Tag Archives: Mars

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo

For the past two weeks, Mercury has been slowing, gearing up for its retrograde, and on Wednesday, August 23rd, it begins its retrograde journey through Virgo. This will last until September 15th, when it will once again station and start moving direct. 

The Mercury retrogrades this year have all been in earth signs, which has made them a little more grounded than they would be in the other elements. Mercury is the ruler of Virgo and it’s also exalted there, which means that not only is Mercury not answering to another planet during this time, it’s in the sign it loves to be in. So while the typical Mercury retrograde is very annoying, this one should be a little less so (one hopes). 

The start of it may be rocky, as Mercury stations retrograde while approaching a conjunction with Mars, which is still in Virgo and a day prior (August 22nd) formed an exact opposition to Neptune in Pisces. Mars wants action, and Neptune represents delusions and doubts, so when tough Mars-Neptune aspects hit, we feel irritable and unsure. This is the state of things at the start of this particular Mercury retrograde. However, as Mercury backs away from Mars and Mars continues to head toward Libra, that should dissipate. 

When Mercury is retrograde, as always, it makes for a time of reflection and reconsideration. Is that stuff that’s going haywire totally out of the blue, or can we make it easier for ourselves in the future by, say, leaving a little earlier before we’re scheduled to be somewhere, or by cleaning out the gunk in our sink drains before everything backs up? I use those two examples because Virgo is a sign generally associated with punctuality and cleanliness, so Mercury’s lessons during this retrograde may manifest in those two areas.

Virgo is all about routine, so it’s time to rethink your everyday routines to mitigate future snafus. 

On September 4th, Mercury makes a nice aspect to Jupiter, the planet of growth and expansion, which will be at 15 degrees of Taurus. Then right around 7 am EDT on September 6th, Mercury is exactly conjunct the Sun (in cazimi). Those are the only major aspects it makes during the retrograde, and those are generally pretty pleasant. 

The rule of Mercury retrograde is patience. Frustrations may present themselves, but you knew they were coming. Be patient and remember that Mercury retrogrades don’t last that long.

Mars in Virgo

Mars moves into Virgo on July 10th and will be moving through Virgo until August 27th. Mars has been in fire sign Leo, where it’s been acting out and doing the most. Mars is the planet of action and aggression, assertiveness and drive. In Leo, it’s about the self and getting ours. In Virgo, a mutable earth sign, it’s about ruthless prioritization. 

Mars in Virgo is cutting. Mars rules needles and sharp objects, and I think of Mars in Virgo as scissors (or maybe a machete). While Mars is in Virgo, it’s wise to assertively embody the more evolved Virgo qualities of preparedness, organization, efficiency, critical thinking, and discernment, but try not to lean into the less evolved Virgo qualities of being hypercritical and a perfectionist. It’s a good time for focusing our drives and energy on getting organized, making to-do lists, editing anything that needs it, and weeding out the superfluous stuff in our lives.

I think of Mars in Virgo sort of like Tracy Flick, the main character of Election. She knows she’s right, knows she’s the most qualified, and is singularly focused on her goals, but she alienates even the teachers (Saturn) in her pursuits. (I also recommend reading the sequel from last year, Tracy Flick Can’t Win, in which life has tempered her most abrasive qualities and she’s operating from a more evolved Virgo energy but of course still chafing against a misogynist society, people who aren’t as smart as her, and her own inability to get out of her own way.)

Transit-wise, Mars makes an opposition to Saturn later this month. That’s then followed by some more pleasant aspects in August and then finally an opposition to Neptune on August 22nd. Since it’s coming up, I want to focus on the Mars-Saturn opposition for now. 

Mars opposes Saturn on July 20th. In traditional astrology, Mars and Saturn are the two malefic planets, meaning that they bring with them some difficulty, and you have to learn how to work with them instead of just letting them do their thing. The way they will be situated, in opposition to one another, lends to culminations but also conflict. It’s a push-and-pull energy. Mars and Saturn were conjunct in Aquarius back in early April 2022. This opposition is another phase of that cycle, which would mean there’s a climax or wrapping up of whatever narrative began when Mars and Saturn aligned back in early April last year. 

