Retrograde Mars enters Leo

Mars began its retrograde cycle on January 10th, 2027, at 10° Virgo 26′. Today, February 21st, Mars–still retrograde–returns to the sign of Leo, where it will remain for the rest of its retrograde cycle.

Mars Retrograde Cycle from January 10 to April 1, 2027:

Mars Retrograde Cycle in Virgo + Leo: January 10th to April 1st, 2027

Mars Retrograde Dates in 2027:

Mars is retrograde from January 10th to April 1st, 2027.

• On November 5, 2026, Mars enters the Retrograde Zone (pre-retrograde shadow) at 20° Leo 56′
• On January 10, 2027, Mars stations and turns retrograde at 10° Virgo 26’Rx
• On April 1, 2027, Mars stations and turns direct at 20° Leo 56’D
• On June 7, 2027, Mars leaves the Retrograde Zone (post-retrograde zone) at 10° Virgo 26′

***See also an explanation of Mars Retrograde and Mars Retrograde Dates.

Mars spends its retrograde cycle this year in two signs: Virgo and Leo. At this time, retrograde Mars returns to the sign of Leo.

Why two signs? Mars first turned retrograde when it was about one third through the sign of Virgo, at 10 degrees Virgo 26. At that point, it began to move backward through the zodiac, retreating into the sign of Leo now, on February 21st.

Mars was in its pre-retrograde shadow period from November 5th, 2026, forward, and will be in its post-retrograde shadow until June 7th, 2027.

When Mars is in its retrograde cycle, we must re-assess our current projects, our approach to getting what we want, and our desire nature. Rather than directly assert our desires, we tend towards introspection.

Although Mars in direct motion is direct, straightforward, assertive, and aggressive, when it’s retrograde, Mars energy is essentially turned inward–it’s internalized, intensified, personalized, and perhaps pressurized. We can be hesitant about taking action, second-guessing our instincts or our natural impulses rather than acting upon them.

The way we react to situations under normal conditions doesn’t necessarily work for us now, or we don’t exactly trust our instincts during the retrograde phase of Mars.

When we internalize anger, there can be some rather challenging byproducts, such as tension, resentment, depression, apathy, and even some paranoia. On the other hand, we might choose to personalize it and make it more intimate.

With Mars retrograde in Virgo (January 10th to February 21st), compulsive tendencies were strong. Virgo energy is detail-oriented and particular, and these qualities can be expressed in both positive and negative ways. During this Mars Rx cycle, we might have obsessed over details that didn’t truly matter. Dwelling over who’s wrong and who’s right may have been a problem.

Virgo rules work, health, self-care programs, pets, and daily routines, and we may have had to reassess our approach to these matters. These were life departments where we might have felt frustrated or anxious. It’s humility we should strive for, as it is the only path to honesty with ourselves and others.

Health issues may have been a factor (especially in areas ruled by Virgo–digestion, intestines, bowels, spleen), and accidents a possibility throughout the Mars retrograde period. Reworking and redefining current projects may be especially satisfying.

With Mars retrograde in Leo specifically (from February 21st to April 1st), pride can push us to greater heights, but it can also keep us from expressing our true feelings, for example, or prevent us from truly learning from our experiences and from others.

With Mars retrograde in Leo, we might see more sulking or pulling away to make a point. Leo rules children, creativity, recreational pleasure, entertainment, and romance. As such, we may need to re-assess our approach to these matters. We might feel some frustration or anxiety about these matters.

Projects may not get off the ground as planned, perhaps due to hesitation, caution, and fear of taking risks. Health issues may be a factor (especially in areas ruled by Leo–the heart and back), and accidents a possibility throughout the Mars retrograde period.

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 November 2025). While Mars is “moving backwards” (from January 10 to April 1, 2027), 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 embarking on entirely new projects. Enthusiasm builds slowly but surely as Mars moves direct again (after April 1st).

Our goal during a Mars retrograde period should not be, however, to simply sit on our impulses or to squelch our enthusiasm. Rather, it should be to better understand our impulses, survival instincts, anger, sexuality, inner courage, and the ways we go about getting what we want from life. The cosmos are asking us to look before we leap rather than throwing ourselves into action, just for the time being.

Learn more about the meaning of Mars Retrograde.