Welcome to Mars Retrograde 2024: Walkthrough & Survival Guide!
Hi, dear reader! Buckle up because after over 2 years, the rare and infamous Mars Retrograde is upon us once more! It’s time to pause, reflect, and yes, survive! If this isn’t your first rodeo and you’re familiar with this already, click HERE, to jump straight to the forecasts.
But if you’re new to the retrograde chaos (or just want a refresher),
mag MARS RETROGRADE 101, muna tayo!
What is Mars, and What Does It Represent?
Astronomically, Mars is the 4th planet from the Sun, the next one right after our own Earth. Known as the “Red Planet” due to its iron-rich surface and distinctive reddish hue, it has long captured human curiosity.
In astrology, Mars represents energy, action, and drive—the fiery force that keeps us moving forward. But it’s also the planet of anger, conflict, and impulsive decisions you wish you could take back (3 AM texts you shouldn’t have sent, for example 😅).
MARS keywords:
Drive ★ Motivation ★ Anger ★ Passion ★ Impulses ★ Physical Energy ★ Conflict Resolution ★ Drive ★ Courage ★ Motivation ★ Will ★ Initiative ★ Passion ★ Rage ★ Work-Persona ★ Forward-Movement ★Physical Assertion ★ Assertiveness ★ Aggression ★ Primal Desires ★ Sexual drive and style ★ Impulses ★ Survival Instincts ★ Surgeries ★ Violence
In natal astrology, Mars reveals your physical drive, and how you assert yourself. Are you slow and steady like Mars in Taurus, or fast and furious like Mars in Aries? Maybe your Mars is in Leo, and pride is your Achilles’ heel—you won’t apologize unless the other person does first!
Where Mars sits in your birth chart says a lot about your energy, temperament, and what gets you fired up (in all senses of the phrase).
What Does It Mean When a Planet turns RETROGRADE?
Think of it like this: You’re driving on a highway and overtaking a slower car. As you pass, it seems like the other car is moving backward—but it’s not. This is exactly what happens during Mars retrograde. Earth, moving in its faster orbit, overtakes Mars, creating the illusion that Mars is moving backward in the sky.
When this happens, Mars’s energy doesn’t stop—since this is the closest point of contact of Mars and the Earth, its energy intensifies. Picture Mars’s themes of action, anger, and motivation going into overdrive, until it shuts off from too much energy. Instead of a steady forward progress, you might experience delays, frustrations, or sudden emotional flare-ups. The energy would feel like you are driving with handbrakes on, trying to move ahead, while the universe insists you slow down and recalibrate.
Typically, Mars Retrograde influences one zodiac sign, amplifying its traits and creating challenges in areas ruled by that sign. However, this time, the retrograde spans Leo, the bold, expressive sign of individuality and leadership, and Cancer, the nurturing, emotionally-driven sign of home and family. These signs could not be more different, representing a sharp contrast between the fiery need to shine and the watery desire to retreat and protect.
The Leo Phase (December 6 – January 3)
When Mars retrogrades through Leo, it brings intense focus to themes of self-expression, creativity, leadership, and recognition. However, retrograde energy means this focus could manifest as challenges in these areas:
- Delays in creative projects: Plans to take center stage might face unexpected obstacles.
- Conflict in leadership roles: Misunderstandings or struggles with authority could arise.
- Reevaluation of personal pride and confidence: This is a time to reflect on what truly drives your ambitions and how you present yourself.
The Cancer Phase (January 3 – February 23)
As Mars moves backward into Cancer, the energy shifts dramatically toward emotional matters, home life, and personal security.
- Family dynamics may be tested: Old family issues or conflicts may resurface for resolution.
- Emotional energy might feel scattered: Mars in Cancer can amplify feelings of frustration or sensitivity, making it harder to maintain emotional balance.
- Focus on domestic life: Challenges related to your living situation or relationships within the home could take center stage.
How Will It Affect You?
Mars Retrograde pushes us to rethink how we handle challenges and pursue our goals. Are you hesitating when you need to assert yourself, or are you rushing into situations without considering the consequences? Marerecognize mo ngayon, where your frustrations or reactions are derailing you and how you can redirect your energy more effectively. It’s a time to ask: Are your actions purposeful, or are they driven by ego or impatience?
While everyone will feel this energy in life areas affected by Mars, the signs most affected are those with planets and points from 0°-6° of FIXED Signs (TAURUS, LEO, SCORPIO, AQUARIUS) and 16°-29° of the CARDINAL SIGNS (ARIES, CANCER, LIBRA, CAPRICORN).
Wag ka kabahan, just remember: You’ve been through this before. The last Mars Retrograde was October 30, 2022 – January 12, 2023. Look back on that time. What lessons did you learn? How can you use them now?
For precision, there is no substitute for a thorough personal reading from a competent Astrologer (you need your birth date, exact birth time and birth place for that).
Pero kahit wala ‘yon, knowing the general energies at play are still more than helpful. Kumbaga, may partida ka, iwas pusoy. Yung sobrang galit, magiging tampo nalang, yung hiwalayan for good, pwedeng cool off nalang muna.
Magtataka si crush kung bakit lahat mainit ulo… except you!
Instead of worrying (yes, Virgo, yes, Cancer, I’m looking at you both), i-save ang energy sa planning. ‘Di ba nga, the best defense is a good offense?
Game na, just sit back, relax, and let Filstrology break it down for you!
For better accuracy, click on your Rising sign (Ascendant) first, and then your Sun sign. Good Luck and Enjoy!
FILSTROLOGY 