Rachel Lang is a professionally certified astrologer and healer who works with individuals, small businesses, and corporations. An internationally recognized speaker, she also hosts workshops and offers classes, retreats and meditation groups. Rachel loves helping people identify and heal challenges or roadblocks in life. She supports them in decision-making processes by mapping astrological trends and forecasts to offer a glimpse of what’s ahead. Her favorite part of her job is writing horoscopes and articles for LVBX Magazine. You can find out more or schedule a session online at http://rachelclang.com.
On June 26, Mars stations retrograde, a time during which Mars appears to move backward in the heavens. Not only that, Mars is closer to the earth and all things Mars will be prominent themes until it stations direct on August 28.
It’s time for us all to take a step (or two…or three) back, review life goals and revisit unfinished business. The Mars influence drives us to defend our perspective and fight if necessary. However, your ego is quite activated, and your view might be skewed by unconscious motives. Therefore, you could become caught up in the drama of a no-win conflictual situation if you’re not careful. It’s important to keep your ego in check and try to see a bigger picture, realizing you might need to raise the white flag of surrender from time to time.
When Mars is retrograde, suppressed or repressed anger rises up to the surface. If you thought you had dealt with a past breakup or early childhood trauma, you might encounter a new layer of emotions to feel and heal. It’s a time to release anything keeping you from living a truly authentic life.
You may face setbacks or delays during a Mars in Retrograde. Yeah, it can be frustrating, but it’s a significant period of growth. Issues that come up during Mars in Retrograde serve a purpose. I often tell my clients, “If you weren’t frustrated, you wouldn’t be so determined to make a change in your life!” Strong emotions inspire us to take steps toward making life changes.
People are testier during a Mars in Retrograde. Therefore, exercise compassion in your words and actions. Take a deep breath or two before you speak your mind.
This particular Mars in Retrograde happens in the sign of Aquarius, the sign of the rebel. If you have been afraid to fully express yourself because of familial, religious, or cultural ideals, you could have challenging several weeks as you break free from those limitations. Your internal drives will motivate you to let go of restrictions and explore all aspects of yourself.
Aquarius also relates to groups and community, and you might witness minds opening and expanding during this retrograde period as well as shifts in group dynamics. Mars in Aquarius urges us all to be more community-minded, socially involved, and vocal about our ideals and beliefs. It calls us to protect beings, creatures, and the earth, especially those who have no political or social power.
To help you optimize this retrograde period, I’ve offered each sign a mantra, a sort of affirmation. Keep this in mind as you face frustrations or challenges during the next few months.
SIGN BY SIGN:
Aries (March 21 – April 19):
Mars in Retrograde Mantra: I release my need to control life’s outcomes and events. I trust my community supports me, and I am grateful for my friendships. My vision for the future is brighter than ever.
Mars is your ruling planet, and as a result, you could feel this more strongly than other signs. It could manifest as a general sense of restlessness. You might feel frustrated if you encounter setbacks in your life or if things don’t work out as planned. Frustrations can occur when the ego is at odds with the divine self. Therefore, check to see from where the impulses stem. The higher self might have a better plan. So, let go of your need to know the outcome of events. In relationships, relax and go with the flow, realizing you cannot control others. You only have authority over your own thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions. This is a time to slow down, pay attention to your surroundings, and relax. Surrender your will and try not to obsess about what you think you want right now.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20):
Mars in Retrograde Mantra: I feel alive when I am aligned to success. I release fear and worry about my professional life and trust I am on a path to experience recognition for the work I do. I desire to contribute to the world, and my actions, thoughts, and words reflect my willingness to give back.
You could reflect on past career choices or realize a true calling at this time. If your work has felt blasé, this is a time to reconsider what might bring you more fulfillment. Perhaps you don’t need a total career change but rather a mindset shift. Be open to the awareness you receive at this time. If something isn’t working for you professionally, you might need to let go and turn in a new direction. Power struggles or conflicts in your workplace will serve to motivate you to make changes. This is not the best time to launch a new career or start an entrepreneurial endeavor. However, this is a time for learning and growing in your existing line of work.
Gemini (May 20 – June 20):
Mars in Retrograde Mantra: I understand life is an adventure, and I open myself to new experiences. I have faith that the universe supports me in living my most expansive life. I expand my worldview at this time.
Mars stations retrograde in your ninth solar house of international travel, higher education, and faith. This is a time when your travel plans could change unexpectedly, or you could decide to take a spontaneous journey. You could revisit your past ideas, beliefs, and philosophy to create a new way of perceiving your present-day reality. Trust the universe supports you in living an expansive life, and clear away any energetic or psychic debris that keeps you from learning and growing. This is not an ideal time to start any publishing projects, as you could be swayed in new directions after the retrograde reaches its conclusion. However, this is a great time to finish past projects or pursue publication for manuscripts you’ve already written. This is a time to learn more and gather information. Also, watch your words. Pay attention to your thoughts and what you express aloud. I think of all uttered words as magic spells, as words have power. Choose yours wisely.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22):
Mars in Retrograde Mantra: I let go of my need to know the outcome of life’s events. I trust my partner, family, closest friends, and the universe to support me in all I do. I am ready to allow something new to be born in my life.
Mars stations retrograde in the sector of your chart that relates to shared resource and debt. As a result, you could rethink your strategies for paying off loans or managing credit cards. If this has been an area of stress for you, you might consult with a professional to help or develop a debt-reduction strategy. An app like Tally could help you come up with a payment plan, while one like Mint can help you budget wisely. Relationships could undergo shifts and changes as this is a time to assert yourself more and use your voice. Do not let small irritations fester and become resentments. Mars in Retrograde can draw conclusions to ongoing situations. This is also a time to let go of items you may have inherited, particularly those that no longer resonate with you. Clear your space of anything that doesn’t serve you.
