We have several months ahead of us with a rather turbulent astrological climate and many changes on a global level. Within this context, it could be said that Mars retrograde marks the beginning of these somewhat crazy months. This retrograde — which will begin on December 6, 2024 and end on February 23, 2025 and in which Mars will retrograde from 6°10' of Leo to 17°0' of Cancer — represents a key moment to stop, reflect and readjust our actions.

Let’s face it: this is an uncomfortable retrograde. Mars is the planet that retrogrades the least often—about 70 to 80 days every 2 years or so. We’re not used to this energy. Mars represents action, initiative, and forward momentum—that human need to achieve goals, conquer challenges, and keep ourselves constantly moving . In the West, this need for progress is even more pronounced, as we live in a culture that glorifies visible, tangible success. But the energy of Mars retrograde cares little about these expectations, so we’re forced to stop, reevaluate our strategies, and accept that full speed ahead isn’t always possible.

Furthermore, its long duration (which we will see later is not just the retrograde itself ) makes it a transit that we cannot ignore. It is a time that asks us for patience, something that can be especially difficult to practice in a world that seems to move faster every day. During this period, many projects and desires that we long to push forward will be delayed or even blocked, which can lead us to feel frustrated and impatient.

However, the Universe is infinitely wise and this pause also has its purpose: it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the true motivations behind our actions and to reconnect with what we truly want. Mars retrograde doesn't stop us on a whim; it does so so that we can move forward with greater clarity and direction once the transit is over.

Let's now analyze what this particular Mars retrograde consists of, and how we can use it to our advantage.

Three Phases in 8 Months: Shadow - Retrograde - Shadow

The influence of Mars retrograde is not limited only to the retrograde period itself between December 6 and February 23, 2025. Since Mars entered Cancer on September 4 of this year, we have already begun to feel the themes that this transit will highlight, and Its impact will continue until May 2, 2025, when Mars ends its shadow phase . This cycle extends over almost 8 months.

What Things Do We See Change When Mars Retrograde?

Mars, on a personal and collective level, represents our ability to act, fight and pursue what we want . It is the instinctive impulse that moves us forward, the engine that ignites our physical energy and pushes us to conquer goals and overcome obstacles. This planet symbolizes the expression of our will, our ability to compete, and how we get things started .

Keywords Associated with Mars:

Acceleration, accidents, physical activity, adrenaline, agitators, aggressors, ambition, rage, confrontations, disputes, armed forces, assertiveness, sports, attacks, wars, bravery, brutality, burns, conflicts, criminals, separations, sharp instruments, defense, desire, emergencies, stress, fire, strength, heat, impatience, impetus, initiative, intolerance, leaders, men in general, metals, surgeries, patriotism, impulsiveness, sex, violence, rebellions.

Mars in Leo: In Search of Self-Confidence

In contrast to its position in Cancer (which we will see below), Mars in Leo is in a rather comfortable place and aligned with its nature . Leo, as a fire sign, shares the vibrant, creative and passionate energy of Mars, allowing this planet to express its dynamism in a rather direct way. Here, Mars acts with persistence and conviction, especially when it comes to asserting our creative drive and our authenticity.

Leo is a fixed sign (that is, a sign that prefers to consolidate things rather than initiate or change them), and this fixed quality reinforces the resilience of Mars. In this position, Mars doesn’t just seek to stand out, but at its healthiest, it does so with an unwavering determination : This defines me, this represents me, and I’m not going to stop until I achieve it . The energy of Mars in Leo relates to the desire to prove our skills, to show the world what makes us unique and special, and to achieve goals that reflect our true essence . This Mars doesn’t give up easily, because every action is intended to reinforce our identity and leave an authentic mark on the world.

However, what we are telling here is the end of the story; what we aspire to achieve at the end of this retrograde. To get here we will have to do several months of internal work . That is to say, since it is a retrograde, even this fiery and persistent energy of Mars in Leo will be limited. It is in this first phase that we can feel a loss of that confidence and persistence that characterize Mars in Leo . We are overcome by boredom, tiredness, and even doubts about our goals . Does what I am doing really represent me? Is this goal something that defines who I am or simply something I seek to obtain external validation?

