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Mars Returns

Mars Returns

by

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

 

Mars Signs

 

Mars Aspects

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.

 

mars

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.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

Your Partner’s Planets in Your Houses

Your Partner’s Planets in Your Houses

Author: Alison Price   -   Updated: January 2026 💚 Relationships, Love and Romance Astrology This article is part of my Relationships, Love and Romance series, where I explore compatability, the Part of Marriage, synastry, composite midpoints charts, Davison...

life-phase-reading-star
affiliates-green-star

Mars and Motivation

Mars and Motivation

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Updated: April 2026

🧡 Advanced Natal Astrology

This article is part of my Advanced Natal Astrology series, where I explore deeper chart analysis for practicing and aspiring astrologers.

Introduction

In astrology, Mars carries many meanings, but one of its most practical expressions is motivation. Mars describes how you begin, how you act, and what gets you moving in the first place.

Your Mars placement by sign, house, and aspects offers insight into your personal drive. It shows how you approach tasks, how quickly you respond to opportunities, and what sparks your desire to take action.

Starting vs Sustaining

Getting started is often the hardest part, and this is where Mars shines. It is the part of you that gets you off the couch and into motion. Sustaining effort over time tends to belong more to Saturn, but without Mars, nothing begins at all.

Mars begins. Saturn sustains.

You may notice that you are good at starting but not finishing, or steady but slow to begin. To understand this distinction can help you balance your approach and work with both energies more consciously.

mars-glyph

The Nature of Mars

Doing

Mars is direct, active, and forward-moving. It is less about thinking and more about doing. Where Mercury may consider and Venus may weigh options, Mars simply acts.

This planet reflects your instinctive responses. It shows how you assert yourself, how you handle challenges, and how comfortable you are with taking initiative.

What Sparks Motivation

Push

Mars reveals what lights your internal fire. For some, motivation comes through challenge. For others, it comes through curiosity, urgency, or even frustration.

Understanding your Mars sign can help you recognize what naturally energizes you. When you align with this, motivation feels easier and more organic rather than forced.

Productivity and Getting Things Done

Mars plays a key role in productivity, especially in the early stages of a task. It governs the push to begin and the momentum to take the first few steps.

If your Mars is well-supported, you may find it easy to start projects. If it is more challenged, you might hesitate, delay, or need external pressure to get going.

You can find out more about how planets are effective or not in your chart through your planetary complexes.

Working with your Mars can help you develop a more natural rhythm of action.

Movement and the Body

Lift

Mars is strongly linked to physical movement. It rules how you use your body, how you release tension, and how you express energy physically.

Regular movement and lifting can help balance your Mars energy. When Mars is not expressed, it can build up as restlessness or frustration.

Exercise and Physical Expression

Exercise

Exercise is one of the clearest ways to channel Mars. Different Mars placements may prefer different types of activity.

Some people are drawn to fast, competitive sports, while others prefer steady, controlled movement. Finding the right form of exercise for your Mars can support both physical health and emotional balance.

Competition

Get-up-and-go

Mars has a natural competitive edge. This does not always mean competing with others. It can also show up as a personal drive to improve, achieve or overcome obstacles.

Healthy competition can sharpen focus and increase motivation, but when overdone, it may lead to burnout or unnecessary pressure.

Energy Expenditure

The Sprint

Mars governs how you use your energy and how quickly you burn through it. Some people have quick bursts of energy, while others have a slower, more sustained output.

Learning your own energy pattern helps you pace yourself and avoid exhaustion.

Dopamine and Reward Cycles

From a modern perspective, Mars can be linked to reward and motivation cycles within the brain. Research into dopamine, suggests that this system responds not only to reward itself but also to the anticipation of it, encouraging us to take action.

Taking Action

Taking action often creates a sense of satisfaction, reinforcing the desire to act again. Studies in motivation and progress, such as the work of Teresa Amabile, show that even small wins can have a meaningful impact on how motivated we feel. Find out more in The Progress Principle by Teresa Amabile.

Each completed step feeds the next. Over time, this creates a natural flow where action leads to reward, and reward supports further action, building momentum in a steady and sustainable way.

