Mars Retrograde Gemini | Cafe Astrology .com

Mars Retrograde in Gemini 2022

Mars Retrograde in Gemini 2022: October 30th, 2022, to January 12th, 2023

NOTE – The next Mars Retrograde (after this one in 2022) is from December 6th, 2024, to February 23rd, 2025, in the signs of Leo and Cancer.

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 certainly no less significant nevertheless. In fact, its impact can be signficant.

What is Mars Retrograde? Occasionally, Mars appears to be moving backward in the sky. “Appears” is the keyword here, because, technically speaking, no planet actually moves backward 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.”

What do retrograde planets, including Mars, mean if you were born with them? See Retrogrades in the Natal Chart | Cafe Astrology .com.

Mars Retrograde Cycle from October 30, 2022, to January 12, 2023:

Mars retrograde is depicted revealing the degrees of Gemini (from approximately 8 to 25 degrees) on a linear graph

Mars Retrograde in Gemini October 2022 to January 2023

Mars Retrograde Dates in 2022-2023:

Mars is retrograde from October 30th, 2022, to January 12th, 2023.

Mars enters its retrograde zone on September 3, 2022, at 8° Gemini 08′
Mars turns retrograde on October 30th, 2022, at 25° Gemini 37’Rx
Mars turns direct on January 12th, 2023, at 8° Gemini 08′
Mars leaves its retrograde zone on March 15th, 2023, at 25° Gemini 37′

Mars spends its full retrograde cycle in the sign of Gemini.

Details: October 30th, 2022 — Mars turns retrograde at 25 degrees Gemini 37′ and is retrograde until January 12th, 2023, at 8 degrees Gemini 08′.

Times are Eastern. Retrograde times are always approximate.

Mars is in its pre-retrograde shadow from September 3rd, 2022, forward, and then in its post-retrograde shadow until March 15th, 2023.

We live life a little differently when Mars is retrograde. Retrograde Mars wants us to re-assess current projects and passions, our approach to getting what we want, and our desire nature. Rather than directly assert our wants, we tend to keep our desires to ourselves, and we’re more introspective or roundabout.

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

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

When anger is internalized, there can be some rather challenging byproducts, such as tension, resentment, depression, apathy, and even some paranoia. On another level, we can make it more personal and intimate with some effort.

Our goal during a Mars retrograde period should not be to simply sit on our impulses or squelch our enthusiasm. Instead, it should be to better understand our impulses, motivations, survival instincts, anger, sexuality, inner courage, and the ways we pursue 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.

In many ways, I think of Mars retrograde periods as similar to Mars transits through the twelfth house. It’s a time when we hesitate more often than we throw ourselves into new endeavors. We second-guess our impulses. We might require more rest than usual. Some of us are more accident-prone or illness-prone, almost as if the cosmos are forcing us to slow down if we haven’t listened to our instincts to take a break. It’s time for regrouping, which is vital on both physical and emotional levels.

When Mars is retrograde, it reaches an opposition aspect to the Sun yet is closest to the Earth. This suggests that an entirely new perspective on our desires, anger, and motivations is possible during this ten-week cycle. This unique viewpoint comes not only because we are closer to these Mars energies but also because this cycle pits our desires against our wills. We can more clearly see the differences between what we feel we should do and what we want to do, and this can lead to greater insight into how we’re managing our lives.

What to watch for:

Rather than choosing direct and healthy expressions or outlets for frustrations, we might resort to sneaky, indirect, or obtuse methods of going after what we want. However, if we push ahead impulsively, we run into problems, obstacles, and frustrations.

The answer lies somewhere in between – slowing down, strategizing, and pacing ourselves.

Mars Retrograde Themes

Mars is courageous, competitive, assertive, defensive, dynamic, territorial, sexual, passionate, and self-centered. While Mars is retrograde, acting in these ways may not yield the expected results. It’s not so much a bad time to take on new projects as it is a time when we may be less courageous and more anxious about doing new things. Slowing down makes sense.

We may not be as direct about satisfying our sexual needs. When we can’t find outlets for expressing our desires and anger, there can be struggles with resentment or shame. Energy flow seems interrupted or unnatural and stop-and-go.

