Infamously, we all feel a bit funny during Mercury retrograde. But did you know that other planets have a retrograde period, too?
Today we will be diving into Mars retrograde and what that means for your zodiac sign. The planet of war and action, Mars retrograde is often an intense time. So, how can we navigate this time to get the most out of it?
What Happens When Mars is Retrograde?
Mars stations retrograde every twenty-six months and usually lasts two months. During this time, Mars appears to change direction in the sky, moving east to west. The retrograde motion of planets is an optical illusion. According to NASA, it is caused by how Mars and the Earth orbit the sun.
The Earth moves faster than Mars in orbit and, therefore, will sometimes overtake the red planet. This means we see Mars at a different angle from our vantage point on Earth, so it appears to be going backward in the sky.
How Does Mars Retrograde Make You Feel?
We are often affected by the Mars retro, with our energy levels and libido slowing down. Plans go awry, and we may not have as much momentum to go after our goals as we once did.
In astrology, Mars rules passion, war, and courage. It is the planet of action and provides us with the strength and power to go after our dreams and create our own reality. Furthermore, Mars governs our sexuality, meaning its retrograde period will affect our libido.
When Mars retrogrades, everything slows down. Retrogrades provide us with a time of reflection and introspection, turning the energy of the planet inwards. Because Mars is a very energetic planet, many of us feel it’s retrograde pretty strongly. We may feel stuck and lack the motivation to go after our goals. Passions are dulled, and we may simply want to retreat into ourselves and rest.
However, Mars retrogrades aren’t all that bad! Of course, it isn’t a great time to begin new projects and move your life forward. But it provides us with time to reflect and recuperate.
The Mars retro is a bit like that week between Christmas and New Year. You have no big plans, don’t know what day it is, and just want to sit and eat chocolate in front of the telly.
How to Deal with Mars Retrogrades
When Mars begins to retrograde, our energy is low. We may not have that much interest in work or sex, with any new endeavors falling flat.
So, how do we deal with this time? Here are our top tips for surviving (and thriving) during a Mars retrograde.
Embrace the Chill
Face up to the fact: you are not going to achieve any of your big dreams during this time. The red planet has other plans for you right now, and you just got to embrace it! You may be feeling stuck, but remind yourself that you need the time to reset and recuperate. Mars retrograde is giving you this time.
Embrace your low energy and steer clear of big plans and ambitious goals. Listen to what your mind, body, and soul need, and pay attention to your thoughts. If you need to bow out of a party or let someone else take on that extra work, do so.
Practice Self-Care
Slowing down can be difficult for many of us, especially if we have a lot of plans that we are aiming for. However, it is important not to beat yourself up during the Mars retro. Mars is the God of War and instills the fighting spirit we have within us. But, when it is retrograde, we feel we lose this fighting spirit.
This is totally okay, and we need to make sure we are practicing self-care in order to overcome the lack of energy we have during this time.
Self-care refers to things you do that nourish your mind, body, and soul. These actions allow you to care for yourself and ensure you are healthy. As Mars retrograde lowers our energy, we must focus on our self-care.
Here are some self-care practices for the Mars retro:
- Prioritize sleep and ensure you are getting enough rest
- Practice yoga and meditation
- Cook meals that are nourishing and healthy
- Perform self-love affirmations
- Practice gratitude journaling
- Go out for a walk in nature
- Have a slow day of watching TV, reading, bathing
Reassess Goals
Even though you may not have the motivation during the Mars retrograde to go after your dreams and move forward on your path, it still gives you the time and space to reassess your goals and take stock of where you are in life.
The time of pause that Mars retro brings an opportunity to tie up loose ends, realign ourselves with our goals, and work out what we actually want from our future. Take your time to find balance between your work life, social life, and other responsibilities during the Mars retrograde. Do you feel happy with where your life is going? Are there any changes you wish to make moving forward?
Reflect on Anger
As Mars is the planet of anger, its retrograde period brings an opportunity to reflect on how you manage conflict and stress in everyday life. When planets retrograde, their energy turns inwards and provides us with space to reflect on what it governs. So, have a think about how you deal with anger and aggression.
Mars retrograde may bring up old wounds and points of conflict that you have not been dealing with. Of course, this may be difficult, but it is necessary for you to address them in order to move forward. Remember that it is a process, and it will take time for you to overcome the anger you feel toward those that have hurt you.
Avoid harsh words during the Mars retrograde, and take your time to work on your communication skills. Mars retro may stir up aggression and anger within you, but make sure you are not directing it at those in your life.
How Mars Retrograde Will Affect Each Zodiac Sign
Mars retrograde will affect each sign slightly differently. Furthermore, where the planet appears in your natal chart will also influence how you feel during this time.
Let’s look at how Mars retrograde affects each zodiac sign in astrology and what they must focus on during this time.
Aries
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Mars. Because of this, Aries folks will feel the Mars retrograde very strongly.