Mars rules drive, and Saturn rules structure. Mars in Virgo is the car, Saturn in Pisces in the bascule bridge that lifts for the boat on the river below, causing you to be late on your way to an appointment. The way to avoid the situation is to have left earlier in the first place. So the second week of July, leave lots of extra time. Be prepared for obstructions of your efforts.

These obstructions then can lead to pushing boundaries. That can manifest literally, mentally, and physically, like with endurance. I was listening to The Astrology Podcast’s July forecast, and on it, the hosts agreed that while it’s OK to push yourself mentally during this time, physically you probably only want to push 80% because with Mars and Saturn, there’s a risk of injury. (The Astrology Podcast, if you aren’t familiar with it, is the gold standard of astrology podcasts, so if you’re interested in learning a lot more about astrology, it’s my first recommendation.) So please be cognizant to not overdo it in the days around July 20th!

Mars then moves on to form a trine with Jupiter in Taurus on August 1st. A trine is formed when planets are at a 120-degree angle from one another, and generally they are considered to be a helpful aspect, with the better parts of the planets’ energies in harmonious communication with one another. The best parts of Mars in Virgo will be given an expansiveness that comes from Jupiter. Mars also makes a trine with Uranus in Taurus on August 16th, which can bring disruptions. During this time, Mercury will be following closely behind Mars. Mercury never quite catches Mars, though, because it stations retrograde on August 22nd, then moves backwards through Virgo until September 15th. 

Finally, Mars will oppose Neptune on August 22nd. I’ve written about Mars-Neptune aspects before. With Neptune in Pisces, for all of Mars in Virgo’s ruthless efficiency and clear-eyed discernment, Neptune will be doing its best to make things murky and throw the to-do lists and mission statements into question. You may find yourself looking back at the plans you’ve laid out over the few weeks and thinking, “Do I really want to do this?” Best to let the Neptune fog burn off and wait a few days before making any adjustments. 

So that’s that on Mars in Virgo, which will take us through most of the summer. I’ll say more about Virgo (I love Virgos!) when it’s actually Virgo season. 

Eclipse Time

On April 19th/20th, depending on your time zone, a solar eclipse, which is also a new moon, will occur at 29 degrees of Aries. It will be exact at 12:12 am EDT. It’s the second new moon in Aries this year, which is really rare; usually there is only one new moon in each zodiac sign annually. So themes of this new moon are going to be in keeping with the same themes of the first new moon in Aries that occurred 4 weeks ago. 

There’s a lot of talk online and in the astrology world about eclipses, and I think the way the discussion is framed can inspire a lot of anxiety. But eclipses occur between 4 and 7 times per year, meaning that you’ve already lived through many. Yes, a lot of times eclipses can be accompanied by events that seem out of left field or that may knock us off balance. But this is usually felt more in the world and in current events than personally, and each individual eclipse is one part of an ongoing story. 

This week may generally feel a little nutty. People may seem weird, your interactions may seem especially charged, and you and others may be feeling angry and irritable. This would be normal with a solar eclipse in Aries, a fire sign ruled by Mars and associated with aggression. Those feelings may be exacerbated this time because this particular eclipse is also at the last (or, in astrology speak, “anaretic”) degree of the sign, which means it’s extra, extra Aries. An example: when Mars, the planet of action, aggression, and war, was at 29 degrees of Aries in 2021, it was Jan 6th, and people were literally ramming (Aries is symbolized by the ram) the barricades of the Capitol building. That was Mars in the last degree of Aries, not the sun and moon, though, so I wouldn’t expect that again; it’s just an example of how extreme a sign’s influence can be when a planet is at the last degree of that sign.

