Mars Retrograde in Cancer 2007

Mars Retrograde in Cancer & Gemini: November 15th, 2007 to January 30th, 2008

On this Page:

• The significance of Mars Retrograde.
• Indicators in the charts of people especially sensitive to the Mercury Retrograde cycle.
• How this Mercury Retrograde cycle affects each sign of the zodiac.

Overview

"Mercury Retrograde" has certainly become a buzzword - or buzz phrase - these days. The Mars Retrograde cycle is lesser known, and it occurs less frequently than Mercury Retrograde, but it is a significant time nevertheless.

What is Mars Retrograde? Occasionally, Mars appears to be moving backwards in the sky. "Appears" is the key word here, because, technically speaking, no planet actually moves backwards in their orbits around the Sun. In fact, they don't even slow down. Retrograde-station-direct cycles are essentially illusions that result from our point of view from Earth, simply because the Earth is also orbiting the Sun at a different speed than the other planets. Mars is Retrograde approximately 58-81 days every 2+ years.

If Mars is retrograde in the natal chart, this is what the Karmic Insight report has to say about this position: "Asserting yourself vigorously and directly is complicated by the fact that you had a prior lifetime or lifetimes in which aggression was either misused (by you, or against you) and/or all personal initiative and self-will was insistently discouraged (perhaps due to a belief system that advocated passivity).

In any case, the message that was impressed upon you was that forceful action is wrong or dangerous. Thus, if you stand up for yourself, you now tend to hesitate, back down or even be plagued with fears of retaliation."

Mars is Retrograde in Cancer and Gemini from November 15th, 2007, to January 30th, 2008.

16 Sep 2007 05:16 pm 2405' Enters Rx Zone
15 Nov 2007 03:25 am 1227'Rx Stationary Retrograde
30 Jan 2008 05:18 pm 2405' Stationary Direct
04 Apr 2008 03:58 pm 1227' Leaves Rx Zone

Details: 15 Nov 2007 03:25 am 1227'Rx to 30 Jan 2008 05:18 pm 2405'

Where is Mars Retrograde transiting by house in your natal chart? Does it conjunct a natal planet, your Ascendant, or Midheaven? Read interpretations of Mars Retrograde in Transit for a more personalized meaning of the transit cycle.

When Mars is in its retrograde cycle, we are forced to re-assess our current projects, our approach to getting what we want, and our desire nature. Rather than directly asserting our desires, we tend towards introspection. While Mars is retrograde in the already introspective sign of Cancer, this tendency is emphasized. As well, we are likely to experience smoldering anger rather than direct and healthy expressions or outlets for frustrations. In Cancer for the most part, the sign of the crab, we tend to become more pensive and cautious, taking our time to reach our goals. If we push ahead impulsively anyhow, we run into problems, obstacles, and frustrations. Cancer rules our inner foundations as well as outer ones--our homes, domestic affairs, and relationships with family. As such, we may need to re-assess our approach to our home lives. Circumstances are likely to be such that we feel forced to do so. We are apt to feel some frustration or anxiety about our basic sense of comfort and security--our roots-- and with regards to the development of our domestic affairs. Projects may not get off the ground as planned, perhaps due to hesitation, caution, and fear of taking risks. For some of the retrograde period, Mars is retrograde in Gemini, stalling intellectual and mental initiatives.

Health issues may be a factor (especially in areas ruled by Cancer and Gemini--the lungs and stomach), and accidents a possibility throughout the Mars retrograde period. Avoid pushing matters or throwing yourself into something new.

Motives may be hard to discern for others' actions. As we consider and re-consider our actions and initiatives, we can be more indecisive than usual. Sexuality is stronger and more intense, but its outward expression may be less spontaneous than usual.

Any planet that is retrograde is an especially strong and dominant energy in our lives during the retrograde period. Because it is closest to the earth during the cycle, the energy of the planet, while dominant, is more challenging to harness in a controlled, conscious manner. This can lead to irrational behaviors and reactions, particularly since Mars rules action and initiative. Wherever you find Mars transiting your chart during the retrograde period, you could be especially preoccupied with the affairs associated with that house and/or planet. Some of us experience a lessening of interest, initiative, and enthusiasm in these areas of life during the retrograde cycle, particularly as Mars begins to slow down (in October 2007). While Mars is "moving backwards" (from November 15/07 to January 30/08), there could be some backtracking in these areas, perhaps even some losses. It's a period of review. Working on long-term projects has better results than entirely new projects.

People don't say what they do, or do what they say!

Mars Retrograde through the Signs - November 15th, 2007 to January 30th, 2008

Some people are more sensitive to Mars retrograde cycles than others. Mars-ruled Aries and Scorpio natives are likely to be particularly sensitive to the effects of Mars Retrograde in general. This applies to anyone who has a number of planets in either sign. Also, check to see where Aries and Scorpio are found in your natal chart. If Aries is on the third house cusp, for example, (which is often the case for Aquarius Ascendant natives) communication issues may be especially strong. If either of these signs is on the fifth house, then we can expect some stalling in the areas ruled by the fifth house--romance, creativity, and children, for example.

See also: Year 2007 Horoscopes

See also: Monthly Horoscopes

See the Transits of Retrograde Mars page.

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