Mars Retrograde

Imagine driving a cross-country trip in reverse gear. That’s pretty much the scenario for successfully coping with Mars in retrograde motion from Nov 15, 2007 through Jan 30, 2008 in Cancer and Gemini. You can certainly make progress and get there, but the perspective, speed and attitude will require major adjustment!

f.y.i. A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backward in its orbit through the zodiac. The cycle of Mars turns retrograde every 26 months for about 2½ months.

Mars represents our assertive, masculine and aggressive urges and how we express them. It also symbolizes how we initiate in our lives and manifest our leadership and our physical energy. As such, it’s plain to see why Mars would not be too happy with an enforced slowdown. In a global sense, people and countries can feel pushed to inappropriately defend themselves, with sorry consequences for all.

During this time, it’s common for old anger issues to resurface and get our attention. Where have we held in anger or resentment toward a person or situation that’s still fermenting inside us and affecting our own well-being? Years ago, I was furious with an injustice that someone had inflicted on me and I stayed up all night upset and raging. Suddenly, early in the morning, I realized that the other person was probably sleeping soundly while I was tormenting myself!

Assertive Mars is not thrilled to travel in watery Cancer emotional territory even in direct motion. So, on a rough day, the retrograde effect can simulate chalk-on-a-blackboard. Cancer has to do with our sense of security, family, home and territory. If we perceive that any of that is threatened, it’s tempting to overreact. Mars is heat and Cancer is water. Boiling water can either scald or cook delicious food.

Rules of the Retrograde Road

What NOT to do:

Try not to initiate new ventures.

Avoid purchasing anything major mechanical.

Aggressive actions backfire.

Don’t initiate any lawsuits.

Whoever fires first loses.

If you push too hard, you’ll get pushed back.

Watch for old behavior patterns to re-emerge.

Make the best of this time:

If you have to buy something major that’s mechanical, insure or warrantee it.

Use this time to assess and plan.

Pilot test and use feedback.

Research now will really pay off later.

Evaluate emotional wants and needs.

Eliminate habits that result in dissipation.

Find ways to balance over-aggressive behavior.

Find ways to balance passive/aggressive behavior.

If you must be involved in a lawsuit, aggravate the other party so they litigate first.

Get to the bottom of family issues and release them.

See what stresses you and eliminate it.

Exercise moderately and consistently.

Yoga or meditation help.

Practice patience.

Come to peace with the past.

Be nice to yourself.

We can use this time to discover what is really important to us and learn to express our energy in healthy assertive ways. After all, we are the fortunate ones. We have the greatest resources to cope with this time – awareness and willingness to do things differently. Besides, we’re entering into Holiday time and we deserve a break.