The upcoming Mars retrograde on December 6th is going to take us into the depths of ourselves in ways that shake up our foundations. We are traveling into the core of our own being through the catalyst of our emotions to bring movement to what has become immobile and to refine what has become too basic. This is an alchemical process which impacts the very center of our egoic identity in order to progress along our soul’s evolutionary pathway.
Consider this article an extension of the retrograde article series. Our next task in that series is to discuss retrograde planets in transit, so we will use the upcoming Mars retrograde as an ongoing case study of this phenomenon. As such, we are going to revisit some themes from the two previous articles to better understand what kind of transformative process Mars is taking us through, what to expect from that process, and how we can utilize it for our highest good.
As I was gathering information to write this article, I also had an epiphany about Mars’ retrograde cycle and retrograde transits in general. I have not heard any other astrologer discuss this idea before (though it’s possible someone has), so I’m going to share with you my new insights before they have been totally vetted via observation and analysis. Together, we can test this hypothesis as we each move through our individual experience of the Mars retrograde to see if my theory stands true.
Let’s begin with the snapshot of this retrograde cycle. Mars turns retrograde approximately every two years and this current cycle will go from December 6th, 2024 through February 23rd, 2025. This is the period in which Mars will actually be trekking backwards through the zodiac, but in terms of influence and perceivable effects, we must also consider its shadow period. It is already within the pre-retrograde shadow and the post-retrograde shadow will last until the end of April, 2025. Altogether, that’s about six months we will spend in this Mars retrograde energy.
Mars is also one of personal planets, so its impact on us is considerably more acute. However, Mars holds a special energy that is unique unto itself. In past articles I differentiated between the personal, social and outer planets. In doing so, I briefly mentioned that Mercury and Venus, our other two personal planets, lie within Earth’s orbit whereas all the other planets – including Mars – lie outside of Earth’s orbit. This is significant when considering the phases of the retrograde cycle. I am going to explore Mercury and Venus in more detail and what makes them special when I write about their upcoming retrogrades. For now, I just want to mention that due to their proximity within Earth’s orbit, during their cycles they never oppose the Sun. They are never far enough away from the Sun to do so. This means during their retrograde cycle, at the peak of the cycle, instead of opposing the Sun, they come into a secondary conjunction with it – also known as an inferior conjunction. Don’t worry about the details on that just yet.
I mention this now because Mars, while considered a personal planet, is unique in that it does move beyond Earth’s orbit. This means, like the social and outer planets, Mars moves far enough beyond the Sun to experience an opposition to it. Thus, Mars is unique in that we hold it so close and personal in our consciousness, yet we marry that experience by extending its actions beyond ourselves. In other words, Mars represents our identity or process of becoming, and it also shows how we take that identity out into the world.
When viewed from the perspective of Evolutionary Astrology, Mars represents the consciously expressed desires of our soul (Pluto). This is why Mars is considered the lower octave of Pluto, and why both Mars and Pluto can be considered co-rulers of Aries and Scorpio. If Pluto represents the unconscious evolutionary intent of our soul and the dualistic paradox of wanting to separate from Source to have individualized experiences while simultaneously wanting to merge with Source, Mars represents the conscious expression of Pluto’s desires as filtered through our personal ego.
As I write this, transiting Mars is making a very notable opposition aspect to transiting Pluto. This is a highly dynamic and important point of contact between these two planets; one that will hold deeply transformative and influential consequences for us all. However, this dynamic in and of itself is complex and deserves its own article, so I will be writing one in the near future.
What is important to note right now, for the purposes of Mars’ retrograde cycle, is that Mars shows the continual state of becoming something in each of us. Where it transits is showing the highlighted lessons within that process at any given time. As mentioned in my previous articles, just prior to planets turning retrograde, they have extended their motion beyond the reach of the Sun – that is, they are functioning beyond the ability to integrate their actions and lessons into consciousness. It then becomes necessary for them to backtrack – move into retrograde – so they can reflect on and digest the previous experiences to discern how those actions can be refined in ways that support the progress of humanity’s evolving consciousness. At the time of turning retrograde, these planets are in some ways overextending themselves and corrections need to be made. For Mars, this process occurs every two years.
