Here comes the fire, Earthlings! Mars retrograde just began a couple of days ago, and this retrograde comes to us entirely in the sign of Aries. We had no Mars retrograde in 2019 and won’t in 2021, so of course, the wild and wacky year that has been 2020 has to come with this retrograde.

　　When is Mars retrograde exactly? Well, it started on September 9th and will last until November 13th. It’s just over 2 months long, and that’s 2 months of intense Mars in the mix! Mars has been in Aries since June 28, kicking up energy for all of us, and remains in Aries for the rest of 2020.

　　

The Meaning of Mars Retrograde

Mars is the natural ruler of energy and drive. A planet is called “retrograde” when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac signs, and retrograde planets tend to operate in the opposite way that they normally do.

　　This means Mars retrograde is a time when energy and drive can slow down.

　　If you were born while Mars was retrograde, you have Mars retrograde in your natal chart. Natal Mars retrograde shows you’re someone who takes action and uses your energy in more subtle ways, and who may be more passive. Taking the initiative may be a challenge for you.

　　Don’t know if you have a natal Mars retrograde? Use the free birth chart generator to find out!

　　Mars retrograde natives may be better at being passive-aggressive and finding other ways of making things happen. You may have a hard time expressing anger, and this can lead to bottling it up and then exploding at some point.

　　Learning how to stand up for yourself, take initiative, and be more confident is crucial if you were born with Mars retrograde.

　　The periods when transit Mars is retrograde can offer you an opportunity to tap into the Mars energy that might normally be unavailable to you, so you should try to make the most of those periods (like the one we’re in now!).

　　Transit Mars retrograde can bring difficulties for all of us with energy and drive. We may have a hard time getting things moving, and can feel a little stuck at times. That may cause us to blow up, and create even bigger problems.

　　Healthy, positive outlets for anger and aggression is incredibly important during Mars retrograde. When that can be controlled, we can navigate the retrograde period much more easily.

　　

Mars Retrograde 2020: The Details

Let’s get down to the details, shall we? The Mars retrograde began at 28 degrees Aries, and will end at 15 degrees Aries, so the retrograde is occurring in the second half of this sign.

　　Aries is a Fire sign, full of fiery energy, and a Cardinal sign, so it’s the sign that wants to get started, take initiative, and blaze new trails.

　　Mars just also happens to be the natural ruling planet for Aries, so the energy is very pure with this retrograde, and we experience the pure Mars retrograde impact.

　　That means we have extra issues with:

　　Getting things startedUsing energy properlyBeing drivenControlling angerThat also means that the general way to navigate Mars retrograde is the way to walk through this one:

　　Address blocks to taking the first steps with whatever you want.Have healthy outlets for anger and rage.Tend to your physical body.Reflect on ways you’ve let impatience get the better of you and how to improve on that.Mars governs our motivations and desires, and Mars retrograde in Aries is an excellent time to take a breather, really consider what our motivations have been, and why we’ve wanted what we have. There may be some underlying issues that need to be addressed, or some old subconscious or karmic patterns at play that need to be broken.

　　The areas of life ruled by the house the Mars retrograde occurs in your birth chart can get much of the impact. Mars retrograde is a time to reassess, and work on improving confidence.

　　If you’re an Aries Sun, Moon, or Rising, this retrograde is bound to have the strongest impact on you since it’s both in your sign and is a retrograde of your planetary ruler, Mars.

　　Usually, when your ruler is retrograde, you feel off in a subtle way, and when a retrograde occurs in your sign, you feel off in a way-more-than-subtle way. So this is going to be a time when you need to exercise extra patience with yourself and others!

　　Any Aries planets in your natal chart can get the brunt of this Mars retrograde, so pay close attention to those planets and what they rule, if you have any. If you have no Aries planets, give your attention to the house(s) it’ll occur in.

　　Interested in learning more? Find out what your dominant planet is!

　　5 Tips for Surviving Mars Retrograde

　　

1. Make Use of Crystals

Crystals can be very helpful for managing the retrograde energy when you’re struggling on your own. Carnelian is often linked to Mars energy (though you can use any red stone), and can help with making sure your energy isn’t completely zapped and you’re using it properly.

　　Obsidian (especially snowflake obsidian) can help to ground you, which can help with anger and frustration.

　　Keep the crystal with you, sleep with it under your pillow, or spend a few minutes each day meditating with it.

　　

2. Heal & Strengthen Your Root Chakra

Mars and Aries link to your Root chakra, which is located at the base of your spine. Make sure that the chakra is in good condition to get through this retrograde!

　　You can heal your root chakra with music or sound, videos, or essential oils, and strengthen with exercise, by grounding yourself or just wearing the color red.

　　

3. Take up Meditation

Meditation can be helpful with virtually any retrograde, so consider taking it up!

　　If you’ve tried meditation before and didn’t stick with it, don’t despair – you probably just weren’t doing the right form of meditation for you. Yes, there are many different forms of meditation! So give a few different ones a try.

　　Considering trying out meditation for Mars retrograde? Try out our Grounding Meditation for 2020 Retrograde Season.

　　

4. Start (or Continue) an Exercise Regimen

Mars and Aries are big on keeping the physical body moving, and during Mars retrograde, it may be tempting to be a lump on a log and stay that way, but it only adds to the aggravation. Keep your physical body in motion (hey remember science class? A body in motion stays in motion).

　　Don’t overdo it though because that may lead to accidents and injuries, so know your limits and take breaks!

　　

5. Take Micro-Breaks When Needed

Micro-breaks can be great during Mars retrograde, and you can give yourself a tiny bit of room to breathe and get a fresh perspective on whatever you’re doing.

　　If you find yourself getting frustrated about something you’re working on or losing steam, those are clues you should consider a quick break so you don’t get completely derailed. You can come back to it feeling much better later.

　　

What Other Astrological Influences Can We Expect?

This retrograde does come at a heated time with astrology, to be certain. First, it starts with Mars aligned with Black Moon Lilith in Aries, and aggression is high right now. We need to be productive with it though, channel it in a smart way, and use it to make constructive change.

　　We have the Capricorn stellium that we’re still contending with, and it’s at odds with the Mars retrograde, so the old tried-and-true continues to be dismantled. We need to be careful that we’re not tearing down the things that are serving a positive purpose though, and focus on the ones that truly need to go.

　　Mercury retrograde is coming up as well, from mid-October to early November, and that’ll likely increase agitation and arguments since Mercury governs communication. With both planets retrograde, that period is one where we’re likely doing some major reflecting, reassessing, and revamping.

　　Overall, this Mars retrograde is important for its energy, for what the other planets are doing at the same time, and for this moment in the world. How can you change your own life to make a positive contribution and use Mars retrograde to your advantage?

　　Mars will remain in Aries until January 6 2021, so there will be plenty of time when the retrograde is over to get everything right and back on track. The smarter you are during the retrograde, the easier that’ll be when it’s over!

　　Don’t forget to read up on The Ultimate Guide to Retrogrades.