Book excerpt: A retrograde planet may not change its functional nature in a horoscope, in most cases. Hence if a benefic planet goes retrograde in a horoscope, it may still give benefic results. Likewise, if a malefic planet goes retrograde in a horoscope, it may still give malefic results. When a planet goes retrograde, it may undergo some changes in its style of working, rather than in its nature of work. Due to such changes in its style of operation, retrograde Mercury may produce results which may be different than those given by forward-moving Mercury. This book deals with the placements of retrograde Mercury in the 7th, 8th and 9th houses of the horoscope. Benefic, as well as malefic effects of retrograde Mercury, have been discussed in each one of these houses in different signs, along with relevant examples from horoscopes.