Mars and Eris

Mars and Eris in Aspect: Motivation Through Tension

Mars represents the urge to act, to initiate, and to move forward. Eris brings a different kind of energy. It can feel disruptive, challenging, or even unsettling, but it often points toward what needs to be seen, acknowledged, or rebalanced.

When these two connect by aspect in a natal chart, motivation is rarely simple or smooth.

Instead, it tends to be activated by tension, pressure, or a sense that something is out of alignment.

planet-eris

Mars Conjoined Eris

Intense, Unfiltered Drive

With a Mars Eris conjunction, motivation can feel intense and hard to ignore. There is often a strong need to act, especially when something feels unjust, restricted, or misaligned.

This aspect can bring a powerful sense of personal will. You may be driven to challenge norms, stand your ground, or disrupt situations that feel limiting. Motivation here is rarely passive. It pushes for action, sometimes suddenly and decisively.

Mars Sextile or Trine Eris

Flowing Disruption

Harmonious aspects between Mars and Eris suggest a more natural ability to work with disruptive energy.

You may feel comfortable responding to situations that require change or adjustment. Motivation can arise from awareness rather than conflict. There is a capacity to act in ways that gently shift or improve systems without forcing change.

This can support a steady, intuitive approach to action that still honours individuality.

Mars Square Eris

Friction and Activation

A square between Mars and Eris often creates friction that fuels motivation. There can be inner tension or external situations that push you to act.

This aspect may feel uncomfortable at times, but it is often a catalyst for growth. You might find that you become motivated when something challenges your sense of fairness or personal freedom.

This can lead to decisive action, but it may also bring moments of frustration that need conscious awareness.

Mars Opposition Eris

Awareness Through Others

With an opposition, motivation is often activated through other people or relationships. You may encounter situations where your drive meets resistance, or where others reflect back something that needs to change.

This aspect can highlight the balance between asserting yourself and responding to external pressures. Motivation may build as you navigate these dynamics and find your own way to act with clarity.

Working with Mars and Eris

Brother Sister

Together, Mars and Eris can describe motivation which is:

  • Activated by challenge or imbalance
  • Driven by a need for authenticity
  • A response to what feels unfair or restrictive
  • Deeply personal and sometimes uncompromising

At its best, this combination can support courage and truth. It can help you act in alignment with your deeper values, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Mars by Sign

Motivation Styles

Your Mars sign shows how you are motivated and the style in which you take action. It describes your natural rhythm of doing, your preferred pace, and what helps you get started.

When you understand your Mars sign, you can work with your energy rather than against it.

Mars in Aries

When Mars is in Aries motivation is immediate and instinctive. You act quickly, often without overthinking. Starting is easy, but staying the course can be the challenge. You are energised by new beginnings and direct action.

Mars in Taurus

When Mars is in Taurus motivation builds slowly but steadily. Once you begin, you have strong staying power. You are energized by comfort, stability and tangible results.

For you rushing rarely works, but consistency does.

Mars in Gemini

When Mars is in Gemini motivation comes through curiosity and variety. You are energised by ideas, conversations, and learning something new. Too much repetition can stall you, but mental stimulation keeps you moving.

Mars in Cancer

When Mars is in Cancer motivation is tied to feelings and emotional connection. You act when something matters to you on a personal level. Creating a safe and supportive environment helps your energy flow.

Mars in Leo

With Mars in Leo motivation comes through creativity and self-expression. You are energized when you feel seen, appreciated, or inspired. Bringing a sense of play and joy into your actions keeps you engaged.

Mars in Virgo

When Mars is in Virgo your motivation is practical and purposeful. You are energized by improving things, solving problems, and being useful. Small, clear steps help you begin, and progress builds your momentum.

Mars in Libra

When Mars is in Libra getting motivated often involves others. You are energized through partnership, balance, and shared goals. Decision-making can slow you down, but collaboration helps you move forward.

Mars in Scorpio

With Mars in its own sign of Scorpio, motivation runs deep and intense. When you commit, you are fully in. You are energized by focus, transformation, and meaningful goals. Superficial tasks may not hold your interest.

Mars in Sagittarius

When mars is in Sagittarius your motivation is driven by exploration and possibility. You are energized by freedom, learning, and a sense of adventure. You move best when you feel inspired rather than restricted.