So, with the placement of this eclipse, we and others may be feeling extra punchy. But Aries also represents forthrightness, so we may be speaking our minds with no filter, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Mars is currently in Cancer, so it’s not as warlike and ready to pounce as it could be. It’s a bit emotional. So this may be a crying-tears-of-rage-into-your-pillow kind of week. 

In the world, we may see people acting out from a place of extreme defensiveness. This eclipse is also squaring Pluto, currently at the very beginning of Aquarius. Given the nature of Pluto in Aquarius, this may be a time when people collectively band together and fight against something. I am loath to date myself and quote Twisted Sister, but it’s a very we’re-not-gonna-take-it vibe. This eclipse could herald the beginning of some major movements. 

An eclipse cycle in a specific axis (so, in this case, Aries-Libra) unfolds over a year or more, so events that occur now will likely be one piece of a puzzle. Usually, for most of us, the changes that come with eclipses aren’t totally jarring, they play out over a period of time. This is the first eclipse of this new eclipse cycle in Aries and Libra, meaning that you will probably see some changes and evolution in the realms of your life that these signs rule, but while the first seeds may be planted this week, you likely won’t know the full story until you look back later, after this eclipse cycle wraps up in the spring of 2025. 

More pronounced changes may occur for you now if you have planets in your natal chart that get activated by this eclipse. You can investigate that by using a tool to look up your birth chart (there are many) and checking to see if you have any planets around 29 degrees of Aries, Libra, Cancer, or Capricorn. (I also offer readings, so if you’re interested, hit me up!) 

Astrologers that I follow and trust recommend not manifesting or doing ritual work during an eclipse the way you may during other moon cycles, and because they know more than me, I heed that advice. Just let the events unfold. 

New Moon in Aries: Spark Notes

On March 20th, the sun moves into Aries. It’s the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, and thus begins Aries season and the start of the zodiacal new year! Auspiciously, this is followed by a new moon in Aries at 1:22 pm EDT on Tuesday, March 21st. The new moon, which means that the moon is conjunct with the sun, occurs at 0 degrees Aries, the first degree of the zodiac.

Aries is a cardinal sign, meaning that it initiates, and it’s also a fire sign, so Aries is akin to a spark. It’s the striking of the match. Traits associated with Aries are bravery, impulsiveness, directness, forthrightness, impatience, and passion. Aries does not like to wait. When they get an idea, they want to act on it immediately. At the time of this new moon, there’s a lot of Aries energy in the ether. The sun and moon are in Aries, of course, but so are Mercury, Jupiter, and the asteroid Chiron. 

So that’s the vibe of this new moon, but because Aries is ruled by Mars, which the moon and sun are squaring off with, and Mars is still in the late degrees of Gemini and still in a square with Neptune, there’s a little bit of murkiness with it. Neptune casts a fog, and often when things are initiated under a Neptune transit, they are not what they seem. So while this new moon is ripe for manifesting and new beginnings, there’s a need for clarity, for sure. If new opportunities come your way this new moon, you may be tempted to act impulsively, but try to temper that, so that you can get all the details and suss out whether things truly are as they appear to be. 

Tuesday’s new moon is also in a cross-sign sextile with Pluto, which is still (for a couple more days) at 29 degrees of Capricorn, so the changes that come about during this new moon have more of a profundity and have the potential to be more transformative than with some other new moons. Pluto is about regeneration, about death and rebirth, so while this new moon is highly auspicious for beginnings, it’s also a good time for releasing and letting go of what’s holding you back. 

Later this week, Pluto moves into Aquarius for the first time in 248 years (wow!) and Mars moves into Cancer, part of the vibe shift I’ve written about. More on those movements soon! 

For now, this is the area of your chart where the new moon may have you focusing your attention: 

Aries & Aries Rising: New moon, new you. For you, you can think about this as your new year. What resolutions do you want to make now? Plant those seeds and follow through with action. 

