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Rhythms of Action and Reflection:

Mars Retrograde 2024-2025

Now that the Mercury retrograde period has come to an end, let’s turn our attention to the Mars retrograde cycle which began on December 6, 2024, at 6° Leo. The Mars cycle is quite unusual in that it only goes retrograde once every two years or so, but when it does, the retrograde period usually lasts for 8-10 weeks. For those readers who are interested, here are the details of the cycle.

Mars will be retrograde for almost 10 weeks as it doesn’t turn direct until February 17, 2025, at 17° Cancer and return to where it went retrograde on May 3, 2025. This means that for over 6 months (209 days) Mars will be navigating in the 19° territory between 6° Leo and 17° Cancer.

The basic meaning of Mars in astrology is that it describes how we go after what we desire…our approach to getting what we want in the world. It represents how we initiate and take action, which will drive us to express our urge to create, accomplish, and build. It is the archetypal warrior which gives us the courage to take a stand and act upon the things that matter to us.

While Mars can be aggressive, competitive, and impulsive, we must be concise and not reduce it to mere anger or aggression. For example, courage can be displayed in many ways, such as by expressing a controversial viewpoint honestly and truthfully, even when faced with possible repercussions. Mars is often associated with the military, police force, and sports, but also rules the protocols and training that prevent Mars from acting out foolishly or selfishly. Mars rules iron and metals and therefore the principle of cutting, such as a scalpel. As Mars is in everyone’s chart, it ought not to be thought of as being gender specific.

Sun-Mars Synthesis

The pairing of the Sun with Mars can be thought of as signifying a charge of some kind. The term charge indicates some kind of energetic capacity which has the ability to perform an intended task. It also can be used as a verb describing the activity of deliberately moving forward as an act of empowerment, thus an act of becoming something greater than what we already are.

This is indicative of how we can transform our actions into the highest expression of our Sun’s sign. It is to this end that we find the regenerating energies of the Sun-Mars cycle charging within us. When Mars is retrograde, we might want to frequently ask ourselves if what we are doing or proposing to do will regenerate and focus us in ways that truly serve us and take us to where we want to go.

Mars Stationary: December 6

This is a time to exert patience whenever possible as, on one hand, the desire to act can be intensified while we don’t yet know if the action we are considering will work out the way we want. Perhaps the best attitude is to have an experimental approach. If you desire, try something out and then carefully watch to observe what actually happens. Slowing down now is advisable.

Sun Opposing Mars - January 16, 2025

This date marks the midpoint of the Mars retrograde cycle when the Sun will be at 26° Capricorn and Mars will be at 26° Cancer. All transiting oppositions are similar to Full Moon energies in that they bring some degree of fulfillment and even clarity on matters we are considering acting on. The Sun and Mars are not facing off with one another so much as fulfilling their purpose within us. This purpose, whether integrated consciously by us or not, is at its maximum vibrational tone. It is resonating as loudly as it can possibly resound and is revealing the fruits of the cyclic process, now midway along its journey.

Because Mars is retrograde, though, in order for the process to unfold, some kind of internalization of these energies must be made. We still must turn inward and allow our deeper natures to be charged with the love and joy that arise within us when we are in a creative state. I can simply say that the fulfillment possible now is to experience the increased joy and simplicity (which can also be thought of as radiance) as the charge of beingness, even though we may not be able to act fully on anything specific yet.

The Difference Between Leo and Cancer

This particular Mars retrograde cycle will transit two different signs, i.e., Leo and Cancer. Because it will start and end in the sign of Leo, its chief concern is to help us discover how we might be as creative as possible and uncover whatever blockages or inhibitions we may have in these endeavors. But, paradoxically, Mars will be spending more time in Cancer than Leo. Cancer is concerned with finding a sense of where we belong in the world and includes family and any people that truly support us and who we are.

When I imagine how these two signs are working together, what occurs to me is that this entire cycle is going to push us to discover all of the things we have or don’t have in our life that supports us being alive and creative. What do we feel we’re missing at a deeply personal level? What must we do to find a deeper fulfillment that underlies our happiness with those whom we share a bond that gives us a sense of security and safety?

The Limitation

In our modern world, we are asked to push through whenever we feel blocked or opposed, but from a life perspective as well as an astrological one, ‘TIMING’ is everything. To be uncertain or even blocked means it is not yet time to act. Observe and absorb what you are discovering and then decide if action is called for or not.

Mars Turning Direct - February 17, 2025

Mars will now be stationary again, but this time it will feel different. One will likely feel they know what they must do and commit to. Any action that is taken has a very good chance of working out the way you desire it to.

Mars Back to Where It Started – May 3, 2025

Now Mars returns to 6° Leo. Mars is moving at its usual pace, and we can confidently act upon whatever we have been working on. Don’t let fear stop you now and enjoy the rising creative juices you will be feeling.

Helpful Tip

I suggest the reader write down the dates given here and their basic meaning and then observe both what is happening at this time and how you feel about it, so you can be as conscious as possible of the flow you are a part of. There is meaning contained in this cycle. The events and shifts you will be experiencing are actually not as random as you might think. While actions do matter, as we must reap what we sow, when we can see the overall patterns of these movements, we can appreciate the ‘holistic’ meaning of the cycle you are immersed in.

Inspiration for your Journey

In a world focused on constant progress, we often put unnecessary pressure on ourselves and overlook that the early parts of life are about preparation. This video by Academy of Ideas is a helpful reminder to release false expectations. From an astrological perspective, ages 42 and 44 are significant turning points. At 42, Uranus opposes Uranus, initiating a period of individuation. At 44, Saturn opposes Saturn, offering lessons in responsibility and maturity.

These moments highlight that deeper purpose and clarity naturally emerge later, after foundational life lessons are learned. It’s a reminder that life unfolds in stages, and every part of the journey holds meaning.

Explore Self-Discovery with Astrology as a Spiritual Path

In case you haven’t yet purchased it, Astrology as a Spiritual Path invites readers to explore astrology as a profound journey of self-discovery and personal evolution, where the cosmos and the self intersect. This book reveals how astrology can serve as a powerful guide to uncovering unconscious patterns, illuminating it as a tool for expanding consciousness and connecting with your authentic self.

Whether you’re a seasoned astrologer or new to the practice, Astrology as a Spiritual Path offers valuable insights. Discover how it can enrich your journey toward self-understanding, purpose, and transformation.

See the book website: astrologyasaspiritualpath.com.

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