A retrograde planet is doing something out of the usual ordered pattern and so it can act as an unpredictable force let loose.
Our Solar star, the Sun, is the life giving centre for our corner of the cosmos and at this time of year the Solar energy is transmitted through the sign of Aries. The Sun is blessed (in it’s exaltation) in this fire sign nearly as much as when it’s in it’s own fire sign, Leo. This time of year also has the force of Mars behind it, as ruler of Aries. Mars represents the potent primal drive in life and we see it strongly expressed as the vital energy of Spring. The main theme for this month has an emphatic Mars right up front, taking the lead in planetary events. Our “red planet” is currently in another fire sign, Sagittarius which also gives some extra thrust to an already feisty mode of expression. After the last few weeks of change, redirection and anti-climax all this assertive energy can have us impatient to make progress.
Trouble might be looming if we fail to take care as this next phase could bring further hindrance when all that fully charged up Martian drive goes into reverse mid month on the 17th. This current retrograde period for Mars will echo a similar one of fifteen years ago when his retrograde was also in Sagittarius. If that was a year of significant change or re-routing for you, then this year may have some similar trends in store. In general, the apparent backwards motion of Mars is a time when trying to push forward in an obvious, direct or dynamic way proves unproductive. A retrograde planet is doing something out of the usual ordered pattern and so it can act as an unpredictable force let loose. Energy is hard to harness, initiatives seem slow to complete and the use of force yields little of the desired result. This retrograde lasts until the end of June and doesn’t clear fully until Mars regains it’s original ground in mid August.
This is a more internalised Mars than usual which is why it could become a virtual powder keg, ready to be set off when antagonised. Be careful not to let the frustration build up. Be aware of any anger that is being suppressed. Put your attention on finding ways to redirect your vitality into positive and self supporting initiatives. The power of this transit is best used for subjective or personal work. A lot can be achieved during a Mars retrograde phase. Get the basic needs of life in order. Recognise where you have an excess of energy or an abundance of something in your life and utilise it to overcome any sense of lack you have experienced.
Take notice of where Mars is in your own birth chart, if you know, and use these next weeks to better understand your personal way of expressing desires, your goals and how you achieve them. This is the best time to adjust the way that you dissipate or dilute your physical energy so it can be more productive for you in the future. You may feel the effect of this phase more strongly if you have your Sun or Moon in Aries or Scorpio or have either of those signs rising. Also, if Mars is combined with a personal planet or critical angle it will energise that area of your chart in particular.
The New Moon and Full Moon this month also support working with the Mars energy as they both occur in Mars ruled signs. The New Moon on 7th April falls on the most powerful degree for the Sun in Aries, so it’s especially potent for setting out new intentions for personal goals in preparation for the Mars retrograde period. The Full Moon in Scorpio on the 22nd is a time when any pent up emotions could find forceful expression. If you experience some uncontrolled release or passionate outburst take it as a signal that some part of your life needs attention. Allow any unexpected changes to serve as an opportunity to head in a new direction and make it become something positive in your life.