Mars is retrograde from Oct 30 2022 to Jan 13, 2023, moving backwards from our perspective from 1° Gemini to 13° Taurus (sidereal signs).
Mars retrograde represents the strength we can regain by doing something we used to do. It's a time to tap into huge reserves of strength within, although we could just as easily find ourselves at a loss, as if our system cannot handle the extra energy with no obvious outlet. We must be patient as external delays redirect our attention inward. We must learn ways to direct the distorted energy through healthy channels.
Mars retrograde represents the strength we can regain by doing something we used to do. It's a time to tap into huge reserves of strength within, although we could just as easily find ourselves at a loss, as if our system cannot handle the extra energy with no obvious outlet. We must be patient as external delays redirect our attention inward. We must learn ways to direct the distorted energy through healthy channels.
Mars is in Taurus for most of its retrograde and this has its pitfalls, requiring more compromise than the planet of action is suited to. This sends us onto our back foot and second guessing ourselves. When we add Rahu's aspect from Aries, it adds complexity. The world is seeing this play out with complex resources and supply chain issues, while we each personally grapple with the need to compromise on even the basics.
Setbacks are likely in these things as Mars retrogrades from the end of October, but Mars' initial transit through Taurus has set the stage from Aug 10. Mars transits into its shadow from the beginning of September, moving beyond the point it must move back over. Shadow is absolutely an appropriate word in the case of this Mars retrograde, when we factor in Rahu's impact.
Whatever shady things we do now are likely to be redone later. And whatever we do, we must compromise something while doing it. This is the nature of Taurus and its ruler, Venus, which moves into its sign of debilitation from Sep 25 to Oct 18. This period reflects an underlying weakness, with the subsequent Mars retrograde asking us to backtrack on what we have already begun.
A concept astrologer Martin Schulman writes about in his book, Karmic Astrology: Retrogrades and Reincarnation, is what he refers to as three distinct phases of retrogrades. He highlights the three phases in relation to Mars as:
Phase 1: Jumping ahead of ourselves, attempting to live the future now,
Phase 2: In the process of living out the future, experiencing the feeling that we have already been there,
Phase 3: Repeating in mind the first phase, so we are actually reliving the looking forward to a future that has already occurred.
See if you can wrap your head around that last one! I'm more familiar with the dynamics involved in these three phases when it comes to Mars as I was born when Mars was retrograde. But you probably have at least one planet retrograde in your birth chart and know this in relation to that planet.
As Mars is my ruling planet, and because I am an astrologer, I am always writing about the future, which encapsulates this dynamic. In my mind, the future has already happened many times before it actually does, and because of this by the time it happens it's like I'm reliving it! I sometimes think back, looking forward to what has already happened, because I did not have that opportunity until after the fact. Warped, I know! But that is what a retrograde planet is like. The Sanskrit word for retrograde is Vakra, meaning 'warped', 'twisted'.
Someone with Mars retrograde from birth may be more familiar with the need to balance this sometimes impulsive energy, but they can also get easily triggered in a way that is familiar, especially for those in the compensating Phase 1 of the retrograde, e.g., feeling frustrated and reckless if things are not moving forward fast enough. Mostly though, I’ve noted that those who already have a retrograde planet in their birth chart are more able to handle the retrograde, as they’re more familiar with it. If you don't have a Mars retrograde from birth, it's likely to be a very new dynamic you haven't learned how to manage as yet.
I used to jump impulsively into things and then spend a lot of time regretting my actions, reimagining the past. But I am older and wiser now, and more familiar with this back and forth. We all do this to some degree, of course, it’s just that those with Mars retrograde do it more so. When Mars is retrograde in a natal chart, Schulman writes that the individual has "learned to sublimate, twist, deny, distort or negate the fulfilment of his physical needs unless the needs of his Spirit are met first". (Schulman, 1977). Mars retrograde can show us either being very impulsive or overly cautious. It can flip from one extreme to another.
Retrograde planets are actually stronger in a way, as they are closer to Earth. But they are less able to fully express themselves. It can be too much for us to handle, and we shut down the impulse. Shutting down Mars has its problems. Burying our will to do something can lead to anger which we may bury even deeper if we are not comfortable with the feeling.