Taurus & Taurus Rising: You may feel compelled to dig deeper into your inner self this week, and you even feel ready to begin a new spiritual or mindfulness practice. This new moon marks a good time for journaling, especially about what you want to let go of. 

Gemini & Gemini Rising: If you’ve been looking to get involved in a cause, this is a great time to do so, as long as you’ve researched and are confident you know the details of what you’re diving into. You may meet someone with whom a friendship will blossom, or you may accept an invite which ultimately leads to you joining a new group or collective. 

Cancer & Cancer Rising: Since Jupiter moved into Aries, you’ve likely had some action occurring in your career or in what you feel called to do. This new moon is a great time to release your blocks related to this area, if any, and lay further groundwork toward what you want to pursue. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. If you’re applying for jobs, use Tuesday afternoon and evening to send your resume out to those which interest you most.

Leo & Leo Rising: You may be feeling the urge to go back to school, or you may be struck with a new interest that sends you into a spiral of research. Embrace the desire to learn more during this time, because whatever your chosen interest or area of study, it could ultimately have a positive lasting impact for you. 

Virgo & Virgo Rising: This new moon can mark a time when you initiate some type of healing, or you may be helping others achieve this healing in your own lives. The eighth house is about others’ resources and our own relationship to them, so this is a time for letting your light shine for others. Partnerships or collaborations that arise during this new moon can be mutually fruitful. 

Libra & Libra Rising: This new moon could signal the start of a new relationship, so if you are looking, be open and put yourself out there. If you’re in a relationship, this is a good time to consciously shed anything that’s been feeling like a rut, especially through initiating honest, direct conversations with your sig oth. 

Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: Work can feel like drudgery, so this new moon gives you the opportunity to switch it up. Seize the moment to pitch one of your ideas for improvement to your boss, or implement a change to your daily routine to make the day feel less like a slog. 

Sagittarius & Sag Rising: Pursue pleasure and fun this new moon, and if you have something bubbling inside you artistically, this is a great time to just spend a few hours or more to just create. With Neptune’s presence, though, be careful when it comes to substance use, even though it may be fun. 

Capricorn & Capricorn Rising: This new moon is occurring in the area of your chart concerned with home and family. You may decide it’s time to move, or you may feel the sudden urge to renovate. This is a good time for laying the groundwork, but lean into your Capricorn tendency to responsibly research and prepare before diving in. 

Aquarius & Aquarius Rising: The third house, where this new moon is happening for you, can be a bit more subtle than some, because it deals with the everyday, the local, our neighbors, and how we communicate. However, the things this new moon kickstarts can ultimately have a long-lasting impact. Subtle shifts in your communication, e.g., making friendly small talk with your neighbors or signing up for a shift at the local food pantry, can lead to greater joy later. Try a new coffee shop or local bar, it could be kismet. 

Pisces & Pisces Rising: Occurring in your second house of money and resources, this new moon may bring with it an investment or job opportunity, or something may spark an idea in you that will ultimately allow you to grow your income and wealth. Pay attention, but be sure to think carefully and vet any offers that come your way. 

As always, take these with a grain of salt, because astrology is for fun, and it’s not fortune telling. And of course, depending on your own chart, the new moon may be hitting certain planets that give extra oomph or a different energy to what I’m interpreting here. 

This Week: a Full Moon in Gemini

This week, on Wednesday, December 7th, at 11:08pm ET, there will be a full moon in Gemini at 16 degrees. Full moons occur when the sun is exactly opposite the moon. In astrology, an opposition is thought to mark the culmination or climax of a cycle. Thus, full moons are generally a time for emotional releasing and letting go.  

Because this full moon is in Gemini, it is ruled by Mercury, which will have just ingressed into Capricorn. So it’s a transit that will be about communication, but Mercury in Capricorn is direct and no-nonsense, no beating around the bush. And to top it off, this full moon will be conjunct Mars, which is still retrograde and which will also be at 16 degrees Gemini. It could illuminate the themes that have marked the Mars retrograde period, which began back in late October. Given its placement in Gemini, it’s a good time for the release of emotions through words, but because of the Mars of it all, they may be fraught. It may not be pleasant. So while Gemini is the chattiest of signs, journaling or thinking purposefully about the stuff you want to let go of may be the best course of action for this full moon. Conversations could be helpful, but care must be taken not to pop off, get too angry, or say things that you can’t take back and may regret later. 