Motives may be hard to discern regarding others’ actions. There can be many question marks about the people in our lives! As we consider and reconsider our actions and initiatives, we can be more indecisive than usual. Sexual feelings may be stronger and more intense, but the outward expression of sexuality may not be as spontaneous.

Mars energy is particularly powerful near its stations–whether turning retrograde or direct–and often problematic. Aggression can rise, and it can seem to come out of nowhere. It’s potent but indirect, which can blindside us.

Retrograde Mars is often connected to warmer than usual weather.

It’s important to consider that Mars governs our ability to spot dangerous situations, our fight or flight responses, and inner alarms. With Mars not working the same way, we should watch that we’re not ignoring important internal signals about what we deem safe. Still, we might go the other way and become especially risk-averse during the retrograde cycle. Whatever the case, it’s best to watch for acting out of character.

We may not get an adrenaline rush from the same things during the retrograde Mars period–different things tickle our fancy. Things we do differently while Mars is retrograde include expressing anger, sexual expression, assessing risk, seeking adventure, and asserting our desires. We’re less spontaneous and more hesitant.

Mars is a me-first, me-centered energy, and when it’s retrograde, we could find we’re more often reminded of what we can’t do. We could feel that circumstances are testing our willpower and determination.

Mars Retrograde Do’s and Don’t’s

We shouldn’t panic if a new job, project, interview, or relationship happens during the Mars retrograde period. Still, we should probably adopt a wait-and-see attitude and take things slowly before locking something down since our perspective may change once Mars turns direct, and our needs can seem considerably different.

There is definitely going to be a larger focus on the past while Mars retrogrades, and this is a good thing to a certain point if we are taking a lesson from past experiences. However, it’s better not to put too much energy into rehashing those things that can’t–or shouldn’t–be changed.

There can be a stronger desire to go back to “fix” old problems, especially disagreements. Returning to old relationships that didn’t end well or that otherwise broke down may not be the best idea, although it can be tempting, as the problems may seem easier to resolve or non-existent. However, after Mars’ direct turn, the frustrations can emerge once again.

It’s, in fact, a very good time to look back at a relationship or endeavor from a new perspective – one that is less clouded by anger – but not so wise to make final decisions based on what we’re seeing or experiencing now.

Aggression and competitiveness are less overt during Mars retrograde. We may be rethinking old relationships or jobs that ended because of disagreement or conflict. While we may, to some extent, make peace during this period, it’s better to take things slowly, largely because the old problems and conditions may resume after Mars turns direct. A different approach is imperative if we want different results.

As well, until we really get in touch with our desires and goals, it’s better not to commit to something important, mainly because we could discover that the goalposts can change more than once going forward.

It’s wise not to jump to express anger. It’s possible that working things through inwardly can be more productive. In fact, working with or through anger issues can be highly creative during this cycle.

It’s best to avoid pushing matters or throwing yourself into something entirely new. You typically don’t need to suspend your projects during a Mars retrograde period. Reworking and redefining current projects may be especially satisfying and, ultimately, very rewarding.

Mars Retrograde in Gemini

Mars spends its time in Gemini for the entire retrograde cycle this time around.

While Mars is retrograde in the Mercury-ruled sign of Gemini, passive-aggressive communications can be prominent. There can be some stalling of intellectual and mental initiatives.

Health issues may be a factor (especially in areas ruled by Gemini, including the lungs), and accidents are a slightly raised possibility throughout the Mars retrograde period. Gemini governs the arms and hands, but internally, it rules respiration, which can be more vulnerable. Attention to breathing and calming exercises and air hygiene can be more important than usual.

Passive-aggressiveness is typical of Mars’s retrograde cycles. While Mars is retrograde in Gemini, this can show up more often through communications, on the phone, on the road, with neighbors or classmates, and with learning or studies. Figuring strongly can be impatience with paperwork, directions, instructions, transit, scissors, mechanics, computers, devices, and so forth.

We might sometimes stew in anger, not easily finding a direct or straightforward channel for releasing it. This is a time for really getting in touch with what we’ve been accepting on the surface of things, but that has been building inside as emotional slush.