Mars in Capricorn

With Mars in its exaltation in Capricorn, your motivation is disciplined and goal-oriented. You are energized by achievement, structure, and long-term success. You may start slowly, but you build momentum with determination.

Mars in Aquarius

When Mars is in Aquarius your motivation comes through ideas, innovation, and independence. You are energized by doing things differently and thinking outside the box. You prefer to act on your own terms.

Mars in Pisces

When Mars is in Pisces motivation is subtle and fluid. You are energized by imagination, compassion, and inner inspiration. Harsh pressure can drain you, but a gentle, creative approach supports your flow.

Mars by House

Where You Act

While your Mars sign shows how you take action, your Mars house reveals where in life your energy naturally flows. It highlights the areas where you are most motivated to do, initiate, and engage.

This is often where you feel the urge to get involved and make things happen.

Mars in the 1st House

You are motivated to act in the world directly when Mars is in the first house. There is a strong drive to initiate and to be seen as active and capable. Action comes naturally, and you often lead by example.

Mars in the 2nd House

Mars in the second house indicates that your motivation is linked to security, resources, and personal values. You are driven to build stability and may focus your energy on earning, saving, and creating something of lasting worth.

Mars in the 3rd House

With Mars in the third house you are motivated through communication, learning, and everyday interactions. Writing, speaking, and sharing ideas can energise you. Mental activity often leads to physical action.

Mars in the 4th House

Mars in the fourth house suggests that your motivation is rooted in your private world. Home, family, and emotional foundations are key drivers. You may act strongly to protect or shape your personal space.

Mars in the 5th House

When Mars is in the fifth house you are motivated by creativity, joy, and self-expression. There is a drive to create, perform, and engage in activities that bring pleasure. Passion projects can be a powerful outlet.

Mars in the 6th House

Your energy flows into work, routines, and daily tasks when Mars is in the sixth house. You are motivated by being useful and productive. Small actions done consistently can lead to meaningful results.

Mars in the 7th House

Mars in the seventh house shows that you are motivated through relationships and interactions with others. Partnerships can activate your drive, whether through cooperation or challenge. Other people often spark your action.

Mars in the 8th House

With Mars in the eighth house and in one of its natural placements, your motivation runs deep and is often connected to transformation, shared resources, or emotional intensity. You are drawn to meaningful experiences that create lasting change.

Mars in the 9th House

When Mars is in the ninth house it suggests that you are motivated by growth, learning, and exploration. Travel, study, and expanding your perspective can energize you. You act when something feels meaningful or inspiring.

Mars in the 10th House

Your drive is directed toward achievement and public life if Mars in in the tenth house. You are motivated to succeed, to build a reputation, and to make your mark in the world. Goals help focus your energy.

Mars in the 11th House

With Mars in the eleventh house you are motivated by community, friendships, and shared visions. Group efforts and future goals can energise you. You may act in ways that support collective progress.

Mars in the 12th House

If Mars is in the twelfth house your motivation is more private and often works behind the scenes. You are energised by reflection, solitude, and inner work. Quiet effort can be just as powerful as visible action.

Mars Aspects and Motivation

Support or Not

Your Mars aspects add another layer to how your motivation works. While the sign shows your style and the house shows where you act, aspects describe how easily your energy flows and what may support or interrupt it.

Some aspects feel smooth and natural, while others bring tension that can either block or push you into action.

Easy Aspects to Mars

When Mars forms flowing aspects, such as trines and sextiles, motivation tends to come more easily. There is a natural sense of when to act and how to move forward.

These soft aspects can bring confidence, steady energy and initiate a feeling that taking action is not a struggle.

The challenge here is not to become too comfortable or to wait for motivation rather than choosing to act.

Challenging Aspects to Mars

The hard aspects like squares and oppositions to Mars can create friction. This might feel like hesitation, stop-start energy, or periods of frustration.

At times, you may feel driven but blocked, or unsure how to direct your energy. Over time, though, these aspects can build resilience. They often create a stronger, more conscious form of motivation once understood.

Mars and the Sun

When Mars connects with the Sun, your actions and your sense of self are closely linked. You are more likely to act with purpose and intention.

Easy aspects can bring confidence and vitality. Challenging aspects may create inner tension between what you want and what you do, but this can also become a powerful driver.