What are we releasing, related to Mars? Below are the themes that this full moon may pull focus to, depending on your sun and rising signs: 

For Gemini & Gemini rising: This will occur in the first house for you, the part of the chart most identified with the self (your personality, identity, physical body, and appearance). What part of yourself is dragging you down? This full moon, think about what is serving you and what isn’t. It could be an excellent time for cleaning out your closet, or on a deeper level, meditating on what you want to let go of to prepare for the new year. 

For Cancer & Cancer rising: The full moon is taking place in the part of the chart related to shadows, mental health, things going on behind the scenes, sleep, and dreams. Have you been having trouble sleeping these past couple months? This is a time to try to relax and get some rest. If there are things in your life that are making you particularly anxious or causing unrest, this is a good time to work through these issues through meditation, journaling, or therapy.

For Leo & Leo rising: This could be a cathartic full moon for thinking about the friendships and the groups of which you are a part that are sucking up more energy from you than they are giving you. It’s OK to release the feeling of obligation to others in order to give yourself some space or some time back. 

For Virgo & Virgo rising: The full moon will be lighting up your tenth house of career and legacy. This is a time to consider what you have been giving to your career. Are you doing what you want to do? How does what you put into it affect you? If there are parts of what you are doing as a career that are emotionally draining or unfulfilling for you, think about how you can potentially shed those. 

For Libra & Libra rising: Given that this full moon in Gemini is occurring in your house associated with philosophy, learning, and publishing, and it’s a Mercury-ruled full moon, think about what you have been writing, researching, and revising. It could be a good time to let go and put it out into the world. Reflect and submit or post if it feels right.

For Scorpio & Scorpio rising: This full moon offers potential for being shrewd about the money and time you owe or feel you owe to others. What are you getting out of the subscriptions you pay for? If nothing, cancel. It’s also a good time for setting boundaries and letting go of feelings of obligation to others who are demanding too much of your emotional energy. 

For Sagittarius & Sagittarius rising: You may find yourself having tough conversations with your partner or in your closest relationships at this time. If the relationship has run its course, it could be the right time to end things. However, if it is not, to get most out of these discussions emotionally, be measured and be mindful of the Martian energy that may be pushing you to be blunt and forceful in ways you may regret later. 

For Capricorn & Capricorn rising: What’s not working when it comes to the stuff you’re doing every day? That could be work, or your health routine, or how you’re taking care of your pet. Think it through and consider making small adjustments to reduce or eliminate what’s making you unproductive or unenergized in these areas. For example, if you aren’t keeping up with your morning exercise routine because the sun is rising later, try moving your workouts to a different time of day.  

For Aquarius & Aquarius rising: This full moon is occurring in the area of your chart associated with joy, creativity, fun, and children. If you have kids, you might be careful to temper any emotional outbursts at them this week because they may not actually deserve the tongue-lashing you want to give them. And with the moon here, it’s a good time to think about what issues or hang-ups you have that are preventing you from having a good time. This is a time to examine and let go of what’s impeding you from experiencing joy. 

For Pisces & Pisces rising: You may find yourself tempted to engage in some emotionally fraught conversations with family at this time. Tread lightly, but if there are family members that are causing you pain, you are allowed to set boundaries and withdraw, even just temporarily, in a way that protects you. 

For Aries & Aries rising: The full moon is occurring in the part of your chart that is associated with themes similar to those ruled by Gemini: communication, your local neighborhood, the conversations you have regularly, short trips you take, your commute. Is there something that isn’t serving you when it comes to the way you communicate or the ongoing conversations that are part of your regular routine? Or if there’s a trip you make regularly, is it exhausting you? This could be a time for thoughtful adjustments and editing in these areas. 

