Hi there!
I hope you are doing well.
This week, you may feel like you are dragging your feet to complete the most basic tasks.
Mars starts its retrograde phase on December 6th. Not every planet retrograding is super important. But in this case, you have to believe the hype.
Why, you may be wondering? Keep reading to find the answers.
Meanings associated with Mars
Mars is the planet of action, desire, drive, aggression, and ambition.
It is the force that propels us to move forward, fight for what we want, and achieve goals with grit and determination.
The spirit of competitiveness and being a pioneer are also contained within Mars' realm.
Mars is particularly active from the age of 28 to the age of 35. During this seven-year cycle, we have to fight for dear life to achieve what we want.
Many scar battles will cover our bodies, but we’ll also be more resilient and strong when the cycle ends.
If you want to read more about this 7-year window, check this text: The 5th 7-Year Cycle and the First Saturn Return
The big deal about Mars being retrograde
Mars only retrogrades every two years.
This is why its retrogradation IS a big deal.
We are so accustomed to Mars being direct that we will definitely feel the difference when it turns retrograde.
In astronomy, planets are separated into inferior and superior planets.
Inferior planets are those whose orbits are between the Earth and the Sun. Only Mercury and Venus fall into this category.
Instead, superior planets orbit farther from the Sun than Earth. These planets are Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
Superior planets spend many months a year in their retrograde phase. We are used, at least unconsciously, to this cycle. Therefore, we won’t significantly feel those retrogradations.
With Mars, things are not like that. You WILL notice that it is retrograde.
We are so used to Mars' steady state that we are shocked when the planet makes its 80-day backward regression every two years.
Those 80 days are absolutely memorable.
10 possible manifestations when Mars is retrograde
Reflect and analyze: Mars retrograde invites introspection about your motives, goals, and ambitions, particularly in the house of your birth chart that is transiting.
Internal battles: You may feel torn between the desire for action and the need to let things unfold naturally. Remember to breathe.
Resurfacing issues: Forgotten or repressed frustrations and old wounds may arise, offering a chance for resolution.
Frustration and delays: Expect feelings of frustration and temporary progress delays. The delays could be a blessing in disguise.
Energy realignment: Use this period to shift from misplaced aggression to healthy assertiveness and balanced action.
Emotional turmoil: Chaos and disorganization may intensify, so focus on inner peace before reacting externally.
Patience and strategy: Cultivate diplomacy, patience, and mindfulness to overcome emotional exhaustion and conflicts.
Health awareness: Be mindful of physical and psychological vulnerabilities, as Mars retrograde can weaken immunity.
Reevaluate control: The retrograde period highlights areas where you must relinquish control and create balance.
Strategic waiting: Avoid major commitments or agreements. Allow time to pass for clearer judgment and better outcomes.
The whole cycle of Mars retrograde offers some nuance, and different activities are favored at different moments. You can read about the specifics in this text: Mars Retrograde: Effects and Insights
Dates for Mars retrograde in 2024-2025
November 27th, 2024, 03:06: Sun at 5°34’ of Sagittarius trines Mars at 5°34’ of Leo.
December 1st, 2024: Mars stationary to turn retrograde (not an exact date, but an approximation.)
December 6th, 2024, 18:33: Mars turns retrograde at 06°10’ of Leo.
December 11th, 2024: Mars “ends” its stationary period after going retrograde (again, not an exact date, but an approximation.)
January 6, 2025, 05:44: Mars retrograde goes back to Cancer.
January 15th, 2025, 21:38: Sun at 26°12’ of Capricorn opposes Mars at 26°12’ of Cancer.
February 18th, 2025: Mars stationary to turn direct (not an exact date, but an approximation.)
February 23rd, 2025, 21:00: Mars turns direct at 17°00’ of Cancer.
February 28th, 2025: Mars “ends” its stationary period after going direct (again, not an exact date, but an approximation.)
March 8th, 2025, 00:12: Sun at 17°52’ of Pisces trines Mars at 17°52’ of Cancer.
All times are in EST.
I hope this transit allows you to uncover hidden emotions and move forward feeling more liberated.
Thanks for reading, and until next time!
With love,
Valentina