Mars Retrograde

Here is, a little too late, my contribution to one of the astrology world’s of-the-moment topics; this dreaded and revered Mars retrograde. Partially to blame for the latency of this article and/or any other astrology posts from me, Mars has been retrograde through Leo and Cancer since December 6th. We now find ourselves a bit more than halfway through this transit, the direct station coming February 23rd.

As a Cancer Mars native, I know well how Mars malfunctions and perverts itself in its detriment home. Mars in Cancer, a warship lost at sea, is consumed by waves of emotions, abstractly worried about coming storms, remembering the way back home but forgetting to find a way to it’s destination. Maybe, it is better that some of Mars’ extra time in Cancer is spent retrograde, focusing the turbulent energy inward. Mars retrograde in Leo (December 6th-January 6th) is hot and stubborn, sensitive and stuck. Like an insulted toddler in the time-out corner, it is injured ego and excess expressive energy with absolutely nowhere to go.

I (again, a Cancer Mars native) struggle to relate to the qualities of a well-functioning Mars: effective, strategic, dominant; assertive, unashamed, trail-blazing. These traits elude me, and I imagine that they are eluding the masses as well throughout this transit. Mars retrograde creates an environment that is hostile to progress and accomplishment, the gears of everyday life falling out of sync and into a disharmonious, screechy rhythm. I have found that everything takes extra effort, and I can hardly find the energy to maintain my usual routines. Chronically tempted to distract myself from the task at hand, when I ground myself and focus, I am met with a world of unpleasant obligations to my emotional wellbeing and shadow work that demand attention before my to-do list.

In these slightly discouraging moments, the value of Mars retrograde presents itself; when our efforts fall flat again and again, it is only rational to stop and ask why. Specifically, to review how we are functioning. Mars represents our motivations, instincts, and drive as well as our approach to goals and objectives. While our usual methods begin to malfunction, there will be an opportunity (or demand) to notice what we are neglecting in our typical processes. In the luminary signs of Cancer and Leo, some may find neglect of self, of the past, of a need for expression; others may find that their approach to relationships lacks consideration for others.

This Mars retrograde kicks off 2025, a year of massive change. Tend to the inner workings of yourself and the systems you participate in during this time of delayed and sideways motion. So, when our planet of function and conflict resumes direct motion and other transits take the spotlight, all things go like a well oiled machine.

I enjoy making magic of challenging and malefic transits; if you are interested in booking a reading with me, you can find more information and DM me on Instagram @biancasultan or email biancaastro@outlook.com.