Mars retrograde in Gemini can return us to previous mental interests, past studies, old neighborhoods–even old devices, phones, and means of communication or transit.

We might overthink tactics and strategies for action during this period. Factoring in too much information can hamper our plans (paralysis by analysis). Distraction is a problem. Mars retrograde in Gemini can be a time of more pronounced fidgeting, boredom, and skipping steps. There can be much in the way of going over or “redoing” old arguments in our heads.

If we can tame impatience, we might work with our hands and fingers in constructive ways, such as through sewing, making music, massage, building, or planting. Managing the stress of times that commonly make you impatient could be as simple as playing a handheld game as you wait.

Negatively, Mars retrograding in the sign of Gemini could indicate spreading gossip as an indirect way of dealing with anger. Negative press, criticism we pretend is constructive, or disinformation can be a problem. Other possible themes include speech or learning problems, irritability, and bad information, deals, or trades. We might restlessly jump from one thing to the next, accomplishing little. It can be a markedly non-commital time. There can be verbal sparring, oneupmanship, and manipulation that goes nowhere, solving nothing.

Gemini rules our innate curiosity and desire to connect, communicate, and learn. During this retrograde Mars cycle, we may need to re-assess our approach to these matters. Circumstances are such that we could feel forced to do so. We might feel frustration or anxiety about our ability to connect, absorb and understand information, get where we want/need to go, interact with others, or make it from point A to B.

There can be hesitation, caution, and fear of taking risks about beginning or advancing certain pursuits, particularly ones that are educational, mental, or interactive/sociable.

We may be revisiting or rehashing old matters, or we might reconsider or rethink issues from our past. It can be an excellent period for seeing old problems in a new light.

While it’s a vital time for identifying problem areas, watch for obsessing over issues, which is a strong tendency with Mars retro.

People can seem quite fickle with retrograde Mars in Gemini. There can be a lot of projects started and not finished, jumping around from one activity to the next, and changeable interests. Lack of sympathy could also be more prominent.

We can experience health issues or lowered vitality, especially those associated with areas ruled by Gemini (the hands, brain, and respiratory system). Accidents are a more substantial possibility throughout the Mars retrograde period. We should take extra care with such things as medications, driving, and machinery, for example. It’s best to factor in the strong possibility that we are overestimating what we’re capable of doing.

More on this Mars Retrograde

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.

In the Natal Chart: 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.

Mars Retrograde: The dates:

Mars turns retrograde at 25-26 Gemini on October 30th, 2022
Mars turns direct at 8 Gemini on January 12th, 2023.

Shadow period: September 3rd to October 30th, 2022; January 12th to March 15th, 2023.

There is always a bit of a preamble and hangover for retrograde cycles, and these are likely to occur in the dates of the shadow. While Mars is “moving backward” (from October 30th to January 12th), there could be some backtracking in these areas, perhaps even some losses. It’s a period of review. Working on long-term projects can have better results than embarking on entirely new projects. In fact, this can be a very good time for making important edits to existing projects.

Enthusiasm builds slowly but surely as Mars moves direct again (after January 12th). Mars only begins to travel new ground from March 15th, 2023 forward.

As noted above, Mars energy is particularly powerful near its stations–whether turning retrograde or direct–and often problematic. Aggression can rise, and it can seem to come out of nowhere. In 2022-2023, Mars stations occur on October 30th and January 12th, and we can consider October 29-31 and January 11-13 particularly potent.

For context, Mars is retrograde for approximately 2 months every 2 years. The last time Mars was retrograde in the sign of Gemini, however, was in 2007. Before that, it was in 1990. See more Mars retrograde dates, past and future, and in the signs.

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

Mars Retrograde through the Signs – October 30th, 2022, to January 12th, 2023

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 prominent themes now. 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.

Aries and Aries Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you on a highly personal level because Mars is your Sun sign’s ruler. Similarly, suppose you have an Aries Ascendant. In that case, Mars is your chart ruler, and Mars retrograde can affect you on the physical plane in addition to your personal presentation or image to others.