This crisis of confidence leads us to stop and think about our actions and motivations. Mars in Leo, when out of balance, can push us to seek external recognition that is not aligned with our true essence , which can leave us dissatisfied. This retrograde period is, then, an opportunity to review which actions reinforce authentic self-confidence and which are driven by insecurities or needs for validation .

Mars in Cancer: The Highest and Most Vulnerable Point of This Retrograde

What is behind these Leo insecurities ? Mars in Cancer will give us the answer.

It is good to keep in mind that if Mars is going to retrograde in Cancer (and also in Leo), it is because we all, to a greater or lesser extent, have work to do there . The inward look that we take will surely not be the most stimulating thing in 2025, but it is necessary.

In Cancer, Mars is in its fall sign. In astrology, a planet in fall is in a position where its core qualities are weakened or challenged. Mars, which represents drive, direct action, and willpower, is in an emotional and protective environment like Cancer, which tends to inhibit its dynamic and focused nature . That is, during this transit we will tend to feel more insecure about our courage or potency; which can make us act more withdrawn, changeable, or reactive, especially when we feel emotionally vulnerable or insecure about our goals and desires.

Cancer is a water sign linked to emotions, protection of the home, emotional security and roots from the past . Mars, on the other hand, seeks to move forward, conquer and take immediate action, while Cancer prefers to step back, reflect and protect what it considers important. This combination creates an inherent tension, as the impetus of Mars clashes with the sensitivity and caution of Cancer.

During this phase, much of the work will be tied to revisiting Cancer-related themes: our sense of security, how we protect our boundaries, and how our emotions affect our actions. Although the transit begins in Leo, to complete the healing and reflection process that Mars retrograde demands of us, it will be necessary to symbolically move back into Cancer. This return invites us to look beyond the Leo energy of self-confidence and expression, to delve deeper into our past, into our emotional wounds, and into the dynamics that shaped our upbringing.

The Mars in Cancer phase will confront us with those more vulnerable, inner parts that we need to rebuild before we can sustain authentic self-confidence . If we feel that confidence is not present or is shaky, it means there is something in the Cancer energy—perhaps an emotional pattern or unresolved wound—that requires our attention. This transit challenges us to explore whether our current motivations are driven by a genuine desire to move forward or by a need to compensate for insecurities.

The purpose of this retrograde is to help us more healthily integrate the Martian drive with our need for protection and emotional stability, so that as we return to Leo energy, we can move forward with a stronger foundation, built on a balance of self-confidence and emotional connection. Are we acting from a place of true inner security or reacting from fear and uncertainty? This will be the key point of reflection.

Who Will Be Most Affected By This Mars Retrograde?

This retrograde will have a more noticeable impact on those who have important positions in Cancer and Leo , especially the Sun, Moon, Ascendant or personal planets such as Mercury, Venus or Mars. It will also be especially relevant for those who have the Ascendant in Aries or Scorpio , since Mars is the ruler of these signs and therefore of their birth charts.

Key Dates of This Retrograde:

September 4, 2024: Mars enters Cancer

October 5: Mars Enters Shadow

November 3: Mars Opposition Pluto

December 6: Mars Stationary Retrograde

January 3, 2025: Mars RX Opposition Pluto

January 6: Mars RX Re-enters Cancer

January 15: Mars Opposition Sun

February 23: Mars Stationary Direct

April 17: Mars re-enters Leo

April 26: Last Mars-Pluto Opposition

May 2: Mars Leaves Shadow

September 4, 2024: Mars enters Cancer

On September 4, 2024, Mars entered Cancer, marking the beginning of this retrograde cycle . Although Mars was still in direct motion, its entry into this water sign may have felt like a noticeable shift in our energy . In practice, as early as this day we might have begun to feel a heightened sense of tiredness, sluggishness, or even the need to slow down and focus on fewer things at once . Instead of moving forward with force, many may have felt an urge to look inward, tend to emotional issues, or simply devote more time to rest and introspection.

