Ready? Set?

Hang on! For the next 72 days, Mars Retrograde says it’s time to revisit your actions!

Motivated by Mars

Mars pushes. He fires things up with power and passion. He’s about taking action and being proactive. Act first, think later.

In your own birth chart, Mars shows what turns you on. He gives clues about how you can best direct your passion. (Look at Mars by house and Zodiac sign in your natal chart to see what really fires you up. Need some guidance? Check out our computerized reports selection.)

What to Expect during Mars Retrograde

Retrogrades occur when a planet appears to slow down and retrace its steps in the sky over a number of nights. As such, they symbolize times of reversal, an opportunity to reconsider and re-do things associated with the retrograding planet.

In the case of Mars, that means it’s time to pay attention to where you experience personal challenges taking action. Take time to reflect before moving too far, too fast.

(Personally I was born during a Mars retrograde in Taurus. I notice how in my own life, I often wait and see what is happening around me first before taking action. I often reconsider a situation and review multiple options before making a definitive choice or plan.)

Some may feel tired or more edgy during a Mars retrograde. If this sounds like you, take some extra time to rest. Or, if you’re feeling reactive, watch your temper.

Mars goes through its retrograde phase when it’s on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun. Consider the themes of action and ego, the right use of will, and taking action steps with confidence.

As a separating and discerning force, Mars urges clarity. Say yes when you mean yes and no when you mean no.

The Red Planet also has a protective side; he defends what he believes in. So when Mars is retrograde, it’s important to ask yourself what is worth fighting for? Who or what will you defend?

Since this Mars Retrograde begins in Sagittarius and returns to Scorpio, it’s a time to look under the surface of your belief systems. Notice what stories you keep telling yourself time and again. Challenge your own way of thinking. How do you know if something is really true?

It’s wise to be assertive, but discerning. Ask clear questions to avoid confusion.

Adapt and Change

Mars Retrograde in Sagittarius also vibes with the longer-lasting planetary theme for the year: learning to change gracefully.

The planets Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune are all in what astrologers call “mutable” Zodiac signs. The last sign of a season, mutable signs encourage change and transformation. If you feel like your plans are sinking in quicksand, remember that adaptability is your ally.

Mars serves as a catalytic force with these slower-moving planets. On a collective and personal level, Mars inspires the union of spiritual illumination (Neptune in Pisces) with a pragmatic vision of the future (Saturn in Sagittarius), implemented via down-to-Earth planning (Jupiter in Virgo).

This year, Mars Retrograde also begins just one day before powerful Pluto goes retrograde on Apr. 18. In modern astrology, Pluto is viewed as the higher octave of Mars; both are associated with the Zodiac sign Scorpio.

Diving deep is non-negotiable – courageously explore you hidden feelings and motivations.

Supportive suggestions for Mars Retrograde

  • Remember the RIGHT USE OF WILL.
  • Be proactive, rather then reactive.
  • Express yourself. Don’t stuff your emotions.
  • Make healthy choices in your sex life; understand the conscious consequences of desire.
  • Be mindful of self nurturing; self care is extra important at this time.

Key Mars Retrograde Dates

Mars Retrogrades occur once every 26 months, lasting 72 days. Here are a few key dates in the 2016 Mars Retrograde Cycle.

Feb. 17: Mars enters Retrograde zone (shadow begins)

Mar. 6: Mars enters Sagittarius

Apr. 17: Mars stations retrograde at 8 Sagittarius 54

May 22: Sun opposes Mars at 1 Sagittarius 47

May 27: Mars re-enters Scorpio

June 29: Mars stations direct at 23 Scorpio 03

Aug. 2: Mars re-enters Sagittarius

Aug. 22: Mars leaves Retrograde zone (shadow ends)

 

3 Comments

  1. Anjani on April 13, 2016 at 2:08 am

    Excellent clear tangible inspiration download ~ many thanks

    • Amanda on April 13, 2016 at 9:46 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it, Anjani! Thanks for reading 🙂

  2. Isabella on April 17, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    lovely! agree with anjani: thank you for describing it in such a way that it can be useful for anyone who just knows in which house(s) the retrograde will take place. in my opinion this is a good, effective way to introduce astrology to people while still being professional and conveying deep/important information, so “well done!” 🙂

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