Mars Retrograde October 30th, 2022 thru January 12th, 2023
What is a planet in retrograde?
Whenever a planet goes backwards through the zodiac signs in astrology we call that planet in retrograde. Does the planet itself actually go backwards? No, because all the planets orbit around the sun going forward in actual motion. But due to the shape of the orbit around the sun which can vary from planet to planet, from our viewpoint here on earth, it appears like the planet is going backwards. This appearance of backwards motion is what we call retrograde.
What happens when a planet retrogrades?
In astrology, each planet has particular functions or expression of life that it rules. When a planet retrogrades the functions ruled by the planet in retrograde become more challenging or will require adjustment from us to get the best use of the energy involved.
Mars Retrograde
In the case of Mars, it rules energy, drive, desire, bravery, and action or forward momentum of the activities we are working towards. So in retrograde we may feel sluggish and slow, like we are wading through water. It allows more obstacles to form in the way of what we desire or want. It can also make us more testy, angry, argumentative, or frustrated. It may take more time or more steps to complete what we are working for. Mars also is in charge of that get up and go kind of energy that we use to start things. In retrograde, we can then have trouble getting something new started and off the ground so to speak. Creating that momentum to move a project forward can be a challenge at this time as the energy of Mars is sleeping and not available to create that momentum needed to get going. This makes it not the best timing to start something new as new plans started under Mars retrograde often go nowhere and achieve nothing until Mars goes back direct.
As children, we are often trained to give up on our desires and promote the greater good which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but all actions have consequences. But what happens in response to this? We Bottle up our feelings and sometimes even allow others to override our own needs. By doing this, we then may release this energy during the Mars retrograde and either initiate arguments with others to release this energy or we may draw others to us that will initiate arguments and allow us to release this energy. These arguments can be stressful, difficult, and upsetting.
So how can we avoid these difficult situations? The wonder of astrology is that we can burn off this pent up energy by doing positive Mars type activities and possibly avoid having conflict with others to release the energy. Positive Mars activities include exercise, practicing a martial art, meditating or contemplating on what it is that you desire, using your passion towards something to help find a solution that shows the next step, or by doing something that requires bravery which by definition means experiencing fear but forcing oneself to take action anyways. In taking part in any of these activities, we can burn off the pent up energy and avoid those difficult arguments that usually don’t lead to happy outcomes.
Aries, Gemini, Sagittarius, Virgo, and Pisces people in particular will feel this slow down most directly, but everyone will notice the shift of energy and drive slowing during this time. We may need more rest and relaxation during this time to compensate. We may need to engage our patience and allow things to take longer to complete or work through obstacles without being so upset if our deadlines don’t occur on time. People may feel extra tired or cranky right now, so it is extra important to be compassionate and kind to others if they don’t meet up to your expectations or deadlines. To help combat the extra fatigue, it’s a great time to boost your energy with extra vitamin C or extra B vitamins. Maybe even an extra coffee or tea if your body allows for that. Also, holiday planning and shopping may take longer or be more draining than you thought so it’s a good year to start on that early to experience less pent up stress for the holiday season.
Once Mars goes back direct in January the pace of life and things will pick back up and your energy and drive will reengage to boost our new plans and ideas at that time. We all need extra rest sometimes and the retrograde is the universe giving us a chance to slow down and recoup our energy, passion, and drive for the new year ahead!
If you want to know more about how the Mars retrograde fits into your world and your birth chart then you can email me at therry@candlelightgarden.com to order an astrology reading. This can be done via zoom or facetime live by appointment or by email if preferred. I would love to show you how astrology can help you time your activities for the most happiness and success!