While Mars is retrograde every two years or so, you may not assert yourself or state what you want as directly as you usually do, and you could be withdrawn and introspective, pulling back from life just a little as you figure out what you truly want from it. Pushing yourself during a Mars retrograde cycle will only lead to frustrations and slowdowns. It’s time to review how you’ve been handling self-assertion and expression of anger in general and to consider changing your approach to getting what you want out of life.

Mars is your ruler, making its retrograde cycle especially relevant to your general spirits, personal presentation, and health.

Mars is retrograde in your solar third house this time around (from October 30, 2022, to January 12, 2023). Mental projects, courses, or studies could be less exciting or invigorating for the time being. Perhaps a project you have been working on and enthused about encounters some snags–you could feel the urge to abandon it altogether, although it may only need more time. You can become quite preoccupied with problems with asserting yourself, connecting, communicating, or getting around (transit).

Challenges with self-expression, pushing/selling your ideas, or neighbors and siblings may occur–or become more evident–during this retrograde cycle. Social interactions can be a little strained, as you may feel the need to hold back, or there is a marked lack of usual spontaneity in your communications. There can also be frustration with daily routines, especially if you’re encountering delays, mechanical breakdowns, or other obstacles to smooth connecting. Problems with cars, devices, computers, and other forms of transportation and communication could lead you to take different approaches.

It’s time to rethink, revise, and reorganize your plans. Backtracking is a good idea. In fact, this is a strong time for making significant edits to work already in progress. Slowing down, in other words, can be helpful.

Areas of life where you may need to re-assess, wait, or backtrack include learning, transportation, studies, personal interests, transit, errands, and contacts. Stalling, challenges, or seeming setbacks, while frustrating, can alert you to problems with your energy and enthusiasm for these matters, leading to changes in plans or new methods/approaches.

Mental projects, courses, or studies could feel less exciting until you explore your goals and desires more deeply or new information arrives. Aim to be especially mindful of what and how you communicate during these ten-plus weeks. You may be returning to old studies, lessons, or projects, or encountering delays in current ones, necessitating some revision and creative planning. Watch for impatience with transit and communications.

Taurus and Taurus Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles particularly affect your intuition and spiritual matters, because Mars rules these areas of your life in your solar chart. You may feel less able to rely on your intuition during this phase. Perhaps you’re picking up the wrong cues or reading too much into situations. Or, you don’t trust your instincts, feeling a bit out of step. Whatever the case, for the time being, you may not feel that your intuition is serving you well.

You’ll also discover a lot of psychic “junk” or buried anger is emerging in unusual ways, and it’s time to explore what you’ve been keeping to yourself. The past can be a strong draw–it’s important to review it while avoiding getting stuck there.

Occurring in your solar second house this time around (from October 30, 2022, to January 12, 2023), money-making endeavors can be in focus. Perhaps a money-making idea you’ve been excited about encounters some snags, and you feel the urge to drop or abandon it. It’s possible that it only needs some edits, or you need a break from it temporarily.

Caution and perhaps anxiety can be the overriding emotions in certain areas of your life during this retrograde phase. Money and security matters are significant to you at this time, but they are not as straightforward as they have been. It’s time to rethink, revise, and reorganize your money and plans. You’re learning a lot more about what you value and need, and it’s a process that takes some time.

You might feel quite a bit of built-up anger if you feel overlooked, underpaid, underappreciated, or undervalued for your contributions. While you might be preoccupied with these feelings, they could motivate you to make changes later.

Mars most affects you in the areas of personal finances, business, and comfort levels during these ten-plus weeks. At any point during this period, some decisions may need revisiting. A review of money matters may be necessary and quite beneficial. It’s a powerful time to make handy edits to work already in progress. Delays, obstacles, waning enthusiasm, or stalling can be frustrating, but they could also lead to a whole new approach that ultimately boosts your bottom line and/or confidence.

Gemini and Gemini Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles particularly affect your friendships, group associations, networking, business income, and dreams/wishes because Mars rules these areas of your life in your solar chart. Challenges in these life departments are possible now. Enthusiasm for generating business income, group or community activities, or friendships may wane, perhaps due to some problems or setbacks. You may be temporarily confused about long-term goals. Whether you lose interest or obsess over these life departments, things aren’t flowing naturally for the time being.

