Mars stations retrograde on the 23rd of January 2012, 18 hours after the bold and brave January New Moon. Mars will traverse up and down 3 – 23 degrees Virgo and will spend roughly 10 days on a degree while it stations These degrees will become highly sensitized. My take on Mars retrograde is as usual different from most Astrologers. The retrograde effect is an illusion, but the fact that it aspects one degree 3 times is very real. Just as I said for Mercury retrograde, I believe this period gives us a chance to look at things from a right-brain perspective. The effect is cyclical not linear, it is internalized and intuitive. It is suggested that this a time where we find it hard to express our anger and become passive aggressive, I’m not sure I believe this to be so.
Mars Retrograde Meaning
Mars is in retrograde motion for an average of two and a half months every two years, which is only 10% of the time. What I do think happens, is that the Mars impulse is slowed down and deepened. Mars retrograde makes a lasting impression and every move is planned carefully and strategically. I have read that Mars retrograde is akin to it traveling in the 12th house, which to me makes more sense as I was thinking the feel is quite Neptunian/Plutonian. I believe Mars retrograde is about karmic rebalancing and it’s mission is spiritualised.
The effect of the fixed stars that Mars hits on it’s path with be the coloring factor to this retrograde in 2012. A Mars retrograde is a long drawn out affair that happens every two years. Since Mars is about sex as well as well as war, it will cause us to re-evaluate our sexual relationships. Our ambitions and goals also come under scrutiny. If you look at the chart you will see the dates when each of the degrees in Virgo get retraced. Things started in the shadow period from the 19th November until the 24th of January will get two more hits. During the retrograde you will be able to turns things round and see them from another angle. Then when they are direct again in the out-going shadow you get to see if the decision or idea was really viable or not.
In my opinion then, I think Mars could do with having the heat taken out of it at times, this gives it a chance to make daring decisions with a cool head. Another point to consider is whether to start a war. In modern days, war-mongering could be to start legal proceedings or initiate a new business venture. Tradition opinion is to wait till Mars is direct again. I think it all depends on whether your intentions are honorable, because the universe will take charge of the outcome. Retrograde cycles are fated times, one must surrender to the forces. Mars is about bravery and confronting danger. So Mars retrograde is like riding a choppy 12th house sea. More Saturnian/left brain types may like to wait until things are calmer and have more control of their vessel. But true swash-buckling adventurers will trust that if Neptune loves you, he will get you there unexpectedly faster and award you a bounty of treasure for your courage.
Mars Retrograde 2012
Mars set sail into the shadow zone on November 18. Our hero hit the fixed star Zosma in constellation Leo on December 5, it was also benefited by a kindly trine from Venus. This could’ve been a time of turning things around if you have been feeling victimized. Some compromises were made after a row. Hasty words to Mars from Mercury square. On the January 8 Mars was on the cranky lions tail Denebola, just before the Full Moon – Thaw! This moon also talked about victimization, since we had a grand trine to Sedna. Mars was also revving up Eris too. You will not see the last of skeletons let out of the closest on this day, they come back to haunt you around the 1st week of February and are resolved between June 16-18. January 22 sees Mars hit the fixed star Alkes, the Holy Grail. This star refers to gifts and talents passed down through the family. However, those gifts can come with a price as there is some unexpected events and disorder indicated. This star is activated for a good few days while Mars is stationing retrograde. So we are made to look what family traits we want to keep and which ones are causing upset in our lives.
Mars stations retrograde January 23 and remains within orb of Alkes until January 30. The retrograde chart itself gives us a very powerful Mars/Sedna/Mercury grand trine. Mercury is exactly on the Peacock while Mars is still on Alkes of course. We have already talked about Sedna and it’s history of betrayal from the father. There certainly seems to be a theme of ancestral inheritance, for good or for ill. Peacock was said to represent Argos the builder of the famous ship Argo (A constellation). I think this is quite apt since I was likening this whole Mars cycle as being somewhat like a voyage.
Fixed star Peacock gives a long life and sometimes fame, maybe this is our prize if we are brave enough to set sail during a Mars retrograde. There is certainly a sea-faring theme to this cycle with Sedna featuring in a few grand trines. We may risk being thrown overboard by a treacherous boss or father figure, but in our despair we find our true calling. Since this retrograde occurs after a new Moon, then the seeds of intention we plant here carry extra poignancy. We go deeper with them, but these are longer term goals and we will have to wait for June 19 before they bear fruit. What sweet fruit they will be!