Mars and the Moon

Mars and the Moon tie action to emotion. You may act based on how you feel in the moment.

Supportive aspects can help you respond naturally and instinctively. More difficult aspects may bring mood-driven motivation, where energy rises and falls depending on emotional states.

Mars and Mercury

Mars and Mercury aspects connect links thought and action. You may move quickly from idea to doing.

Easy aspects support clear decisions and quick responses. Challenging ones can bring overthinking, scattered energy, or acting too quickly without reflection.

Mars and Venus

Mars and Venus blend desire and action. What you like and what you pursue are connected.

With ease, this can create charm and creative flow. With tension, there may be inner conflict between comfort and effort, or between wanting and doing.

Mars and Jupiter

Mars with Jupiter expands your drive. There is enthusiasm, optimism, and a willingness to take action.

Easy aspects can bring confidence and growth. Challenging ones may lead to overextending yourself or taking on too much at once.

Mars and Saturn

This is one of the most important connections for motivation. Mars wants to start, while Saturn wants to control and sustain.

Supportive aspects can create disciplined, focused effort. Challenging ones may feel like stop-start energy, delays, or frustration, but they also build endurance over time.

Mars and Uranus

Mars and Uranus as a pair brings sudden bursts of energy. You may act quickly and unpredictably.

Easy aspects support innovation and bold action. Challenging ones can feel erratic, with motivation that comes and goes in waves.

Mars and Neptune

Mars with Neptune softens and diffuses energy. Motivation may feel unclear at times.

Supportive aspects can channel energy into creativity or compassion. Challenging ones may bring confusion, low energy, or difficulty knowing where to act.

Mars and Pluto

Mars in aspect to Pluto is deep and powerful motivation. When you act, you do so with intensity.

Easy aspects support focus and transformation. Challenging ones may bring power struggles or periods of inner pressure, but also the ability to achieve profound change.

Bringing It All Together

Action

Mars is not just about action. It is about the moment before action, the quiet spark that says, begin.

Your Mars sign shows how you move. Your Mars house reveals where you are drawn to act. Your Mars aspects describe the flow, the pauses, and the patterns that shape your motivation over time.

When you understand your Mars, you begin to see that motivation is not something you need to force. It is something you can work with. There will be times when energy is high and action feels easy, and other times when it is softer, slower, or turned inward. Both are part of your natural rhythm.

Rather than pushing against yourself, you can start to honour your own way of doing. You can notice what sparks your energy, what drains it, and what helps you return to movement again.

Mars reminds you that even the smallest step is still a step. Action does not need to be dramatic to be meaningful. Simply beginning, in your own way and in your own time, is enough.

Extend Yourself

Natal

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

  • Note your Mars degree, zodiac sign and essential dignity score
  • State your Mars house placement, type of house, hemisphere and quadrant
  • List which houses, quadrants and hemispheres Mars rules
  • List all aspects to Mars in order of orb tightness starting at 0°00′

 

Forecasting

In your astrology journal and referencing a bi-wheel with your natal chart in the center and the current transit chart on the outside, please do the following:

  • Locate where transiting Mars is currently by sign and house in your birth chart
  • Note which area of life is being activated right now
  • List all the transiting Mars aspects to your natal planets
  • List all aspects to your natal Mars from the other planets

Extend Yourself Further

Natal

Let’s explore Mars and motivation further. In your astrology journal please do the following:

 

  • Write an interpretation about Mars and motivation in your life combining all the above (500 words).

 

Transits

  • Write an interpretative piece exploring how you can get things done in the next three months (this is especially good if you have a project that you are working on or planning to start soon). Consider the nature of the transits coming up for you, both to your natal Mars and from transiting Mars as it stimulates your chart (500 words).

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

 

Mars Signs

 

Mars Aspects

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.

 

mars

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.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

Your Partner’s Planets in Your Houses

Your Partner’s Planets in Your Houses

Author: Alison Price   -   Updated: January 2026 💚 Relationships, Love and Romance Astrology This article is part of my Relationships, Love and Romance series, where I explore compatability, the Part of Marriage, synastry, composite midpoints charts, Davison...

life-phase-reading-star
affiliates-green-star

Mars Retrograde

Mars Retrograde

by

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.

