MARS RETROGRADE

Mars hasn’t been retrograde since early 2023, but that’s about to change! The red planet is turning backwards for the next 3 months - and we have so much to learn from this retrograde.

Mars will synchronistically station retrograde at 6 degrees of Leo on Friday, December 6th 2024, at 3:33pm Pacific Time. That same day, Venus will join the Moon in the sign of Aquarius, emphasizing freedom and authenticity as topics for reflection this retrograde. Mercury (also in retrograde) will square Saturn on this day as well, reminding us of our limitations and encouraging us to slow down and rest.

During its retrograde, Mars will travel back through early Leo to 17 degrees of Cancer, where it’ll finally station direct again on February 23rd 2025. Throughout this time, Mars will make all the same aspects it’s made with other planets since early October - and will revisit them a third and final time from late February through early May. 

Most importantly, Mars is in an opposition with Pluto, which is slowly moving through the earliest degrees of Aquarius. This tense aspect will stay with us until the spring, giving a deep resonance to the Mars retrograde - with potential for conflict and power struggles, as well as shadow work and trauma healing.

Mars will also experience an opposition with Venus, a square to Chiron, a sextile to Uranus, and trines with Neptune and the north lunar node. That last aspect is especially relevant, since the north node is in the Mars-ruled sign of Aries until early next year. This indicates a collective lesson about being brave: defending our right to take up space, even though the powers that be clearly don’t want us to to survive and thrive in this world. Mars retrograde is a time to reflect on where you draw your courage from; it may be very much needed in the coming years.

The signs most affected by this event are Leo and Cancer (where the retrograde will take place), as well as Aries and Scorpio (both ruled by Mars).

This bravery is underscored by Mars’ time in fiery Leo. The sign of the lion asks us to protect our inner child and believe that we matter, so that we can shine our unique, vibrant light into the world. Mars encourages us to fight for our right to pleasure, play, fun, spontaneous joy and creative self-expression.

When Mars retrogrades back into Cancer, it touches on the archetype of a caring, nurturing parent figure. This time asks us to fight for our right to self-care of our bodies, minds and spirits. It reminds us of everyone’s right to safety, stability, comfort and love - and of our need for connection to the land, our roots, and close supportive relationships in our lives.

During the darkest time of year, this self-care theme is right on cue. Mars is the planet of energy, and its retrogrades invite us into times of rest. Other retrogrades from Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus and Chiron echo this point. Many of us are still adjusting to the massive energetic shift of Pluto’s ingress into Aquarius. In addition, Neptune is stationing direct on December 7th - and as the planet of dreams is stationary and extra-powerful, we may find our energy particularly drained.

Mars retrograde asks us to re-evaluate our relationships to our bodies and energy levels. Where do you draw your fire from? How can you nurture it and stoke it when the embers are low? Remember that we live in a capitalist system that wants to keep us exhausted and desperate. Now is the time to reclaim your autonomy and reflect on your motivation. What are you actually spending your precious time and energy doing? What are you devoted to that you can draw energy from to keep going in tough times?

It’s a season of rest.

As the planet of conflict, Mars retrograde also invites us to rethink any grudges we’re holding. It encourages us to consider our anger, resentment, stress and frustration. What’s draining your energy? How can you let it go or transform it? Things are likely not to work out as planned during these retrogrades, inevitably leading to irritation. How do you regulate your emotions in this activated state? Do you push and force things, or can you take a deep breath, step back, slow down and go with the flow? 

Here at the end of the year, this retrograde is an excellent time to finish up any lingering projects. Go through your reading list, cancel your unnecessary subscriptions, close (or at least organize) your browser tabs, and check in on your various to-do lists. Review the goals and plans you set for 2024, and take this opportunity to reflect.