Mars Retrograde

Some astrology students and
psychics believe that Mars is
just about sex.  However its a lot more than just the will force. 

Mars is located between Venus and Jupiter. It rules the will force, physical energy, efforts, impulse, courage, driving force towards a goal, assertion, and one's sexual libido. Depending on Mars' zodiacal position at birth describes your will. From January 24 - April 14, 2013 Mars will be retrograde in the sign of Virgo. 

Mars turns retrograde every 26 months for 70 to 80 days. Its
effects result in projects and plans stall or not develop as expected. Things don't go as fast as we want. Our energy level will be lower. Accidents and arguments from impulsive actions and unrecognized anger will flare. Sexual activity is often unsatisfactory. 

The textbooks indicate that suppressed frustrations result in a volcano like eruption. Individuals may explode with frustration and decide poorly and respond with violence and anger instead of patience and dialogue. However, one needs to also factor in that a retrograde can force one to go deeper within and make ground breaking changes in terms of the nature of the planet and the nature of the sign. Therefore during this time frame one will be re-evaluating their work energy. Mars in Virgo is very strong with details, efficiency, organization, and being health conscious. For those that have been putting off exercise, this may very well be a time where you may step out of your comfort zone and start dieting and exercising like never before.

It is true that Mars retrograde can result in procrastination. Assertive patterns are more introspective. Many will encounter passive individuals that may lack drive. It is highly recommended to steer away from starting a new business under a retrograde. 

The birth of a business during a Mars Retrograde will result in constant problems with having action asserted at a quality and effective pace. No matter how hard you try to push, nothing will happen. Everything is in a sluggish state. 

More importantly, it is recommended to steer away from major repairs. Since Mars governs destructions, deconstruction may become more understood after Mars turns direct. If an electronic gadget breaks down on a Mars Retrograde, a repair job will not cure the fix. A repair job on a Mars retrograde may result in having another repair take place. However, after the retrograde has turned direct, the problem can be more understood. Repair jobs include surgery. Avoid surgery under time time frame if possible.

However, being born with a Mars retrograde is much different than experiencing one during the cycle. A well aspected Mars retrograde in an individual�s birth chart can produce a lot of success. Since energy and initiative is internalized (retrograde) usually the individual is in competition with himself. Many athletes are born with a well aspected Mars Retrograde. However, when Mars is aspected with challenging aspects, individuals may act hastily and often need to retrace and redo his steps. Ironically, I have seen many astrological charts of athletes with a retrograde Mars in Virgo. Being a team player is very important for athletes. Therefore, during this retrograde we may be called upon evaluating our own and others team player abilities at work. 

There could be difficulties, arguments, disagreements at work over someone or with someone that is overly critical. So during this time frame it will be wise to pick and choose your words and actions at work very methodically. 

Ones sexual drive during a Mars retrograde can change a lot. It has been stated that the level of satisfaction during a Mars retrograde can be difficult to satisfy. In the sign of Virgo it could be overly critical, picky, and frugal. 

Another factor to understand with Virgo is pets. During this cycle, if a pet needs to have a surgical procedure it is strongly recommended if possible to postpone it until after retrograde. During this time frame your pets temperament could also be evaluated with respect the above referenced Mars retrograde qualities: overly aggressive or lethargic. 

Finally the details of day-to-day living is also scrutinized under Virgo. So taking time to clean up shelves, closets, cabinets, and drawers is an excellent way to use this energy. A big tip: be extra efficient under that time frame. Enjoy!