The planet that rules physical energy, drive, motivation and passion turns retrograde every two years and this year it's visiting Gemini, the sign of communication, business, thinking and logic.
We are familiar with the dreaded Mercury retrograde, but every planet has its retrograde cycle, and we have just entered Mars retrograde......
This transit is not as well known as the famous mercurial retrograde and occurs less frequently, yet it is one of the most significant transits of 2022.
Mars stationed retrograde in mutable air sign, Gemini, on 31st October 2022 and remains in backwards motion until 13th January 2023.
Mars usually moves through each zodiac sign in approximately six weeks; however, because of its retrograde motion, this time, Mars spends seven months in Gemini, five times longer than usual!
We strongly encourage you to see which area of your natal chart is ruled by Gemini so you can understand how this major transit will impact you, as this area of your chart will become the focus of your life over the next period.
You can get a free birth chart from our website here >>> Get your FREE natal chart.
Mars is the planet associated with action; when Mars is direct, its energy is assertive and drives us towards what we want to achieve. It’s the planet of external motion, as well as physical activity, passion and anger.
So, when Mars is in retrograde motion, this action turns inwards and becomes internalised.
We may find ourselves feeling introspective and even unsure of ourselves. Mars direct provides us with our natural instincts, so when in retrograde, we may find ourselves second-guessing our decisions.
Also, be cautious of feelings of depression or low mood, resentment, apathy and even low energy levels when Mars is retrograde.
However, this is a positive opportunity to revisit and reassess our actions, goals and motivations.
Mars retrograde encourages us to assess what works in our lives, what needs to change, and how we can learn from past experiences. Mars in retrograde motion signifies the adage, “look before you leap”.
Mars is retrograde in air sign, Gemini – the sign of movement, intellect and communication. Gemini wants to connect to people, ideas and information.
So, we may experience Mars retrograde impacting our communication, particularly our words.
Prepare for drama, and think before you react!
During Mars Retrograde, we need to be aware that Mars-ruled anger may be a significant theme. We may experience anger turned inwards or see repressed anger exploding outwards. This can be at an individual or collective level, so be mindful of other people’s reactions, particularly on forums such as social media, an area heavily influenced by communicative Gemini.
Ensure you take sufficient time away from external influences to recharge and rebalance over the next few months.
Mars retrograde in Gemini may also impact our focus and ability to complete projects.
Gemini gets bored easily, and with the planet of drive and motivation in retrograde motion, we need to be determined to achieve deadlines. However, we can also use this energy to assess if we are still committed to these goals and, if not, use this period to release them.
This Mars retrograde is heavily infused by a square to the planet of dreams and illusions, Neptune.
A square is a more challenging aspect and any planet squaring Neptune tends to signify a period of confusion. With this aspect, we may feel insecure and full of self-doubt, particularly about the direction we are taking in life.
If possible, sit with this energy, go within and ride the waves that watery Neptune may bring.
Time spent journaling and in meditation or any introspective activity is well supported at this time.
Mars retrograde may bring you important messages about how your life needs to change and where you can find greater meaning and purpose.
Are you ready to embrace what it may show you?
We have a Full Moon in Taurus and total lunar eclipse this week on 8th November.
Get our complete guide to working with this energy in our Full Moon in Taurus workbook by clicking the button below.
The workbook can be downloaded INSTANTLY and can be printed to keep in your Book of Shadows/Grimoire, to refer back to over the coming months.
What does it mean if my north node is in Gemini?