Mars re-visits the turbulent feline Denebola February 6 and opposes Mercury/Moon on February 22, which could bring on a tempest. Time to batten the hatches. What’s more the transiting nodes are on the powerful Antares/Aldebaran axis. This is an incredibly fated, nodal time when the archangels will be watching. We revisit December 22 2011 again as a pre-christmas ghost bellows about the sails. March 12 we get an interesting grand trine that involves a the Lilith conjunction Jupiter and Pluto. This is a fantastically potent and magical moment. Mars on Zosma in Leo again suggests the possibility of transforming the victim into the saviour. So a time when pussy-cats lions get their courage from Oz and belt out an almighty roar. This trine lasts until March 22.
Mars stations direct on April 14. Mars passes over Zosma again May 22 and seals the deal as a result of the brave outburst back on March 12. Mars is also still empowered by a trine from Pluto on ruthless Facies. Mars back on spikey Denebola on June 16 which may bring up a bitter and vindictive backlash from who ever got shafted during the nautical shake-up. But that’s just a blip. At the end of our journey we can all drink Rum punch from the cup of Alkes as Mars says its last goodbyes to 23 Virgo and sails off into the sunset.
Mars Retrograde Dates
Hello,
What’s your take on surgery during a mars rx? I’ve heard it’s bad, though I had surgery years ago when mars was rx and it turned out fine.
Surgery on old issues seems to be a theme of the Mars retrograde … maybe that’s the methodology of how it works. Mars is a sign of “sugery” … just because the planet is retrograde doesn’t mean we’ve lost faculty with our tools. In my opinion, it’s a matter of the “tools” being applied to the most pertinent issues. In an RX transit, this will be tools applied to resolving old issues.
I’ve got similar medical factors in play now, and hope to resolve them before this transit’s done. The “sources” are historic, and now seems like the best time to address/resolve them.
Moira
Thanks, Moira.
I agree that mars rx would make getting old issues taken care of surgically, but you know we’re in the minority in that view.
Can you elaborate what you mean by this: “The “sources” are historic, and now seems like the best time to address/resolve them.” Maybe I’m just a bit sleepy, but do you mean the sources requiring surgery are historic or are you referring to astrology sources?
Good luck with your surgery!!
This is fantastic article, Mars retrograde in Virgo – “The Catcher in the Rye” , and we all welcome fantastic date March 12 , retro Mars Virgo trine Pluto Capp – Jupiter, Venus , Lilith in Taurus. Really great day, for mankind. I would like to ask you something, if I could please. What is someone’s natal Sun is on 8 degree Pisces,or Lilith on 9 degree Pisces ? That would be the spot that make’s Yod with grand trine ?
I’ve been wondering this since January, coz I saw that magical date March 12th.
Hi Miro, Actually the Sun & Lilith at 9 Pisces will form an opposition to Mars-Virgo at the apex of the trine … this is the tip of a kite formation, not a Yod formation. The flowing energy of the trine will be energized to manifest via the Sun/Lilith placement. With Sun/Lilith sextile the Jupiter/Venus/Lilith point in the trine, I’d expect some great sensitivity or awareness of the feminine divine coming up to the surface (sextile Pluto) and manifested by a Virgo styled precision. If you were a painter, there might be a masterpiece in the making here ! This native is probably already involved, via the Mars retrograde energy, with the topic that will “sail like a kite” by then.
Thanks for the reminder of this date. My own progressed Moon will also be at the tip of the kite then, with asteroids Persephone – Icarus – Karma – Eros conjuncted by transiting Mars. Sounds Good !
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Cassandra, you got me right the first time … the personal historical sources leading to the need for the surgery. So far this Mars-Virgo transit has me studying the textures of certain asteroids that have a mythic spiritual meaning to me. I am digging into some historical personal material and wondering in a most Virgo-precision way, “what is the pertinence” of this to me? I’ve also (today) discovered Mars will transit across natal asteroid Hekate soon. The Shaman Woman who guards the entrance to Hades. This is very significant to me as Saturn is transiting at my 12th house cusp for a long time this year, and bringing both physical and psychological life/health issues up for addressal. Saturn will be retrograding back to a point where Mars will sextile it when it directs this spring. This will occur with Mars in my 10th and Saturn in my 11th. I’m hoping to feel much better in a public-dynamic way, by then.
Thanks Miora , my mistake , it’s a kite, you are right. But that Lilith on 9 Pisces is mine, also my Eros is on 10 Virgo (btw Im Taurus ), and Sun on 9 Pisces is female close to me.That was the reason I asked separately. So it will be very interesting period for everybody on the Pisces kite spot , but how it will manifested, depends of the House from where Jupiter/Venus/Lilith strikes the kite spot, right ?
THanks Miro and Moira for bringing this to attention! My asc is 9 Virgo. I’m going to look at it form the Virgo perspective.
I have Asc 9 Virgo too…would be interested in your thoughts. also Moon 9 Taurus opp Jupiter 11 Scorpio.
