How Mars In Retrograde Will Affect Your Sign
Many you have heard about Mercury retrograde. You probably expect delays, mechanical issues and miscommunications when Mercury retrograde comes to town. But today we are going to look into what Mars Retrograde represents and what it will bring for you this summer. Mars does not retrograde as often as Mercury. The retrograde phase of Mars happens about every 2+ years. This Mars retrograde cycle began on June 26 at 9 degrees Aquarius. When a planet changes directions it is 5 times stronger. So there may have been some sort of crisis around the time that Mars stationed to retrograde. Mars will station direct on August 27 at 28 degrees Capricorn. Mark your calendar for August 27 because there may be a pivotal moment marked by Mars changing directions. On October 8 Mars will clear the retrograde phase and move forward to 9 degrees Aquarius. It may take until this time to see the fruition of your efforts made during the Mars retrograde period. So be patient with yourself and the process.
So what exactly does Mars represent? Mars represents our efforts, our initiatives, the way we defend our desires and passions. Mars is known as a malefic planet, and rules our warrior nature. A healthy Mars energy wants to propel forward, to initiate, and take action! However, during a Mars retrograde cycle, our energy is lower. We are in a more reflective state. Our sexual desires may seem to have been hit by the snooze button. We may feel much more lethargic and have a difficult time getting things done. It is a good time to re-assess our past actions. Use the summer months to rethink, to strategize, or engage in some sort of research. Make a plan Stan! A word of warning- you do not want to initiate a battle, lawsuit, or new romance. The initiator does not win during a Mars retrograde. So if you are involved in legal matters it is better to postpone until Mars goes direct. As for new lovers, well things will not work out as planned. However, old lovers may resurface now. If so there may be some sort of rebalancing of power that needs to play out. Overall, wait until Mars moves direct to initiate new action. For now, gather information, re-evaluate your strategy, take a pause and let things flow.
The Sabian symbol associated with 9 degrees Aquarius- A Flag Is Seen Turning Into An Eagle. According to Lynda Hill, “This symbol reflects the need or desire for our inner thoughts to become manifest into our daily practice. Your core beliefs can be seen as your “Flag” and your announcements of and allegiance to them is like the “Eagle”. You may find that you are being asked to no longer project an image, but to own your true power.” In more dramatic situations, one may feel like they have been reborn, or suddenly become more motivated or inspired to carry through actions that they have previously only thought about. So instead of initiating, gather information and strategize. I feel with this Sabian symbol Mars retrograde is offering us an opportunity for rebirth. This is an opportunity to really sit with our dreams and take a moment to plan how we are going to move forward, with a more empowered version of ourselves. Now let’s take a look at how Mars retrograde will affect your sign! It is best to read for both your ascendant and sun sign.
Aries & Aries Ascendant
Mars is your ruling planet, so you are strongly affected by Mars retrograde cycles. Mars will be retrograde in your 11th house, which rules friendships, social circles and your goals and ambitions. There may have been some sort of crisis in this area of your life. Perhaps you had an argument with a friend. You will have to put more effort into these areas of life. You may need to reevaluate your goals and what you are doing to manifest your goals. This is a good time to come up with a 5-year plan and get solid in what you really want to achieve. You may need to review how you can better use your energy towards achieving your goals. You may also re-asses your alliances to see if their ideals align with yours. Does your tribe support your authentic dreams? If not your evolving self may want to look for a new crew.
Taurus & Taurus Ascendant
Less Mo Jo on the career front? Yes Mr. Mars going backwards in your career house may stall a big project and have you going back to the drawing board. Use the summer months to revamp a work project and by October you just may be in the limelight for a job well done! Also beware of conflicts with authority figures at this time. If you want to change your bosses mind, carefully strategize a thought out plan for whatever you are proposing. Wait until Mars goes direct to initiate it into action.
Gemini & Gemini Ascendant
Has there been a halt in your travel plans? There may be a delay in getting that visa you hoped for. You may need to rethink your reason for travel or put off travel plans until Mars starts to move forward! You also may be dealing with issues with course work if you are studying in higher education. There may be prerequisite classes to your coursework or you may be dealing with transferring credits between colleges. This is another way Mars retrograde may play out for you. If you are involved in any legal matters, it is advised that you do not initiate any lawsuits at this time. It is said that if one initiates a lawsuit during a Mars retrograde, one will not win. Hold off until early October if you can!
Cancer & Cancer Ascendant
There may be a delay in some money you were expecting. There could be an issue over an inheritance at this time. Mars retrograding in your 8th house of shared resources can also affect your partner’s resources. You may need to make a plan on how to survive on less until this matter gets sorted out. You may also find yourself evaluating your deep bonds. Are you feeling empowered in your closest relationships? If not it’s time to take your power back. You will either find a way to shift the relationship or you will hop on the bus Gus, and set yourself free!
