Mars Retrograde ♂ Summer 2018

Mars Retrograde in Aquarius: June 26 - Aug 12

Mars Retrograde in Capricorn: Aug 12 - 27

Mars in Capricorn: Aug 27 - Sep 10

Mars in Aquarius: Sep 10 - Nov 15

Planets in retrograde are not actually spinning backwards – it is entirely an optical illusion as seen from Earth. Backwards motion appears to happen when Earth passes slower moving planets in the outer solar system. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planetary roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde.

Mars turns retrograde once every two years for about two months. We last experienced Mars Retrograde from Apr 17 - June 29, 2016. This next retrograde falls first in airy Aquarius, then earthen Capricorn. We will feel back to normal a month after Mars has re-entered Aquarius, around Oct 8. Mars will then continue to hang out in Aquarius until Nov 15 before finally resting his bones in Pisces.

Lots of information, but I’ll break it down for you. First - Mars in Capricorn, the first two months of spring, and how this will be revisited in August for two weeks when Mars retrogrades all the way back to Capricorn. With Mars in Capricorn, there is a strong compulsion to be productive. Capricorn is associated with work, structure, foundation, direction, utility and application. He takes everything very seriously. We will gravitate towards a routine, a set framework. I visualize Capricorn as a punctilious office; a functional government; a family farm; a stern grandfather; a prodigious workforce. Likely topics of conversation will involve work, finance or organization.

Pay very close attention to what goes on around you at work. Watch for rancorous power struggles. Think back to Sep-Nov 2016, when Mars last transited Capricorn. At this time I was in a brand new work situation, beginning to notice cracks and fissures in what was ostensibly a happy place. It didn’t end well, but maybe it would have, had I listened more closely to the sea goat’s wizened voice creaking from the tree hollow. No matter what happens, work-related issues that initially surface in the spring will be resolved or at least revisited in August.

Capricorn is a stoic observer. His mantra: I use, like the body as it climbs and sweats, puffing dusky chill. The sea goat belongs to the earth element, and he can certainly be heavy and resistant. With Mars in Capricorn, we may feel stuck, lethargic. Rigidity steals flexibility from the soul-joints. As this happens, the ego pressurizes the spirit, demanding more, and the tired spirit falls into deep trenches of self-criticism and stress. Forget the head trip, curl up with a good book and sink into your bones. Chopping wood is an excellent way to channel Mars in Capricorn. I recommend eating light meals, going to sleep early and exercising upon waking.

Let’s talk about Mars in Aquarius, where most of the retrograde will take place. Mars in Aquarius is comparably light and unemotional, at once a social butterfly and a diehard individualist: brilliant, forthright and defiant. We will have the opportunity to approach emotionally-charged issues with a calm, cool mind. In remaining detached, we free ourselves from anger and sadness. Aquarius is (often) the most erratic, unorganized brother in the zodiac. His mind and tongue are way ahead of his body. We must make a concerted effort to stay focused.

The purpose of Mars Retrograde is emotional and spiritual cleansing via bodily channels. Mars Retrograde means serious physical recalibration. Diet, sleep, exercise, health and wellness, meditation, yoga, weight – all of these and more may be thrown off. We must digest all of these changes and maintain a healthy routine. Lingering imbalances in the body will demand to be known. Anything that has not been properly healed will unearth itself so ferociously that you will be forced to finally address it, and perhaps more importantly, acknowledge its non-physical origins. The physical body is the last stop. Disturbances in the outer, subtle levels of the aura percolate down to the bodily level in a cry for attention.

Mars Retrograde is active in nature. Master your lessons by moving and climbing, and in so doing, resurrect the body as the most powerful means to engage the psyche. Mars Retrograde can be a confusing cycle. Even after the retrograde period has come to a close, sit very still. Wait until you are completely settled before deciding on a direction. For stability during the Capricorn retrograde, try Capricorn Yoga. For an influx of fresh energy during the Aquarius retrograde, try Aquarius Yoga. To find your personal Mars sign and see whether this planet was retrograde when you were born, click here.

Mantra: resurrection