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

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.

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.

 

mars-retrograde

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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Mars in Leo

Mars in Leo

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Author: Arwynne O’Neill   –   Published: October 2024

Mars in Transit

Mars takes 685 days to go all the way around the zodiac, meaning it spends an average of 8 weeks in each sign, but that is wildly variable. It can spend as little as 6 or 7 weeks in a sign, or as long as several months, like the 2024-2025 transit. Mars enters Leo on November 3, 2024 and goes retrograde on December 6, while making an opposition to Pluto in Aquarius, which is a potentially volatile aspect.
 
Pluto is entering Aquarius for the last time on November 19, after a very long stay in the final degree of Capricorn and a couple of retrogrades since 2023. Try your best to avoid conflicts with others around December 6 because sparks could really fly and the effects could be lasting if tensions erupt into open aggression.
 
Mars will retrograde back into Cancer on January 6, and it will continue its retrograde movement until February 23, when it stations direct and moves back into Leo on April 18, where it will stay until June 17. So if you have Mars or any major planets in Leo or Cancer, you’ll want to take a note of those dates and the degree of your planets to see when they will be activated by the movements of Mars. These could be critical days for you.

Mars in the Birth Chart

The planet Mars can be in any house or sign because Mars’s orbit is outside the orbit of Earth. Unlike Mercury and Venus which, from our perspective on Earth, only ever travel a couple of signs away from the Sun. So for example, if you have a Virgo sun, you can only have Mercury in either Leo, Virgo or Libra, or one sign away.

Similarly, if you have the sun in Virgo, you can only ever have Venus two signs away at most, meaning Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra or Scorpio. But you could have Mars in any sign.

Mars is the planet of action of desire, activity, aggression and, as Alison Price likes to say, what gets you up off the couch. It also plays a significant role in relationships, along with Venus, as it describes the preferred style with which you go after what you want in relationships, career, exercise… and anything else that requires positive action and initiative.

For example, when Mars is in Aries, the sign that it rules (along with Scorpio), Mars is quintessentially independent, competitive, bold and fiery. Whereas Mars in, say, Cancer is not as naturally comfortable in such a watery, lunar sign.

Mars in Cancer tends to be highly emotional, maybe even passive-aggressive, and it may take a lot more to get the Mars in Cancer person fired up or moving. They may struggle with motivation, assertion, positive action. They may only be moved when their emotions are highly engaged, for better or worse.

Mars in Leo

If you have Mars in Leo here are some keywords that may resonate with you: dramatic, confident, expressive, dramatic, egotistical, possessive, jealous, competitive. This is definitely a drama king or queen placement.

They’re often driven to create or perform, and they have a high tolerance for risk. They tend to be idealistic but their anger erupts when they feel their pride has been injured or they’re not being respected. They can be self-righteous and egotistical but they always act from their heart.

 

They have a strong sense of right and wrong.  They can be very ambitious, whether in their career or in their pursuit of love or the object of their desire, but since Leo is a fixed sign, their energy is more about perseverance than initiating change.

They tend to make good leaders because they have a natural empathy despite their ego. They know what it is to need respect and unless you’ve done something to cross them, they will naturally extend that respect to you.

They’re passionate and fiery but not as impulsive as Mars in Aries. In relationships, they can be very magnetic, authoritative and proud. If they’re kept happy by their partner, they can be among the most loyal of Mars placements, but if neglected they won’t hesitate to seek out the attention and admiration they require outside the relationship.

If their heart isn’t in something, whether it’s work or a relationship, it’s very hard for them to get fired up and motivated. Picture the male lion relaxed at the center of his pride, being fed by the female huntresses and lolling in the grass, satiated and regal. Now picture a solitary lion in a zoo; listless, bones protruding, hair matted, thousand-yard stare on his face. Is there anything sadder or more out of place?

If you have Mars in Leo and you feel like the lion in the zoo, some things that might boost your morale and motivation are:

 

  • Fall in love, passionately and completely. Devote your dramatic urges and desire for over the top self-expression to be fully focused on your object of desire.
  • Take up a competitive sport, preferably with an audience. Join an acting or improv class, learn an instrument, or talk to your boss about a promotion.
  • Stand up for someone who is being overlooked or not living up to their potential.
  • Teach others one of the many skills you’ve mastered; provide guidance, moral support and encouragement.
There is no expression of pride and mentorship quite as genuine as that of Mars in Leo. When the Sun King shines his rays on you, it’s almost impossible not to feel warmed and expanded by their attention!

