Are you feeling more irritated lately? Somewhat restless? Doubting your ability to make a difference and not knowing what you really want? Are you afraid your sex appeal may be about to disappear? Have no fear my friend, it is Mars going retrograde and messing things up more than usual. This time he is messing with our minds and that could be tricky. But, as always, there are some treasures to find for those ready to do some digging. Let´s take a look and see what we can find.
Mars: A Big Boy with a Big Attitude
Mars is the ruler of the sign of Aries, the first sign of the Zodiac. He steps out in life saying “Here I am”. To him it is natural that all he sees belongs to him, or at least he believes it should. For him it is no question that everyone loves and adores him, simply because he exists. That is a young child’s way of viewing the world. Seeing and understanding that childish attitude is a key to understanding the sign of Aries. But, just as the child has an innocent and unaware side that can be charming, so does Aries. What you see in Aires is what you get, plain and simple. If you try to change that, you will have a problem.
One example of this Mars/Aries energy may be the handsome, exotic, very masculine lover that sweeps you off your feet. He clearly states that he loves the hunt, the sex and the pleasure. If that´s what you want, he is all yours (for the moment). If you fall in love with him, and try to change him into something else he will say: “Well, that’s your problem. I am what I am.”
A deeper meaning of that is that we can´t domesticate the energy of Mars. He is raw power, desire, will, and passion.
How We Set Out for Getting What We Want
In the horoscope, Mars shows how people go after what they want, what strategy they use both in life and when they are hunting for a partner. If you are attracted to men, Mars in the horoscope can also show what kind of man turns you on.
Mars gets activated when we really want something. In the examples below we have when dating and trying to pick someone up. We also have the “cookie game” — when we really want that last cookie on the plate.
Mars in Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) shows how incredibly sexy and independent he is. Here Mars steps out from the crowd and demands attention. He makes an entrance that everyone notices, scans the room with sexy and fiery eyes. Mars in a fiery sign is not ashamed of what he wants and he shows it.
If someone asks “Who want´s the last cookie?” He will immediately say “I do!” and grab it before anyone else. Why wouldn’t he?
Mars in Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) works with emotions, making the person he is after feel safe and cared for. Placing himself close, ready to make a move when the feeling is right. He will be the gentleman who asks if you are freezing and give you his coat. Will casually stroke your shoulder or hand and signal that he is emotionally available (for now.)
If there is only one cookie left on the plate, he would stay close to it and with teared eyes let everyone see and feel how much he wants that cookie. And make them feel very bad, even ashamed, for not giving it to him.
Mars in Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) will show you how clever and intelligent he is. Starting conversations saying things that: “Did you know that…” Or “I have read that…” He will also try to make you laugh, teasing you and stimulating your intellect.
When it comes to the cookie, Mars in Air starts a debate about the cookie and who deserves it most. (him of course). If the others don´t agree it must at least be divided into pieces to be fair.
Mars in Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) will try to impress you with what he has and owns. An expensive watch that he flashes. Picking you up in a nice car. Showing off his well-trained body and trying to be close, signalling to everyone around that, this is my date!
In the cookie game he will position himself very, very close to the cookie. Perhaps touching it so that it becomes his. Or even eating it and saying: “What? I did not know that there was a discussion about the cookies? I thought it was mine so I ate it up!”
Mars in Retrograde
Right now Mars has started to go retrograde. That means from our perspective the planet looks like it is going backward. When a planet goes into retrograde the energy from the planet becomes introverted. This is complex for Mars who in himself is such an outgoing extrovert energy. In the examples above we looked at how Mars expresses himself naturally in the elements when we want something, but also how we feel potent and ready to take on life. In the retrograde period we can feel that our natural “Mars superpower” doesn’t really work anymore. That can make us feel anything from weakened to a bit depressed. It can therefore be a good idea to look up your natal Mars and see what element it is placed in.
Mars in fiery signs, doesn’t feel sexy anymore and people do not seem to give him any attention. Mars in water isn’t comfortable with being close to the people he loves, or they irritate him for some reason. He may also feel forgotten by his loved ones and become sulky. Mars in air gets into arguments over small things and feels stupid, and Mars in earth feels sick, poor and old.
As you may have discovered, a healthy well-working Mars gives us confidence, power, and a sexiness in the world. When he is unwell or blocked we are in danger of getting stuck in victim mentality.
