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The Modern Merlin’s Mars Retrograde in Leo Survival Guide

Another planet has entered its retrograde phase, this time, it’s Mars, the planet of energy, action, sexuality and masculinity. Mars is transiting in Leo, but with the retrograde motion, will careen back into Cancer, making for an interesting retrograde transit. We’ll discuss what Mars retrograde typically brings, as well as sign specific things to expect for both Leo and Cancer. After this, we’ll discuss certain aspects this retrograde period will make with other planets, and the effects they may have. Without further ado, let’s begin!


Mars Retrograde: What it means

Mars retrograde is known to typically bring with it a propensity for short tempers, especially as setbacks are experienced and frustration grows within. Low energy levels and lack of confidence are other tell tale signs that Mars Rx is effecting you or others. Given that this retrograde first occurs in the sign of Leo, more specific effects can be expected, and are listed below:

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  • Low confidence
  • Low self-esteem
  • A desire to change appearance, but being held back one way or another from doing so (it may be best to hold off cosmetic surgeries until this period is over, and instead focus on wardrobe changes or less permanent changes)
  • Difficulties connecting in social groups, or so much social energy that it almost feels manic

This transit also will oppose Pluto in Aquarius, pushing for more inward transformation and change that can then translate to the outer you in time. Venus enters Aquarius tomorrow, Saturday December 7th, and will thus oppose this transit as well, potentially effecting romance and sex lives. What to expect for this:

  • Heightened sex drives, or none at all.
  • Potential for promiscuous behaviors
  • Difficulties communicating with potential lovers, or existing lovers, as Mercury Rx in Sagittarius forms a trine to Mars, and sextiles Venus in Aquarius.

Given the temporary trine with Mercury Rx in Sagittarius, expect the usual Mercury Rx symptoms to be heightened for a short time. Refer to my Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius Survival Guide for more info on that.

One last aspect that Mars Rx will form while in Leo:

  • Mars Rx in Leo sextile Jupiter Rx in Gemini

This aspect will bring (delayed) rewards for those pursuing spiritual work, spiritual progress and education. It could also bring about opportunities for those who write, make art, or perform spiritual services. Expansion is possible; put in the work during the retrograde period, and let the rewards come when these planets are direct. Refer to my Jupiter Retrograde in Gemini Survival Guide for more info on that.


Mars Enters Re-Enters Cancer in January

When Mars careens back into Cancer next month, the shift will be from the self and how we can lead, to the home, hearth and family. Mars Rx in Cancer will aspect multiple planets: Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Mars Rx in Cancer Aspects and their Meanings:

  • Mars Rx in Cancer trine Saturn in Pisces: making your dream home and family life a reality could find difficulty. The fire is put out with these energies, so to speak, and so finding healthy ways of expressing aggressions, frustration and negative emotions in general is needed, so as to not hurt family, friends or lovers.
  • Mars Rx in Cancer trine Neptune in Pisces: a lot of dreamy, ethereal energy here; be careful to not let your head get lost in the clouds. Stay grounded and let your dreams guide you to practical steps to make them happen. With Saturn in your corner in Pisces as well, think it through in practical terms.
  • Mars Rx in Cancer sextile Uranus in Taurus: changes to routine and the home may prove to be unsuccessful or goals for the home and personal projects may need revision before carrying them out

Another thing to consider is that radical changes to career may not pan out as expected or desired during this period. It’s not that you can’t or won’t have success, but it may require more work than it normally would. Make sure your efforts will pay off and that it’s worth the effort you’re putting in. This applies to all areas of life, especially during this transit.


Closing Thoughts on Mars Retrograde

This transit is going to be tricky, especially at first as we close out the Mercury retrograde period. Around the new year, expect things to lighten up and restrictions to lessen. Take this down time to reset, recharge and rest. You’ll need the energy when things go back to full swing in January and the coming months.

Stay safe out there friends!

~Brightest Blessings,

The Modern Merlin

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Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for 15 years, worshipping and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place. He is a Priest of Hecate, Diana, Hades, Lilith and Persephone. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism and Ceremonial Magick, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and he has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!