 

Mars in Leo in Relationships

According to Steven Arroyo’s excellent book, Person to Person Astrology, Mars in Leo has a fondness for living life to the fullest and delights in participating in group events, social rituals and robust, physical activities of all kinds. They usually have a big personality with a dramatic flair and a friendly nature, a knack for telling stories and jokes and an instinct for entertaining and encouraging others. They’re often good at sales professions and have a unique capacity to vitalize organizational efforts. They like to be in control.

Their overall tendencies are dramatic self-assertion, warmth expressiveness and abundant vitality and creative flair. They need to assert themselves dynamically and creatively, but may be seen as pushy or domineering and their physical and sexual energy is stimulated by attention and demonstrative generosity. They need to be complemented and appreciated for their sexual, physical or creative prowess.

Celebrities with Mars in Leo

Beyoncé, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, George Clooney, Hillary Clinton, Paul McCartney, Serena Williams, Michael Jordan, Cher, Frank Sinatra and Colin Farrell.
mars-in-leo

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Author Bio

Arwynne O’Neill: Research Astrologer

Arwynne O’Neill works as a research astrologer in Vancouver, with a focus on delving into historical cycles and how they relate to societal transformations as influenced by the energies of the outer planets.

Contact Arwynne

Website MsPink

Ms Pink Art shop

Instagram @mspinkdotcom

 

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Mars in Gemini

Mars in Gemini

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Author: Arwynne O’Neill  –   Published: July 2024

Mars in Gemini

Today I’m going to be talking about Mars in Gemini. If you’re listening to this in summer of 2024, Mars is about to enter Gemini on July 20 and will stay there until September 4. Mars moves pretty quickly so it takes about two years to go all the way around the zodiac. Due to retrograde periods, it can spend as little as six weeks in a sign to as many as seven months! Last time Mars was in Gemini was from August 20, 2022 through March 25, 2023, but this is an unusually long time for Mars to stay in one sign. It retrograded in October 2022 but it stayed in Gemini the entire time, so that’s how it can sometimes be in one sign for a very long time.

Podcast Episode

Listen to the full podcast episode below.

Mars in Gemini by transit

When Mars transits through the airy, mutable, masculine (or positive) sign of Gemini, it is considerably less focused than in some other signs. As we might expect with any placement in Gemini, there’s an intellectual, chatty, indecisive and scattered energy. In the northern hemisphere, this might be perfect timing because we are going through the middle of summer and who wants to make fixed decisions and doggedly pursue ambitions when warm weather, beach vacations and weekend barbecues beckon?

That being said, Gemini is not a bad placement for Mars and although we may at times feel restless and indecisive, with our attentions pulled in many different directions, we’re just as likely to also feel alive with sparkling, effervescent and positive energy. We might feel like chatting up new and old friends, dancing late into the night, hosting a game night with or sing along, enjoy summer fun like fireworks, festivals and street fairs. Even solitary activities like getting engrossed in an exciting book, binging a new TV show or podcast, could be excellent uses of Mars in Gemini energy.

As Robert Hand says in his seminal book, Planets in Transit, Mars is a planet of energy and it specifically rules the energy that an individual uses to maintain themselves in the face of pressures from their environment. Mars is also connected with work and physical effort and its transits often signify days when you become very energetic and vigorous. So, as Mars transits through different signs you want to look at where you have significant placements in those signs in your chart. If you have the sun in Gemini or Gemini rising or, of course, if you have Mars in Gemini, this transit will energize your chart in a significant way.

You also want to look at what house Mars will be transiting for you while it goes through Gemini. If you have Gemini rising, Mars will be transiting your first house and it will light up your personality your self-expression your identity, your self-esteem, and it could give you a great boost of self-confidence or indicate a time when you are presenting yourself to the world and this could be a great time for you because you’ll find it easier to express yourself in your naturally effervescent Gemini fashion with Mars lighting up your first house. It could be a great time to meet new people or make a great impression on people who already know you, champion a cause that’s close to your heart or undertake a self makeover to present yourself or your ideas in an exciting new way.

