zero crossing; step either side to see the direction change. The separate circular teaching model labels a small neighbourhood as stationary.
Explore real dates in the Time Machine ↗Try the simplified Mars teaching model ↗The traditional association
Within modern Western astrology, stations are often treated as periods of emphasis for a planet’s symbolism. They do not imply that a physical force switches on or off.
Reference: Astrodienst · stations and differing threshold conventions ↗
Editorially reviewed 2026-10-24 · prepared 2026-10-24.