October 5: Mars Enters Shadow, 17°

Today Mars entered its shadow phase, still in the sign of Cancer. This moment marks the beginning of the journey through the degrees of the zodiac that Mars will revisit during its retrograde motion, laying the groundwork for the themes and challenges that will be worked on later. In practice, this phase represents a period in which we begin to perceive certain blockages, tensions or patterns that will become more evident and relevant when Mars enters retrograde motion. Likewise, this transit could be felt as a decrease in the clarity or effectiveness of our actions, as well as a growing need to reflect on our motivations and how our emotions are influencing our decisions.

In practice, this could manifest itself as:

• Feeling of frustration or slowness when trying to advance certain projects or goals.

• Internal or external conflicts related to family or emotional issues that demand attention.

• The perception of reviewing or rethinking issues related to our security or emotional boundaries.

The entry of Mars into your shadow is the prelude to retrograde motion . Although Mars' energy is still perceived as direct, this period leads us to recognize the first signs of the adjustments and revisions that will be necessary in the coming months . It is a time that begins the work of looking back to identify which aspects need to be re-evaluated or strengthened before moving forward with clarity.

November 3: Mars in Cancer Opposition Pluto in Capricorn, 29° / Mars Enters Leo

On November 3, 2024, the first of three oppositions between Mars and Pluto in this cycle occurred, a particularly intense configuration that marked a critical point in the shadow transit of Mars. This opposition is the only one of the three that occurred when Pluto was still in Capricorn. It is likely that with it we felt a strong sense of loss of control, questioning whether our actions are truly empowered or whether we continue to give our power away to external dynamics or internal patterns that no longer serve us .

In practice, this aspect could manifest itself as:

• A clash between our need to act from our emotions and the limits imposed by external structures that we perceive to have more power than us.

• Awareness of past patterns or family dynamics that require profound adjustments in order to empower ourselves, express our desires and set limits.

• Internal conflicts about how to balance our need for emotional security with the challenge of accepting inevitable and transformative changes that will ultimately be for the better.

This first opposition began to highlight not only the emotional issues associated with Cancer, but also the power dynamics we must confront in order to act from a more authentic and balanced place . Although uncomfortable, this first opposition served as a prelude to the deeper lessons that will emerge in the following oppositions with Pluto, now with Mars in Leo and in contact with Pluto in Aquarius, when the focus will shift from the emotional and familial to the creative, social, and collective.

Right after Mars entered Leo, continuing its shadow phase there . Mars in shadow in Leo can bring doubts about our creative goals, our personal confidence, and the drive to excel. It can feel like a period where we face increasing challenges to sustain our authenticity or to define what actions and accomplishments truly represent us, all while still perceiving blockages or delays that invite us to reflect before moving forward . This shift in focus signals a key transition in the review process, setting the stage for the following oppositions and the lessons that will come with Mars retrograde.

December 6: Mars Stationary Retrograde in Leo, 6°

This day marks the official start of Mars' retrograde motion, which will be in the sign of Leo throughout December. This is the time when the heavy lifting begins . In Leo, Mars usually expresses itself with confidence, creativity, and a strong desire to stand out, but the retrograde motion forces us to question whether this confidence is genuine or whether we have been using masks to pretend it.

This phase brings to light the cracks in our self-confidence . The strategies we used to project confidence and stand out are likely no longer effective, exposing any fragility or reliance on external validation. This can feel like an identity crisis; where we feel fearful, ashamed, insecure, and also, tired and apathetic .

In practice, Mars retrograde in Leo challenges us to:

• Being honest with ourselves and bringing out the person we really are, and feeling proud of it.

• Become aware of the amount of energy we invest in seeking external approval instead of expressing our authenticity.

• Recognize and work on the insecurities that we have been covering up with superficial actions or those that try to show others what we are worth.

This phase asks us to learn to feel comfortable with the person we really are , and to let that identity guide our actions and how much energy we invest.

