You’ve probably heard about Mercury retrograde, but are you familiar with Mars retrograde? It’s a rarer retrograde, only happening once every 2 years and 2 months. It affects our energy and aggressiveness related to power. Mars enters its retrograde zone on May 12 to 15. It begins retrograde on June 26th and then stations direct on August 18th.

　　So what happens when the planet of passion and war goes retrograde? What does that mean for us in the real world?

　　Let’s take a closer look at the energy of this planet, the sign it will be going through, and the ways people have noticed Mars retrograde affecting their lives. Thinking back to two years ago, I remember I was more tired than usual and the healers I knew were as well. I guess that means we have time to catch up on Netflix? It’s more valuable than that though.

　　We have a chance to rework our emotional reactions, and here’s how…

　　

The Personality of Mars

Mars is the ruling planet of Aries, a fire element sign that is all about directness, fast action, and passion. Mars is also the ruling planet of Scorpio, which is a deeply passionate water element sign that helps us see the depths of people’s actions.

　　The energy of Aries tends to be subdued during a Mars retrograde, meaning we may feel a lower sex drive or a lowering of energy in general – don’t feel bad about it and try to just embrace it. Maybe instead of running, you choose to walk. Just don’t beat yourself up about it.

　　During this time you could find yourself expressing yourself differently. If you’ve had trouble being direct, you might find yourself being too direct, catching a sharpness of tongue. Generally, it’s not a time to start something new as our minds aren’t in a position to see things quite as clearly. It’s as if our perception is in a loop where we are able to work on our own reactiveness or assertiveness, whichever is in need of balancing.

　　When it comes to love, it’s said that this is not the best time to begin a relationship. There will be good energy for steady momentum in business and we can focus on using the energy we have there instead of in the bedroom. If your partner comes off as disinterested or acts out of character, know that it’s only a temporary monkey wrench affecting our psyche and giving us all a head adjustment. Ride it out.

　　

What To Expect with Mars Retrograde in Aquarius

While Mars retrograde in Capricorn affects work, this particular retrograde will be in the sign of Aquarius, an air sign which rules electricity, radio, technology and ideas. For those who aren’t following the planetary movements, they may be swept up in the drama of clashing ideas and political debate over radical groups. Ideally, we can rise above the “taking sides” climate and see that arguing only stokes the flames. We could see instability around areas that are already in a power struggle and issues surrounding large sums of money. This is a time when we should not obsess over the news and maintain a peaceful state of existence to promote and counteract the reactivity that the media companies must generate in its viewers to compete in their market.

　　In our personal lives, we may feel conflicted or stalled in our goals. This actually can be quite valuable because we can use this time to straighten out our passions or see if our approach has been too hasty. For example, instead of launching a new non-profit, it may be better to work for one and understand how this type of organization operates before jumping in on your own blindly.

　　If you grew up in a sexually repressive environment, those feelings will be encountered again. Use this opportunity to work on healing them. Perhaps you’ll be exposed to people that are triggering to your fears or prod at the uncomfortable areas where you keep shame and guilt. Loosen up. See if you can’t shake your fear of your body so you can get past any unnecessary body issues and embrace the beauty of your own natural self in whichever way suits you today.

　　

Conclusion

Prepare for emotional swings. Don’t isolate yourself if you’re having a lot of emotions. You can always reach out to a trusted friend, therapist, or spiritual counsellor to help you work through your feelings. This time could be quite healing for you, especially when you’re faced with deep emotions that aren’t always at the surface. When you feel your emotions boiling, get some exercise, write in a journal, or talk it out with a neutral party member. Just don’t bottle it up.

　　Read about the concurrent Pluto retrograde (April 22, 2018 – September 30, 2018) and the Saturn retrograde (April 17 – September 6) to get the full scoop on the psyche of the cosmos right now and how we can use it to transform our lives. To get all the retrograde dates for the year for each planet, check out this awesome website! While we may not be moving full steam ahead, there will be an opportunity to direct the steam from our fire in healthier ways than burning bridges soon.

　　With three planets in retrograde, you and the people around you may be feeling and acting different. It’s more of a catharsis than a problem though. We are seeing the energy we have been putting out to others coming back to us so we can get real with how we make others feel. We are balancing our aggressive and passive energies. We are also coasting on the energy we have generated since the beginning of the year when it comes to business and finding success amidst our personal transformation. If you ask me, it’s a wild, funky time bound to have a productive and happy ending.