Useful Stuff; Notes on Mars retrograde from around the Internet.
curated by Mike Zizis
As preparation for for this Mars retrograde — here is some clarity on a few specific issues. If you can postpone electional surgery this is a good idea until later on in the spring April May and June and beyond is better. If this is not possible then prepare as well as you are able as well as meditation and prayer going into or under the knife.
Here are two excellent sources;
My sincere thanks and gratitude to Jamie.
And to Lisa Stardust.
FROM:
When Mars goes retrograde (backwards) in our skies we have a greater than usual tendency to feel irritation, frustration, anger and impatience. This is a signal from the Red Planet that there’s something that we need to assert or clarify through meaningful action. This will impact you in the house in your chart that Mars is passing through.
While retrograde, Mars asks questions like these:
• What is frustrating you, where are you stuck and what action will “unstick” you?
• If you can’t tackle things head-on, what measures can you take to sidestep the issue?
• Is there something that you should have done before, lingering from the past, that you can do now to handle this thing?
To understand how this Mars retrograde period is affecting you personally, find the house in your chart that Mars is passing through. This year Mars travels retrograde from 8º Sagittarius back to 23º Scorpio, so the house in your chart containing late Scorpio and early Sag will be Mars’ location.
Here are some thoughts on the meaning of Mars Retrograde in the houses:
First House: If Mars is retrograding through your First House, the way you see yourself is under revision. Take time to look inwardly to manifest change outwardly. Perhaps it’s time to use unresolved anger in a more positive way — take up boxing or martial arts. Do not let anger fester or you risk a huge blow-up during this time.
Second House: If Mars is retrograding through your Second House, take a look at your values. Are there better ways of utilizing your resources? Are there steps you can take or ways you can assert yourself to ensure a more secure future? This is a good time to revisit your budget and plan ahead for any large expenditures later this year. Then act on that new budget.
Third House: If Mars is retrograding through your Third House, you may find communicating a challenge. Try using influence rather than force. Do what you can to reduce your frustration about not being heard, or it may explode. Consider alternate styles or forms of communication during this time. What has always worked in the past may need reconsidering. Bring honesty, but don’t use it as a bludgeon.
Fourth House: If Mars is retrograding through your Fourth House, use caution when expressing anger towards those you live with. While it’s always good not to let things fester, it might be better to practice compassion at home — even when you don’t feel it. Frustrated about your home? Take that energy and redirect it towards completing some improvement projects that you’ve been meaning to get to.
Fifth House: If Mars is retrograding through your Fifth House, your creativity can feel blocked. Or is the universe merely redirecting you so that you can discover alternate outlets for that expressive energy? It’s best to let it flow at this time. What will it take to get you unstuck? Dogged determination to finish a creative endeavor may not be the best approach. Try relaxing into it and see what happens — your vitality may be restored.
Sixth House: If Mars is retrograding through your Sixth House, ways of working may require restructuring. You may not move as quickly or as assuredly as you have in the past, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be productive. This is a good time to review your productivity. Let quality take precedence over quantity. Don’t allow your frustration to destroy your structures. A state of order helps you move forward.
Seventh House: If Mars is retrograding through your Seventh House, you may be arguing more with your partner. Re-assess how you handle conflict with one another. If you are not asserting yourself enough in your relationship, try to understand what is holding you back from affirming your position. Then take the actions necessary to persuade your partner that you mean what you say. But gently. If you are too hard on your partner, too demanding, then step it back a notch. Or several notches.
Eighth House: If Mars is retrograding through your Eighth House, you may want to insist on putting your sexual needs first. You cannot just demand more intimacy, you may have to ask for what you want — clearly but gently. Do you also feel entitled to some shared resources? What’s holding you back from asking for them? Bring honesty into these conversations. But don’t poke at your partner’s vulnerable places to gain an advantage.
Ninth House: If Mars is retrograding through your Ninth House, it’s adventure time! Frustrated about that trip you never took? Hit the road! Get out there and if you can’t spontaneously do it, then initiate the planning of it. Ask yourself what is inhibiting you from expanding your horizons. Strategize for your future growth and then make the first move — whether that means going back to school, or finally finishing/publishing that novel.
Tenth House: If Mars is retrograding through your Tenth House, you may encounter career blockages and feel frustration about not advancing fast enough in your field. Revisit some of your career goals from years ago, and see how they line up with where you are now. What is stopping you from asking for that promotion or bonus? What’s the next move for you? Don’t let suppressed anger blow it for you.