January 3, 2025: Mars RX Opposition Pluto, 1°

Today marks the second of three oppositions between Mars and Pluto in this cycle . This time, Mars is in retrograde motion in Leo, while Pluto has advanced into Aquarius, shifting the focus of the confrontation to a different sphere. The tension now centers on the axis of the personal (Leo) versus the collective (Aquarius) , highlighting the conflicts between individual self-affirmation and demands for transformation at the social and community level.

This opposition intensifies the sense of questioning and revision, bringing us face to face with the challenge of balancing our personal needs to stand out and assert our identity with the collective pressures that demand a broader, more detached approach . It is a time where we may feel torn between our need to be seen and recognized for our unique abilities, and the reality that we are not the only actors in a larger system.

Stress can also manifest as:

• Conflicts between acting from ego (Leo) and social responsibility (Aquarius).

• Feeling caught between personal desires that seem irrelevant or small versus the demands for greater change.

• Doubts about how to balance our authenticity with the need to adapt to the collective changes around us.

Learning from this transit:

This opposition invites us to reflect on how our individual actions can be integrated into a broader context without losing our essence . Mars retrograde in Leo asks us to review whether our personal goals are aligned with our true passions and capabilities, while Pluto in Aquarius challenges us to consider how these goals can contribute to positive change in the collective.

January 6: Mars RX Re-enters Cancer

Today Mars retrogrades out of Leo and re-enters Cancer, marking a significant shift in the transit's focus. While in Leo the review was about our authenticity, creativity, and personal confidence, in Cancer the energy is directed toward deeper, more vulnerable emotional introspection . This movement brings us back to issues related to our security, our roots, and emotional dynamics. This is the point at which our energy will be at its lowest.

It's a time to explore:

• How do our emotions condition our actions?

• Are we acting from a place of protection or from fear of losing what we consider safe?

• What family or past patterns are coming to the surface to be worked on?

This period invites us to slow down the pace even more and connect with the most subjective and vulnerable part of ourselves , necessary to integrate the lessons we learn in this retrograde cycle. Although it may feel like a clear setback full of frustrations , this reentry into Cancer is essential to repair and strengthen the emotional foundations before moving forward in a clearer and more secure direction.

January 15: Mars Opposition Sun, 26°

On January 15, 2025, Mars retrograde in Cancer forms an exact opposition to the Sun in Capricorn, marking the middle of the retrograde and a key moment of awareness and responsibility within this cycle. This aspect puts the emotional and introspective energy of Mars in Cancer in tension with the pragmatic and structured energy of the Sun in Capricorn, inviting us to reflect on how we manage our Mars energy and how much we take responsibility for our actions and achievements.

This opposition confronts us with the following questions:

• Am I taking responsibility for what I have accomplished (for better or worse), or am I blaming others for my failures?

• How am I managing my Martian energy? Am I acting from an emotional reaction or from a conscious place aligned with my goals?

• What can I do to integrate my emotions (Cancer) with a more mature and disciplined attitude (Capricorn)?

The Sun in Capricorn reminds us of the importance of building our goals on solid foundations and taking responsibility for our decisions . At the same time, Mars in Cancer points out that this taking of responsibility cannot happen without first recognizing and working on the emotional dynamics that influence our actions . It is a balance between honoring our emotions and taking practical steps to move forward with integrity.

This transit invites us to mature , to stop acting from childish patterns or impulsive reactions, and to develop a more conscious relationship with our Mars energy. It is a time to take control of our decisions and actions, accepting that both achievements and failures are a result of how we manage our energy and take responsibility along the way.

February 23: Mars Stationary Direct, 17°

On February 23, 2025, Mars ends its retrograde and enters a direct phase in Cancer, marking the end of a cycle of introspection and review that has accompanied us for months. This moment represents the point at which we begin to implement what we have rethought and the conclusions we have drawn during the retrograde . It is as if, after having hit emotional rock bottom and having confronted our insecurities and reactive patterns, we can now slowly begin to open new paths for ourselves.