So if a planet moves beyond its opposition with the Sun prior to going retrograde, and this overextension requires that planet to backtrack and retrace its steps, then the point during the planet’s retrograde cycle when it comes back into exact opposition with the Sun represents a highly significant moment during the cycle. In fact, it symbolizes the culminating moment, the peak point of consciousness and illumination for that planet. You could say the planet’s opposition with the Sun during its retrograde cycle is the most important part of that cycle. It is the crescendo, the climax, the “big reveal.” This is something Joanne Wickenburg writes about in her book, “Your Hidden Powers,” as mentioned in my former article. It’s also important to realize that this point of opposition will occur for the planet three times during its entire retrograde cycle: 1) The planet opposes the Sun prior to retrograde, 2) During it’s retrograde, and 3) Once it leaves its retrograde and moves direct, the planet will recross this same degree one final time.
With this in mind, allow me now to share my new hypothesis with you. If the degree at which the retrograde planet opposes the Sun during its cycle represents the most crucial point during said cycle, then the Sabian symbol for that degree represents the overarching theme of lessons that the planet is working to integrate throughout its whole retrograde. If you are unfamiliar with Sabian symbols, you can do an internet search to learn more about them. In short, they are intuited messages, delivered through archetypal images, which symbolize the keynote for every single degree of every single sign in the zodiac. Sabian symbols are often used as additional interpretive tools for astrologers when looking at the exact position of planets in the natal and progressed charts.
This means during a planet’s retrograde transit, it first approaches that degree (Sabian symbol) prior to its ability to understand or integrate the lessons of it – the “problem” is first introduced. During its retrograde, the planet comes into opposition with the Sun and that archetypal theme becomes illuminated – we are then able to see clearly what the problem is and begin to address it. After the planet leaves its retrograde and recrosses over that same degree, the former issues presented by the Sabian symbol are now resolved and able to be fully adapted and integrated as we have achieved a new level of consciousness.
I’m not going to lie, this epiphany made me feel really excited in the most astrologically-nerdy way. This would mean that for any given retrograde, we could look up the point of solar opposition for that planet (sign and degree) and then read its Sabian symbol message to understand what unique lessons, challenges and areas of growth we are being asked to work on through that particular cycle. If you’re seeking a view-from-the-top, snapshot photo which presents the themes of any particular retrograde cycle, the Sabian symbol associated with the solar opposition degree holds the key. That key opens the door to wisdom and a whole new level of consciousness.
Let’s return to the upcoming Mars retrograde cycle to see how this hypothesis is going to play out. Mars will turn retrograde on December 6th at 6 degrees of Leo. It will backtrack until February 23rd, 2025 all the way through 17 degrees of Cancer before turning direct again. The exact degree which Mars will move into opposition with the Sun will be on January 15th at 26 degrees of Cancer.
Let’s now look at the Sabian symbol for this degree. (There are many resources for Sabian Symbols; I highly recommend checking out James Burgess’ work as well as Dane Rudhyar.) When looking up Sabian symbols, you will want to know the minutes of the degree and then round up to the next degree. For example, Mars’ precise opposition will occur at 26 degrees, 15 minutes of Cancer, which means we’ll want to look at the Sabian symbol for 27 Cancer (aka 26-27 degrees of Cancer). The archetype for this symbol is Storm in a Canyon. As Rudhyar described it, “A violent storm in a canyon filled with expensive homes.”
Mind you, we are talking about archetypal imagery here, so we need to utilize our right brain as much as our left when interpreting these symbols. Burgess further describes this degree as such:
“Crisis leading to transformation: Eventually our lives are disturbed by forces that call attention to the transient and shallow nature of luxuries.
