Frustration, passion, action, conflict… it’s giving Mars retrograde.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, there’s magic in this mess.
In astrology, a retrograde occurs when a planet appears to move backward in its orbit from our perspective on Earth. This can impact the energies associated with that planet, and how we as humans experience things in our daily lives.
Mars is the planet of action, passion, drive, and conflict. When the big red planet stations retrograde—about once every 26 months for 60-80 days at a time—it shines a spotlight on these themes.
The next Mars retrograde will occur from December 6, 2024 to February 23, 2025 when Mars stations retrograde in Leo and then also back into Cancer.
Here are some ways you can work with Mars retrograde to align with your highest and hottest self:
Get Curious About What Motivates You
Mars is all about action and momentum, but when it goes retrograde, it asks us to slow down and reflect on our goals, actions, and intentions. Instead of pushing forward forcefully, it’s a time to get inquisitive about what actually motivates you, and what your spirit needs to feel inspired and driven.
I don’t know about you, but there are few things more frustrating to me than feeling a lack of motivation or drive. Instead of getting mad at myself or my brain for being the way that it is, I try to get curious and ask questions:
- What is the block here?
- What part of the process don’t I like?
- What feels challenging or ‘too much’?
- What might motivate me, instead?
- Are my actions actually aligned with my values and vision?
Mars retrograde wants you to be radically honest about what turns you on and lights your inner flame… and what does the opposite.
Get In Your Body About It
Channel Mars’ heat into inner transformation. Mars is full of raw, fiery energy. During its retrograde, that energy turns inward, giving you the chance for deep personal transformation.
Mars energy wants to move; it’s galvanizing. You may feel inspired to explore a new movement routine, try that kickboxing class you’ve been eyeing, or dip your toe into somatic therapy and body-based healing modalities.
You’ll start to notice where in your body you feel frustrated, angry, turned on, and passionate. And you get to use that information to make better decisions for your highest and greatest good. Yum!
Where is this Rx hitting your chart?
When a planet stations retrograde, it highlights the themes that planet governs (in Mars’ case, that’s things like action, drive, motivation, passion, conflict, etc.). It’s also going to light up the part of your chart where the retrograde is taking place—AKA, the zodiac sign and house.
If you’re reading this in real time, Mars is retrograding in Leo and Cancer. Look at which house you have these signs in your own natal chart. This will give you clues as to what themes you can expect to come up for you personally. Let that drive your focus for transformation and healing throughout Mars’ retrograde cycle.
For example, as a Leo rising, Mars is retrograding in my first house of self and identity and my second house of money, assets, and resources. So I’ll be using this energy to consider whether my actions are in alignment with who I am, the abundance I want to call in, and my values system.
Hot, Aligned, and Ready for Action
We don’t fear retrogrades around here! We view them as an invitation to go deeper and realign with your highest, most authentic self. By working with the energy of this transit, you can clear out the things that put a wet blanket on your inner flame and turn up the dial on your passion and drive.
Whether in your personal life or business, focus on patience, reflection, and realignment. When Mars goes direct again, you’ll be ready to reemerge, phoenix-rising-from-the-ashes style, with renewed energy, aligned action, and purpose.
