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Mars Retrograde
Author: Alison Price – Updated: October 2026
💛 Forecasting Astrology
This article is part of my Forecasting category and brings all the transits, graphic ephemeris, solar returns, secondary progressions, solar arc directions and other predictive techniques and articles. Alison
Mars Retrograde 2027
Mars Retrograde
Introduction
Mars only retrogrades every second year or around every twenty-six months.
Typically, Mars will spend six and a half weeks in each sign and this is when it is moving fast and direct.
What this all means is that for most of the time Mars dashes through a sign in around six to seven weeks, but during its retrograde phase, it spends almost four times as long in one sign or another.
Superior Planet Retrogrades
Sun Aspects
A superior planet is any planet whose orbit is further out than the Earth’s orbit is.
The superior planets are; Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the outers Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and Chiron, and the far-outers Erisand Sedna.
All superior planets start their retrograde periods from around their trine aspect to the Sun.
As the Sun moves through the zodiac, about one third of the year (around four months) later, the retrograde period ends near the second trine of the superior planet to the Sun.
It is not just the two trines, but also the opposition to the Sun that happens during the retrograde period.
All planets past the Earth are always retrograde when in opposition to the Sun.
Mars Retrograde Cycles
General
Each Mars retrograde period typically lasts about 60-80 days (roughly 2 to 2.5 months).
The time between the start of one Mars retrograde and the next is, on average, 780 days or about 2 years and 50 days.
The exact timing can vary slightly due to the elliptical nature of Mars’ orbit.
Because of the regularity of planetary orbits, we can predict Mars retrograde periods far into the future and of course you can see this in your ephemeris.
Mars takes about 20.5 years to make a complete retrograde cycle through all the signs.
Comparison Cycles
Other Planets
Every planet has their own cadence for retrogradation.
- The Sun is never retrograde (more on How to Interpret a Retrograde Sun)
- The Moon is never retrograde
- Mercury is retrograde every 4 months
- Venus is retrograde every 18 months
- Mars is retrograde every 26 months
- Jupiter outwards, each planet is only retrograde once a year
This relatively infrequent occurrence of Mars retrograde makes each instance super interesting for astrologers.
Mars Retrograde Visibility
Perihelion
Perihelion is the point in a planet’s orbit when it is closest to the Sun.
The word comes from the Greek peri, meaning “near” and helios, meaning “Sun.”
Elliptical Orbits
In astronomy, planets travel in elliptical orbits rather than perfect circles.
As a result, their distance from the Sun varies throughout their orbit.
In a retrograde period, Mars will be particularly bright, as it always retrogrades when it is closest to the Earth in its orbit.
As I said earlier, when superior planets are retrograde, they oppose the Sun which puts them in a perfect position for viewing as the full face is illuminated by the light of the Sun.
Sun – Earth – Mars
Mars will be prominently visible in the night sky in this position and you can see Mars, as it will be at its visibly brightest and largest now.
This means that you can see Mars at night after the Sun has set and it shows its face to us as a full-on disk which is great for planet Mars photography.
Mars Retrograde Themes
General and Personal Themes
Each planet’s retrograde period will present themes in line with the nature of the planet.
I’ve listed a few themes which may unfold for Mars.
Not every theme will come forward in each retrograde cycle two years apart, but many can be present.
- It depends on which sign Mars is retrograding through just how effective the planets energy can be.
- It will be different when it is different houses in your chart as then it will affect the areas of life shown by those houses.
- It also depends on which planets or points Mars aspects for you during its retrograde cycle and these will be different each time.
Reassessing Actions
This period encourages you to prompt introspection about your projects, choices and behaviors.
It’s viewed as a time to step back and evaluate whether your current actions align with your long-term goals and values.
Rerouting Drives
Mars is often associated with ambition and motivation.
During its retrograde cycle, there may be a shift in what drives you, potentially leading to new directions in your public or personal pursuits.
Reenergizing Projects
Stalled initiatives might gain new life during this time.
It is a period to approach ongoing projects with fresh perspectives and renewed enthusiasm.
Recommitting to Actions
This theme suggests a stage of reaffirming personal commitments.
