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tillness is the remedy your soul craves from December 6, 2024, to February 23/24, 2025. Guided by Mars retrograde, you are entering deepened states of presence – retracing your steps, reflecting on past actions, and uncovering their impact. Mars, the cosmic warrior, governs your momentum, determination, and heroism, acting as the celestial embodiment of your defensive instincts and capacity to pursue your desires. Yet, as Mars retreats through the zodiac, it brings discomfort, resistance, and moments of frustration. When progress stalls, the universe invites you to pause and observe your true motivations as you navigate lessons on patience and face the consequences of carelessness.

The Spiritual Meaning Of Mars Retrograde

Mars retrograde begins in proud and dignified Leo, carrying you through a humbling chapter of self-evaluation. Bring intention and awareness to the deeper emotions that fuel your instincts. If you are actions are heart-centered, they will reflect authenticity. However, if swayed by your ego, they may appear performative in hindsight. Dramatic, defensive, or arrogant reactions are brought into focus as the universe offers an opportunity to adjust your behavior and correct your course. A new approach to conflict will emerge as you explore the best way to assert yourself without dramatizing your circumstances.

From January 6, 2025, Mars retrograde breaches protective Cancer, activating a new dynamic to this two-part cycle. Mars asks: Are you acting with caution, or are you paralyzed by unrealized fears? The universe shines a light on shyness or self-doubt that causes you to side-step your way through life. Indirectness, passive aggression, and resistance to discomfort will hinder your growth and success more than any mistake you could ever make. Embrace this sacred invitation to tune into the deeper wounds that linger beneath your surface – those that sap your courage and strip you of your innate heroism.

Read on, using your rising sign, for more guidance on how you will experience this upcoming season. Don’t know what your rising sign is? Click here to find out.

Aries

Mars retrograde tames your wildfire spirit, slowing your stride in your artistic process and matters of the heart. Any delays in your dating life are a sign to take your time, rediscover where your passions lie, and nurture your emotional foundation. Reflect on whether you’ve settled for people or experiences that do not satisfy you at deeper levels. Consider whether you're courageously expressing your heart's desires. You’ll discover what truly ignites your spirit as you retrace your steps back into your childhood. Surrender to stillness — it is here that you will unravel the fears that inspire your reckless ambition and explosive impulsion.

Taurus

Unresolved emotions tied to family, heritage, or home life are brought to the surface during Mars retrograde. Tense dynamics or dramatic shifts may challenge you to confront the parts of yourself you often keep hidden. Patience is your guide as you untangle unresolved feelings that have deep roots in the past. Are you avoiding honest conversations about your physical and emotional needs? By the retrograde’s end, you’ll recognize the cost of silence and learn to approach vulnerability with courage, transforming your home and closest relationships into a sanctuary of authenticity.

Gemini

Heated conversations and defensive reactions intensify during Mars retrograde, urging you to refine how you express yourself. Speak from the heart rather than from a place of pride or reactivity, and carefully select words that foster understanding rather than conflict. As the focus shifts to your financial stagnation, Mars retrograde invites you to reassess your values. Remember, you don’t get what you aren’t courageous enough to ask for. Reconsider what a comfortable, secure, and nourishing life looks like. Examine how fear causes you to settle for less than you deserve.

Cancer

Mars retrograde brings stillness to your financial realm, offering a chance to restrategize ways of improving your material circumstances. When setbacks destabilize you, avoid impulsive or extravagant expenses. Notice the intricate connection between your self-worth and drive. Are you motivated by self-love or a deep-seated yearning for external validation? Evaluate whether you harbor the strength to assert yourself without over-personalizing feedback and interpreting it as an attack.

Leo

You may feel caged, stagnant, or unmotivated during Mars retrograde. Use this moment of pause to examine the authenticity of your intentions. Are you chasing recognition or following your heart? As Mars retreats into sensitive Cancer, your introspection deepens, drawing you into the hidden corners of your subconscious. Acknowledge the shame that lingers beneath your surface, preventing you from openly expressing your desires. Acknowledging these roots will free you from unconscious motivations that manifest destructively. True fulfillment emerges when you are courageous enough to pursue your goals with assertion.

Virgo

Hidden fears and patterns of self-sabotage are unearthed during Mars retrograde, revealing how passivity has hindered your dreams. Through solitude, you are rebuilding the courage to assert yourself or assume a position of leadership and authority. Untangle your conflicting internal dialogue that paralyzes you. Release the instinct to humble or criticize yourself and meet your anger or frustrations with compassion, and you will develop confidence. Tense group dynamics will pressure you to review your alliances. Correct your reactive behavior that has harmed your genuine friendships and observe who does (and does not) support you.

Libra

A lack of selfishness toward your manifestations and dreams will loop you into group endeavors that do not align with your desires. Slow your stride to strengthen your individuality. This life is yours. Pursue a fulfilling direction, even if it carries you away from communities and friends that aren't aligned. Projects may stall, and you could face tense dynamics in your social life during Mars retrograde. But as you reflect on the emotional satisfaction you gain from maintaining a pristine reputation, you’ll realize that pleasing others has cost you your autonomy. Reflect on how you can act in your best interest.

Scorpio

Temper your ambitions and bring your focus to your motivations. Are you stirred by passion and a desire to make yourself proud? Or has your career direction become divorced from a higher purpose? Analyzing your behavior and pursuit of status, approval, or achievement will allow you to redefine success and connect with authentic aspirations. Mars’ retreat through security-driven Cancer signifies a spiritual recalibration. Opportunities emerge to address your vulnerability when your beliefs or ideas are counteracted. Release the underlying need to control other people’s perspectives through the force of your intuition or judgment.

Sagittarius

Taming your thirst for adventure, Mars retrograde calls for introspection over expansion. Turn your focus inward. Rather than fixating on other people's inconsistencies or the disconnect between their beliefs and actions, consider whether you are staying true to your principles. Ideological friction may arise. Avoid clinging to your viewpoint to appear right, knowledgeable, and wise. Question your convictions. This will be the gateway to a profound realization that facilitates uncomfortable transformation and emotional healing. Life cannot progress until you address your unresolved feelings toward your past and release the experiences that have emotionally wounded you.

Capricorn

Financial disputes, delays, or contractual disagreements are unveiling your relationship with the intimacy and exposure of sharing. Money-related matters are springing to the surface. However, the deeper message of Mars retrograde draws your awareness to hidden feelings of pride, distrust, or shame. Consider how these emotions fuel your subconscious behavior. Avoid impulsions that destabilize your material or relational security. Your vulnerability and fears are surfacing, revealing patterns you have developed that prevent others from understanding your needs or connecting with you. Unresolved conflicts are an opportunity to cultivate emotional safety with your partners.

Aquarius

Conflict in your relationships will spotlight subconscious desires to control how others perceive you. Take a step back, and you’ll realize missed opportunities to build a mutual understanding. Face the truth of your desires to discover openings to relay the terms of your commitments. Stress or exhaustion isn’t the true problem you’re facing but a manifestation of a deeper issue. As you acknowledge your work dissatisfaction, health, and routine, you must also consider whether you're resisting change. The most courageous self-questioning will transform your life: How are you allowing your discomfort to continue?

Pisces

When motivated by results over the feeling of alignment, you’ll follow an inauthentic rhythm and routine. Bring your awareness to your work and wellness habits, focusing on what your body needs rather than what your mind wants. This stagnant chapter is essential to protect your health; don’t push forward or take risks. Familiarize yourself with passive or avoidant patterns that envelop your desire for comfort, connection, or softness in a veil of denial. By honoring your wants and re-exploring old hobbies and interests, you’ll regain strength.

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