Big news in the Astrology world: Mars has turned retrograde! Mars goes retrograde the least often out of all the planets, so this is not something we get to see too often. It stationed retrograde today (June 26th) in Aquarius. It will be retrograde till the end of August, so basically we have two months of Mars retrograde!
Mercury, Venus and Mars retrogrades all affect us pretty personally, so they're important to take into account. When the outer planets retrograde we don't feel it as much. This Mars retrograde is spent mostly in Aquarius, but in August it does go back into Capricorn for awhile. While it is only retrograde for 2 months, it will need time to catch up to where it was before it went retrograde. This is known as a 'shadow period'. The energy will start moving forward at the very end of August, but it won't be full swing again till early October.
Mars rules our drives and the masculine/yang energy that is outward and driven. It rules our energy in a physical sense, our passion, our tempers and even our sex drive. When Mars goes retrograde the energy turns inwards. We have less drive to start new things. We could even sometimes feel like we have less physical energy. I wouldn't expect to be doing tons of new things/projects or get lots of work done this summer. It's a summer to go within. Especially mid July as the energy will slow down lots more with a Mercury Retrograde happening during the Mars Retrograde! That should be interesting! It's time to focus most of our energy inwards on our inner selves. It's a good summer to not be too hard on yourself. Enjoy. Do what you have to do, but other than that make it like those summers when you were a kid and you didn't have to focus on getting anything done, you just got 'to be'. That being said this isn't necessarily a time to take a vacation from your problems. You will have to take a look at them instead.
Retrogrades always turn us inwards and a little backwards. Things from the past could come up/ you may have unfinished business to deal with. The fact that Mars will be near the South Node and will conjunct it, further illustrates this point. Dealing with past karma will be something we have to do. This retrograde coincides with Eclipse season as well, which I will talk about at a later date.
With Mars retrograde, our tempers may not be as outwardly strong. Anger and all that type of emotion is still there and people will feel it just as much as usual. With Mars retrograde though, it doesn't have the ease of release that it usually does. Some people may not have energy to get outwardly mad. Others could be quite frustrated because they feel they can't really get the angry feelings out of their system properly. It's important during this time that we reflect on these feelings of anger and where they're coming from. Yet, we don't want to keep them buried within us. More coping mechanisms are needed at this time. Journaling your feelings, walking/running, going out in nature, any type of physical activity etc. is recommended to help you deal with your feelings.
Mars is also our sex drive, so we may be reflecting on our sex lives and sex in general. Contemplating whether our passion is satisfied and whether our sex lives are healthy and that we are channeling sexual energy in a good way. Since Mars is in Aquarius we may collectively reflect on how some sexual norms may not be serving us.
Let's talk about Mars retrograde in Aquarius specifically. Mars will be in Aquarius for most of the retrograde. This is a very humanitarian sign that focuses on equality, the brother/sisterhood of the world and freedom. On a non-personal aka collective level this is a great time to reflect on humanity and society and where it's going. To reflect and see how we can treat others more equally. To think about the global family. Aquarius isn't about individual people and it's not about nations; it's about everyone! Yet, as nations and as individuals we can reflect on our role within the global family and as members of the human race. This can also extend to thinking about the environment and all that as well. Aquarius is the sign that has to do with all the causes: helping the planet, the animals, the poor, the children, the oppressed, women's issues, people of color, the LGBTQ community etc. Aquarius wants to save it all and make the world a better place. It's about equality and freedom as well. On a lesser note Aquarius has to do with technology. Everyone could be reflecting on the role of that in our world as well.
On a more personal level Mars in Aquarius makes us reflect on our freedom and also how we contribute to society. The Node's are involved, so we are being asked if we are sharing our true selves and our gifts with everyone. We are also being asked to not 'fit in'. You may be reflecting at this time on how genuine you are. Are you living a life you don't like that your heart is just not in? Are you letting other's opinions dictate your life? It's important to reflect on your relationships to society and within 'groups'. At this time with the North Node in Leo, it's so important for us all to honor our authentic selves and to shine our inner light. It's important for us not to just 'fit in'. On the flip side we can't just be our authentic selves without sharing. We need to share our gifts and talents with the world because it is so needed at this time! I've been stressing this so much in a lot of my posts, but that's because it's so big right now for us all to step into this energy. My job as an Astrologer is to interpret and channel the energy of the planetary positions to help guide all of you. Think of me as a planetary spokesperson. If I bring something up all the time it's because the universe really wants us all to get it in our heads!
Mars will spend the last part of it's retrograde in Capricorn. First of all, think back to mid May because those are the degrees of Capricorn we will be revisiting. Are there any issues that could come back for resolution? Did anything not get completed?
On a more global/societal level this part of the retrograde will deal more with the structures of society. We'll all be taking a look and seeing what's not working and what needs to be redone. Also taking a look at authority and authority figures etc. I usually spend more time looking at astrology in a more personal way, but I will say that this Mars retrograde is important for the world at large and politically and all that. It will be interesting to see what goes on. Lots to look at on a bigger scale because of the signs it's taking place in.
Now on a more personal level during the Capricorn part of the Mars retrograde, we are reflecting and looking at the structures in our lives. What's working and what's not? Are we building the life we want? What do we need to add and what do we need to take away? This is the serious, no bullshit part of the retrograde. Also, look at authority and power in your own life. Do you feel in charge? Are you the boss of your own life? Do you feel restricted by some outer authority or circumstance? How can you change it? How can you feel more in control?
✨What a summer this will be! It may feel slow, but yet theres so much to look at and so much going on underneath the surface. If you are familiar with your chart look at what house 9 degrees of Aquarius through 28 degrees of Capricorn lies. You will feel it the most in that area. Perhaps not everything will seem slow to you, but a particular area probably will. If you are not familiar with your own chart and you want my guidance, I am here for you this crazy summer! Just message me if you feel guided. Best of luck. I hope you all figure out everything you need to, so that when things are moving forward, they move forward smoothly and powerfully in the right direction. ✨
