Mars Goes Retrograde!!!!
So, we have Jupiter in retrograde, Saturn in retrograde, Neptune in retrograde, Pluto in retrograde, and now MARS is going retrograde!!! Mars is Retrograde approximately 58-81 days every 2 years.
Remember, Retrograde planets appear to be going backwards in their orbits around the Sun, but these are essentially illusions that result from our point of view from Earth.
Mars will be Retrograde in the signs of Aquarius and Capricorn from June 26th to August 27th, 2018, beginning on June 26, 2018 at 4:41 p.m. EST in the sign of Aquarius.
So what does this mean and why do we need to be aware of it?
To quote Cafe Astrology...
"Mars is courageous, competitive, assertive, defensive, dynamic, territorial, sexual, passionate, and self-centered. While Mars is retrograde, acting in these ways may not yield 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 shouldn’t panic if a new job, project, interview, or relationship happens during the Mars retrograde period, but 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 stronger 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 than usual to go back to “fix” old problems and 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.
... While Mars is retrograde in Aquarius (June 26 - August 12), there can be tremendous resistance if things are not going our way. Perhaps ironically, we can become very stuck as we resist situations that are preventing us from having our way or we can become quite stuck on certain ideas and ideals. We may be revisiting old friendships or we may be fixated on past connections that we feel were ideal.
There can be pronounced passive-aggressive behavior during this cycle, as it can be challenging to feel as if direct assertions can get us what we want, and this may be more prominent while Mars is retrograde in Capricorn (August 12 - August 27). We can instigate problems or arguments in our search to find a balance. We might stew in anger. 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 Capricorn can return us to previous jobs or work projects, traditions, and structures in our lives.
Aquarius and Capricorn rule friends, networking, electronics, humanitarianism, community, career, reputation, government, rules, and business, amongst other things. During Mars’ retrograde cycle, we may need to re-assess our approach to these matters. Circumstances are likely to be such that we feel forced to do so. We might feel some frustration or anxiety about our friendships, jobs, or life path goals. There can be hesitation, caution, and fear of taking risks about beginning or going forward with work plans and friendships, for example.
We may be revisiting or rehashing old friendship matters or we may be reconsidering or thinking about the past. This is an excellent period for seeing old problems in a new light. While it’s an excellent time for identifying problem areas in our relationships, watch for obsessing over these issues, which is a strong tendency with Mars retro.
We can experience lowered vitality and/or health issues, especially those associated with areas ruled by Aquarius and Capricorn (nervous system, legs, bones (including teeth), and skin). Accidents are a stronger possibility throughout the Mars retrograde period. We may be less direct when it comes to 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.
Avoid pushing matters or throwing yourself into something entirely new. There is absolutely no reason to suspend your projects during a Mars retrograde period. Reworking and redefining current projects may be especially satisfying, and ultimately very rewarding.
... 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."
For more information, see: https://cafeastrology.com/marsretrograde.html
And keep your eyes on the skies!!! There's a Full Moon in Capricorn on Wed. June 27!!! More to come... :)