For Taurus & Taurus rising: This full moon takes place in your second house, which is associated with your values, resources, and money and finances. Think about your income and expenses, and how your budget contributes to or takes away from what you really love. This Mars retrograde has been a time for reconsidering and reflecting on these themes, and if there are things you’re ready to cut out or change, this would be a good opportunity for those realignments. 

For everyone, Wednesday and Thursday may feel volatile. The best advice is try to stay grounded and calm. The astrology gets a little nicer on Friday, December 9th, when Venus and Jupiter form a square, so the two benefic planets are interacting, and things will feel a little lighter.

Disclaimer: of this may ring true and some may not. As my astrology teacher, the brilliant Annabel Gat, has taught me, astrology was created by human beings, so it’s imperfect. The notes above are my interpretation of what the full moon could mean, but please disregard anything that doesn’t resonate.

Week of November 27th: Astrological Combo Platter

There is a lot going on in the sky during the week of November 27th through December 3rd. None of the transits are huge, show-stopping moments, which we had a run of over the last couple months, but each brings its own unique qualities, with ups and downs throughout the week. 

One of things that I have found to be very challenging about learning astrology is understanding and being able to synthesize the complexities of multiple aspects occurring at the same time, both in the transits in the current sky and in the birth chart. This week’s outlook has several overlapping transits that speak to each other. I am looking at them both individually and how they interact. 

Mars, which is retrograde in Gemini, will be making a trine to Saturn, which is direct in Aquarius, on November 28th. But Mercury and Venus, both in Sagittarius, are in the mix, as they will be opposing Mars and sextiling Saturn. Trines are transits where planets are at 120 degree angles and are generally thought to harbor harmonious connections between the planets. Oppositions, where planets are opposite one another, are not necessarily difficult but they can often indicate some friction, some oppositional energy. Sextiles, where planets are at a 60 degree angle, are usually helpful in that the planets speak to each other in a way that can help enhance their more positive characteristics. 

Mars is retrograde, so this is the second of three times this transit to Saturn will occur. With both Mars and Saturn in air signs, the energy here is one of innovation, outside-the-box thinking, and communication. Mars, the planet of action, is in a free flowing aspect with Saturn, the planet of structure. Mars and Saturn are considered malefics in traditional astrology, but both planets offer lessons. Mars, which rules action, aggression, physical energy, and war, can be wild. Saturn offers rigidity, structure, rules, and boundaries. In a trine, the rigidity of Saturn can actually help harness the fierceness of Mars and channel it in a productive way. With this transit, it’s a great time for organizing, and thinking and speaking about the structures and systems in your life and how to give them power and energize them. If there are projects you have been thinking about tackling that require organization and working methodically, step by step, this trine can lend a supportive energy for that. 

On Tuesday, Mercury in Sagittarius will oppose Mars and sextile Saturn. With Mercury opposite Mars, you may see friction and the culmination of some curt or tense communication and arguments. Mars is piercing (it rules needles and sharp objects!), so your interactions with others may be a little spiky mid-week. Venus is close behind Mercury and will oppose Mars on Wednesday, so you may experience this spikiness in your relationships. However, since both Mercury and Venus are in a sextile with Saturn, which can help if you ask yourself how you can organize your thoughts and take two beats in a way that can help you temper your temper.

On Thursday, Mercury in Sagittarius will be squaring Neptune, which is in Pisces. This will help smooth the edges of our communications, but again, with Neptune, it can make things a little blurry. The advice most astrologers give when it comes to Neptune transits with Mercury is to double check details and in discussions or agreements with people, if you have to deal with them under this transit, make sure you ask clarifying questions and verify your understanding of the arrangement or situation. Neptune is often associated with deception. It can also indicate heightened paranoia or anxiety, especially in our thinking and even in dreams, with Mercury in aspect to it. Then Venus catches up and squares Neptune on Saturday. Much of the same advice applies with this transit, with particular emphasis on relationships and anything involving finances. You may be well served by waiting to seal any deals until next week. However, with Neptune in Pisces, where Venus is exalted, you may find yourself wanting to explore creative pursuits. This is a good time for finding inspiration and making art. 