Even if we are able to channel it in a healthy way, other people are not comfortable with our anger and may try to shut us down. This is even more likely with Mars in Taurus. This dynamic happens early on in life, during the so-called ‘Mars years’, from ages 1 to 3, the ‘terrible twos’, when we are first shut down by adults around us who cannot handle our willful side.
Energy can spike or drop dramatically during Mars’ retrograde, where we find it difficult to keep things balanced. Add Rahu's influence from Aries and we are likely to experience this in more extreme ways. The markets and economy, relations and diplomacy - Taurus-type things - are likely to do the same.
Mars retrograde in Taurus is a great lesson in restraint, and a healthy, willful output of energy. It’s as if we are being wound up like a toy car, building energy that is ready to burst forth, and yet we do not have a clear surface to move forward, and can sometimes spiral and crash. Patience is required, and some sort of activity that allows us to vent some steam.
Mars in Taurus deals with problems through negotiation. All parties' needs must be considered.
Hold your Nerve
Mars rules the nerves according to Parashara. The phrase, 'to hold your nerve', is a Mars-type phrase. Mars represents strength, which is actually more to do with the nervous system than its impact on musculature, a Saturn-ruled tissue. The muscles are broken down in strength training, before they eventually repair. This is a Saturn-type thing. Mars, on teh other hand, is quicker. The nerves fire without us thinking about it and tell the muscles what to do. Likewise, our mouths can run off and say something we later regret.
If you are more reserved and thoughtful, you are unlikely to experience the kind of problems suggested by Mars retrograde in Taurus, although we all have to be mindful of being tested in some way. How else do we develop strength? However, if your impulsiveness has created problems for you in the past, this Mars transit is one to be mindful of. Use it to gain strength and courage to overcome something, but be willing to compromise.
You could spend the time between Oct 30 and Jan 13 redoing something, perhaps even reinventing yourself (Taurus rising), but certainly reworking this area of your life. This is a time to approach the areas of life shown by the house positions of Taurus (Aug 10 - Mar 12) and Gemini (Oct 15 - Nov 13) with caution, as you would with any new thing you are trying out, knowing you may make some mistakes at first.
From a bigger perspective, there are no mistakes, only bigger lessons.
Mars rules the nerves according to Parashara. The phrase, 'to hold your nerve', is a Mars-type phrase. Mars represents strength, which is actually more to do with the nervous system than its impact on musculature, a Saturn-ruled tissue. The muscles are broken down in strength training, before they eventually repair. This is a Saturn-type thing. Mars, on teh other hand, is quicker. The nerves fire without us thinking about it and tell the muscles what to do. Likewise, our mouths can run off and say something we later regret.
If you are more reserved and thoughtful, you are unlikely to experience the kind of problems suggested by Mars retrograde in Taurus, although we all have to be mindful of being tested in some way. How else do we develop strength? However, if your impulsiveness has created problems for you in the past, this Mars transit is one to be mindful of. Use it to gain strength and courage to overcome something, but be willing to compromise.
You could spend the time between Oct 30 and Jan 13 redoing something, perhaps even reinventing yourself (Taurus rising), but certainly reworking this area of your life. This is a time to approach the areas of life shown by the house positions of Taurus (Aug 10 - Mar 12) and Gemini (Oct 15 - Nov 13) with caution, as you would with any new thing you are trying out, knowing you may make some mistakes at first.
From a bigger perspective, there are no mistakes, only bigger lessons.
For All Signs
You can read your rising and/or Moon sign below, however, these are general indications and need to be qualified by other indications in your birth chart. If you are in a Mars cycles, on the first, second or third level, then this is a transit to watch closely.
Aries
You are always very personally impacted by your ruling planet going retrograde. As Mars does so in your 2nd house of speech, family and finances, it's important to say what you mean and to mean what you say. You will likely be looking at what you are worth, and how this is seen in others' eyes. You must rework your finances and the dynamics within your family values. Any kind of repression will lead to problems; you may end up with a sore lip if you bite it so much! Be mindful of saying something you may later regret.
Taurus
This impacts you very directly. Others have a big impact on you, anyway. but this Mars retrograde is especially potent. Be mindful of dealing with others in general, but especially a partner, either in business or in your personal life. You may have so much more energy, but with little outlet for expression. This can lead to problems unless you find ways to bleed off the excess. Mars always brings some hidden dynamic into your life; partners always have something to hide. It's time to uncover your own hidden objectives so you can get clear about the issues.