Aries will sense stalling during the Mars retrograde, with their emotions and passions heightened. They may feel frustrated and upset about their lack of motivation and, therefore, must focus on taking care of themselves during the Mars retrograde.
Taurus
The Mars retrograde provides those born during the Taurus season to reflect on their goals and bring clarity into their lives. Taurus folks are incredibly hardworking and diligent, but when Mars stations retrograde, they need to take a moment to examine their journey in life.
Tauruses may feel their anger heightened during Mars retrograde, so ensure you are working on your communication skills and dealing with your emotions through meditation and journaling.
Gemini
Those born during the Gemini season will find themselves lacking patience during the Mars retrograde. Their temper may be short, and they will be direct with their emotions.
If you are a Gemini, reflect on self-expression during the Mars retrograde. Are you expressing your emotions in a fair and diplomatic way? Or do you need to take time to work through your feeling?
Cancer
Mars retrograde will really affect the sensitive crab, who will feel as if they do not have control during this time. Their emotions will be heightened, and they may struggle to process their feelings.
If you are a Cancer, make sure you are not taking your emotions out on your loved ones! Take time to work through your feelings through journalling and introspection. If you need to, reach out for comfort and support from your friends and family.
Leo
Those born during the Leo season will find their lust for life heightened during Mars retrograde. They may not be making big plans, but they will find comfort and joy in the little things.
Of course, Leo folks are known to be outgoing and friendly. However, they also know that there are other forms of fun. When Mars goes retrograde, they will find enjoyment in solo dates and self-care nights.
Virgo
The slow and methodological Virgo will find comfort in the introspective time of Mars retrograde. Their plans may be put on hold, but they will use the energy of the retrograde to reflect on their journey and work out what they need to do to succeed in the future.
Libra
The diplomats of the astrology world, Libra folks will find self-assertion and communication easy during the Mars retrograde, with their confidence given a boost.
Those born during the Libra season are naturally thoughtful and direct with their feelings. They will be able to work through any negative emotions when Mars goes retrograde and understand how to express themselves.
Scorpio
Scorpio is ruled by Mars, which means their emotions will be heightened during its retrograde. They may be short-tempted and easy to annoy, so it is important for them to find healthy ways to direct this energy.
The scorpions of astrology need to prioritize self-care during the Mars retrograde.
Sagittarius
Sagittarians may feel frustrated during the Mars retrograde, with nervous energy to them. They love to act and follow their hearts, but the retrograde in Mars slows this down. They will feel less motivated and struggle with this. However, a bit of downtime may be good for them!
Capricorn
Mars retrograde asks Capricorns to reassess their work-life balance and find support when necessary. Things may go wrong for Capricorns during this time, with their ambitions feeling unachievable.
If you are a sea goat, make sure you are giving yourself the love and support you need during the Mars retrograde. Things may not work out as you planned, but you have the skills to get back on your feet again!
Aquarius
Aquarius folks are usually the least affected by the Mars retrograde, as they are able to adapt to the situation and work with the energy the retrograde brings them.
Aquarians should make sure that they are exploring themselves and their inner wisdom during the Mars retrograde.
Pisces
The final sign in astrology may find their emotions heightened during the Mars retrograde. However, they will have the power to direct their feelings toward creative pursuits.
If you are a Pisces, expressing yourself through journalling and art will allow you to feel supported when Mars goes retrograde.
Upcoming Mars Retrograde
Mars retrograde comes around every twenty-six months, and the upcoming Mars retrograde occurs from December 6th, 2024, to February 23rd, 2025. This Mars retrograde will be in the signs of Leo and Cancer.
What Should We Avoid During Mars Retrograde?
It is important to avoid big commitments and plans during the Mars retrograde. It is not the time to start anything new, so hold off on that project! You should also avoid major conflict, as emotions are heightened during this time.
Avoid taking on too many responsibilities when Mars retrogrades, as you may find it difficult to balance everything on your plate.
How Does Mars Retrograde Affect Relationships?
Mars retrogrades may bring conflict in relationships to the surface, with suppressed emotions finding a release. It may also affect your sexual drive and libido, as Mars rules sensuality and sex.
If you are facing difficulties in your relationship when Mars retrogrades, remember to be patient and reflect on your own feelings before communicating them with your partner. Can you express yourself in a constructive way?
When it comes to sex, you may simply need to accept that you are having a lul. However, bringing fresh ideas into the bedroom may help you overcome the dullness felt during the Mars retrograde.
Are you Ready for the Next Mars Retrograde?
The Mars retrograde can be a difficult time for some, with energy slowing down and plans being put on hold. However, we can also work with this retrograde to figure out what we actually want from our lives. Plus, slowing down means that we can rest and recuperate!
I hope you have enjoyed our deep dive into the Mars retrograde. Just like the infamous Mercury retrograde, we are deeply affected by this planet’s movement in the sky. Oh, and did you know that Venus also goes into retrograde? The planet of love, Venus retrograde affects relationships and self-love. Check out our article here to find out what you need to do during this time.