Mars Retrograde in Virgo 2012

Mars Retrograde in Virgo 2012: January 23rd, 2012 to April 13th, 2012

Overview

"Mercury Retrograde" has certainly become a buzzword - or buzz phrase - these days. The Mars Retrograde cycle is lesser known, and it occurs less frequently than Mercury Retrograde, but it is certainly no less significant nevertheless.

What is Mars Retrograde? Occasionally, Mars appears to be moving backwards in the sky. "Appears" is the key word here, because, technically speaking, no planet actually moves backwards in their orbits around the Sun. In fact, they don't even slow down. Retrograde-station-direct cycles are essentially illusions that result from our point of view from Earth, simply because the Earth is also orbiting the Sun at a different speed than the other planets. Mars is Retrograde approximately 58-81 days every 2+ years.

If Mars is retrograde in the natal chart, this is what the Karmic Insight report has to say about this position: "Asserting yourself vigorously and directly is complicated by the fact that you had a prior lifetime or lifetimes in which aggression was either misused (by you, or against you) and/or all personal initiative and self-will was insistently discouraged (perhaps due to a belief system that advocated passivity).

In any case, the message that was impressed upon you was that forceful action is wrong or dangerous. Thus, if you stand up for yourself, you now tend to hesitate, back down or even be plagued with fears of retaliation."

Mars is Retrograde in Virgo from January 23, 2012, to April 13th, 2012.

18 Nov 2011 11:35 am 0341' Enters Rx Zone
23 Jan 2012 07:51 pm 2306'Rx Stationary Retrograde
13 Apr 2012 11:41 pm 0341' Stationary Direct
19 Jun 2012 03:57 pm 2306' Leaves Rx Zone

Details: 23 Jan 2012 07:51 pm 2306'Rx to 13 Apr 2012 11:41 pm 0341'

Mars is in its shadow from November 18th, 2011; and then until June 19th, 2012.

When Mars is in its retrograde cycle, we are forced to re-assess our current projects, our approach to getting what we want, and our desire nature. Rather than directly asserting our desires, we tend towards introspection. While Mars in direct motion is direct, straightforward, assertive, and aggressive, with Mars in retrograde motion, Mars energy is essentially turned inward--it's internalized, intensified, personalized, and perhaps pressurized. We can be hesitant about taking action, second-guessing our instincts or our natural impulses rather than acting upon them. The way we react to situations under normal conditions doesn't necessarily work for us now, or we don't exactly trust it.

When anger is internalized, there can be some rather negative byproducts, such as tension, resentment, depression, apathy, and even some paranoia. On the other hand, it can also be personalized and made more intimate. The goal of a Mars retrograde period is not, however, to simply sit on our impulses or to squelch our enthusiasm. Rather, it's to better understand our impulses, our survival instincts, our anger, our sexuality, our inner courage, and the ways we go about getting what we want from life. The cosmos are asking us to look before we leap rather than throw ourselves into action, just for the time being.

In many ways, I think of Mars retrograde periods as similar to Mars transits through the twelfth house. It's a time when hesitating is more likely than throwing ourselves into new endeavors. We might require more rest than usual. Some of us are more accident-prone or illness-prone, almost as if the cosmos are forcing us to slow down if we haven't listened to our natural impulses to take a break. It's time for regrouping, and this is important on both physical and emotional levels.

Rather than direct and healthy expressions or outlets for frustrations, we might resort to sneaky, indirect, or obtuse methods of going after what we want. If we push ahead impulsively, we run into problems, obstacles, and frustrations.

Virgo energy is detail-oriented and particular, and these qualities can be expressed in both positive and negative ways. With Mars retrograde in Virgo, compulsive tendencies may be strong. We might obsess over details that don't truly matter.

Obsessing over who's wrong and who's right may be a problem. It's humility that we should be striving towards, as humility is the only way towards honesty with ourselves and with others.

Virgo rules work, health, self-care programs, pets, and daily routines. During Mars' retrograde cycle in Virgo, we may need to re-assess our approach to these matters. Circumstances are likely to be such that we feel forced to do so. We might feel some frustration or anxiety about these matters. Projects may not get off the ground as planned, perhaps due to hesitation, caution, and fear of taking risks.