Gemini
Mars in the 12th house is what I call a 'shoot yourself in the foot' transit. Mars is already a tricky planet for you, ruling your 6th house of enemies and 11th house of friends. The enemy of your enemy is your friend, of course. Mars is emphasizing hidden enemies as it transits your 12th house, but this is merely your own hidden blocks. You can certainly overcome these now, but it means things are likely brought up to deal with. Truly, there are no enemies, only your inner demons you can now overcome.
Cancer
Friends and associations require your patience, as do your children and future plans. Whatever you do, make sure you keep an open mind about how you plan anything at this time. Your relationship to your friends and children, lovers or your boss, are likely to be tested, so you can find the strength within yourself to deal with the issues. The real issue is what you want out of it, but also the compromise you must arrive at when getting something you want.
Leo
Work is impacted and likely to experience some setbacks during Mars' retrograde. Be patient with your boss if you have one, and your direction in life in general If your mother and father are still with you, there are some things you all must work out, together. It's a time to be patient with all of these people, as your life takes on a new direction, including a temporary detour.
Virgo
Travel and study/teaching requires more patience as you rethink things and learn how to communicate these new developments. If you do plan to travel during this time, pack a lot more patience than you think you could ever need. Likewise, your relationship to your father if he's still with you, needs your patience. Whether your father is alive or not, it points to a change in your guiding principles and beliefs, one that needs time to assimilate and express clearly eventually.
Libra
Relationships are likely a sticking point at this time, as you delve into what keeps you both together. You may even be contemplating if the glue is strong enough. Mars in the 8th is a time you are looking at the complexities of your partnership, in any kind of partnership you have. This includes a need to look at what you jointly hold. The 8th house is the things you count together in a relationship, or the things you divide up when breaking up. It's probably best not to make any definitive decisions about your relationship or finances until Mars has stationed direct in January.
Scorpio
Would you rather be right or would you rather be happy? You cannot have it both ways with Mars, even though Mars is a bit all or nothing and pushes you into such extremes. This is especially the case when retrograde. Yet Mars in Taurus is asking you to compromise. That's tricky, because Mars is the selfish part of you that wants it, like, yesterday. As your ruling planet and 6th house ruler, Mars in the 7th could create place you in direct conflict with others, especially your partner, unless you are willing to compromise on something important to you both.
Sagittarius
To do the things you would love to, you must work some things out first. While there's a push on to create some enjoyable situation, Mars in the 6th house is asking you to overcome some health issue or problem in your everyday life first. If you can overcome these things, finding strength within yourself to push through your issues, you can get on with what you want to do. Yet Mars retrograde shows a return of some issue you probably thought you were done with, something that needs your immediate attention. Compromise is needed, and balance; between doing what you want and what you must.
Capricorn
Changes in your future are likely to stall for a time, so you can work out the finer details. Once you do that, you can get on with a new strategy. Don't forget to have some fun along the way, as this can open up new avenues of adventure and solve a lot of your problems. Home and social life are likely to feel changes more so, so get on board now and it won't be so hard to make the adjustments. Do the things you love, or perhaps, redo the things you used to.
Aquarius
This winter, you are likely to be making changes in your home. This is likely to have a knock-on effect on your work. Be patient with these necessary changes, as Mars works things out for you. Yet don't simply sit around at home waiting for something to happen. If you do, you may feel like a 'bull in a china shop'. Mars may be retrograde, but it is still moving, just that it's moving back. Perhaps revisiting your early childhood home is on the cards, or at least the dynamics of that time.
Pisces
Mars in your 3rd house of communications and effort is likely to challenge you to step up and speak your truth. It may not be easy, especially as it retrogrades and causes all kinds of missteps and miscommunications, but you are learning very important lessons in how to stand up for yourself at this time. You may not get it right the first time, or even the 2nd time, but by the time Mars is moving back over this territory in direct motion next spring you will have worked it all out and can go for what you want at last.
Om Tat Sat
Reference
Schulman, M. (1977) Karmic Astrology: Retrogrades and Reincarnation Vol. II, 1 edn., Maine: Samuel Weiser, Inc..