
31/01/2025
Mars Retrograde – 7 December 2024 – 24 February 2025 ~ time to reflect
Mars has been retrograde now for a number of weeks and most of us have been heavily impacted by this introspective, low-energy time.
Mars retrograde occurs every two years, for around two months and it can be a very frustrating time. Mars rules the first sign of Aries, and represents the self, how we express, project and conduct ourselves in the world. (linking also to the Rising sign or Ascendant).
Mars as a planet relates to energy, drive, passion, s*x, sport, fire, health and relationships. As how we connect to ourselves, shows the elements we attract in others.
When Mars is retrograde all of the areas that relate to the self and our energy levels are affected. A retrograde period *internalises* energy. The ways we usually interact and function are slowed down and we encounter more problems, obstacles and issues during a Mars Retrograde period.
Mars retrograde can cause a build-up of tension which overspills into our closest relationships, and may have a ripple effect impacting our connections with others too.
We are now approaching the end of this rather tumultuous Mars Retrograde period and it has been observably pronounced.
There seems to have been more ill health and lingering sicknesses and maybe I observe this because I’ve had my own persistent virus. *cough, cough*.
People ‘feel’ a bit out of sorts too and whilst I realise this is ‘normal’ for a Mars retrograde period, the political unrest underpinning our experience adds a slightly macabre layer.
This Mars retrograde period started with Mars in Leo from 7 December, crossing to Cancer on 7 January. I found it interesting (and horrific) to note the timing of this and the devastating California fires, decimating people’s family homes (Cancer) with intense, uncontrollable Mars-ruled fire.
Fire can be cleansing but, like the Tower in tarot, manifests as forced, catastrophic and shocking change.
On a personal note, Mars retrograde forces us to deal with issues that we may have been circum-navigating. Areas of discontent, overlooked health problems, or long-term stresses are often connected to our low energy and ill health at this time. Our minds and our bodies are intrinsically connected and so any neglected needs or traumas will often manifest physically when ignored.
Maybe being forced to stop and acknowledge buried issues, will help us to make better choices for our physical and mental health in the long term?
Perhaps those relationship issues which we tried to ignore *need* to be addressed and will help us be happier/more authentic in the long-run. After all, our life path is the priority on a soul level…
Mars also correlates to our first phase of life, reacquainting us with our child selves. Reminding us of our early programming and ensuing blocks and fears as adults.
As children we absorb everything around us as our truth, and sometimes we find our subconscious minds hold onto these falsehoods without us even realising. Mars retrograde can help us recognise dysfunctional patterns if we take the time to observe our responses, and to breathe before we react.
In many ways Mars retrograde offers the potential for great inner wisdom and to choose better responses (act, don’t re-act).
Mars retrograde can help us to build closer emotional bonds in our relationships if we learn to take it in turns to open up with our closest people. Truly listening and accepting another is the best gift you can give to another. However, reviewing whether the people in your life serve your highest good/spiritual path is the best gift you can give to YOURSELF!
Attachment is a man-made human construct after all!!
Unconditional love is what we all desire deep down, and it starts with accepting others ~ just as they are and loving ourselves as broken, but beautiful original masterpieces.
~~Reiki blessings to all~~