Leo & Leo Ascendant
Trouble in paradise? When Mars changed directions you may have experienced some sort of crisis with a partner. You may notice you are feeling more irritable with others this summer. Try to get your yoga on before you burn any bridges! Exercise is a productive use of Martian energy. So if your feeling particularly stressed or irritable hit the gym or maybe take a martial arts class before you have a roaring brawl with your sweetie. Another possibility is an EX lover resurfaces. There may be some karmic balancing of power that needs to transpire!
Virgo & Virgo Ascendant
Are you the last woman on the totem pole? Perhaps you have put your health and fitness goals on the side burner to deal with the high demand of your family’s needs. Well, it is time get back on track. You may have had some health crisis when Mars stationed to retrograde. Or perhaps you had an enough is enough moment, and realize it is time to take better care of your health. This is a good time to research diet and fitness regimes. Try a couple on. You may want to try a Whole30 program. This will get you more in tune on how food affects your mood! Reflect on what your body needs and get yourself into a routine. If you stick with it you will be feeling a lot healthier by the fall. This is a good time to do an organization purge as well. If you missed your “spring cleaning” this year, summer may be the perfect time to target those messy closets. After you release the clutter, and the items that no longer resonate, you will feel a lot lighter as well. Donate them to your favorite charity. This will satisfy your innate need to be of service. It’s a win -win!
Libra & Libra Ascendant
Kids home for summer? Your children will be requiring more effort during this retrograde season. Be open to new approaches for your child, to teach them to deal with anger. Your patience may be tested this summer with your little love bug. My best advice is to remember to be a good model for your child. When your little one is frustrated or acting out remain calm. Call on your inner yogi! This is an opportunity for you to hold the space for peace. Let your child meet you there. Perhaps take a family yoga class. You may find some good techniques for the kiddos to practice when they are feeling frustrated or angry. Another possible manifestation is that you will be reevaluating romantic relationships at this time. If your not feeling the love mojo for bae, it is time to reconsider what you need in a relationship. If you put in a little more effort, you may see by early fall a new beginning in your love life.
Scorpio & Scorpio Ascendant
Scorpio’s will also be greatly affected by Mars going retrograde. Mars is one of Scorpio’s ruling planets, along with Pluto. Although Scorpio’s can handle this energy well because they are masters at research, revising and rebirth! The area of your life that this Mars retrograde is affecting is your home and family life. There may have been some family drama coming to a head as Mars stationed to change directions. Try to avoid a family feud right now. Lay low. Think about how you want to shift the way you “engage” with family members. Your familial relationships roles are up for reassessment. Be open to trying on new roles. Another possible way this can manifest is more irritations at home. Perhaps you need to put together a “To do list”. Broken doorbells, fallen tiles, ripped screens, take a look around the house to see what needs to be mended. Once you have checked everything off the list, you will definitely feel more at peace!
Sagittarius & Sagittarius Ascendant
Think before you speak! Mars retrograde is activating your communication house. Be careful not to start a war with your siblings or neighbors. If you do not control your anger you may impulsively say something that will wreak havoc on your summer. If you have a disagreement, try to distance yourself calmly. Give yourself time to reflect, and really think about what you want to say.
Capricorn & Capricorn Ascendant
Mars retrograde is asking you to revaluate your finances. Your cash flow may come and go. It is a good time to really think about how you spend your money. Perhaps even looking into the company’s you support. It is a good time to investigate the values and integrity of the business’s you support. Do your research! It is also good time to create a budget plan. By becoming more accountable with your spending, you will be able to fine-tune your visions on building that empire! Mars will be retrograde in your second house. This house also rules food and how we nourish ourselves. You may want to make some changes on what your putting into your mouth. Are your meals made up of scraps from your toddlers’ plate? You may want to start doing some meal planning, and shift your focus to include ways to incorporate healthy eating habits.
Aquarius & Aquarius Ascendant
Mars is retrograding in your sign Aquarius. You will be feeling this retrograde season strongly as well. The first house rules the body. You may experience lethargy during this Mars retrograde cycle. It is not a time to initiate new projects or goals, but let things play out. Take a watch and see approach. You may reinvent the way you do self-care. Hit up the salt cave, allow yourself some R & R, try working with color therapy. This is really a time to tend to your needs, allow your self some gentleness and you will see by fall a rebirth and transformation.
Pisces & Pisces Ascendant
Mars retrograde season will be in your 12th house. This may be interrupting your sleep. You may be dealing with anger that is unconscious or buried. This is a great time for doing your shadow work. Take more time to reflect. Start by making a dream journal. Write down your dreams, and integrate them into your conscious awareness. Reflect on ways you may be self-sabotaging your desires by old mental conditioning. Release old outworn ways. Keep practicing your affirmations and visualizations this summer and by early October you can start to see a shift in manifesting your desires.
Helene Cierzo
Heart House Astrology