Mars went retrograde on October 30th, and as a relatively new astrologer who is still learning, it was a little difficult for me to get a handle on what Mars going retrograde would mean. Mercury goes retrograde more frequently, so it’s much more familiar; it’s about communication breakdowns, misunderstandings, haywire travel, technical glitches. But what about Mars?

Action, determination, assertiveness, aggression, spark, forward momentum, and libido are all associated with Mars. When Mars retrogrades, this terrain is likely going to be retread and can be unspooled. Actions taken during this time may be lackluster. Things you want to launch might have a harder time getting off the ground. Sex drives diminish.

Mars is going retrograde through Gemini. I think of Mars in Gemini as being mentally astute and tart tongued. The people I know with Mars in Gemini natally are verbal warriors, argumentative and critical but keenly perceptive and funny. Mars in Gemini is quick wit that can be cutting, too deeply cutting if unchecked.

So with the transiting Mars going back through Gemini, it’s a time to watch words. Take a breath and think before speaking. You will likely say things with more of a punch than intended and you may want to take it back later. For Bravo watchers, this is Lisa Barlow on a hot mic venting that Meredith has slept with half of New York.

The house where this lands for you will add some extra depth to how you will potentially experience this.

Aries & Aries Rising: Aries is the sparky sign of the zodiac, and it’s ruled by Mars, so you may feel the effects of this Mars retrograde more than some. With Mars rx in the 3rd house, this will feel a lot like a Mercury retrograde for you, but on steroids.

Taurus & Taurus Rising: This is happening in your 2nd house of money, resources, and things you value. You may feel stalled in your career, or you may feel like you’ve been trying to build savings but to little avail. That’s OK. Keep focusing on your budget. I would suggest not making big purchases when Mars is rx, but reevaluate where you spend money and, maybe even more importantly, time.

Gemini & Gemini Rising: You may feel the Mars retrograde physically. Your energy reserves will likely be depleted. It’s OK to rest now. Do yoga instead of HIIT or kickboxing.

Cancer & Cancer Rising: During this period, you may feel more isolated than usual, and you may also experience some setbacks in areas you have been either working in “behind the scenes” or covertly, or even possibly in areas of mental health. It’s beneficial to get rest, meditate, and connect with your dreams.

Leo & Leo Rising: You may feel out of sync with a friend or social group. Instead of fuming at the 37 texts your group chat is sending at 11:30pm, turn your notifications off. This could also serve as a good time to be rethinking and reconsidering your hopes and dreams for the future. The plan can be tweaked and launched when Mars is direct again.

Virgo & Virgo Rising: This is happening in your 10th house of career and legacy. Time for some adjustment and recalibration in whatever you are putting your efforts into in this area. This is a good time for revising your website or resume, but in draft form. Go back to it and look at it with fresh eyes a few times between now and January.

Libra & Libra Rising: If you have long-distance travel plans, pack your patience, and if you make big future travel plans during this time, my advice is to make them with a grain of salt. This is a wonderful time to revisit any writing projects you have may have previously started and rereading and revising them.

Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: Mars going retrograde through the 8th house may have you facing some unpleasant things popping back up related to bills you thought you paid or taxes you thought you did correctly. The 8th house also includes inherited things, both money and traumas, so you may also be faced with some unpleasant memories or deeply harbored feelings. You may feel better working through those issues through journaling or therapy (evergreen advice).

Sagittarius & Sagittarius Rising: This could be a bumpy time in your close relationships. The notes above about watching your words apply doubly, because letting your temper flare and popping off could cause strife with your loved one(s). Your sex life may also suffer a bit, but this is a good time for thinking about what you really want out your sex life, talking about it diplomatically with your partner, and asking them what they want.

Capricorn & Capricorn Rising: Take care of your health during this time, and try your best (knowing that it’s very difficult) to be patient at work. Everyone is going to be experiencing this Mars retrograde, so everyone will feel a little off-balance, and for you, that may manifest most prominently with your colleagues.

Aquarius & Aquarius Rising: This is occurring in your 5th house, which is the house associated with children, fun sex, romance, and creativity, so you may see some creative projects stymied, some dampening of your libido, and if you have kids, some particularly fraught energies with your children. Take deep breaths, think outside the box, and remember that it will be over in a few months.

Pisces & Pisces Rising: There could be some flare ups with your family during this time. Try not to totally verbally eviscerate your most annoying family members during the holidays, which unfortunately will occur during this period. You may also see home projects stalled, but you may want to use those opportunities to reconsider the things you had hoped to do. Maybe you’ll think about them in a different way, and delays will be a blessing in disguise.

Mars goes direct on January 12th, which at this point isn’t THAT far away!

(In accordance with NY State law, the above post is intended for entertainment purposes only. Astrology is all about interpretation, and this is my interpretation of what could potentially happen during this period, not what WILL happen!)