Health issues may be a factor (especially in areas ruled by Virgo--digestion, intestines, bowels, spleen), and accidents a possibility throughout the Mars retrograde period. Avoid pushing matters or throwing yourself into something entirely new. There is absolutely no reason to suspend your projects during a Mars retrograde period. Reworking and redefining current projects may be especially satisfying.

Motives may be hard to discern for others' actions. As we consider and re-consider our actions and initiatives, we can be more indecisive than usual. Sexual feelings may be stronger and more intense, but outward expression of sexuality may be less spontaneous than usual.

Any planet that is retrograde is an especially strong and dominant energy in our lives during the retrograde period. Because it is closest to the earth during the cycle, the energy of the planet, while dominant, is more challenging to harness in a controlled, conscious manner. This can lead to irrational behaviors and reactions, particularly since Mars rules action and initiative. Wherever you find Mars transiting your chart during the retrograde period, you could be especially preoccupied with the affairs associated with that house and/or planet. Some of us experience a lessening of interest, initiative, and enthusiasm in these areas of life during the retrograde cycle, particularly as Mars begins to slow down (in November 2011). While Mars is "moving backwards" (from January 23 to April 13, 2012), there could be some backtracking in these areas, perhaps even some losses. It's a period of review. Working on long-term projects has better results than embarking on entirely new projects. Enthusiasm builds slowly but surely as Mars moves direct again (after April 13th).

People don't say what they do, or do what they say!

Mars Retrograde through the Signs - January 23 to April 13th, 2012

Some people are more sensitive to Mars retrograde cycles than others. Mars-ruled Aries and Scorpio natives are likely to be particularly sensitive to the effects of Mars Retrograde in general. This applies to anyone who has a number of planets in either sign. Also, check to see where Aries and Scorpio are found in your natal chart. If Aries is on the third house cusp, for example, (which is often the case for Aquarius Ascendant natives) communication issues may be especially prominent themes now. If either of these signs is on the fifth house, then we can expect some stalling in the areas ruled by the fifth house--romance, creativity, and children, for example.

Aries and Aries Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you on a highly personal level because Mars is your sign's ruler. If you have an Aries Ascendant, Mars is your chart ruler, and Mars retrograde can also affect you on the physical plane as well as your personal presentation or image to others. Pushing yourself during this Mars retrograde cycle will only lead to frustrations and slowdowns. It's time to review how you have been handling yourself in terms of self-assertion and expression of anger in general, and for considering making changes to your approach to getting what you want out of life. Occurring in your solar sixth house this time, enthusiasm for your work or health regimes, or for work projects and daily routines, could wane perhaps due to setbacks or stalling. Work itself could seem to be less straightforward or satisfying. New initiatives with these matters may appear less exciting, or you could find that you are less confident about expressing yourself in these areas of life. Watch for pent-up anger and passive-aggressiveness on the job. Refocus, backtracking, and review become necessary and recommended now. This Mars retrograde emphasizes practical and work matters. How you organize your time is in question now.

Taurus and Taurus Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles particularly affect you in terms of your intuition and spiritual matters, because Mars rules these areas of your life. You may find that you are less able to rely on your intuition. Perhaps you're picking up the wrong cues or reading too much into situations. Whatever the case may be, for the time being, you may not feel that your intuition is serving you well. Keep an eye out for deceptiveness and falseness in others. It would be wise to be especially clear when it comes to communicating about your inner world now; or take this time to re-examine issues rather than communicating about them prematurely. Private affairs and solitary work might need to be put on the back burner, or you could show less enthusiasm for them. Occurring in your solar fifth house this time, enthusiasm for a romance or creative project could wane perhaps due to setbacks or stalling. A relationship with a lover or a child could become more complicated or possibly exhausting. New initiatives with fifth house matters may appear less exciting, or you could find that you are less confident about expressing yourself in fifth house areas of life--creativity self-expression, recreation, children, and romance. Caution and perhaps anxiety or confusion begin to dominate. You might feel less confident or you could simply feel more cautious now. Watch for pent-up anger, frustration, and passive-aggressiveness with a lover or with your children, if applicable. Refocusing, backtracking, and review become necessary and recommended now.

