Mars Retrograde

January 24, to April 13, 2012

January 24, 2012, Mars will turn retrograde. This means that Mars will appear to go backwards in the sky for about two and a half months. During this time Mars is exceedingly strong. Its energy will be overflowing in the heavens, stimulating a strong impulse toward ambitious action, taking initiative, physical activity, and the expression of occasional anger.

One of the interesting features of this event is that it causes Mars to remain in one sign for a very long period of time. Normally, Mars moves through a sign in a couple of months. In this case, however, Mars remains in Leo for nearly 8 Months, entering on October 30, 2011 and finally leaving on June 20, 2012. This will affect the Leo's among us by making them even more fiery and assertive than usual. The rest of us will also be affected in specific positive or negative ways, based the house Mars transits in our individual charts.

The good news is that Mars will also receive the aspect of Jupiter for nearly all of that period, making this transit in Leo relatively benign in its effect. During its retrograde period, Mars can still stimulate conflict however, so it is a good time to tread softly in interpersonal relationships. On the global level, military conflicts often start or are exacerbated by the retrograde motion of Mars.
On the positive side, the period of retrograde Mars is a good time to do anything to improve or transform things related to Mars. For example, it is a good time to do yoga, physical therapy, Tai Chi, body work, or any other healing activity that gets energy moving through the body. It is also a good time to repair technical or mechanical objects or projects.

During its retrograde phase, Mars will also be transiting in the Nakshatras of Uttara Phalguni and Purva Phalguni. Both of these nakshatras are related to wealth. This period is a good time for rethinking and refining your investment portfolio or for generally modifying and improving your approach to earning or investing money.

In general, Mars' retrograde period should not be a big deal, but if you feel that Mars is causing some kind of aggravation in your life during this period, you can try chanting the Mantra to Mars. Om Hreem Mangalaya Namah. Or you can listen to the Mantra for Mars on the 9 planets Mantra CD or on your Ipod. Click here for the 9 planets Mantra CD

The following is an interpretation of what Mars' retrograde period might signify in your own horosocpe.  Remember to read the birthdates carefully because the Vedic zodiac is different from the one you read in the newspaper.  You can also ready your Vedic Moon and Rising signs if you know them.

Vedic Sun Signs
 
Apr 14 - May 14 (Aries)   This is a good time to do some work on yourself, physically or emotionally. For example, it would be a great time to work on athletic skills, or to take a yoga class. It is also a good time to put some transformative attention on your children or on your romantic life.
 
May 15 - Jun 14 (Taurus)  This period is favors travel as well as changes of residence to a distant place. This is also a good time for house cleaning or remodeling.   It can sometimes bring up anger or feistiness in relationships, but it is good for promoting the ambitious energy of your partners.
 
Jun 15 - Jul 15 (Gemini)    During this period Mars is passing through your house of communication, short journeys and siblings. You may have a tendency to be outspoken or more aggressive in the way you communicate during this period. This is a good time to practice patience in communication. It is also a good time to practice patience with siblings and during short outings in the car. Go slowly, take a deep breath.
 
Jul 16 - Aug 16 (Cancer) This period may promote your ambitious pursuits, but it may also create expenditures.   It is good for earning money and spending money. It can be slightly aggravating with regards to children.
 
Aug 17 - Sep 16 (Leo) This is a good time to put yourself out there and be assertive. It favors travel, education and most ambitious projects.   It has a tendency towards unexpected flare-ups of erratic energy in the home and for the car, so takes it easy while driving.
 
Sep 17 - Oct 16 (Virgo) this period is good for the practice of yoga, introspection, reflection, hiking, or any other inward activity, especially those that involve the use of the body. It is also a good time for changing or transforming your residence.
 
Oct 17 - Nov 15 (Libra)  This period promotes your ambitious plans and is a good time for making headway on projects or in your work. It is a good time for promoting your relationships, both romantic and friendship. It also tends to produce expenditure and erratic dietary habits.
 
Nov-16- Dec 15 (Scorpio) During this period your energy may be focused on your work. You might find yourself urgently or obsessively involved in your ambitious plans.    Try not to over extend yourself and avoid being too controlling or assertive. This is a great time to review projects or fix problems with work that you have done in the past.
 
Dec 16 - Jan 13 (Sagittarius)   Mars is transiting your 9th house. This is a good time to review and/or edit educational situations either for yourself or your children. It is a good time for travelling to places you have visited in the past, but it is slightly accident prone for travel also, so go slowly and don’t take physical risks. For example, if you are planning a ski vacation, I would avoid the really steep slopes. 
 
Jan 14 - Feb 12 (Capricorn)   This is a good time to make changes for your home or environment. This can include minor changes such as new furniture or bigger changes such as remodels within the home.   It could even represent change of residence. This is also a time that may make you a little obsessed with projects or ambitious plans.   
 
 
Feb 13 - Mar 13 (Aquarius) During this period you may be more assertive and active.   In fact you might be overflowing with ambitious energy. Although this can be good for achieving your practical plans, it might be a little edgy for relationships. You might experience some occasional flare-ups of discord with your partners, spouses or friends. So take it easy.  
 
Mar 14 - Apr 13 (Pisces)    This period is good for finances and career activities, but it can also create expenditure. Avoid running up credit card debt.   It is a good time to review your diet and make needed changes.