The Mars retrograde is a much rare occurrence than the Mercury retrograde. It occurs approximately every 26 months and lasts for about 60 to 80 days. During this period, Mars appears to move backwards in the sky from Earth’s perspective, causing a shift in the energy associated with the planet of action, drive, and ambition.
Jump to the Mars Retrograde Tarot Spread
The upcoming Mars retrograde will take place from 6 December, 2024, to 23 February, 2025. This retrograde will begin in the fiery sign of Leo and then move back into the water sign of Cancer.
The Mars retrograde shadow period for the upcoming 2024-2025 cycle consists of two phases:
- Pre-retrograde shadow (retrograde zone entry):
- Begins on 4 October 2024, when Mars enters 17° Cancer 01′
- Post-retrograde shadow (retrograde zone exit):
- Ends on 2 May, 2025, when Mars reaches 6° Leo 10′
The entire shadow period, including the retrograde phase, spans approximately seven months.
It’s important to note that events and actions initiated during the shadow period may be subject to review or revision during the retrograde phase. The effects of Mars retrograde can be felt even before and after the official retrograde dates, making the shadow period a significant time for reflection and careful planning.
General Meaning of Mars Retrograde
Mars retrograde is a time of introspection and reassessment. It’s an opportunity to turn inward, reflect on our actions, and determine if our goals and motivations are truly aligned with our values. This period can feel like a slowdown in energy and motivation, but it’s also a chance for personal growth and transformation.
Love and Relationships
During Mars retrograde, you may experience a dip in sexual desire or feel less confident in your romantic pursuits. This is a time to reassess your relationships and communication styles. Focus on nurturing your closest connections and work actively to keep them healthy. It’s also an opportunity to address any unresolved conflicts or misunderstandings in your partnerships.
As always, look at your birth chart to see where this transit lands for more in-depth information about the effects. You can generate a free natal chart online on Astro.com for this purpose.
Career and Ambition
In the professional sphere, Mars retrograde can bring challenges and frustrations. You might feel less motivated or encounter obstacles in your career path. Use this time to reevaluate your professional goals, skills, and strategies. It’s an excellent period for refining your approach to work, reassessing your career trajectory, and developing new skills that align with your long-term objectives.
Health and Well-being
Mars retrograde can affect your energy levels and overall vitality. You might feel more tired than usual or struggle with maintaining your usual fitness routine. This is a good time to focus on self-care and stress management. Consider revising your exercise regimen, exploring new ways to stay active, and paying extra attention to your physical and mental health.
What to Avoid During Mars Retrograde
Avoid this during Mars retrograde to minimise potential negative effects:
- Starting fights or arguments, as they are likely to end unfavourably.
- Initiating elective surgeries, as procedures may be unfavourable or issues might recur.
- Launching new projects, as they may face impediments or unfavourable results.
- Beginning or ending significant relationships, such as marriages or divorces.
- Purchasing machinery, including cars and computers, as they might break down or be inefficient.
- Setting major life goals, as you may struggle to meet them.
- Over-exerting yourself physically or mentally as this could lead to injuries or mental breakdowns.
- Engaging in speculation or gambling, as markets may be volatile and unpredictable.
- Pursuing rigorous sports or extreme adventures, as troubles are more likely to occur.
- Driving recklessly or speeding, as accident risks increase during this period.
- Engaging in destructive behaviours or giving in to dictatorial tendencies.
- Ignoring your physical health or leaving yourself vulnerable.
- Burning the candle at both ends or resisting getting plenty of rest.
By being aware of these potential pitfalls and exercising caution, you can navigate the Mars retrograde period more smoothly and avoid unnecessary complications.
Mars in the Tarot
The corresponding Major Arcana card for Mars is The Tower. This connection is evident in the card’s imagery and symbolism:
- Sudden destruction: The lightning striking the tower represents the abrupt and often violent nature of Mars energy.
- Release from false structures: Just as Mars can break through illusions, The Tower forces us to confront reality and let go of false beliefs.
- Transformative power: The card signifies a shake-up that can lead to personal growth and rebuilding on more solid foundations.
You can read The Tower’s energy as ‘retrograde’ if the card shows up reversed or if adjacent cards indicate more of an internal process.
Potential for Reconstruction
- While The Tower often signifies destruction, the retrograde or reversed energy might emphasise the opportunity for careful rebuilding.
- Readings could point towards using this period to plan and prepare for positive changes once the retrograde ends.
- Big shifts in thought paradigms and belief systems could be taking place internally
When interpreting The Tower in the context of Mars retrograde, it’s crucial to consider the slower, more introspective nature of the retrograde period. The card’s message may shift from chaotic external change to internal revelation, encouraging a deeper understanding of personal structures and beliefs that are shifting.
Making the Most of Mars Retrograde
- Practice patience and mindfulness in your actions and decisions.
- Use this time for self-reflection and reassessment of your goals and motivations.
- Focus on completing unfinished projects rather than starting new ones.
- Engage in activities that promote stress relief and emotional balance, such as meditation or creative pursuits.
- Review and optimise your fitness routine and diet.
- Try to be diplomatic and work on resolving past conflicts or misunderstandings.
- Dedicate time to personal growth and skill development.
Mars Retrograde Tarot Spread
This Mars Retrograde Tarot Spread can help you make the most of the upcoming Mars retrograde and navigate any challenges it presents with ease and grace.
- Current Energy: What is the overall energy influencing me during this Mars retrograde?
- Hidden Motivations: What underlying desires or drives are being revealed during this period?
- Obstacles: What challenges or blockages might I face during this retrograde?
- Opportunity for Growth: How can I use this time for personal development and transformation?
- Action to Avoid: What impulsive or hasty action should I refrain from during this time?
- Wisdom to Embrace: What lesson or insight should I focus on during this retrograde?
- Post-Retrograde Outcome: What will be my biggest gain from this period of reflection and reassessment?
By using this spread, you can gain deeper insights into how Mars retrograde is affecting you personally and how to best navigate its energies for growth and self-improvement.
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