Mars Retrograde in Leo and Cancer: Reevaluate Goals

December 1, 2024

From December 2024 to February 2025, Mars will enter a retrograde phase, moving through the fiery sign of Leo and the emotional waters of Cancer. This period awakens deep emotions, stimulates creative thinking, and challenges our approaches to action, organization, and personal goals.

Mars Retrograde Timeline

Mars begins its retrograde journey at 06°10' Leo on December 6, 2024. Here's the complete timeline:

• October 4, 2024: Mars enters the Retrograde Zone at 17°01’ Cancer
• December 6, 2024 - Mars stations and turns retrograde at 6°10’ Leo
• February 23, 2025: Mars stations and turns direct at 17°01’ Cancer
• May 2, 2025: Mars leaves the Retrograde Zone at 6°10’ Leo

What Does Mars Retrograde Mean?

Mars, the planet of action, energy, and will, governs our activity, impulsiveness, courage, aggression, and areas such as sports, competition, leadership, engineering, and surgery.

In Leo, Mars brings vitality, creativity, and a desire for recognition. This fire sign rules over determination, self-expression, hobbies, creativity, entertainment, and romance. When Mars transits Leo, there’s a heightened need for attention and validation, often drawing focus toward creative endeavors, leisure, or romantic pursuits. During its retrograde phase, however, this energy becomes introspective, inviting us to rethink how we seek recognition and approval. Expect heightened sensitivity to criticism, dramatic reactions to setbacks, and challenges to your confidence, as Leo’s flair for pride and occasional arrogance may come into play during this introspective phase.

In Cancer, Mars enters a more introspective space. Cancer, a cardinal water sign, is connected to emotions, nurturing, family, intuition, and the past. Mars in Cancer, being in its "fall," struggles to express its usual assertive energy, often leading to indirect or suppressed actions. During retrograde, emotional intensity may increase, prompting a need to revisit past emotional wounds, nurture yourself, and address unresolved family dynamics. This is a time to focus on building inner security and understanding your emotional needs.

Understanding Retrograde Motion

Retrograde motion is an optical illusion that occurs from Earth’s perspective. As planets move against the backdrop of fixed stars, they sometimes appear to reverse their course and move backward through the sky. However, this "backward" motion is purely a matter of perspective.

The red planet goes retrograde approximately once every two years. It tends to have the strongest impact on individuals with a prominent Mars in their natal chart—especially those with Mars near the Ascendant, Midheaven, or in the signs Aries, Scorpio, or Capricorn. This period can slow down our usual momentum, intensifying tensions and prompting a need for reflection and course correction.

During Mars retrograde, the planet's outward-directed energy turns inward, which can temporarily reduce our drive for action and instead spark introspection. You may find yourself:

• Rethinking past decisions and goals
• Revisiting unfinished tasks
• Revising long-held plans
• Delayed progress or obstacles

How to Use Mars Retrograde Energy?

Exploring Your Natal Chart

When Mars is retrograde, its focused energy shifts inward. Depending on the house it occupies in your natal chart, this transit reveals the area of your life where you may feel frustration or pent-up anger. This is where hidden potential lies, urging you to take action and make necessary changes.

Mars retrograde is not a time for impulsive decisions or quick action; rather, it’s a period to reflect on where you've been, reassess your goals, and revise plans for a more aligned future. This time can be powerful for revisiting long-neglected projects, letting go of old baggage, and regaining momentum for your personal growth.

Navigating Mars Retrograde

Mars retrograde presents a unique opportunity for personal growth, transforming potential challenges into meaningful development experiences. During this period, it's important to slow down and reflect, allowing time for introspection and reevaluation.

What to do:

• Review and refine old or abandoned projects
• Reflect on both personal and professional goals
• Complete unfinished tasks to create closure
• Reevaluate past decisions and their outcomes
• Take time for rest and relaxation to recharge

What to Avoid:

• Launching new initiatives or starting fresh projects
• Engaging in speculative investments or risky financial ventures
• Starting confrontational or heated interactions
• Purchasing major items, such as cars or home appliances
• Accepting a new job offer or making career changes
• Taking spontaneous trips or making travel plans

Mars retrograde is a time for reflection, reworking, and refinement. Use this period to reconnect with your inner drive, reevaluate your goals, and redirect your energy in more meaningful ways. By embracing the retrograde energy, you can turn frustration into motivation, resolve past tensions, and emerge from this phase with renewed clarity and purpose.

Sources:

Photo: NASA