Author: Alison Price   –   Updated: January 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

Introduction

This article is all about Mars returns and how you can work with them to make the most of this dynamic energy in your life. This is part of my forecasting series of articles.
Alison

Planetary Returns

Speed

All the planets move through the zodiac.

Some travel quickly, like the Moon which passes through all twelve signs in one month, while others move very slowly, such as Pluto which takes around 240 years to complete one full cycle.

Most planets will return to the position they held in your natal chart during your lifetime.

For each person, these returns happen at different times and mark important stages of development.

Return Timing

For example:


• Jupiter takes twelve years to return.
• Saturn takes about twenty-nine years to return.
• Uranus takes eighty-four years to return.
• Neptune and Pluto will not return within a human lifetime.

Post Natal Returns

The exceptions are the outer planets immediately after birth. These early movements are known as post-natal returns, and you can explore these in more detail separately.

Transiting Mars

Let’s take a closer look at Mars.

Mars transits relatively quickly through the zodiac, taking about two years to complete one full cycle. This means you can expect a Mars return approximately every two years.

Mars is not just about action for the sake of it. It reflects your drive, your motivation and your instinct to move forward.

Each Mars return reconnects you with this inner spark and invites you to take action in your life.

Parents

If you are a parent, you may have heard of the “terrible twos.” This phrase describes the stage when a child reaches around two years old and suddenly becomes more willful and expressive.

A child who was previously easygoing may begin to assert themselves, say no and test boundaries. This shift is often linked to the child’s first Mars return.

In many ways, this early expression of Mars sets the tone for how we handle frustration and desire. As adults, Mars returns can echo this same raw energy, but now you have awareness and choice in how you direct it.

Mars Returns

Orbs

Your Mars return begins as transiting Mars approaches your natal Mars. Once it comes within orb of about one degree, you may start to feel its influence.

As Mars reaches the exact conjunction, the energy builds and peaks. After the exact hit, the influence continues while Mars remains within orb, gradually fading as it moves away.

Think of this as a wave of energy rising, cresting and then releasing. What you begin during this time often continues to unfold even after the transit has passed.

Single Hit

Most Mars returns are a single pass. Transiting Mars moves forward and crosses your natal Mars position once before continuing on its journey.

Multiple Hit

Around every twenty and a half years, Mars will retrograde over your natal Mars. When this happens, you will experience three passes, or three direct conjunctions of Mars to your natal Mars position.

Mars retrogrades, on average, over about 17°45′ of the zodiac signs each retrograde period.

First, Mars moves direct over your natal position. Then it retrogrades back over the same point. Finally, it moves direct again for the third and final pass.

These triple hits can feel like a stop-start process. You may begin something, pause or rethink it, and then move forward again. This time of up to seven weeks can be a valuable period of refinement rather than frustration.

Mars Stations on Your Natal Mars

Stations

If Mars stations while close to your natal Mars, either direct or retrograde, it will linger in this area for longer. This makes the conjunction or return more intense and significant than a simple one-hit pass.

When Mars lingers, it asks more of you. There can be a sense of pressure, but also a powerful opportunity to commit deeply to something meaningful.

Mars Station Retrograde

A retrograde station return suggests a strong push to initiate, followed by a need to review or redirect your efforts.

Mars Station Direct

A direct station return indicates that after a period of reconsideration, you are ready to move forward with clarity and purpose.

Timing Your Mars Returns

Preparation

I like to set up my transit profile before each year begins. It is important to know when your next Mars return will occur.

Make a note of:


• The date Mars moves into orb
• The date of exact conjunction
• The date Mars moves out of orb

If there is a triple hit, there may be short gaps as Mars moves in and out of orb during the retrograde cycle.

Journal

If you keep a simple journal during these moments it can be very helpful. Notice what you feel drawn to do, where any tension arises and what actions you take. Over time, you will begin to understand your personal Mars rhythm.

How to Make the Most of Your Mars Return

Plan Ahead

Plan ahead so you are ready to use the energy when it arrives.

Projects

If you have a project you want to initiate or launch, a Mars return is an excellent time to begin.

Prepare

Preparation is key. You may not know exactly how the transit will unfold, but you can be ready to act.

For example, if you are planning to start a job search, have your resume updated and ready so you can move quickly when the opportunity arises.

Focus

Energy without direction can scatter. The key is to focus your efforts. Even a small, clear action taken at the right time can build momentum that carries you forward.

More Haste Less Speed

It is also helpful to watch for impatience. Mars can push you to rush, but not everything needs to happen immediately. Thoughtful action now is often more effective than reactive action.

Overarch

Closing Thoughts

Your Mars return is a regular two-yearly invitation to step forward with intention. Each cycle offers a fresh opportunity to act, initiate and shape your path.

When you begin to work consciously with this dynamic energy, you move from simply reacting to life into actively creating it.

Extend Yourself

Natal

In your astrology journal and referencing your natal chart please do the following:

• Find the house where your natal Mars is placed and note the life area it represents
• Write down the sign your natal Mars is in and reflect on how you usually take action
• Recall your last Mars return and jot down what was happening in your life at that time
• Note any themes of action, conflict, courage or new beginnings that arose

Extend Yourself Further

Forecasting

In your astrology journal and referencing your natal chart and the upcoming transits of Mars, please do the following:

• Look up the date of your next Mars return and mark it in your calendar
• Track when transiting Mars moves within one degree of your natal Mars
• Decide on one small project or action you would like to initiate during this time
• Reflect on how you can direct your energy consciously rather than react impulsively
• After the return, review what you started and think about how the energy unfolded for you

Mars

Qualities

Mars is masculine. Mars competes, challenges and acts. Mars represents young men, boyfriends, bad boys, pioneers, firemen and soldiers. Mars rules Aries and Scorpio.

More on Mars

• Read more about Mars
• Mars and Motivation

Mars Signs

• Mars in Aries
• Mars in Taurus
• Mars in Leo
• Mars in Virgo
• Mars in Libra
• Mars in Scorpio opposite Uranus in Taurus
• Mars in Sagittarius
• Mars in Capricorn
• Mars in Pisces

Mars Aspects

• Mars aspects Mercury
• Mars conjoined Venus
• Mars conjoined Saturn
• Mars conjoined Neptune

Mars Books

I am happy to say that Donna was a friend of mine back in the Toronto days before she passed. She will always be remembered with the Toronto astrology crowd. I have a well-worn copy of her book.

• The Mars Book by Donna van Toen
• Real Life Astrology: Planets in the signs by Sara Shipman

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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