Library Retrograde

Mars retrograde

When drive slows down and it is time to look at where your energy goes.

Every so often a planet seems to stop and drift backwards across the sky. It isn't really reversing, but astrologers read these stretches as a time to review rather than rush.

How often: About once every two years.
How long: Around two to three months.
Next: The next MARS retrograde is 12 Jan to 3 Apr 2027. After that: 15 Feb to 7 May 2029. Dates are approximate, give or take a day.

What's happening

Mars seems to turn back, which happens when Earth catches up with it and goes past. Astrologers say it asks you to rethink how you spend your energy, and to finish old fights or old projects.

Making the most of it

Rest, regroup and refine the plan before you push the next big thing.

What it tends to feel like

Energy drops or goes sideways. Projects stall, workouts feel harder and frustration builds up with nowhere to go. Old arguments can resurface. It is a bit like trying to drive with the handbrake half on, which is a sign to change how you push rather than push harder.

What to be careful with

Starting fights, launching big new projects, making rash moves at work and overdoing it physically. Tempers can run short, so it helps to pause before reacting and to give yourself more time than usual to get things done.

What it is good for

Going back to a project you abandoned, rethinking a goal, changing how you train or work, and dealing with anger you have been putting off. It is good for strategy rather than action: work out the plan now and act on it once Mars moves forward.

How often and how long

Mars turns retrograde about every two years and stays that way for roughly two to two and a half months. It is one of the rarer retrogrades of the personal planets, so it tends to be noticed.

Born with Mars retrograde

If Mars was retrograde when you were born, you may hold your energy in and act in your own time rather than on demand. Anger may come out slowly. Many people with this placement are strong finishers once they have thought something through.

Mars retrograde in each house

You feel it most in the house of your chart it is moving through. Here is what Mars brings to each one. When it is retrograde, the same themes come back for a second look.

I Self →Fired up and ready to go. Mars in your 1st house gives you a burst of energy and nerve. You're more direct and competitive, and a little shorter-tempered too. II Worth →Going after the money. With Mars in your 2nd house, you're motivated to earn, build and protect what's yours. Impulse purchases can tempt you too. III Voice →Sharp tongue, quick feet. Mars in your 3rd house speeds up your thinking and talking. You're persuasive and busy, though spats with siblings or neighbours can flare. IV Roots →Energy at home, for better or worse. With Mars in your 4th house, home becomes the place your energy goes. DIY, family tensions and big clear-outs are all likely candidates. V Desire →Bold in love and play. Mars in your 5th house brings passion, courage and competitive fun. You're more likely to make the first move or throw yourself into a creative project. VI Ritual →Getting things done, fast. With Mars in your 6th house, you've got energy for work and health routines. You can get loads done, but pace yourself so you don't burn out. VII Bonds →Sparks in your relationships. Mars in your 7th house stirs up energy with partners and rivals. Passion runs high and so can friction, so honest conflict beats silent sulking. VIII Shadow →Intensity, but make it useful. Desire and determination run deep while Mars moves through your 8th house. It's a strong time to tackle debts, shared money or long-buried feelings. IX Distance →On a mission to see more. Mars in your 9th house fills you with drive to travel, learn or argue about what you believe. Adventures appeal, and so does a good debate. X Calling →Ambition shifts up a gear. With Mars in your 10th house, career goals feel urgent. You can make real progress, though clashes with bosses are possible if you push too hard. XI Circle →Rallying the troops. Mars in your 11th house energises friendships, groups and causes. You're motivated to make things happen together, though group disagreements can heat up. XII Depth →Energy goes underground. With Mars in your 12th house, your drive turns inward. You may feel tired or restless, and it's a good time for quiet effort and working through old anger.

Why planets seem to go backwards

Planets never actually reverse. We watch them from Earth, which is also moving, so now and then one appears to slow, stop and drift back across the sky, the way a car you overtake on the motorway seems to slide backwards. Astrologers call this retrograde. They read it as a time to revisit, review and redo rather than push ahead, and the effect is felt most in the house the planet is passing through.

About Mars

Mars is your drive: how you go after things, how you get angry and how you get moving on a Monday. It's courage, sex drive and the urge to win, all in one slightly sweaty package.

See where this sits in your chart.

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