The Greater Danger of Feeling Impotent
As I mentioned above a Mars that is blocked, like during the retrograde, can make us feel impotent and weak. The danger of that is it can lead to overcompensation. “I´m going to show them that I am not weak” and that can lead to cruelty towards others and even violence. Or, “I’m going to show them that I’m not poor” can lead to overspending and risking your economy. There is also a risk that more domestic violence may occur, that we find out about more shootings and accidents.
On a personal level we can also be more sensitive, easily irritated, and upset. Things and people can from our perspective “be in our way” and it may feel like there are a lot of blockages and hindrances popping up everywhere. Working with spirits and energies for themes like “Peace”, “Road opening”, “Home blessing” and “Loving Communication” can be great. The opposite sign where Aries can find balance is Libra, ruled by Venus.
Mars begun his retrograde phase 30th of October 2022 and will go direct again 12th of January 2023
Mars in Gemini
Mars usually stays in a sign for about two months. Now, with this retrograde period included Mars will be in the sign of Gemini for about seven months. Mars in Gemini likes to debate. On the bright side he is curious and likes a good mental battle and solving a mystery, especially if there’s a price involved. On the darker side he can become argumentative and mentally restless. The energy can create mind games (Gemini) that are harmful and potentially dangerous (Mars). On a collective plane it is good to look out for harmful games and plays on the internet and social media. The tone on the world arena will be harder and conflicts may become more intense. But, we do good to remember that Gemini is more about talks and scary debates than actual physical actions. It is good to be mentally kind to oneself and others.
Mars is in the sign of Gemini from 20th of August 2022 until 25th of March 2023
Mars, Phobias and Depression
Mars has two moons, named after two of his sons. Phobos (fear, panic) and Deimos (dread, terror). A transiting Mars can trigger phobias or make us deal with the things we fear. Mars can also trigger things that have been lurking in the deep for a long time. Now when Mars is going retrograde it can be old fears showing up again. If this happens, be kind to yourself and know this doesn’t mean that it will be the same way as before. It can mean you are dealing with it on a new level. Mars has a clearing energy to it taking things out in the open so they can be dealt with and removed. Mars (will, power, movement) is in a sense serving the Sun (me, I), helping us become more authentic and able to shine. If you or someone close to you has a history of dealing with phobias or depression, don´t hesitate to ask for help if needed.
Other Things Going On:
On the 8th of November we have a strong Total Lunar Eclipse. Venus, the Sun, Mercury and the South Node in Scorpio is making an opposition to the North Node, the Moon, and Uranus in Taurus, squaring Saturn in Aquarius. This will be a strong and very physical (Taurus) full moon with a lot of tension and possibility for transformation (Scorpio).
I am happy we also have a lot of water present during the full moon. Venus, the Sun, Mercury in Scorpio is in a big trine (good aspect) to Pallas Athena (wisdom) and Lilith Black Moon in Cancer (motherhood, family) and Neptune (kindness) and Jupiter (expansion, hope) in Pisces (spirit, hope).
This is perfect for meditating and doing ceremony with water. Bringing in and pouring onto the earth healing waters of Kindness, Hope, Healing, Forgiveness, Peace, and Awareness.
Summary:
There is a tough passage coming with Mars retrograde in the sign of Gemini, especially because it happens during the holidays as well. Many people will have a difficult time trying to be kind. It will be extra important to take a moment to breathe before taking action. To keep up spiritual hygiene practices and to clear and clean oneself, the home, and other spaces, since it is easy to pick up heavy and angry energy. Being dedicated in doing your meditations and remembering your magickal training will help you a lot and radiate good energy to others. As magickal people and healers there’s always something we can do by anchoring healing, kindness, and common sense in a chaotic world. This too shall eventually pass and by then perhaps we will all more appreciate our own Mars superpowers.
Blessed Be!
Karin Spirit Talker Turtle Red
Karin Ugander (Spirit Talker Turtle Red) is a spiritual channeler living in the south of Sweden. In Scandinavia she is known for the AstroNumerology and psychic readings she’s been doing for over 20 years. Together with her husband Niklas, she runs KaniSkolan, a school of astrology, numerology, tarot, StarCode Healing, and natural medicine. They are also the founders of Alven Inner Ring tradition, a Scandinavian mystery school with roots in shamanism and magick. Karin loves to create magickal oils, flower essences and sigils she combines in her “Karin Victoria” sigil candles and flower sprays. In her spare time she likes to travel, walk in the forest with her dog, and spend time by the ocean. Karin is an ordained high priestess and graduate of the Temple of Witchcraft’s seminary program. Her work can be found on Instagram @flowerpowerwitch and @karinuganderofficial and she can be reached at [email protected].