After reassessment, you might find yourself more deeply invested in some chosen paths or causes.
Reviewing Competitions
Mars is linked to competitiveness.
The retrograde period might prompt your re-evaluation of rivalries, competitive strategies, or your approach to challenges.
Releasing Anger
Mars is also associated with aggression and conflict.
This time is often seen as a moment to acknowledge and let go of pent-up frustrations or resentments.
Replenishing Physical Energy
Given Mars’ association with vitality and physical energy, its retrograde period is sometimes viewed as a time to focus on rest, recovery and the rebuilding of your strength.
Rewarding Winners
This could be interpreted as a time of recognition, where past efforts and achievements are acknowledged and celebrated.
Revising Strategies
It is a good time to reconsider your approach to problem-solving and any long-term planning.
Rekindling Passion
Mars is associated with passion and desire, so this can be seen as a time to reignite enthusiasm in various aspects of your intimate life.
Resolving Conflicts
This period can be viewed as conducive to addressing long-standing disputes or misunderstandings.
As anger levels are lower you can resolve conflicts now.
Redefining Courage
It could be seen as a time to reassess what bravery means to you on a personal level and how you can embody it.
Revisiting Past Decisions
The retrograde period of Mars might prompt you to review significant choices you have made in areas associated with Mars, such as in your sex life or other intimate relationship decisions.
Retrograde Cycle Unfolding
Transits
Each retrograde cycle has the same sequence, but the planet and the signs which the planet transits through make all the difference.
Three Conjunctions
There will be three conjunctions to any planets or points which lie in the wake of the retrograde period signs.
- First conjunction: Mars is direct during the pre-shadow.
- Second conjunction: Mars is retrograde during the main retrograde period.
- Third conjunction: Mars is direct during the post-shadow.
Each retrograde period will make a 3-hit conjunction to any natal planet which is placed in the retrograde transit path.
In your chart, any planet which does receive a 3-hit transit will be highly stimulated for you in your chart and the planet being conjoined by Mars requires special interpretation as it is not just another 1-hit transit like most ones are.
5 Parts to a Retrograde period
The 5 parts that every planet moves through in its retrograde period are:
- Pre-shadow
- Station Retrograde
- Retrograde Period
- Station Direct
- Post-shadow
Let’s have a closer look at this years’ Mars retrograde period.
Mars Retrograde Signs
Leo and Virgo
In 2027 the Mars retrograde period straddles the sign cusp between Leo and Virgo.
Mars in partly in Leo and partly in Virgo during this year’s retrograde period.
These are the only two sign which Mars will be retrograde in during 2027.
Mars in Leo
Fiery Mars, enter sizzling Leo to get some bursts of action in your life.
Expect to have a few things on the go and eventually, what is meaningful, and worthy will rise above it all.
Keep all your options alive as long as you can and avoid closing doors on people and situations.
In general, you can anticipate higher levels of drama and sometimes loud and pushy behavior for most people.
If you are a creative person, you are likely to make some wonderful work now.
Mars Enters Pre-shadow
Mars enters Pre Shadow
On November 4th, 2026, Mars enters the pre-shadow.
From this point onwards, until the station retrograde position, any planets which Mars conjoins in your chart will receive a three-hit transit.
Mars enters its pre-shadow at the zodiac sign position where it will eventually station direct later in the year.
Interpretation
As Mars makes contact by aspect with natal planets in your birth chart, situations will unfold that will then be further explored on the other two passes later during the retrograde cycle.
Make sure you know exactly which planets Mars is going to contact in your chart and pay close attention to what comes to pass on those days.
Mars enters Virgo
Mars entering Virgo brings focused action and practical effort.
Energy turns toward details, routines, and improving what already exists.
This is a time for tidy progress, steady work and refining your skills.
You can get things organized and make thoughtful adjustments.
Small steps taken daily lead to meaningful, grounded results.
Mars Stations Retrograde
Position
Mars slows down as it approaches the station retrograde.
Mars stations retrograde on January 10th, 2027, at 10°25′ Virgo.
This is the main turning point and indicates the start of the retrograde part of the cycle.
