Retrograde in History · 1797
Battle of Cape St. Vincent
On February 14, 1797, Mercury was mid-loop — retrograde in Aquarius, tracing backward through 22°20′ of the sign.
WhenFebruary 14, 1797♒︎Aquarius 22°20′Rx windowFeb 3 – Feb 25, 1797
The record
On 14 February 1797, Admiral Sir John Jervis defeated a larger Spanish fleet under Lieutenant-general José de Córdoba y Ramos off Cape St. Vincent, securing Britain's access to the Mediterranean.
Coincidence, not causation: the date is real and ephemeris-based, but a retrograde window is observed, never blamed. For entertainment, not navigation.