Leo (July 23 – August 22):
Mars in Retrograde Mantra: My relationships are sacred, and I trust that everything works out in accordance to my divine plan. I weather ups and downs in my relationships with ease, knowing I have access to everything I need.
As Mars stations retrograde, its counterpart, Venus, is in your sign. As a result, you could feel pulled in different directions, as if you have to compromise something for the sake of a relationship. You will gain clarity about ongoing conflicts (including internal battles) and could be called upon to defend your truth by taking a definite position. Any dispute that emerges for you at this time is your big growth opportunity. Do you make a stand or back away? Discern the question by weighing pros and cons. Ultimately, though, follow your heart. If you are single, you might feel lonely during this retrograde. That said, it is not the best time to start something new. If you do meet someone incredible, take your time. If someone from the past comes back into your life, make sure you heal any unfinished business before starting anew.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22):
Mars in Retrograde Mantra: My life, not my work, defines me. I release my need to have control over every aspect of my life. I go with the flow, trusting the manifestations of my higher self. I am at ease in all ways.
You might want to take time off during this retrograde, as you could experience some delays or setbacks at work. Use this time to your advantage. Do you love what you’re doing? If not, brainstorm about new possibilities. Your day-to-day routine could feel monotonous. So, shake things up. Try a new restaurant. Take a new way to work. Call an old friend to connect for happy hour. Your soul craves new experiences at this time. Your health and physical wellbeing are critical right now. Take care of your immune system and try not to rush from one place to another. Get plenty of rest to avoid taxing your adrenals. Most of all, release worries and fears. Trust in the flow of life.
Libra (September 23 – October 22):
Mars Retrograde Mantra: I relax and allow life to surprise me. Love dispels fear, and when I release resistance, I open myself to the miraculous.
You could notice a shift in your romantic interests. Someone you might have never looked at twice could catch your eye. This is not a time to ruminate about past romantic mishaps (or mistakes). Nor is it a time to act in any way that compromises your integrity. If you’re thinking about having an affair, wait out the retrograde before taking any actions. Instead, focus on the here and now to improve any challenges. If you have been trying to conceive or adopt a child, you could face a turning point, but it might not be what you expected. Keep an open mind and be persistent.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21):
Mars Retrograde Mantra: I am grounded in this present moment and know I am supported in my life. My family of origin has shaped who I am, and I am grateful for who I have become as a result of my early childhood experiences.
It’s time to turn back the clock and review your life. You might remember situations or circumstances from your childhood that helped shape who you have become. This would be an excellent time to talk through some of your memories with a therapist, especially one well-versed in narrative therapy. You may encounter minor issues with your home, especially if you are in the midst of a remodeling project or renovation. Delays or changes in plans give you a chance to pause and rethink decisions. Alternatively, you could be called back to your childhood home. In relationships, you have to revisit the past, and this could trigger deep emotions. Try to keep everything in perspective and know that frustrations can help catalyze positive change.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21):
Mars in Retrograde Mantra: I think before I speak and use my words carefully. I recognize my thoughts have the power to shape my reality, and my words are articulated thoughts. I avail myself to learn and teach.
Mars in retrograde could shift your mindset. You might recall memories from the archives of your mind. This is not the best time to start a project that requires your full mental focus. Instead, it’s a favorable time to complete anything that has been ongoing for some time. Relationships with siblings and neighbors might be more stressful than usual. Remember: During a Mars Retrograde period, people are testier than usual. Try not to let conflictual situations escalate. Take the higher road, and your reward will come later.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19):
Mars in Retrograde Mantra: I release financial fears. I know my worth and value, and I trust I am on the path to reach the levels of success I desire.
Mars in Retrograde could disrupt your self-esteem around money matters. Comparing yourself to others is a futile game. Pat yourself on the back for your accomplishments and implement a strategy for a stronger financial future. This is no time to act in desperation or make a risky financial decision. You will not have all the facts at this time. Use this period to reframe your thoughts about money and change your relationship to it. Study the laws of divine compensation and think more about how you can give back to the world than how to make more income. You are not your possessions; you are a human being with a spiritual purpose to fulfill. Release worry and fear.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18):
Mars in Retrograde Mantra: I open my mind to discover aspects of myself I have suppressed or repressed. I allow the full expression of myself in relationships, career, and all other areas of my life. I am worthy. I am whole.
Mars is retrograde in your sign. As a result, if your energy levels seem lower than usual, you might need to stand still and do some more in-depth personal exploration. Take a break from it all if you can. This is not a time to take risks with your physical health. Be gentle, careful, and conscious. You could feel more rebellious at this time. If you feel feisty, ready to break away from your routine, use that energy to manifest changes in your life. However, try not to rush out and get a bold new hairstyle or tattoo. Hold off until September just to be safe.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20):
Mars in Retrograde Mantra: Life gives me exactly what I need for my growth and spiritual evolution. I am open-hearted and trust everything will work out. I am a spiritual being having a human experience, and I allow spirit to surprise me in all ways.
Mars stations retrograde in your twelfth house of hidden things. As a result, you could discover suppressed or repressed aspects of your psyche during this time. Perhaps someone from your past could reappear in your life. If this happens, you might need to ask yourself, “What can I learn from this experience?” Try not to rush into a relationship or recommit to an ex at this time, as you could discover unhealthy tendencies after August. This retrograde is a time to heal, and that happens through an emotional process. Allow yourself to be yourself, and trust that any strange desires are here to serve you. Try not to suppress emotions. Feel it all.