Gemini and Gemini Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles particularly affect you in terms of your friendships, group associations, networking, business income, and dreams/wishes because Mars rules these areas of your life. Challenges in these areas are possible now. Enthusiasm for generating business income, for group or community activities, and/or friendships may wane, perhaps due to some problems or setbacks in these areas of life. Occurring in your solar fourth house this time, household projects may slow down or stall. Repairs may need to be done, or circumstances are such that living conditions seem unstable or in need of review. Perhaps the enthusiasm that you have been building for work around the house is lessening. You may have an increased desire to rule the roost, or feel that this position is no longer in your hands, and if this transit stimulates conflict or disputes, it is likely to be family-related--you may have arguments with them, about them, or on their behalf. You may get worked up about old angers or regarding emotional issues from the past that are resurfacing now. Refocusing, backtracking, and review become necessary and recommended now. It's time to review how you have been handling your assertiveness on the home front and with family.

Cancer and Cancer Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles particularly affect you in terms of your career, professional life, ambition, public relations, and your reputation because Mars rules these areas of your life. Stalling, snags, challenges, or seeming setbacks might alert you to the need for re-organizing your energy and enthusiasm for these matters, for re-assessing goals, or for changing plans. Occurring in your solar third house this time, mental projects, courses, or studies could be less exciting or invigorating for the time being. Perhaps a project you have been working on and enthused about encounters some snags and you feel the urge to abandon it altogether. Challenges with self-expression, pushing your ideas, or with neighbors and siblings may occur now. It's time to rethink, revise, and reorganize your plans. Backtracking is a good idea.

Leo and Leo Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of faith, wisdom, perspective, personal philosophy, higher education, travel, and adventure in general. You could find that you are less confident about expressing yourself in adventurous ways. Your outlook on life in terms of the "bigger picture" could be more cautious, and you might find that you temporarily have less faith. Occurring in your second house this time, money-making endeavors are in focus. Perhaps a money-making idea you have been working on and were enthused about encounters some snags and you feel the urge to abandon it altogether. Caution and perhaps anxiety may be the overriding emotions now. Money and security matters are extremely important to you during this cycle, but they are not as straightforward as they have been. It's time to rethink, revise, and reorganize your plans.

Virgo and Virgo Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of intimacy, sharing, and finances because Mars rules these areas of your solar chart. Intimate matters may become more intense and complicated. Joint financial projects or initiatives may stall, or you could find that you are less confident about expressing yourself in personal ways. Anger management might be in order now, and it's a strong period for reviewing how you have been asserting yourself with a partner. Occurring in your solar first house now, this Mars retrograde cycle is very up close and personal! The ways that your survival instincts have served you to date may not seem to be as effective, or you might be feeling cautious and withdrawn overall now. You might find that you are second-guessing yourself, and this is a natural process as you reassess how you have been going about meeting life and reacting/acting. It's a good time for refining these things. Your personal initiatives and confidence are affected. Perhaps you are not as confident about your personal effectiveness and more cautious about sharing yourself with others. Personal initiatives might need to be put on the back burner, or you could show less enthusiasm for them. You could be a little tired and more accident-prone, so be sure to rest up. It's time to rethink, revise, and reorganize your plans. Backtracking is a good idea now. How you assert yourself and how you go about going after what you want out of life are up for review now.

Libra and Libra Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of close partnering and negotiations because Mars rules these areas of your solar chart. Enthusiasm for a partnership or coming from a partner could be waning or not as clear. A partner could seem to be less direct or hard to reach. Partnering projects or initiatives, or negotiations, could stall, or you could find that you are less confident about expressing yourself in a one-to-one manner. Watch for pent-up anger and passive-aggressiveness in your partnerships, and learn from experiences with these things. Occurring in your solar twelfth house this time, your spirituality, private life gut instincts, and intuition are affected. Perhaps you are not as confident about your hunches. Private affairs and solitary work might need to be put on the back burner, or you could show less enthusiasm for them. Trusting your gut instincts may become an issue. Vague fears and anxieties need to be dealt with. Obsession with private matters or concerns about the past could be part of the picture. It's time to rethink, revise, and reorganize your plans. Backtracking is a good idea now.