Even though Mars' energy is beginning to flow again, it doesn't do so immediately with all its force (in fact, in March we will have a Mercury retrograde and a Venus retrograde, as well as two eclipses, so we shouldn't get our hopes up ). In the first moments after this change, we may feel a renewed confidence, but still timid, as if we were testing our strength and our strategies before launching ourselves completely. However, this is the time to start acting, to take the first steps towards building what truly represents us, based on what we have learned during this long retrograde.

It is a time to move forward, even if in small steps , recognizing that the energy will gradually regain its momentum. The important thing is that we now have greater clarity about how we want to manage our energy and how our actions can reflect our inner growth. Mars direct in Cancer reminds us that, although the process has been challenging, we are ready to start building a more authentic path aligned with who we really are.

April 17: Mars re-enters Leo

On April 17, Mars returns to Leo, this time in its direct motion but still in its shadow phase. This moment marks an important step forward in the process of regaining our confidence and direction, although it is not the end of the cycle . During the months since Mars resumed its direct motion in February, we will have gone through multiple important transits, including retrogrades of Mercury and Venus, as well as two eclipses , which will have brought significant changes and adjustments in our lives.

With Mars in Leo, the path begins to fill with creative energy and self-affirmation, but we are still in a process of consolidation. This re-entry does not represent a total push forward, but rather an intermediate stage in which we can begin to apply what we have learned and work on our goals with greater clarity, although still in a progressive manner.

It's time to:

• Reconnect with our authenticity and begin to reaffirm our identity, but with caution and patience.

• Review the strategies we have developed during the retrograde, ensuring that they reflect our most authentic intentions.

• Take concrete steps toward your goals, recognizing that the strongest confidence and determined momentum will come when Mars finally emerges from the shadow in May.

Although by this time with Mars in Leo direct we probably feel encouraged to act and show ourselves, it is important to remember that this period is still marked by review and adjustment. The internal work done during the retrograde remains a fundamental foundation , and this transit invites us to move forward with care and precision.

April 26: Last Mars-Pluto Opposition, 3°

This is the third and final opposition between Mars and Pluto in this cycle, marking a moment of culmination and resolution of the tensions we have been facing since November 2024. This opposition confronts us with the need to empower ourselves from an authentic place , leaving behind any insecurities or doubts that may have arisen during the retrograde. It is a time to affirm our self-confidence and take ownership of our ability to act with determination, even in the face of collective demands or external transformations that Pluto in Aquarius represents.

This aspect asks us to make firm decisions aligned with our authenticity, without fear of confronting whatever is necessary to restore balance in our lives. It is a time to prove to ourselves that we have learned to act from our true power , integrating the lessons of trust, resilience and boundaries that we have worked on throughout this process. Although the tension may feel intense , this is the final step to closing this cycle with the strength and determination to move forward to a new stage.

May 2: Mars Leaves Shadow, 6°

This is when Mars finally emerges from its shadow phase, marking the culmination of the full cycle of its retrograde motion . This moment symbolizes the closing of a long process of review and transformation. What once seemed like an insurmountable challenge now becomes the foundation on which we build a stronger future, leaving self-doubt behind and embracing more conscious and genuine action.

Effects of This Mars Retrograde According to the House(s) of your Natal Chart Where It Transits:

You have to look for where in your birth chart the sector between 6° of Leo and 17° of Cancer . This is where you will experience the retrograde. Then look at the chart above to see which house(s) it corresponds to, and then read the corresponding text below:

House 1

When Mars retrogrades in the 1st house of your birth chart, your identity, the way you project yourself to the world, and how you take action on new beginnings are affected. The 1st house rules our self-assertion and the energy we use to initiate things, so this transit can feel like a pause or a rethinking of how you move forward with your personal projects or your life in general.

You may experience a temporary loss of confidence or feel frustrated that you are not progressing at the pace you want . There may also be a need to reflect on how you use your energy and whether your actions are truly an authentic expression of yourself or a response to external pressures.

During this retrograde, you may find yourself reevaluating the direction you are taking in your life and facing internal conflicts about how to act in ways that are more aligned with your true values ​​and desires.

