Periodically, every planet (except the Sun and Moon) goes retrograde. The one we’re most familiar with is Mercury, which retrogrades three or four times a year. For approximately two months, every two years, Mars appears to spin backward through the sky.
When any planet goes retrograde, the energy of that planet is turned inward. You get a chance to re-think, re-evaluate, and revise. With Mars, this retrograde energy gives you a chance to get in touch with your deepest desires. Add Virgo’s focus on discrimination, self-analysis, and ability to blend body and spirit, and you get a rare opportunity to make serious changes for the better.
Mars is the planet of action, and about the least introspective planet in the zodiac. Mars is aggressive, passionate, and direct. During retrograde, this wild energy is internalized. You might feel nervous, irritable (Virgo), or a little paranoid. If you’re someone who makes quick decisions, you might hesitate instead of leaping into a new project. Good. If you usually hesitate, you could feel the need to leap. Don't. Impatience and aggression won't win under retrograde Mars.
Mars rules speed, sharp objects, weapons, and machinery. Everyone could become more accident-prone. Use caution around all machines. Be prepared to make a few repairs. Watch your fingers when chopping the salad. If you have to use or carry a gun, don’t let your guard down. Walk, bike, and drive defensively.
Virgo rules daily routines, work, health, and pets. Mars rules the head. You could catch a cold or the flu more easily. This is a great time to reassess your health and/or diet as long as you don't obsess about it or opt for a fad-of-the-moment. You might have to revise a project at work, or you could have second thoughts about something you’ve just started. Don’t. It’s fine to go ahead with projects. Virgo’s attention to detail is beneficial.
Mars retrograde teaches us to restrain our impulses. Anger management is key. The rules are reversed now, and he who punches first usually ends up losing the fight. Same goes for the picky, critical side of Virgo. Watch how you communicate, as well as what you say.
The signs/rising signs that might be affected most are Mars-ruled Aries, Scorpio, because of Mars’ influence as your ancient ruler, and the mutable signs of Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius, and Pisces.
The House position of Virgo in your horoscope chart shows where this transit is most likely to affect you.
First House – Self-image. This is a great time to check into confidence-boosting activities and education. Do something that scares you, even if it’s going to a horror movie alone. Taking little courageous actions can have long-lasting results.
Second House – Finances. Curb your spending. Try to put more money toward paying off a credit card or other debt. This is a good period to revise your budget and/or start repairing your credit, if needed.
The Second House is also about your personal values. This is a good time to reevaluate what means the most to you. If you aren’t living it or striving for it, now’s the time to make a change.
Third House – Communication. Dump the subscriptions to publications you never read. Revise your phone/cable/Internet budget and look for a better, more inexpensive package. Catch up on your reading, especially self-help, education, or nonfiction. Check your car, lawn mower, any “machines,” including your computer and printer. Keep your cool in traffic, or on public transportation. Mechanical delays can happen.
Fourth House – Home and Family. Don’t start a fight. Don’t yell at the kids. Be proactive about solving problems, but only after you’ve thought out a solution. Keep an open mind. You might sense that something’s brewing under the surface, but playing bad cop won’t get you anywhere. You might not find out what's going on until Mars goes direct in mid-April. Make repairs around the house and check all your security systems including smoke detectors and carbon dioxide monitors.
Fifth House – Creativity and Romance. This is a good time to relax at home instead of going out. Have fun with children, they’re feeling the pressure of this retrograde too.
Sixth House – Work and Health. It’s especially important to pay attention to your health and diet. Virgo rules the Sixth House, which increases the impact of Mars’s retrograde transit. Don’t get into battles at work. Use caution around any machinery on your job, including the copier.
Seventh House – Partnerships. It’s time to get whatever’s been bothering you out in the open. However, don’t fight, talk. You can solve old issues and lay groundwork for repairing rifts in any relationship. Be careful of passive/aggressive behavior in both you and the other person.
Eighth House – Marriage, Sex, and Inheritances. You might have sex on the brain and no one in your bed. Or you have a partner, but you’re not feeling the urge. Both cases are temporary. Watch joint finances with your partner or spouse. Pay attention to the fine print of any contracts. Don’t get obsessive about anything or anyone. Work on reducing your long-term debt.
Ninth House – Higher Learning, Philosophy, Religion. This is a good time to learn about other people’s belief systems. You might read an astrology book. You might be reluctant to discuss your feelings about any of these subjects. You could also question your personal belief system. It’s okay to question. That’s how you find the answers.
Tenth House – Career and Public Recognition. Reassess your business and make needed adjustments. You might second-guess yourself about a professional move or project. If you use Virgo’s analytical power to think it out, you’ll find the right solution. Now is not the time to jump ship. New ventures can work, if you make a plan and move slowly.
Eleventh House – Friends and Groups. You might feel like getting away from the crowd. This is a good time to reassess your personal goals. Are you on the right path? Are you walking it with the right people?
Twelfth House – Dreams, Subconscious, and Intuition. Meditate. Give yourself lots of “me” time. Solitude is beneficial and helps you to get in touch with your inner feelings.
