MARS RETROGRADE and what it means for you

Mars retrogrades every 2 years and yup it's that time again. Oh how time fly's! Mars entered Virgo on November 10th and will be retrograde from January 23 - April 14. So what does that mean for us mere mortals?

First let me introduce you to Mars officially. If this was a planet dating service I would describe Mars as determined, impatient, a 'mover and a shaker', driven and confident. What a catch! Mars is also the planet of sex and war. Whit wheel! Seriously though, when Mars visits an area of your chart, it boosts confidence and gives you the drive to move things forward. Mars is the ruler of Aries and the co-ruler of Scorpio. These two signs will be most affected by the Mars retrograde.

Sometimes retrogrades get a bad rap because there can be an element of delay but keep in mind that slowing down can be a good thing. After all we aren't always aware of the bigger picture so sometimes it's best to trust that everything is in perfect order. Before I let you know how Mars retro will affect your sign specifically keep the following in mind.

Some ways in which you can best utilize the Mars retro energy or how it might manifest itself.

• Re-connect, Re -discover
• Re-view, Re-think, Re-vamp
• Re-do, Re-enforce
• Memories of the past/how the past is affecting you now
• "Delays"
• Taking care of details
• Slowing down - more inward, introspective energy
• Don't initiate new things - chill
• You might look at how you manage anger, self-motivation and other Mars qualities 
• You could even review your health as Mars is in Virgo

Basically put a 're' at the start of any word  and you're on the right track ;) So as you can see not so scary, right? 

Here's the area of your chart Mars will directly effect:

• Aries - 6th House: Work and Daily Routines. Keywords: Every day life, daily health, your working environment (day job, which may not be your career), your habits, skills, pets, hygiene and sanitation.

• Taurus - 5th House: Creativity and Children. Keywords: Creativity, love affairs, artistic projects/pursuits, creative self expression, hobbies, self fulfillment, pleasures.

• Gemini - 4th House: Home and Family. Keywords: Property, residence, your private life, domestic life, roots/family origin.

• Cancer - 10th House: Career. Keywords: Long range goals and life direction, ambition, business life, career, occupation, status, public life and your standing in it, fame.

• Leo - 2nd House: Money. Keywords: Your own resources, money that you earn, what you value and desire (be it money or personal self esteem), your priorities.

• Virgo - It's in your sign so for you it's about how you use your energy, looking at your personal goals, exploring your true motivations, your interactions, what do your really want?, what are your authentic desires?

• Libra - 7th House: Relationships. Keywords: Partnerships (one on one business or personal), marriages or divorces, long-term associations, agreements/legal contracts, open enemies.

• Scorpio - 11th House: Relationships with friends and Groups. Keywords: Alliances, hopes, dreams and wishes, money from employer, finances of employer, spheres of influence, memberships, social acquaintances.

• Sagittarius - 10th House: Career. Keywords: Long range goals and life direction, ambition, business life, career, occupation, status, public life and your standing in it, fame. 

• Capricorn - 4th House: Home and Family. Keywords: Property, residence, your private life, domestic life,  your father, roots/family of origin. 

• Aquarius - 8th House: Shared Money Sector. Keywords: Support you receive from other people, wealth of partner or spouse, other people's money, spirituality, sex, transformation, Inheritance, taxes.

• Pisces - 7th House: Relationships. Keywords: Partnerships (one on one business or personal), marriages or divorce, long-term associations, agreements/legal contracts, open enemies.

Example: I'm a Scorpio so for me having Mars retro in my 11th house of friends and groups could mean that I review the groups that I belong to. Do they still fit with who I am today? Do they still serve my purpose? The same with friends (watch out friends ha ha). Issues of how I assert myself amongst these groups could also come up for review. Maybe someone from the past will come back into my life or I'll spend some time catching up with friends/groups I haven't seen in a while. You get the picture. 

The thing is, you wont need to try to focus on the area where Mars retro is affecting you, (you can of course) your attention will be drawn to those areas through events or inner promptings but at least now you know that it serves a higher purpose. Yay! 

Now you have the information you need to equip yourself for the next couple of months. So if things seem slower or delayed in those areas or you wonder why your attention is being pulled in that direction to review things, now you know. Be patient and kind to yourself and use this energy wisely so that once Mars goes direct again you can move forward with a renewed sense of what you want from that area of your life and a better more streamlined version of yourself. Let me know how you go! 

If you live in Australia and would like something to support you through the Mars retrograde I highly recommend an Australian Bush Flower Essence. There is one to suit everyone's needs.