Practical tips

• Check if you are making impulsive decisions: Reflect on whether you are acting from a place of authenticity and calm.

• Observe how you project your personal energy: Are you transmitting an image that truly reflects who you are?

• Avoid starting major projects: During this retrograde, it's best to spend time adjusting your current plans and making sure they're well-founded.

House 2

When Mars retrogrades in the 2nd house of your birth chart, areas related to your material resources, your relationship with money, and your self-esteem are affected. The 2nd house rules our personal values ​​and how we use our energy to generate material security, so this transit can feel like a pause or a moment of uncertainty in these matters.

You are likely to face challenges related to your finances, such as unexpected expenses or delays in income, which can lead to frustration. This period may also lead you to reflect on how you value your abilities and how much effort you put into things that really matter to you . Mars retrograde in the 2nd house invites you to reevaluate whether you are using your energy effectively in the search for material and emotional stability.

In addition, doubts about your self-worth may arise, especially if your self-esteem is tied to what you possess or what you can achieve materially. This transit asks you to explore your priorities and examine whether your actions truly reflect what you value.

Practical tips

• Reassess your spending and investments: Take this time to review how you manage your resources and whether you are spending on things you truly value.

• Reflect on your self-esteem: Ask yourself if you are measuring your self-worth based on external factors such as money or possessions.

• Avoid large purchases or financial commitments: During this retrograde, it is best to be cautious and focus your energy on planning rather than acting impulsively.

House 3

When Mars retrogrades in the 3rd house of your birth chart, communication, mental processes, relationships with your immediate surroundings, and short trips are affected. The 3rd house governs our way of interacting with others and processing information, so this transit can feel like a period of misunderstandings, communication tensions, or even mental blocks.

Conflicts may arise with siblings, neighbors, or colleagues , or you may experience frustrations in your daily routine due to delays or difficulties in expressing your ideas clearly. Mars retrograde in the 3rd house invites you to reflect on how you use your energy in communication and whether you are reacting impulsively or effectively.

It may also be a time to reevaluate how you handle your thoughts and everyday interactions. This transit challenges you to be more aware of how you express yourself and to work on adjusting the way you connect with your environment.

Practical tips

• Review your communication patterns: Notice if you are being too impulsive or aggressive when expressing your ideas. Work on communicating your thoughts calmly and clearly.

• Take care of your close relationships: If tensions arise with siblings, neighbors or people in your immediate environment, use this time to reflect before reacting.

• Be patient with your daily plans: You are likely to experience delays in your commute or daily tasks; avoid getting frustrated and look for practical solutions.

House 4

When Mars retrogrades in the 4th house of your birth chart, areas related to home, family, roots, and emotional security are affected. The 4th house rules our most intimate and private space, as well as our connections to the past, so this transit can feel like a period of tensions in the family environment or a need to review the dynamics in your domestic life.

Unresolved family conflicts may resurface, or you may experience frustration in trying to find balance and stability in your home. You may also feel more emotionally sensitive or reactive, which can lead to confrontations if you don't manage your emotions well. Mars retrograde in the 4th house invites you to reflect on how you manage boundaries and energy in your family relationships and how you connect with your need for emotional security.

Practical tips

• Reflect on your family dynamics: Identify if there are patterns or conflicts that need to be addressed in a more conscious and peaceful way.

• Review your personal space: Take advantage of this time to reorganize your home, but avoid major renovation projects until after the retrograde.

• Connect with your emotions: If you feel more sensitive or reactive, take time to explore what emotions need to be processed and released.

House 5

When Mars retrogrades in the 5th house of your birth chart, areas related to creativity, romance, hobbies, and self-expression are affected. The 5th house rules the way we enjoy life, how we express our creative side, and our romantic relationships , so this transit can feel like a period of blockages or tensions in these areas.

You may experience a lack of inspiration or motivation in creative projects, or conflicts may arise in your romantic relationships. You might also question whether the activities and relationships you invest your energy into truly make you feel fulfilled and reflect your authenticity. Mars retrograde in the 5th house invites you to rethink how you have fun, how you love, and how you express yourself.