You also want to look at any aspects that Mars will be making to planets in your chart. If you have any major placements in Sagittarius, Mars will be transiting opposite those planets while it’s in Gemini, so this could bring conflicts with people, opposition to your ideas, impediments and obstacles that suddenly come up, hindering your movements and thwarting your ambitions or aims.

Any major placements you have in mutable signs will be affected by Mars transiting through Gemini as it will make hard aspects to all the mutable planets, including Virgo and Pisces which will receive squares from Mars in Gemini.

Mars in Gemini in the birth chart

As with any air sign, Mars in Gemini tends to have more mental energy and social activity associated with its martial tendencies. These people might be more the type to spar with you verbally then physically. They could be intellectually inexhaustible, pursuing higher education or gobbling up trivia like information junkies, memorizing movie quotes or song lyrics or sports statistics in order to repeat them at the ready anytime conversation turns to their topic of choice, or supplementing any pub trivia team with their sparkling, broad-based intellect.

These people love to exchange ideas and they’re motivated by communication, social and intellectual stimuli. They may be the type to go off on a political rant or some obscure tangent at the drop of a hat, or drone on about whatever personal topic fires their interest long past the point of exhausting others in the room. Used correctly, they could be excellent, engaging teachers or professors, journalists, radio hosts or podcasters, influencers, marketers or sales people.

Since Mars is one of the relationship planets, along with venus, we would look to Mars to find out what a person is like in relationships. Mars is the planet of desire and going after your object of affection, so people with Mars in Gemini will be the type who want to charm you with their wit, intellect, conversational moves and lofty ideas. Of course keeping their interest will be the real challenge. Mars in Gemini is not known for its ability to focus on one thing or one person for very long.

In Person to Person Astrology, Steven Arroyo says, “the essence of Mars in Gemini is that it asserts itself verbally, flexibly, cleverly, communicatively, through a variety of skills. The focus of one’s desire changes very quickly and often, easily diverted. Expresses a wide ranging friendliness, very good at making connections. Physical energy and sexual drive are affected by mentally stimulating conversations, images or curious new ideas, very open-minded.”

They may appear or behave especially youthful and embody a sort of ageless vitality and charm, flirting or putting on the charm for people of all ages and genders indiscriminately. This may be the guy who you dated just long enough to bring home to meet your parents one time and years later they still ask, “whatever happened to..?” He made an indelible impression and then flitted on to the next flower before you had a chance to make a real connection.

This is not to say they can’t commit. The wonderful thing about Mars in Gemini is that these people are genuinely interested in the thoughts and ideas of other people; they’re open-minded, curious and communicate well with their partners. If you make a lasting love connection with them, they could turn out to be a wonderfully stimulating and exciting partner for life, keeping you laughing well into old age, exploring new ideas and interests together long after other couples have settled into mutal silence.

Grant Lewi says, if you have Mars in Gemini, “you are rarely bored or boring, but you can wear yourself and others out by the ferocity of your attack on life. You are extraordinarily aware of the world around you, sense perceptions are acute, swift, probably accurate, and you are valuable in expressing what you take in. Energy flows naturally to the tongue; you are a better talker than listener. With any concentrated force, this position gains value, Without it, you scatter your energies.” He also cautions the Mars in Gemini individual to take care of their body as well as their mind. There is a danger of neglecting your physical well-being because you are so focused on mental pursuits.

Martin-luther-king-birth-chart

Celebrities with Mars in Gemini

Al Pacino, Chris Evans, Martin Luther King Jr., Natalie Portman, Uma Thurman, Jim Morrison, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock, Naomi Campbell, Mike Tyson and Dwayne Johnson.
mars-in-gemini-pin

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Mars Podcast Episodes

If you’ve enjoyed this topic, below are some more interesting podcast episodes about Mars.

Author Bio

Arwynne O’Neill: Research Astrologer

Arwynne O’Neill works as a research astrologer in Vancouver, with a focus on delving into historical cycles and how they relate to societal transformations as influenced by the energies of the outer planets.

Contact Arwynne

Website MsPink

Ms Pink Art shop

Instagram @mspinkdotcom

 

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