Mars Retrograde + beginning 2025 stuck in reverse
A debilitated Mars continues its retrograde inviting assertion and emotions together
Mars, the planet of action, drive, ambition and passion, began the year retrograde in Leo and on January 6 continued its “backwards” journey and entered Cancer (again, having already passed through those final Cancerian degrees between October 3 and November 4, 2024).
The first days of 2025 might have felt like a slow burn of a beginning; of course, not least because the calendar we live by inexplicably begins anew in the dead of winter, at least in the northern hemisphere (but that’s a story for another day).
Now, after its re-entry into the cardinal water sign, Mars moves from its co-elemental, assertive domain of Leo into the emotionally sensitive and nurturing realm of Cancer.
Where you were out for blood a week ago might transform into a more subtle, self-protective approach this week.
The archetype of the crab, the safeguarding instincts of Mars in Cancer may manifest as a desire to mind your emotional wellbeing in these weeks.
Mars retrogrades are rare occurrences, taking place approximately every two years, and they bring a period of slowed momentum and introspection. Mars Rx aids in re words, reflection on how and where and when we can assert yourself and use the best of your energy. Mars’ usual usual forward-moving energy turns inward to teach us how to handle conflicts and how to pursue our desires — the shadow and the light of Mars energy.
The retrograde shift on January 6 is particularly significant because Mars is not traditionally comfortable in Cancer, a sign it is said to be in its "fall". Cancer’s empathetic qualities contrast with Mars’ action-oriented nature. Heightened emotional responses, passive-aggressiveness, or difficulty expressing anger directly are symptoms of Mars in Cancer channeled out in a less-than-ideal way.
Further amplified is Cancer’s relationship to home and roots.
Ruled by the Moon and energetically linked to the mother archetype, Cancer is the feminine.
Mars is the masculine.
This is a time to reflect on how you assert yourself within the context of family or domestic life. Are you addressing conflicts with loved ones in a constructive way? Are you creating a home environment that supports our emotional needs? What themes are reappearing from October 2024, when Mars was last in Cancer?
On a collective level, Mars retrograding through Cancer can also bring attention to themes of security, like national and collective security. Cancer’s association with home extends to the idea of homeland, and this transit could highlight debates or concerns about protecting what feels familiar or secure on a larger scale. The news in the US of late is making this front and center once again.
Mars won’t station direct until February 23, and then once again re-enters Leo by mid-April, where we’ll see a potential reigniting of themes of self-expression and personal courage that have been present over the last weeks of 2024. However, its retrograde shadow lingers until June, making the first half of the year a time to rethink how we take action, especially in emotionally charged situations.
Align Mars (action) with Cancer (emotions) by aligning your feelings with what you are doing.
See if you can act from a place of emotional authenticity and you’ll please Mars in Cancer.
Drop a comment and let me know how this lands for you. Have you been feeling emotionally volatile or drained? What family questions have been coming up for you? How does your home life feel right now? Do you feel able to assert yourself?
ICYMI: I’m available for natal chart consultations, transit readings, and other supportive offerings if you need them. 🙂↕️