From October 30, 2022, to January 12, 2023, Mars is retrograde in your solar first house and your sign! It’s a time to review your self-assertion and capabilities regarding pursuing your desires. Watch that you don’t allow unacknowledged or buried desires to drive your behavior during these ten-plus weeks.

With Mars retrograde in Gemini, this Mars retrograde cycle is very up close and personal! You might find that you are second-guessing yourself, and this is a natural process as you re-assess how you’ve gone about meeting life and reacting/acting. It’s an excellent time to refine these things.

Your initiatives and confidence are affected by retrograde Mars. Perhaps you are not as confident about your effectiveness and are more cautious about sharing yourself with others. Certain personal plans might need to move to the back burner, or you could feel less enthusiasm for them. You may not feel right about starting brand new endeavors for the time being.

You could be a little tired and more accident-prone, so be sure to rest up. You are also examining how anger has helped or impaired your life and developing new ways to manage it. You can experience some real frustrations in the process, but you are also getting in touch with your inner strength. The result, ideally, is a much-improved you. It’s time to rethink, revise, and reorganize your plans. Backtracking could be an important strategy in some areas. Patience is essential now! Take your time with new initiatives.

Cancer and Cancer Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles particularly affect your career, professional life, ambition, public relations, and your reputation because Mars rules these areas of your life in your solar chart. Stalling, snags, challenges, or seeming setbacks might alert you to the need to reorganize your energy and enthusiasm for these matters. It’s a time to reassess goals or change and adjust plans.

This particular Mars retrograde phase occurs in your privacy sector. It’s a background area of your solar chart, meaning you could experience fewer overt problems than most zodiac signs. Still, there can be issues that need special attention. It’s important to watch for an obsession with private matters or concerns about the past. This cycle has a way of stirring up unresolved issues that have been lingering inside you. Although it’s a good time to look back, it’s best not to dwell.

This cycle stirs up any unusual, overlooked, buried anger, feelings, and desires you’ve been ignoring. You may think twice before venting feelings, and you could be dealing with indecisiveness or an increased need for rest. A lot is going on under the hood! You’re in a phase of processing and bringing things to a close before you move on. Allow yourself the time you need.

Keep an eye out for deceptiveness and falseness in others. It’s wise to be especially clear when communicating about your inner world or private life during this cycle–or take this time to re-examine issues rather than sharing them prematurely. Personal affairs and solo work might need to move to the back burner in some cases, or you feel less enthusiasm for them during this cycle. If you go in the opposite direction, obsession with private matters or concerns about the past could be part of the picture. Misunderstandings or confusion can figure strongly in these areas.

Consider deferring big moves or decisions if you have less confidence in your “inner eye” or hunches. Vague fears and anxieties need special handling. Your desire nature can be rather complicated now, and finding direct routes to satisfaction can be challenging. Old resentment, hurt, and waves of anger can resurface. There can be lowered vitality, likely due to emotional frustrations and exasperation.

Use this retrograde period to rethink, revise, refine, and reorganize. Backtracking is a good idea before big moves. You may even want to wait until Mars enters Cancer in March 2023. It’s an excellent time to recognize how your mental health impacts your life. Paying more attention to your need for rest, recovery, and quiet will benefit you. Laying low may be the best strategy for now.

Leo and Leo Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of faith, wisdom, perspective, personal philosophy, higher education, travel, and adventure in general because Mars rules your solar ninth house, which in turn rules these matters. You might find yourself less confident about expressing yourself in adventurous ways during any retrograde Mars phase. Your outlook on life in terms of the “bigger picture” could be a little more cautious, and you might find that you temporarily have less faith.

This particular cycle occurs in your solar eleventh house, pulling up additional themes. You might deal with frustrations and buried anger with friends, in your networks, or in your social life. Ambiguity in these areas of life may lead you to reassess your friendships, group endeavors and associations, or higher goals. There can be a return to an old friendship or troubles from the past resurfacing in a current one.