Practical tips

• Reflect on your romantic relationships: Evaluate whether your love dynamics are aligned with what you really want and need.

• Review your creative projects: If you feel stuck, take this time to rethink your approach and look for new sources of inspiration.

• Connect with your authenticity: Ask yourself if you are spending time on activities and hobbies that truly reflect who you are and what makes you happy.

House 6

When Mars retrogrades in the 6th house of your chart, areas related to daily work, routines, health, and your relationship to service to others are affected. The 6th house rules how we handle our daily responsibilities, as well as our connection to physical and mental well-being, so this transit can feel like a period of disorganization or frustration in these areas.

You may feel a decrease in your energy and motivation to accomplish your daily tasks , or you may experience tensions in the work environment, especially if there are unresolved conflicts with colleagues or in your workplace. You might also question whether the routines you follow really support your well-being or if you need to rethink them. Mars retrograde in the 6th house invites you to reflect on how you use your energy in your daily activities and whether you are prioritizing your health appropriately.

Practical tips

• Review your routines: Identify which habits are working and which ones need to be adjusted to better support your health and productivity.

• Be patient at work: If workplace tensions arise, avoid reacting impulsively and seek more thoughtful solutions.

• Take care of your physical and emotional energy: If you feel exhausted, use this time to rest and renew your focus towards more sustainable well-being.

House 7

When Mars retrogrades in the 7th house of your birth chart, personal relationships, partnerships, and commitments are affected. The 7th house rules our one-on-one relationships, both romantic and work-related, so this transit can feel like a period of tensions, conflicts, or revisions in the way we relate to others.

Disagreements or frustrations may arise in your closest relationships, especially if there are imbalanced power dynamics or unresolved conflicts. This transit invites you to reflect on how you manage energy in your relationships: are you being too combative or, on the contrary, are you giving in too much to avoid confrontations? Mars retrograde in the 7th house can also lead you to question whether the partnerships you invest your time in are really aligned with your goals and values.

This period can feel uncomfortable as it tests your ability to act from a place of balance in your relationships , but it is also an opportunity to adjust and strengthen important bonds in your life.

Practical tips

• Reflect on the power dynamics in your relationships: See if you are acting from a reactive place or if you are allowing others to influence your decisions too much.

• Reassess your commitments: Ask yourself if the partnerships you are involved in really bring value and balance to your life.

• Avoid impulsive confrontations: If tensions arise, take time to reflect before responding and look for solutions that benefit both parties.

House 8

When Mars retrogrades in the 8th house of your birth chart, areas related to deep transformation, shared resources, emotional intimacy, and issues of power are affected. The 8th house rules intense dynamics of change and rebirth, as well as deep bonds with others, so this transit can feel like a period of confronting your fears, insecurities, or dependencies.

Tensions may arise in intimate relationships or in shared financial matters, such as investments, debts, or joint property . You may also face situations that invite you to rethink how you handle control and trust in your deeper relationships. Mars retrograde in the 8th house challenges you to review whether you are acting from a place of personal empowerment or from a need for control or dependency.

This transit can also trigger internal processes of transformation, where you are confronted with emotional patterns from the past or taboo subjects that need to be released . It is a time to reflect on how you manage your emotional energy in intense contexts and how you can integrate it in a healthier way.

Practical tips

• Review your power dynamics: Reflect on whether you are seeking to control too much or giving away too much power in your relationships and financial situations.

• Take care of shared resources: Avoid making impulsive decisions related to investments or common assets; review them carefully before acting.

• Connect with your transformation process: Use this time to explore deep emotional patterns and work on letting go of what no longer serves you.

House 9

When Mars retrogrades in the 9th house of your birth chart, areas related to your beliefs, life philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, and situations that expand your mind are affected. The 9th house rules the way we connect with the world beyond our immediate experiences, so this transit can feel like a period of questioning your worldview and the philosophical or spiritual foundations that guide your decisions.

You may be facing doubts about beliefs you once took for granted or feeling frustrated in areas related to your studies, educational projects, or travel plans . Mars retrograde in the 9th house invites you to reflect on how you are using your energy to explore and expand your horizons, and whether what you pursue is aligned with your inner truth.