From charts I’ve done recently this Mars retro is really hitting people with mutable oppositions/Tsquares. They seem to be experiencing life changing events usually more common with outer planet transits, but sort of speeded up and intensified
Yes, I’d consider the houses. You could start now by observing how the (slightly wide) trine from Pluto to Jupiter is effecting conditions of the houses they’re transiting in each chart. Pluto would indicate the area of deep changes and Jupiter would indicate where the changes are most easily/beneficially attained. Good Fortune to you !
Ok , my natal Lilith is in 7th house, and Pluto strikes from 5th and Jupiter from 9th(trining my Eros at same time ), (at the same time rx Saturn trine my Venus and conj my Uranus
…crazy chart these days.
That female have Sun in 5th house , Pluto strikes from 3rd and Jupter from 7th house.( at the same time rx Saturn opp her Moon and square her Venus ) , very complex for her , think so.
Im digging the astrology , but this was never happend to me or to her. That’s the reason , Im asking . So please , your oppinion is very important to me. Thanks again.
Dear Miro,
You’ve got the action-adventure transits in play, or let’s say your cards are probably a better “deal” now. It’s important that you not add to her serious considerations of your relationship by playing the role of the “card dealer”. That could result in 5th house (love, romance, gambling) troubles for both of you, even though it’s a great focus between you. Let her Jupiter transiting 7th (partnerships) help guide you through your own Lilith issues. There might be issues of distrust or distance causing fear for you, which she can absolve/dissolve if you both trust the microscopic analyzation skills at play in the Mars-Virgo RX period. Trust that this perspective will continue through the transit regardless of whether you pay extra attention to its methods and aims or outcomes. Given the Saturn pressure on her Moon & Venus, you’re doing the right thing to not only give her some space, but also listen to how she feels comfortable “leading” for a couple of months. It won’t be a wild time, but it might be a great time to share smaller, important particularities together …intellectual interests seem fitting. You might also spend some time considering how relationship/partnership hits a raw nerve with you, (Lilith 7th) while you and she adjust to each other’s balance for a few months. Recall that Mars RX has a “deal with the old, before dealing the new” atmosphere. Time to relax into the smaller details, before forcing larger plans.
I’m not a relationship expert, by any means (astrological or otherwise), Miro. I respect your questions, but hope you can sit “insight” any thoughts I’ve sent lately.
Respectfully,
Moira
This is very helpful Miora, and thanks allot for this brief information’s. This was a partnership and strong boundary with Sun/Lilith conjunction, and it’s ended not so long ago cause Saturn square Venus opp Moon in female chart. On March 12th it will be magical day for both, but as you said I’ve got better cards in hand , cause Saturn trine my Venus. The only thing I could do now , as you said, is to give some space and to see what will happened with rx Mars. From my point of view, in her chart rx Mars is transiting 11th house, that means , and old friend that will change prospective and want to be more than a friend. The Jupiter/Venus in her 7th house would be something connected with me, cause we were in partnership while Jupiter is transiting her 7th house. From my chart Rx Mars is in 1st house and it means my strong ambition that will come through some strong woman (Lilith in 7th house), and Jupiter/Venus is in 9th house, means I will go for a journey to the mountains or career chance . The only thing that will connect us on Marh 12th will be journey together, but if she wants, (Saturn square Venus ). That was the deal between us before we separated.
This is very complex situation , and I hope my intuition will be right. You were right that fear of separation and distance is now crushing our hearts, but we need to learn how to love our fears , doubts and jealousies, not to keep them as they are, but to transform them ( Pluto from my 5th house ). I could write on and on , but this best thing is to read little details as you said. Thanks again, blessings
okay, thanks for clearing that up. Saturn hitting the cusp of the 12th, huh? The cusp is so sensitive. I can see why you’re having health issues. I actually have t.Sat in the middle of my 6th, so same deal. It’s square my MC/IC for awhile, but thankfully it’s turned rx and will eventually get off that point. It also is square my sun by degree right now and will move away too. That should help me too.
Is t. mars currently in your 11th or 10th? T. mars in 10th speaks strongly of surgery or seeing a dr. I agree you’ll likely feel better when sat rx’s back into your 11th. Sat in the 12th is a tough transit. I had it 10-11 yrs ago and wasn’t into astrology then, so I was wholly unprepared. Since you know astrology you can use that to help it be easier by knowing what to expect and maybe heading off some things.
