Mars Retrograde

Mars generally spends about two months traveling through each sign, and it takes around 2 years to move through all 12 signs of the zodiac wheel. Mars retrogrades occur every other year, and last from 8 to 11 weeks. The last Mars retrograde we experienced was in late 2022, in the sign of Gemini (tropical).

MARS

Mars is named after the Roman God of War, known to the Greeks as Ares.  To the Ancient Romans, Mars is the principle masculine Deity of warfare, but also a protector (protector of crops and herds) and the God of Dance.  Mars was also called; The Warlike One, The Spear, The Watchful One, Protector of the Fields, and Lord of The Measured Pace.  The Ancient Greeks also had many epithets for Ares; The Mighty One, Giver of Courage, Upholder of Law, The Leveler, and Inspirer of Daring Deeds.

Energetically, Mars rules over Aggression, Courage, Strength, Battle, Competition, Action, Passion, Sex Drive, Stamina, Martial Arts, Leadership.  Mars represents the force of ego in action; man's willpower expressed outwardly upon the world around him.  Mars is one's fighting spirit; the desire to succeed.  It represents the dynamic forces of both destruction and creation, and the trancendence of personal desires into reality.  "Mars represent the force of life expressing itself into the external world.  One needs a relatively strong Mars in their horoscope in order to have the courage, stamina, and physical energy to meet with life's difficulties and pressures."  - Alan Oken

Mars is considered a powerful and assertive planet, associated with energy, motivation, and the pursuit of individual desires. It is named after the Roman god of war, and represents courage, vitality, and a strong determination to take action. Mars has a significant influence on how we assert ourselves, pursue our goals, and express our passions. It is often linked to our physical energy and how we approach life's challenges, symbolizing the force that drives us forward.  Mars can be seen as the planet of our basic animal instincts and drives for survival, as well as the motivational force that energizes us to push through challenges and the courage to face adversity.  The more passionate we feel about something, the more driven we are to fight to attain or protect that thing.  Mars can be representative of the strength of our willpower and the spark that ignites our projective and active modes of operation.  This fiery and passionate energy is also what drives our aggression, anger, and our combative or competitive nature.  The energy of Mars can be useful when we need it, but it can also be destructive and harmful if it is wielded carelessly or selfishly.  Mars is brave and motivational, but also represents the part of human nature which is combative, aggressive, and competitive.

Mars Retrograde: Dec 7, 2024 - Feb 23, 2025

Mars retrograde is a transit that prompts a rethinking and reevaluation of how we assert ourselves, pursue goals, and manage our energy. Mars, the planet of action, drive, and ambition, typically encourages forward momentum and decisive action, but during its retrograde period, its outward expression is slowed or reversed. This can result in feelings of frustration, delays in achieving goals, or difficulty expressing anger or passion effectively. The lesson of Mars retrograde is to take a step back and reassess how we channel our energy and whether our actions align with our true intentions. It’s a time to address unresolved conflicts, refine strategies, and conserve energy for when Mars turns direct, ensuring future efforts are more focused and purposeful.

When Mars is retrograde:

• Delays to action, things moving slowly, goals take longer to achieve

• False starts, trouble with getting things started or taking initiative

• Lacking awareness of the needs of others; Selfishness, self-centered

• Indecisive; lacking confidence that is needed to make choices

• Impulsiveness: frustration with things taking slowly pushing you to make impulsive choices or alter course in a wreckless manner.

• Accidents and Injuries as a result of rushing around or being impulsive and wreckless

• resistance to compromise or collaboration

• having a "mean streak" or a "short fuse"

Look to your birth chart and find the houses that are ruled by Aries and Scorpio. These houses are Ruled by Mars, and you may notice some themes or challenges of the Mars retrograde will manifest in the areas of life that correspond with those houses in your birth chart.

Additionally, this Mars retrograde will take place in the signs of Leo and Cancer, so there will be themes of this retrograde relating to those signs.

Mars in Leo: Nov 3 - Jan 6

When Mars transits through Leo, it fuels us with boldness, confidence, and a desire for creative self-expression. Mars, the planet of action and drive, aligns with Leo’s passion and charisma to inspire us to pursue our goals with flair and enthusiasm. This transit encourages us to lead with our hearts, taking bold steps to make a mark or showcase our unique talents. The archetype of Mars in Leo is the "performer" or "champion," representing courage, pride, and the willingness to stand out. The lessons of Mars in Leo focus on self-confidence, the importance of authenticity, and the power of bringing our creative visions to life. This transit reminds us to embrace life with passion, to pursue goals that resonate with our true selves, and to lead with a joyful, generous spirit.