Enthusiasm for generating business income, working towards your higher goals and ideals, or for group or community activities could wane before you devise a plan to make improvements. There may be frustration with goals or dreams not manifesting soon enough, when in fact, this retrograde period is strong for making important edits to your plans. Refocusing, backtracking, and reviewing become necessary and recommended now. Certain projects may need further attention before pushing forward with them.

Your relationships and projects benefit when you get a handle on anger issues. It’s a time for recognizing where your true passions lie and dealing with unresolved problems that have kept you from pursuing them.

It’s best to avoid sweeping decision-making, and it’s wise to conserve energy during the retrograde cycle of Mars.

Virgo and Virgo Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of intimacy, sharing, and finances because Mars rules these areas of your solar chart. Intimate matters may become more intense and complicated for you during any retrograde Mars phase. Joint financial projects or initiatives may stall, or you could be less confident about expressing yourself in personal ways. It’s even possible that intimacy feels a bit off.

Anger management might be in order now, and it’s a strong period for reviewing how you have been asserting yourself with a partner. There can be frustrations with how you’ve managed power in a partnership. There may be a struggle with addictions, debts, support, or the magnification of fears and phobias driving your behavior. The good news is that you have a chance to manage them better as you see them from a new perspective.

Because this particular ten-week retrograde cycle occurs in your solar tenth house, it also impacts you in the areas of career, responsibilities, and reputation. Your enthusiasm or motivation for work, fulfilling your duties, and public or professional matters may falter, or you might return to old projects to firm them up or redo them. You might even wonder if you’re in the right profession or if you’re striving toward the life-path goals that genuinely suit you.

Initially, you might feel that you’re only going through the motions in your work until you get in better touch with your desires and needs. Problem areas might magnify. Buried feelings of anger or resentment could surface. Ambiguities might have you second-guessing or reassessing your goals.

It’s best to conserve your energy and avoid pushing things that require more time, energy, and patience to develop. Keep in mind that it’s an excellent cycle for editing projects already in progress but not ideal for all-new initiatives.

You might feel less confident or simply more cautious now. Consider that Mars is direct, spontaneous, brave, and instinctual, but when it’s retrograde, as it is from October 30 to January 12, it’s working differently. Some projects may stall. You might temporarily lack ambition, fire, or motivation with your duties and responsibilities. Refocus, backtracking, and review now become necessary and recommended.

This time around, Mars retrograde emphasizes practical and work matters, and how you organize your time and channel your energy are in the spotlight. You can make some progress, albeit slowly, and you may not see or appreciate the results of your efforts until later.

Libra and Libra Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of close partnering and negotiations because Mars rules these areas of your solar chart. Enthusiasm for a partnership or coming from a partner could be waning or not as clear. A partner could seem to be less direct or harder to reach. Partnering projects, initiatives, or negotiations could stall, or you’re less confident about expressing yourself in a one-to-one setting.

Watch for pent-up anger and passive-aggressiveness in your partnerships, and aim to learn from experiences with these things.

Becaue Mars is retrograde in your solar ninth house from October 30 to January 12, additional themes come into play. There can be waning enthusiasm for life experiences, belief systems or religion, higher education, travel, your personal philosophy, or adventure, in general, perhaps due to some problems or setbacks, delays, or reorientation. Some projects may stall.

You might question some of the beliefs, topics of interest, or studies you’ve recently been working with, or the need arises to rework your studies or a publishing project. A “back to the drawing board” situation can emerge now, but you have the chance to redo, refine, and perfect things, ultimately making them stronger. Legal matters may need a second look. Your outlook on life in terms of the “bigger picture” could be more cautious, and you could question the faith that has carried you to date.

Through this retrograde period, it’s appropriate to slow down, back up, and review. Enthusiasm for specific areas of life could change. Your approach to experiencing life to its fullest may need an adjustment now. You might realize you’re not fully participating in your life story, and strategies to make changes can emerge. Some things may catch up with you at this time, prompting a need to review, return to a previous condition, or tie up loose ends. There can be treasures in old projects and connections; the trick is to approach them in new ways.