Thanks for your helpful thoughts, Cassandra. Yeah, Mars is transiting in the 10th. I never knew this indicated medical authority. I have conference appointments scheduled with all three of my “authorities” this coming Wednesday. This is when they’re going to hear a delicately composed (how Virgo, with progressed Venus & Mars there!) piece of my mind. I scheduled these appointments before the Mars RX transit (Yippee, or they might never have come together as I planned ?!). Natal Pluto at 1 Virgo runs my 10th house trine Saturn 2 Cap 2nd house. Mars won’t retrograde back in close aspect to these numbers (thank the stars???), but I think this is a great reminder of how the overall function of planetary action in their houses can contour one’s approach or focus. Can anyone say “well-contoured BITCHITUDE ?!” Pluto-Virgo-10th … I’ve never trusted authority, but I manage it quite well.
You brought up an interesting thought regarding the directions of Mars (in April) and Saturn (in June). I don’t mean to toss a damp Virgoan towel on matters, but when they direct we’re still deep in the numbers they transited RX. I do sense this as a period of the resolution of all issues “sturm&dranged” during the RX period, but do you think anyone can breathe freely until either planet is front/forward/beyond the complete cycle of degrees involved in the RX transit cycle ? Hopefully, we’ll both be paying attention to minor follow-up appointments by then, eh ?
Thanks also for your thoughts about the 6/12 house medical “visitations”. I can’t wait ’til everything gets traffic-jammed in my 5/11 or 3/9 houses. For the life of me, I can’t begin to Virgo when that might ever be again !
Care in all,
Moira
Oh, you’re so welcome! Sorry this is so long coming, but I’ve been crazy busy. Yes, 10th is MDs, especially surgeons. Is see you had your appt. already. I hope it went well! I hope your “well contoured BITCHITUDE” payed off, lol, love that saying!
Is t. mars on P.venus or mars? I see neptune is on your IC. I wonder if this is all woman related issues, like ovaries and reproductive things and such. I thought that mars was going to turn direct on 3 virgo, if so, that can be when you get real progress, since it will be on your MC. Surgery?
I do want t. sat to move on because it’s square my sun right now and my MC, but I am most unhappy about t. neptune square my mars and it will be there for sooo long. Don’t get me started on t. pluto on my mercury either and then there’s uranus…sigh, but yes, I will be happy when mars just moves on. It’s square my moon which is adding to my stomach problems. And I’m not happy about saturn in my 6th for so long either, but that’s another long duration thing. Oh well.
5/11 sounds grand, doesn’t it?! Except for saturn. I didn’t like saturn in my 5th so much.
Did you have a freudian slip in your last sentence above?
Hi Cassandra … yes, it’s been so “archeologically” busy lately, I can barely get to the astrology of it all. Not only are the doc’s probing the depths of my physique, but I’m un-earthing my household & worldly possessions in preparation for “The Big Dig-Out” ! Pluto & Uranus have set the tone, with Saturn holding the stop&go watch and Mars RX directing the activities for this big picture.
Mars RX is now conjunct P-Mars, then back 4 degrees to P-Venus 10th. Interesting numbers regarding relationship plans, as the Virgo action finds me in a state of assexual distraction while I’m cerebrally and spiritually involved with the partner of my life from a great distance. Just before Christmas, when Mars was direct on these numbers, I “braved it up” and asked how we might contour our lives to be physically together. This opened up new doors in our relationship and plans, but with the Mars RX in effect we’re mired in the highly Virgoan details of life excavations required to make it so. Ironically, he and I have been studying the mythos of Virgin Mary, Magdalene & Christ in a larger context of esoteric astrological philosophy for some months. Suffice, that I’ve never felt more like an immobilized statue embodying virtue yet deprived of thriving life, than I do now. I do so feel like an icon of my own life, welded on a pedestal for the general probing review of others: doctors, realtors, mechanics and technicians, my lover, family, and my own cud-chewing analytical self. So, I submit to the investigations and excavations; extract the all-too-human rotten teeth and dose myself in flax seed. Saturn RX in the 11th seems to bring “the audience” on now.
The best I can hope for these particular transits is that Mars will prove my attention to the details with some 10th house rewards by the time it directs; and that Saturn’s direction in the 12th to Scorpio, will provide form to my desire-natured trine between Neptune & Sun from early Scorpio to Cancer. Or, maybe that’s when I evolve out of my lifely form as I’ve known it ? I’m sure I’ll paint a picture or write a poem on my way through.
The 6/12 axis is the Virgo-Pisces bases. I do trust the Mars transit to bring up the appropriate details, and have faith that I’ll land on two repaired feet by the time Saturn’s at the ASC. Certainly something to look forward to!
Moira
Oh, and lucky me, since I have interceptions my 6/12 is 1.5 signs so I get a longer transit in my 6/12!
“But true swash-buckling adventurers will trust that if Neptune loves you, he will get you there unexpectedly faster and award you a bounty of treasure for your courage.”
with mars squaring my neptune throughout this retrograde… i dont think its possible it will apply to me