Neptune stations direct on Saturday as well, so it will start to retread the territory it covered earlier this year. Let’s hope that will coincide with a shift and some forward momentum in our creative and spiritual lives. It gets close to 28 degrees of Pisces before it begins to go retrograde again in July of 2023. 

Neptune Transits

This week, the week of November 14, 2022, we are feeling the effects of a Mars-Neptune square, which is exact on November 19th. As discussed in the previous post, Mars is currently retrograding through Gemini, and now it’s reached the point where it is approaching a 90 degree angle to Neptune, also retrograde, in Pisces.

Neptune is the planet that represents dreams, visions, spirituality, nebulousness, and dissolution, and it’s currently in moody, dreamy, sensitive Pisces. Neptune is in its domicile in Pisces, meaning that it’s at the sign where it feels at home (Neptune rules Pisces in modern astrology), so it’s even more Neptuney than it would be in another sign. When Mars and Neptune square each other, there’s some movement around things ruled by Mars, but in a Neptunian fashion. Globally, this could be action, from activism to violence, around religion or deeply held beliefs, but since Mars is retrograde, actions could be thwarted, or there could be false starts. Personally, this transit could manifest as low energy and exhaustion, and it might confuse our thinking or our arguments.

I have a Venus-Mars-Midheaven conjunction, all within 1 degree in my natal chart, in the later degrees of Pisces. This aspect alone is complicated, and whenever a transiting planet is aspecting this conjunction, it hits these points in my chart like dominoes. Since 2021, Neptune has been rolling back and forth over them. And what I have found from this is that Neptune forces a reckoning, but in a much different way than Saturn, Uranus, or Pluto. Neptune shrouds everything in a fog. Given that Neptune was the Roman god of the sea, Neptune gets a lot of water metaphors assigned to it, and they really are the best way to describe its effects. From my experience with Neptune in a prolonged conjunction in relation to my chart, it’s like having a list written in ink on lined paper, then submerging that paper in water. You can still kind of make out the written words for a bit, but after a while, all you see are traces of the shape of the handwriting, and the color of the ink has bled into the water. Then even the lines on the paper disappear.

For me, this transit coincided with me questioning my values, my purpose, my legacy, and what I want to do with my life. No big. I have spent the last year and a half navigating through this murkiness, inching along. I’ve been doing a lot of navel gazing. I’ve been booking sessions with anyone who can offer me some guidance about myself and my path, including an empath, an astrologer, a tarot reader, and a psychic who told me about my past life. Their words have been enlightening, but ultimately only I can determine what I want to do and how I want to live. Determination is a Mars thing, though, and Neptune is conjunct my natal Mars for a year and will continue to cross over it until 2024, and I still feel like I’m working it out.

That’s sort of how this Mars-Neptune square may feel. We may feel like we’re working at something, but we don’t yet know what, and our impeded efforts make it feel like we are moving through sludge. Neptune aspecting Mars in Gemini indicates a dissolution of our plans and difficulty clearly seeing and stating our goals.

As someone who finds safety and reassurance in control, the way Neptune is positioned in relation to the Venus-Mars-Midheaven in my chart has been somewhat harrowing. In traditional astrology, Mars and Saturn are known as the malefic planets (while Venus and Jupiter are the benefic planets), and going through this transit, I have wondered if Neptune is a malefic too. But Neptune is the planet of dreams, and the lessons of Neptune are valuable; it teaches us to let go of things, it dissolves entrenched ideas that don’t stand up to scrutiny, and by shrouding things in a fog, it forces us to focus to persist through the haze.

Mars Retrograde

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!)