Scorpio and Scorpio Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of work, daily activities and routines, and/or health. Events might conspire to slow you down in these areas, forcing you to reassess how you've been managing this part of your life. Mars is your co-ruler, so you may be dealing with issues of image, personal presentation, and physical appearance or health as well. Occurring in your solar eleventh house this time, enthusiasm for generating business income, for working towards your higher goals and hopes, for group or community activities, and/or friendships may wane, perhaps due to some problems or setbacks in these areas of life. Ambiguity in these areas of life may lead you to reassess your friendships, group endeavors, or higher goals. Refocus, backtracking, and review become necessary and recommended now.

Sagittarius and Sagittarius Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of creativity, children, recreation, entertainment, hobbies, and romance because Mars rules these areas of your solar chart. This can play out in a variety of ways, such as problems with a lover or child's enthusiasm, for example, or a creative project encountering some setbacks, or possibly an event or circumstance that prevents you from enjoying hobbies or leisurely activities for the time being. Occurring in your solar tenth house this time, enthusiasm for career and public or professional matters may wane, perhaps due to some problems or setbacks in these areas of life. Ambiguities might have you second-guessing or reassessing your goals. You might feel less confident or you could simply feel more cautious now. Some projects may stall. Refocus, backtracking, and review become necessary and recommended now. This Mars retrograde emphasizes practical and work matters, as well as creativity and "play". How you organize your time is in question now.

Capricorn and Capricorn Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of home, family, security, and domestic activities because Mars rules these areas in your solar chart. This can play out in a variety of ways. For example, household projects may slow down or stall. You might be feeling more defensive during this period, or your might get worked up about old angers or regarding emotional issues from the past that are resurfacing now. It's a good time for examining how you have been expressing anger or asserting yourself with your family. Occurring in your solar ninth house this time, enthusiasm for higher education, travel, your personal philosophy, or adventure in general may wane, perhaps due to some problems or setbacks in these areas of life. Some projects may stall, or you could find that you are less confident about expressing yourself in adventurous ways. Your outlook on life in terms of the "bigger picture" could be more cautious, and you might find that you temporarily have less faith, or you are questioning the faith that has carried you to date. Refocus, backtracking, and review become necessary and recommended now. Your outlook and lust for life, for the time being, might not be as natural or spontaneous as it has been.

Aquarius and Aquarius Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of communication, siblings, neighbors, acquaintances, and transportation. Communication or transportation might take a hit somehow, making it harder to get from point A to point B, for example, or involving missed meetings, delays and red tape, challenges with studies, or mechanical breakdowns. Occurring in your solar eighth house this time, enthusiasm for intimate and sharing matters in general may wane, perhaps due to some problems or setbacks in these areas of life. Intimate matters may become more intense and complicated. Joint financial projects or initiatives may stall, or you could find that you are less confident about expressing yourself in personal ways. A lover or yourself may especially intense or obsessive. Ambiguity with finances, particularly debts and shared money or resources, could dominate now. Refocus, backtracking, and review become necessary and recommended. You could be exploring anger and assertion over deeply buried matters, and learning to better manage your life on an emotional level.

Pisces and Pisces Ascendant: All Mars retrograde cycles affect you in the areas of personal finances, income, possessions, comfort, and values. These areas might be ambiguous now, or cause for concern and anxiety for the time being. Reassessing these matters becomes necessary. Occurring in your solar seventh house this time, enthusiasm for a partnership or coming from a partner could be waning or not as clear. A partner could seem to be less direct or could be harder to reach. Partnering projects or initiatives, or negotiations, could stall, or you could find that you are less confident about expressing yourself in a one-to-one manner. Watch for pent-up anger and passive-aggressiveness with partnerships. A lover or yourself may especially intense or obsessive. Refocus, backtracking, and review become necessary and recommended now. This cycle forces you to reorganize your energy with regards to people, partnerships, and finances.

Mars Retrograde in Virgo 2012