Refocus, backtracking, and review become necessary and recommended. Your outlook and lust for life, for the time being, might not be as natural or spontaneous as it has been. Look for new ways to revive old passions, studies, or interests, or consider that you may need a break to rest and reflect before you come into touch with what genuinely motivates and drives you.

Scorpio and Scorpio Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of work, daily activities and routines, and/or health since these areas of life are Mars-ruled in your solar chart. Events might conspire to slow you down in these areas, forcing you to reassess how you’ve managed this part of your life.

Frustrations with your daily routine can be part of the picture now. Energy levels may seem low. Mars is your co-ruler, so that you may also be dealing with issues of image, personal presentation, and physical appearance or health.

This particular retrograde cycle, from October 30 to January 12, also affects you in the areas of intimacy, finances, and sharing. Complications in deep relationships or with debts or shared finances can emerge.

Ambiguity, delays, or stalling with finances, particularly owed and shared money or resources, could dominate now, making refocusing, backtracking, and reviewing necessary.

You could be exploring anger and assertion matters over profoundly buried matters and learning to manage your life on an emotional level in better ways. Mars retrogrades tend to turn your attention to unresolved issues as you seek closure or look to reopen something that ended a while ago. Something from your past could catch up with you, and it’s time to put it behind you for good. The steps you take now to reorganize will benefit you immensely down the road.

Enthusiasm for intimate and sharing matters, in general, may wane, perhaps due to some problems or setbacks in these areas of life. A lover or yourself may be especially intense or obsessive. An old relationship that ended poorly may occupy your thoughts, or an old lover may return. There can be the magnification of unexplored desires. Financial affairs may require a redo or a second look.

Sagittarius and Sagittarius Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of creativity, children, recreation, entertainment, hobbies, and romance because Mars rules these areas of your solar chart. This energy can play out in various ways, such as problems with a lover or child’s enthusiasm, for example, a creative project encountering some setbacks, or possibly an event or circumstance that prevents you from enjoying hobbies or leisurely activities for the time being. It can be a period of review regarding your leisure time, passion project, pastime, or love affair.

From October 30 to January 12, Mars is retrograde in your solar seventh house, and additional themes come into play. You, a lover, or significant someone may be especially intense or obsessive during this period as unresolved past matters emerge and seem to dominate. In the opposite direction, there can be a cooling-off period in a relationship. A partner could be less direct or harder to reach. Negotiations or partnering projects or initiatives could stall. Watch for pent-up anger and passive-aggressiveness with partnerships. Refocus, backtracking, and review become necessary and recommended now.

This cycle challenges you to reorganize your energy regarding significant people and partnerships in your life. You could be reassessing how you approach relationships, rely on others, or include and consider others. You might also reconsider what you want from your relationships.

You are doing critical “work” that can benefit you greatly. You can not only reassess how you’ve been dealing with partners or potential partners, but discover new and improved ways to get along. You need to consider your role in the interaction if you’re stirring angry situations or holding onto resentment. If you’re coming on too strong, look for ways to tone things down. If someone is handling you and your needs poorly, you might now decide to address the situation.

With Mars backing up in your partnership sector, taking things slowly is most beneficial. You may be exploring your own issues with anger and assertiveness through the context of a relationship or through a significant person in your life.

This cycle is also about balancing your life out more fully in terms of what you do for yourself and what you do for others.

Capricorn and Capricorn Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of home, family, security, and domestic activities because Mars rules these life departments in your solar chart. This energy can play out in various ways. For example, household projects may slow down or stall. You might feel more defensive during this period, or you might focus on old waves of anger or emotional issues from the past that resurface. It’s a good time to examine how you have been expressing anger or asserting yourself at home, in your personal life, and with family.

For this particular Mars retrograde phase (from October 30 to January 12), additional themes come into play with Mars transiting your work and health sector. Keep in mind that pushing yourself during this cycle, particularly in these areas of life, will only lead to frustrations and slowdowns. It’s time to review whether you’re pursuing your true desires and consider changing your approach to getting what you want from your work, chores, duties, day job, relationships, and self-care programs.