Now Mars is going to retrace its steps which started previously.
Interpretation
This is the time when situations which did unfold when Mars was in the shadow return.
More information comes forward and you may have to make adjustments or reassess situations.
You are likely to discover new things about projects that you were trying to get into motion.
Mars will linger in orb of the station for about 12 days.
Station Orbs
Note: For all planets to be in orb of a station, either retrograde or direct, the planet must be within 0°10′ to the exact turning point.
This means that the further out the planet is in the solar system, the longer the lingering, and what I like to call the “loitering with intent” on one particular zodiac degree is.
This is another reason why transiting outer planets have more oomph than personal planet transits.
Mars re-enters Leo Retrograde
On February 21st, Mars goes back into Leo still retrograde.
Mars Stations Direct
Position
Mars once more starts to slow down as it comes towards the station direct.
On April 1st, 2027, Mars stations direct at 20°55′ Leo.
Now Mars will start to move forward in direct motion again as it makes the third pass to any of the aspects that it made earlier in the first direct and the second retrograde pass.
As Mars comes through, the final outcomes of activities or events which were started during this retrograde period are likely to be finalized.
Interpretation
As Mars makes its final and 3rd aspect to any planets or points, the activities and actions which were brought to life will be cemented and firmed up now.
If you were wondering about taking a particular course of action, this will be the moment, when the final decision will be made.
Mars re-enters Virgo Direct
On May 14th, 2027, Mars re-enters Virgo for the second time going direct.
Mars Leaves the After Shadow
On June 9th, 2027, Mars exits the after-shadow.
Mars will leave the after-shadow of this retrograde period and it’s all over bar the shouting.
Phew!
Mars Retrograde Resources
Articles
Here are a few more articles by me on this topic.
- The Sun retrograde
- Mercury retrograde
- Job seeking when Mercury is retrograde
- Venus Retrograde and the Fruits of the Fibonacci Cycle
- Venus Retrograde
- Mars
- Mars in Leo
- Mars in Virgo
- Mars aspects
Books
A selection of related books for your Mars bookshelf.
- The Mars Book by Donna van Toen
- Retrograde Planets: Traversing the Inner Landscape by Erin Sullivan
- Planets in Transit: Lifecycles for Living by Robert Hand
Cards
Here are the astrology cards I have and love to use for inspiration and I think you may too.
- Mandala Astrological Tarot: Book and Cards by A.T. Mann (I love these cards)
- Astrology Reading Cards: Your Personal Guide from the Stars by Alison Chester Lambert
- Astro Art Card Roadmap a story about my astro card ongoing journey or crusade perhaps?
Extend Yourself
Natal Chart
With your natal chart please do the following:
- Find which houses this Mars retrograde will be in your chart.
- List all the planets and points you have between 20°55′ Leo to 10°25′ Virgo.
- Note the dates when Mars will make the 3 exact conjunctions to each planet or point
Extend Yourself Further
Forecast
With your natal chart and the transits of Mars to hand begin some interpretations.
- Write an interpretation of Mars transiting the houses in your chart (100 words per house).
- Write an interpretation of Mars as it conjoins any planet or point in your chart and suggest some themes which may unfold in the period (100 words per planet or point).
- Go further and consider if Mars will oppose any planets or points in your chart. Mars oppositions will be between 20°55′ Aquarius and 10°25′ Pisces (100 words per planet or point).
- Go further and consider if Mars will oppose any planets or points in your chart. Mars oppositions will be between 20°55′ Taurus and 10°25′ Aries, and, between 20°55′ Scorpio and 10°25′ Libra (100 words per planet or point).
- Write a full interpretation of what you can expect to occur in your life during this current Mars retrograde period (250 words).
Alison Price: Creator and Astrologer
Alison Price brings astrology down to earth and gives it room to play. Her approach combines solid astrological knowledge with curiosity, creativity and a healthy dose of humour. Through Create, Alison brings astrology to life with journal pages, drawing, colour and creative projects. Through Explore, she connects astrology with travel, places and the experiences that make life interesting. Alison offers Astrological Consultations and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.
Reach Alison at starzology@gmail.com.
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