However seemingly settled society is and however secure its members might feel, nonetheless there are forces that cannot be tamed. Each person will be faced with circumstances beyond their control and inevitably go through transformative emotional turmoil.”
Now that we have our Sabian symbol representing the theme of this current Mars retrograde cycle, we can piece together what to expect during this transit. Cancer, being a water sign, represents our emotional experiences. Cancer is the archetype of the mother and nurturer and symbolizes our need for safety and emotional boundaries. This is one of the least comfortable signs for Mars to be in as it is so counterintuitive to the fiery, warrior-like nature of Mars. It is also a difficult sign because Cancer likes to set boundaries and Mars doesn’t like to be limited in any way. While it is important for us to learn to set clear emotional boundaries to avoid getting hurt, it is equally important for Cancer to learn to reform and extend those boundaries as it evolves. Crabs shed their shells as they grow and develop new shells that can accommodate their larger forms. We must do the same.
Mars begins this retrograde in Leo – our creative heart’s expression. This is also the peak of its overextension, where it operates beyond conscious integration. Before we can enter into the authenticity of our heart and balance the Leo-Aquarius axis (aka the proceeding Mars-Pluto oppositions, more on that later), we must review our emotional boundaries to determine where we have grown stagnant in them. In what ways have we grown so sensitive that we prevent ourselves from having new experiences? What sort of past hurts are responsible for our current behaviors and choices? Each of us has set up our home (whether literal or the home within ourselves) in ways that offer us comfort and nourishment. However, our comforts can grow stale and cease to offer new stimulation for further growth. In what ways do we hesitate before acting on our desires? Do we shy away from the spotlight for fear of being seen?
As mentioned before, Pluto symbolizes the soul’s evolutionary desires. The soul has a plethora of experiences it needs to check off before it can reunite with Source. When we become stagnant in our routines and lifestyles, the soul becomes restless. We’re no longer feeding it new experiences and it stops growing. Thus, our soul (Pluto) will attract to us new experiences that offer transformation. Mars, as conscious representative of Pluto, will act on these desires to ensure these new experiences are delivered.
Let’s translate some of that in a more grounded way. Through this Mars retrograde cycle, we are being compelled to reevaluate our emotional comforts, boundaries, rules and restrictions. This reevaluation is likely to come up as a result of emotional experiences which force reflection upon us. For example: having our boundaries crossed by someone we know (or don’t know well); being offered new experiences that we initially want to say no to out of fear; having someone else accuse us of having violated their boundaries; having something of comfort and importance taken away from us such as our home, family or the idea of those things; experiencing conflict or a lack of stability in our relationship with our mothers or mother-figures; being made to face the limitations of our insecurities – how is our self-expression compromised as a result? These are just a few examples and the actual manifestation of this lesson will show up differently for each of us.
The way that manifestation occurs will be influenced by a number of factors. First and foremost, the house in your natal chart through which Mars will transit and any aspect it makes to natal planets as it does so. However, there’s more. Whenever Mars goes retrograde, we are also being asked to reflect on and review the areas of our chart which Mars governs. That is, the houses where Aries and Scorpio lie in your chart and any planets which reside in those signs. Your 1st and 8th houses will be impacted by this transit as well, and let’s not forget the actual placement of your natal Mars by house and sign. That’s a lot of stuff!
Mars governs our very sense of identity. It represents our desires and what motivates us to take action. It shows our physical vitality and stamina and how we can improve those things. This means, as Mars moves through its retrograde cycle, it is natural to feel less physically energetic and more lethargic. Remember, the energy is moving inward, not outward, so our resources are being called toward this process of inner reflection rather than outer achievement. It can be helpful to pay special attention to our physical health during a Mars retrograde. Exercise can be very good during this time, but it’s advisable not to be too aggressive with it. Accidents tend to happen during retrogrades and it’s not uncommon to experience illness or injury when Mars is in its cycle. Also, just a heads up, Mars rules metal, so it’s also advisable to be extra conscious when using tools and scissors during this transit.