Enthusiasm for your current job or health regimes could wane, perhaps due to setbacks, delays, or stalling, but the adjustments you make now can be invaluable. Watch for pent-up anger and passive-aggressiveness on the job or with those with whom you spend much of your daily life. Daily routines or work may feel a little lifeless until you figure out ways to spruce things up. Reorganizing and editing efforts can be very fruitful during this cycle.

Work or chores may be less straightforward or satisfying. There can be much preoccupation with your health or work endeavors and possibly frustration with daily routines. New initiatives with these matters may appear less exciting, or you’re not as confident about expressing yourself in these areas of life. Looking back to previous routines, wellness programs, or jobs and chores could be more attractive. Refocus, backtracking, and review become necessary and recommended now. This cycle emphasizes practical and work/job matters. How you organize your time, take care of yourself, and manage your daily affairs is now up for review.

Aquarius and Aquarius Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of communication, siblings, neighbors, acquaintances, and transportation. Because Mars rules your solar third house, communication or transportation might take a hit somehow, making it harder to get from point A to point B, for example. There can be missed meetings, delays and red tape, challenges with studies, or mechanical breakdowns.

During Mars retrograde cycles, there can be frustration with self-expression or impatience with social niceties. Arguments over ideas, opinions, and facts can be more frequent. Personal interests are in a state of flux.

From October 30-January 12, Mars is retrograde in your solar fifth house, bringing additional themes to the mix. Enthusiasm for a romance or creative project could wane, perhaps due to delays or stalling. A relationship with a lover or a child could become (or seem) more complicated, possibly exhausting. Desires can be hard to read for existing relationships – your desires and/or those of a lover. There can be a change of heart, or you could be questioning what you’ve been pursuing in love, and a new approach becomes necessary. Instead, you could be excessively preoccupied with a love relationship, which keeps you in a state of limbo or feeling stuck in the past.

There could also be waning interest in a hobby or a return to an old one during this cycle. New initiatives with fifth house matters may appear less exciting, or you could be less confident about expressing yourself in fifth house areas of life–creativity, self-expression, recreation, children, and romance. Caution and perhaps anxiety or confusion can be more dominant during the Mars retrograde phase. You might temporarily lack motivation, unsure whether current pursuits are fulfilling you.

Watch for pent-up anger, frustration, and passive-aggressiveness in your relationships now. Do whatever it takes, slowly but surely, to get dysfunctioning areas of your life back on track. Refocusing, backtracking, and reviewing are necessary and recommended now.

This period is a time of reassessing areas of your life where you’ve lost some enthusiasm, mainly related to romance, creative projects, leisure time, hobbies, or pastimes.

You may be turning to the past for answers. There can be a change of heart, or you could question what you enjoy or love doing. Aim to do more strategizing rather than push forward with new initiatives.

Pisces and Pisces Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of personal finances, income, possessions, comfort, and values. These areas might be ambiguous or cause for concern and anxiety for the time being. Reassessing these matters can become necessary. Fortunately, it’s a good time to take a hard look at your budget. It’s also a time to understand how managing your personal resources impacts your confidence.

This time, Mars is retrograde in your solar fourth house, adding additional themes. Repairs may be necessary, or circumstances are such that living conditions/arrangements seem a little more unstable, in need of improvement, or in limbo. Perhaps the enthusiasm you’ve been building for work around the house is decreasing. A home-related endeavor could stall.

You may have an increased desire to rule the roost or feel that this position is no longer in your hands. If this transit stimulates conflict or disputes, it is likely to be family-related–you may have arguments with them, about them, or on their behalf! You may get worked up about old problems or emotional issues from the past that are now resurfacing. Refocusing, backtracking, and reviewing are necessary and recommended now. It’s time to review how you’ve been handling your assertiveness.

There can be some reassessments, delays, or backtracking in your life. Events might seem to conspire to slow you down. Ultimately, this allows you to catch up and make necessary edits in your life. Particularly on the dates of Mars stations (around October 30th and January 12th), remember that sweeping decisions made now can be premature. The retrograde phase helps you deal with buried anger and resentment. It prompts you to review and fine-tune projects around the home. Despite minor inconveniences, you’re on a path to new and improved home life and relations with family. This can take a few months, but the work you do now will be rewarded.