Astrological Insights & Invitations ~ Mars Retrograde Sept. 9 - Nov. 13, 2020

Probably the biggest initiation we will experience this year is the one ignited by Mars in Retrograde. I am sure you have heard the word Retrograde before, usually in combo with Mercury, and maybe you know what it means. If not, here’s a little explanation!

A retrograde is a celestial occurrence that is resulted from the apparent view of a planet moving in direct opposite to other planets, as derived from the specific position of the viewer. We are referring to retrogrades in relation to our own position on Earth. Note, the planet is not actually spinning backward, but instead appears such because of us. This is actually quite beautiful in comparison to the philosophical question, “if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, did it make a noise?” Retrogrades do such that to the human energetic bodies, which when in the subtle realms, are far more conscious and aware then we are at the mundane physical. 

Retrogrades invite inquisitions of reflection, depending on what planets and signs are performing at the time, and invite us in a space of reevaluating our lives, homes, and relationships. They are profound times of change, though during the transit you may be unaware of the shift. 

So what is this specific Mars Retrograde trying to teach us? 

A few months ago on June 27, Mars entered into Aries, his home sign. Aries is ruled by Mars and when the two are in their cosmic dance, the energy can be quite charged, enlivened, excited, and sometimes rageful. On top of this return to home, there have been other planets squaring off and challenging this aspect (see previous blogs on all this). Mars in Aries has been left feeling stifled, and has ignited a frustration especially in August. 

You may have been wanting to take action, to change some part of your life, to stand up for what you believe in only to be knocked down and taken for a cosmic ride. This has been almost spiritual resistance training, and I highly advise tuning into those desires and writing them in a journal for future reference. What fell away was no longer meant for us, and what is still itching under our skin is becoming stronger every day. 

Once Mars began its retrograde, we may have been filled with divine inspiration for action. This is good, but not meant to be acted upon yet. The key is to keep this divine action idea close by, preferably written down, to be acted upon when Mars goes direct. There are a few reasons for this. One being all of the planets opposing Mars in their own retrogrades will have gone direct and for the most part removed themselves from blocking action. The other is that, when a planet is retrograding it is not asking for forward motion. It’s desiring our utmost patience and presence to feel into what is truly rising within. 

It may feel hard, because the fires burning from the Mars in Aries are now long burning, but will be oh so rewarding if you can be still and present in the fires of transformation. 

This transit is a transformation, and for each of us it will affect differently based on your chart. I invite you to investigate where Mars, Aries, and Scorpio inhabit on your chart. What houses they live in, and to dive into what that house means for you. Personally, I have Mars in my 7th house in Leo. For me this retrograde is challenging my ability to be a leader, especially in personal relationships. My ability to make decisions regarding others may be compromised, and anger toward relationships, delegation, and past karma coming back up may be more ignited. 

Knowing this gives me the self awareness to know when I may be pressing too hard during this time, when I may be getting unnecessarily riled up, or where I may be imposing more of a dictator's energy as opposed to an embodied feminine leader. This is the whole purpose of being aware! So that we know when something isn’t ours and to find compassion with others and ourselves more often.

Mars Retrograde can be hot, it can be igniting, and it will catalyze the necessary changes needing to happen to send 2020 off with a bang! Mars will Stay in Aries after the retrograde for the rest of the year without the other planets causing too much trouble, so expect massive action and strides revolving around what’s bubbling up in you now! 

Mars Retrograde began on September 9th, 2020 and will end on Friday the 13th 2020 in November just two days from the New Moon. Yes, you read that right. This transit ends on this wildly superstitious day and to me symbolizes a flipped switch in this matrix and a renewal. We can be present with our power, even if it’s shadow side can be frightening, and embrace the godliness of it all. We can sit patiently while our fuses short circuit and recalibrate so that when the time is right we move gracefully toward our dreams. 

These next few months are going to be true alchemical magic, and will be so powerful if you can embrace the lessons and be guided inward toward your highest self. We are receiving a universal upgrade this year, and now all that we experienced up to now will start making sense. 

May this astrological wisdom expand and heighten your awareness, and inspire your actions over the next few months. 

All my love,
Olivia
Deeply Dimensional