Author: Alison Price   –   Updated: April 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

Introduction

Mars only retrogrades every second year or around every twenty-six months. Bearing in mind that typically, Mars will spend six and a half weeks in each sign, but 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 much time in one sign or another.

Superior Planet Retrogrades

Sun Aspects

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 later, the retrograde period ends at around the second trine of the 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 retrograde when in opposition to the Sun.

• Read more on retrograde cycles in general.

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

• Mercury – every 4 months.
• Venus – every 18 months.
• Mars – every 26 months.
• Outer planets – annually.

This relatively infrequent occurrence of Mars retrograde makes each instance super interesting for astrologers.

Mars Retrograde Visibility

Perihelion

Mars will be particularly bright during this period, as it retrogrades when it is closest to the Earth in its orbit. Mars will be prominently visible in the night sky in this position and you can see Mars, as it will be at its brightest and largest now. 

This means that now you can see Mars at night after the Sun has set and it is showing its face to us as a full-on disk which is great for photography.

Mars Retrograde Themes

Reassessing Actions

This period encourages you to prompt introspection about your choices and behaviors. It’s viewed as a time to step back and evaluate whether current actions align with long-term goals and values.

Rerouting Drives

Mars is often associated with ambition and motivation. During retrograde, there may be a shift in what drives you, potentially leading to new directions in public or personal pursuits.

Reenergizing Projects

Stalled initiatives might gain new life during this time. It is an period to approach ongoing projects with fresh perspectives and renewed enthusiasm.

Recommitting to Actions

This theme suggests a stage of reaffirming commitments. After reassessment, you might find yourself more deeply invested in chosen paths or causes.

Reviewing Competitions

Mars is linked to competitiveness. The retrograde period might prompt a reevaluation 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 address 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 rebuilding 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 life.

Resolving Conflicts

This period is often be viewed as conducive to addressing long-standing disputes or misunderstandings.

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 relationship decisions.

Retrograde Cycle Unfolding

Transits

Each retrograde cycle has the same parts but the planet and the signs the planet transits make all the difference. Let’s have a closer look at this years’ Mars retrograde period.

Mars Enters Pre-shadow

Interpretation

As Mars enters the pre shadow, it sets the stage at the first pass of any planet or point from now on. As Mercury makes contact by aspect with planets in your chart, situations will unfold that will then be further explored on the other two passes 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 unfolds on those days.

Mars enters Leo

Interpretation

As Mars enters the sign Leo, things start to heat up. 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 at this time.

• More on MARS in LEO

Mars Stations Retrograde

Interpretation

Mars slows down as it reaches the station retrograde. 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.

This is the time when situations that did unfold when Mars was in the shadow return. More information is coming forward and you may have to make adjustments or reassess situations. You are likely to discover new things about situations 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 degree is. This is another reason why transiting outer planets have more oomph than personal planet transits.

Mars Stations Direct

Interpretation

Mars once more starts to slow down as it comes towards the station direct.

Now Mars will start to move forward 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. 

Now as Mars comes through, the final outcomes of activities or events that were started during this retrograde period are likely to be finalized. 

As Mars makes its final and 3rd aspect, 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 Leaves the After Shadow

Mars will leave the after-shadow of this retrograde periodand it’s all over bar the shouting.

Phew!

Retrograde Extras

Articles

Here are a few more articles on retrograde planets.

• More on the SUN retrograde
• More on MERCURY retrograde
• More on JOB SEEKING when Mercury is retrograde
• More on MARS in Leo podcast

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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