Is Mercury retrograde right now? Yes! Are there bigger things to worry about? Also yes! Behold, an even more annoying, aggressive, and downright exhausting retrograde coming your way. On December 6, Mars — the planet of action, motivation, and libido — shifts into reverse, marking the beginning of its 11-week-long (!) backward journey that will continue through February 23. What a way to start the New Year, am I right?! Below, your comprehensive guide on all things Mars retrograde, including tips and tricks on how to keep pushing forward when everything is falling apart. Don’t worry, you got this.
Wait, what does Mars mean in astrology?
Mars, the fiery planet of drive and determination, pulses with energy. Named after the Roman god of war, Mars reveals how we assert ourselves, what sparks our passions, and where our willpower thrives. In your birth chart, Mars’s placement (a.k.a. the zodiac sign it occupies) reveals how you take action, get things done, and feel inspired to move forward. Are you fueled by spontaneous bursts of energy (like an Aries Mars)? Or do you methodically plan your path to victory (like a Virgo Mars)? If you want to go even deeper, take note of which astrological House Mars occupies in your birth chart — that will illuminate the area of life that propels you forward (for example, Mars in the 1st House is driven by identity, whereas Mars in the 9th House is driven by adventure).
Astronomically, Mars orbits just beyond Earth, making it a near neighbor — but with a very different vibe. Mars is the most distant of the personal planets (those celestial bodies on our side of the asteroid belt), which means its orbit is nearly twice as long as our planet’s cosmic journey (one Martian year is 687 Earth days). This extended orbit is also reflected in Mars’s retrograde cycle, which happens once every two years. Unlike Mercury, whose short three-week-long retrogrades arrive every three months, Mars’s backward motions are slow, methodical, and ridiculously long — they can last up to 11 weeks, which is the exact duration of this upcoming reversal. Oh joy.
So, what exactly is Mars retrograde?
First, you should know that it’s not real. Kidding, kind of? All planetary retrogrades are actually illusions — tricks of perspective. Imagine you’re cruising down the highway, passing a slower-moving car. For a fleeting moment, it could appear that the other car is being pulled backward, when in reality, it’s just your movement creating the effect. Retrogrades are like that, but on a massive scale — the universe’s sleight of hand.
But distortion of any kind is destabilizing. Retrogrades signal a shift in a planet’s energetic flow. For example, during Mercury retrograde, the planet of streamlined expressions starts glitching in all things communication, travel, technology, and commerce. During Venus retrograde, the planet of love and values reshuffles the deck of our relationships, self-worth, and financial security.
But when Mars — the planet of action, ambition, and raw energy — goes backward, it’s like your inner engine sputters just as you’re about to hit the gas. Your usually steady, consistent drive is abruptly out of sync, forcing you to rethink your approach to challenges, motivation, and conflict. Maybe you’ve been pushing for a promotion, but now, suddenly, you’re questioning whether it’s even the right job in the first place? Or that project you’ve been working on for literally years abruptly feels stale or uninspiring? Or the green light you’ve been waiting to receive is suddenly postponed … indefinitely? It’s as if everything you were working toward — all of your goals and aspirations — have suddenly been stalled.
Mars retrograde doesn’t block progress though; it reroutes it, and invites you to find new paths forward. It urges you to reassess not just where you’re going but why you’re headed there in the first place. This period asks: Are your ambitions fueled by genuine passion or external pressure? Are you chasing your dreams or someone else’s expectations? Mars retrograde is an opportunity to recalibrate your energy, shifting your focus from sheer forward motion to meaningful alignment. The temporary slowdown offers a rare opportunity to strategize, innovate, and rediscover what truly fans your flame.
Okay, so when is Mars retrograde happening?
This Mars retrograde is starting on Friday, December 6, and will continue through Sunday, February 23. Keep in mind that Mars retrograde has it own pre-shadow period (when it travels over the area region of the zodiac where it moves backward), which had started on October 4, as well as a post-shadow phase following the retrograde (when it retraces its steps), which will conclude on May 2.
What should I know about this Mars retrograde in particular?
This Mars retrograde begins with the planet of action traveling backward through the sign of Leo. Leo, a fire sign notorious for its larger-than-life persona, thrives on creativity, confidence, and unapologetic self-expression. It’s the energy of the spotlight, bold declarations, and heartfelt ambition. So, with Mars going backward in this sign, you can expect delays or frustrations in areas where you’re used to shining. Projects that once seemed unstoppable might hit unexpected roadblocks, and personal passions could feel less inspired or harder to sustain. Still, this retrograde offers a chance to refine your vision and rediscover what truly fuels your passion, setting the stage for more meaningful progress ahead.
Then, on January 6, Mars reverses all the way back into Cancer. This water sign, known for its signature sensitivity and nurturing tendencies, struggles under Mars’s directive energy. In fact, Mars is said to be in its “fall” in Cancer, meaning its assertive nature feels stifled and less effective here. From early January through the end of February, you might notice more passive-aggressive behavior — whether from others or within yourself — as Mars’s backward spin gives way to indirect maneuvers. Emotional outbursts, moody indecision, and a tendency to retreat into your shell could dominate. It’s a challenging period but also an opportunity to explore how you can align action with intuition, finding strength in vulnerability rather than brute force.
How should I prepare for this Mars retrograde?
When Mars begins its retrograde in the sign of Leo, the focus will be on how you express your identity, assert your will, and take up space. This period can bring a pause or shift in how you pursue your ambitions or how confident you feel in the spotlight — so before charging ahead, take a step back to reflect on whether your actions align with your core values. You may encounter moments when your creative spark seems to dim, but this doesn’t mean you’ve lost your mojo. The first few weeks of Mars’s backward journey present an opportunity to recharge your battery and reconnect with your authenticity — and, frankly, you’ll be better off for it.
Then, as Mars moves into Cancer on January 6, the energy becomes more introspective and emotionally charged. Mars in Cancer operates differently than Mars in Leo; it’s less about bold actions and more about protective instincts. Likewise, this retrograde invites you to examine the undercurrents of your motivations. Are your actions aligned with your emotional needs? Are you holding onto frustrations or allowing passive-aggressive tendencies to surface? Give yourself permission to rest, process, and redirect your energy toward nurturing both yourself and your closest connections.
Remember, retrogrades always offer a fresh perspective. Mars retrogrades aren’t always easy, so be gentle with yourself. Even if the path feels uncertain, these detours are meant to guide you toward clarity, alignment, and true, genuine fulfillment. Trust the process — you’ve got this.
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