Eleventh House: When Mars is retrograding through your Eleventh House, you may find that you are not asserting yourself among your friends, peers and colleagues. How are your needs being eclipsed by the will of your tribe? How can you reclaim your place without stepping on too many toes? Alternatively, if you pick up your tribe’s banner and begin waving it (i.e. take political action on behalf of your demographic), you may find yourself bonding with your “comrades at arms.”
Twelfth House: When Mars is retrograding through your Twelfth House, are you the protagonist in your own dream, or are you just watching things happen to you? You may experience blockages and frustrations that come from mysterious sources, or possibly that are rooted in superstition. Seek out the heart of these mysteries that are draining your vital energy. Is it time for you to know the truth? Could facing it set you free? Assert your need for the retreat, seclusion and spiritual “time-in” that can turn your attention inward.
…
FROM:
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/mars-retrograde-december-2024-meaning-effects
Brace Yourself: Mars Retrograde Is Going To Be Intense
Lisa Stardust
Just our luck! On top of Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune currently retrograding in the cosmos, another planet is about to strut its stuff in the sky. In case you’re wondering, Mars retrograde is upon us, moving backward from Leo to Cancer from December 6 to February 23, 2025.
At one point or another, every planet has a retrograde. The most infamous is Mercury, who moves backward three to four times a year, causing miscommunications and travel issues. Mars retrograde is a tad different. We can feel stuck and need to release pent-up energy. Sounds fun, huh? It’ll be intense for a bit, but more tiresome since our energy levels will be depleted.
Mars retrograde will commence on December 6 and the planet will turn direct on February 23, 2025. From January 6 to February 23, 2025, Mars moonwalks in Cancer. Do you think that’s long? The truth is that retrograde is more time-consuming than we know. The pre-retrograde phase began in the first week of October, and the post-retrograde period will last until the second day of May 2025. We’ll be dealing with this energy for quite some time. So get ready to rumble and rock your way through the retrograde. The next months are going to be nothing short of exhausting…but they promise to be interesting, too.
Mars retrograde occurs approximately every 26 months. The last time we experienced this celestial phenomenon was from October 30, 2022 to January 12, 2023, in Gemini. This time around, the warrior planet of sex, action and desire is backpedaling from a dramatic sign of the zodiac to an emotional one. As a result, we can expect to lose our cool easily and be extra sensitive. Grab a box of tissues, download a meditation app and play your favorite tunes. Feel your feels and prepare for the upcoming chaos.
When Mars shuffles back in Leo, our confidence may be high and then rapidly low, like a roller coaster. We may not be able to see the brighter side of matters, making us feel lost. The best way to counteract this vibe is to do activities that make us happy. Focus on what makes your spirit content. Disconnect from people’s arguments and anger and bring positivity into your life.
As January 6 comes, Mars backspins into Cancer. The following seven weeks are going to get super emotional. It’ll be challenging to make decisions due to the fear of success. Further, we’ll act defensively to protect our hearts. Moodiness will create issues with others so check yourself before you wreck yourself to avoid conflict when dealing with people you care for.
Although retrogrades are annoying, they can actually be beneficial for us earthlings. We can learn to be patient and find understanding. Tempering our emotions and having a robust sex life might be challenging, which is why it’s important to find a moment of calm to decompress. Don’t react before knowing 100% of the facts. Even then it’s advisable to think about how you wish to respond. Avoid being extra messy and impulsive.
These are some tips on surviving and thriving during Mars retrograde: Make sure you get enough rest. Book a massage, hike, or take a healing bath.
Key Dates
December 6: Mars retrograde in Leo begins.
December 12: Mars retrograde in Leo aspects Venus in Aquarius, highlighting issues in relationships.
January 3, 2025: Mars retrograde in Leo opposes Pluto in Aquarius, heightening internal and relationship tensions.
January 5, 2025: Mars retrograde in Leo harmonizes with the Nodes of Destiny, urging us to handle past problems.
January 6, 2025: Mars retrograde enters Cancer.
January 12, 2025: Mars retrograde in Cancer aspects Neptune in Pisces, inducing our intuition.
January 15, 2025: Mars retrograde in Cancer opposes the Capricorn sun, showing off our insecurities.
January 23, 2025: Mars retrograde in Cancer sextiles Uranus retrograde in Taurus, revolutionizing our lives.
January 23, 2025: Mars retrograde in Cancer aspects Mercury in Capricorn, allowing arguments to begin.
January 25, 2025: Mars retrograde in Cancer aligns with Venus in Pisces, softening and opening our hearts.
February 9, 2025: Mars retrograde in Cancer trines Saturn in Pisces, making us want to seek control.
February 23, 2025: Mars retrograde in Cancer harmonizes with Mercury in Pisces, pushing us to engage in passive-aggressive behavior.
February 23, 2025: Mars turns direct, ending the retrograde.