While Mars in Leo brings confidence and creativity, it can also lead to stubbornness, ego-driven actions, and a need for validation that may overshadow collaboration. This energy can manifest as an inclination toward dramatics or pride, making it difficult to accept criticism or compromise, especially when personal recognition is at stake. Mars is emboldened by Leo and it can have people feeling overly sure of themselves, deeply competitive, and triggered to anger when not feeling validated or recognized for their efforts.

Seven of Wands

The tarot card that corresponds with Mars in Leo is the 7 of Wands - this card can represent some of the lessons and energy that will be present with Mars Retrograde in Leo.

Mars Retrograde in Leo: Dec 7 - Jan 6

For the first month of the Mars Retrograde, it remains in the sign of Leo. When Mars retrograde occurs in Leo, the energy for reevaluation centers around creativity, self-expression, and personal leadership. Leo, a sign associated with confidence, passion, and the desire to shine, typically amplifies Mars' assertive qualities. However, during the retrograde, this vibrant energy can feel stifled, leading to self-doubt or frustration in areas where you seek recognition or want to take bold action. This transit challenges individuals to reconsider how they express their individuality and whether their ambitions truly align with their authentic selves. The lesson is to reconnect with your inner sense of purpose and reignite your passion in a sustainable way. It’s an opportunity to refine creative projects, strengthen your sense of self-worth, and practice patience as you prepare to step forward with renewed clarity and strength once Mars turns direct.

The retrograde is taking place in the first decan of Leo which relates to the Five of Wands. This is another cards that can be examined for additional insight into the lessons of Mars retrograde in Leo for the period of December 7 through January 6.

Five of Wands

Mars retrograde in Leo will form opposition with planets in the early degrees of Aquarius, and it will form square aspects with planets in the early degrees of Scorpion and Taurus. You may wish to look at these sections of your birth chart to see what kind of challenges this retrograde might bring to you.

Mars in Cancer:  Jan 6 - April 18, 2025 Mars was previously in the sign of Cancer from Sept 4 - Nov 3, 2024. It will return to this sign during the retrograde in 2025.

Mars, the planet of action, drive, and ambition, typically encourages direct and bold behavior, while Cancer, a water sign, is associated with emotions, home, and nurturing. When Mars transits Cancer, our actions and motivations become closely tied to our feelings, family, and need for security. This transit can lead to protective and defensive behavior, as well as a strong desire to care for loved ones or defend personal boundaries. Mars is "Fallen" in the sign of Cancer, in opposition to Capricorn where it is exalted. Fallen Mars struggles to assert itself in the sign of Cancer, where empathy, emotion, and compassion are prioritized. The lesson of Mars in Cancer is to learn how to channel assertive energy in a way that respects emotional needs and prioritizes the well-being of oneself and others. It's a time to balance action with empathy, using passion to support and protect rather than to confront or compete.

Mars Retrograde in Cancer: January 6 - Feb 23, 2025

When Mars retrograde occurs in Cancer, the energy for reevaluation shifts to themes of emotional expression, home, and security. Cancer, a nurturing and intuitive sign, influences Mars’ usual assertiveness, channeling its drive into protecting loved ones and maintaining emotional stability. During the retrograde, this energy can feel stifled or misdirected, leading to frustration, passive-aggressive tendencies, or difficulty asserting personal needs. The transit challenges individuals to revisit how they handle emotions and address conflicts, especially within family or domestic settings. The lesson of Mars retrograde in Cancer is to cultivate patience and find healthy ways to express emotions and assert boundaries. It’s a time to strengthen your emotional foundation, revisit old family dynamics, and realign your actions with your deepest sense of security and care. Mars is already "Fallen" in this sign, so the difficulties of Mars in Cancer are likely to be amplified during this retrograde period.

Mars will primarily retrograde in the third decan of Cancer - and this section of Cancer corresponds with the 4 of Cups in tarot. This card can possibly offer more insight into the retrograde period of Mars in Cancer.

Four of Cups

Mars in Cancer will form oppositions to planets in the late degrees of Capricorn, and make square aspects with planets in the late degrees of Aries and Libra. You may wish to look at these areas of your birth chart to find how the Mars retrograde might impact you.

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As always, you can contact me to schedule a one-on-one Astrology Reading! I am happy to schedule a transit reading in which we can specifically look at and interpret this Mars retrograde as it applies to your birth chart! email me at hestiasmuse@gmail.com to schedule your reading! The current holiday special gives 20% off the usual price for this reading - so if you book before the end of December it is only $57!