The emotions which Mars governs are passion and anger. Being in an emotional sign such as Cancer, it’s normal to experience a heightening of these emotions. We tend to feel more frustration and impatience during Mars retrograde, especially earlier on in the cycle prior to integrating the lessons into consciousness. During the first half of the retrograde, we tend to come up against more obstacles which can be aggravating. Remember, retrogrades don’t occur to simply torture you; they are meant to get you to slow down and reconsider your normal actions in order to take a different approach.
Also bear in mind, everyone will be experiencing this energy, so you may encounter more people in the general public who are exhibiting these fiery emotions. Mars rules Aries and in its lower expression, Aries can behave like a child throwing a temper tantrum. It’s egocentric and combative. When we approach this energy through the deeper lens of Scorpio, we can alchemize these hot emotions into something creative. Anger can be a tool used for motivation or it can be used as a tool for destruction; it all depends on the consciousness of the individual. So don’t be surprised if you see the range of these expressions out in the world during this transit.
Mars also rules our sex drive and physical desire, so during a retrograde cycle we will also be revisiting these themes. Under the umbrella of Cancer, we may be investigating what are our sexual boundaries? How do emotions factor into our sexual expression? What limitations do we experience in our sex life and how do we wish to transform them? It is natural to want to “return” to old sexual partners during a Mars retrograde, and sometimes this can be a positive and illuminating experience. However, there can also be an impulsive desire to take on new sexual partners during this transit, which I would caution against.
The reason for my caution is because, like all retrograde cycles, the planet is under investigation and transformation which means any experiences that occur during the retrograde itself will be perceived through a different lens afterward. Often new information arises post-retrograde which can totally change our feelings about the engagements we have during the retrograde. Since we exchange karma with others through sexual intimacy, we want to make sure those are people we’re willing to be karmically bonded to.
So again, I advise in general not to take on new sexual partners during Mars’ retrograde phase, or at the very least, to consider them with conscious awareness before jumping in the sack. At the end of the day, we all will make our choices and whatever those choices are, they will serve the evolution of our consciousness one way or another. For those who are already partnered, Mars retrograde can be a wonderful time to revisit your existing sex life, reconnect, and spark new passions.
Going back to our Sabian symbol, I want to mention that this archetypal image – storm in a canyon – has very strong Uranian energy. There is a sense of emotional upheaval resulting from new information or insight. This can be upsetting, but also enlightening. Such is Uranus. As it turns out, Mars will be making a sextile aspect to Uranus during its retrograde cycle. It will also form trines to both Neptune and Saturn in Pisces at different points during its retrograde.
Having three of these outer planets interacting with Mars at this time is yet another sign that huge shifts in consciousness are underway. Since we’re talking about Mars, that means these shifts will directly impact our sense of identity and the way we act in the world. The aspects with Neptune and Uranus occur prior to the solar opposition, which indicates something introduced on a more subtle, unconscious level for us which may then come into realization during Mars’ opposition to the Sun on January 15th.
The trine to Saturn occurs at the tail end of Mars’ retrograde cycle and seems to represent a beautiful flow of shifting awareness. There is a heightened sense of wisdom and self-mastery on offer through this transit. By its end, we will not only have transcended previous, persistent limitations, but we will move into a new capacity for holding creative tension of binary opposites.
That is, we will better be able to recognize the importance of duality, and what’s more, be able to utilize that seeming conflict for Divine alchemy and creative purpose. When we are no longer rigidly “stuck” on one side of the spectrum or constantly yanked from one extreme to the other, but able to embrace both polarities for the paradoxical wisdom they contain, we become masters of ourselves. We transcend the lower ego and step into the purified, higher ego, empowered to cocreate with Source and satisfy the needs of our soul. That is the gift of this Mars retrograde transit. We are uprooting and shaking down all our static and listless patterns to discover a brighter potential in our being, our expression, and what we can create in this life. May it serve you well.