This transit can also bring tensions when expressing your views , especially if others question your ideas or you are faced with perspectives that challenge your life philosophy. It's a good time to reconsider how you integrate what you learn into your daily life and whether your actions truly reflect the beliefs you hold.

Practical tips

• Reevaluate your beliefs: Ask yourself if your philosophical or spiritual values ​​are truly aligned with your personal experience and not with external expectations.

• Review education or travel plans: If you face delays or blockages, use this time to adjust your plans before moving forward.

• Reflect before defending your ideas: If disagreements arise, seek internal clarity before entering into impulsive debates.

House 10

When Mars retrogrades in the 10th house of your birth chart, areas related to your reputation, your aspirations, your calling, and what you consider success in life are affected. The 10th house rules how you project yourself publicly, the professional goals you pursue, and how you build your legacy, so this transit can feel like a period of stagnation or questioning in these areas.

You may be facing delays in professional projects, tensions with authority figures, or rethinking your long-term goals . Mars retrograde in the 10th house invites you to reflect on how you are using your energy to achieve your goals and whether you are pursuing success that truly resonates with you or simply meeting external expectations.

It may also be a time to reevaluate how you handle your public image and whether the actions you are taking are consistent with the vision you have for your calling or legacy. This transit challenges your ability to act strategically and consciously rather than react impulsively in the face of obstacles.

Practical tips

• Review your professional goals: Reflect on whether your objectives are aligned with your vocation and what you consider success in your life.

• Take care of your public reputation: Be aware of how your current actions could impact your image in the long term.

• Be patient with delays: If you experience career blocks, use this time to adjust your strategies and strengthen your foundation before moving forward.

House 11

When Mars retrogrades in the 11th house of your chart, areas related to social groups, friendships, and your long-term goals are affected. The 11th house rules the connections we make with groups, the ideals we share with others, and the dreams we want to realize, so this transit can feel like a period of review or tension in these areas.

You may face conflict or misunderstanding within groups or friendships , especially if there are unbalanced power dynamics or unmet expectations. You could also feel unmotivated or confused about your long-term goals , questioning whether they are truly aligned with your ideals. Mars retrograde in the 11th house invites you to reflect on how you use your energy toward these connections and goals, and whether the actions you take are consistent with what you truly value.

This transit can also be a time to rethink your place within certain groups or communities, evaluating whether those connections are still relevant and consistent with the energy you invest in them.

Practical tips

• Review your long-term goals: Ask yourself if the dreams you are pursuing truly reflect your current ideals.

• Evaluate your friendships and groups: Reflect on whether the people you surround yourself with are supporting your growth or whether you need to adjust your relationships.

• Be patient with social conflicts: If tensions arise in groups, avoid reacting impulsively and look for more thoughtful solutions.

House 12

When Mars retrogrades in the 12th house of your chart, areas related to spirituality, the unconscious, connection with a higher power, and the internal processes we carry out out of sight of others are affected. The 12th house rules introspection, acceptance of what has been lost, and surrender to something greater than ourselves, so this transit can feel like a period of deep reflection and even isolation necessary to process what is not working.

You may be experiencing inner tensions or a sense of struggling with unconscious patterns that are coming to the surface . Mars retrograde in the 12th house invites you to confront fears, repressed emotions, or unfinished business from the past that needs to be integrated or released. It may also be a time to work on your relationship with spirituality and explore what it means to you to surrender control and trust in a higher power.

This transit may bring a feeling of temporary disconnection from the outside world, but this pause is necessary so that you can reconnect with yourself and with what transcends everyday concerns.

Practical tips

• Connect with your unconscious: Take time to explore your dreams, repetitive patterns or repressed emotions that may be influencing your life.

• Accept necessary breaks: If you feel the need to retreat or rest, allow yourself to do so to integrate your internal processes.

• Reflect on your spirituality: Ask yourself what role surrender, faith, or connection to something greater than yourself plays in your life.