Mars in Astrology shows how we expend energy, the manner in which we fight and the way we express ourselves sexually. Mars is associated with the signs Aries and Scorpio.
The archetype of Mars is the warrior and hero whereas the shadow is the destroyer. Anyone that has personal placements in Aries knows the challenge of learning to fight fair and without leveling everything. The term “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater” was no doubt coined for a person with planets in Aries.
Scorpio functions differently; Aries is the bomb but Scorpio is slow, deliberate and calculating. Aries is impatient but Scorpio can wait and they often do. Scorpio can wait years before exacting revenge.
Mars along with the Sun represent the masculine energy in the Natal Chart.
Mars rules guns, young men, military, and knives.
When Mars turns Retrograde we have to be aware of this aggressive energy being turned inwards.
Retrograde words:
- Reflective
- Revisit
- Restoration
- Regression
- Recon
- Revise
- Review
- Retreat
- Reverse
In the book dynamic of Aspect Analysis by Bil Tierney he describes the constructive use of retrograde planets as:
- Meditative
- Profound
- Reformation
- Reflective
- Subtle
The Non-productive expression of retrograde planets
- Maladjusted
- Withdrawn
- Inhibited
- Regression
- Evasive
- Self-undoing
- Repressive
Mars turns retrograde for 80 days every 2 years or so. During this time you want to be aware of turning your anger and hostility inwards. You may review why you have been angry and at whom you have been holding hostility against. Anger is an emotion that ordinarily masks other emotions; so this is a great time to do a deep dive emotionally.
Mars is also associated with work and when it turns retrograde it is not the best time to launch new projects. The energy is best utilized revising old projects and old ways of doing things. It is a period of reconsidering not one of initiation.
Tierney writes “when retrograde it (Mars) may seem as if the individuals new plans backfire, lose expected momentum, develop too slowly or fail to sufficiently activate at all. We often feel as if we are moving backwards in a self defeating manner instead of forging ahead. It is thus obviously not the best time for initiating activities that call for a notable degree of enterprising effort, daring action…or constant and vigorous physical energy”
It is a time where we review the actions we have taken in the past and realign our energy with our desired outcome. It is a time where we can retrace our steps and see what action have we previously taken that has lead us to where we are now and make appropriate changes.
Mars retrograde can suggest we are feeling frustrated because the Mars expression is not outwardly directed. This can suggest sexual frustration as well.
We are being called to review our drives and the expression of our yang energy. Have we been using it appropriately? Do we need to make changes? Are our actions serving us? Have we been taking action against our own best interest?
Retrogrades always indicate a period of going within; in this sense they can be therapeutic. Mars retrograde asks us to take a timeout and be still. If our energy has been scattered it is a time of reflecting how we can move in a more cohesive manner once it turns direct.
