This post was originally published on Astrology Answers
Here comes the fire! Mars retrograde is moving into Cancer on January 6th, 2025.
Let’s see what this means.
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 backward 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.
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.
If you were born with Mars retrograde, learning how to stand up for yourself, take initiative, and be more confident is crucial.
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 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 are incredibly important during Mars retrograde. When that can be controlled, we can navigate the retrograde period much more easily.
Mars Retrograde: The Details
On December 6th, 2024, Mars stationed retrograde at 6°11′ Leo, initiating a period that lasts until February 23rd, 2025, when it turns direct at 17°01′ Cancer.
With Mars retrograde in Leo, the focus shifts to areas governed by Leo, such as creativity, self-expression, and leadership. This transit encourages a review of how we assert ourselves in these domains.
We may find ourselves re-evaluating our creative projects, leadership roles, or ways of seeking recognition. This is a time to address any underlying issues related to pride or ego that might hinder authentic self-expression.
On January 6th, 2025, Mars retrograde shifts into the emotional and nurturing sign of Cancer, bringing a shift in energy that encourages introspection around emotional conflicts and domestic matters. Mars, the planet of action, drive, and passion, feels more subdued in Cancer, as this water sign prioritizes feelings and security over direct confrontation.
During this period, you may revisit old emotional wounds, reevaluate how you assert yourself in relationships, or question your boundaries within family dynamics. It’s a time to slow down, reflect, and approach challenges with compassion and care rather than force. While the retrograde may stir up unresolved issues, it also provides a powerful opportunity for healing and strengthening your emotional foundation.
Patience and self-care are key as you navigate this introspective transit.
How to Survive Mars Retrograde
1. Make Use of Crystals
Crystals can be very helpful for managing retrograde energy when you’re struggling on your own. We recommend choosing crystals that complement Cancer’s energy!
- Moonstone: Enhances intuition and emotional balance, resonating with Cancer’s connection to the Moon.
- Rose Quartz: Promotes self-love, emotional healing, and compassion, helping you navigate conflicts gently.
- Carnelian: Boosts motivation and creativity while balancing Mars’ fiery energy in a softer way.
- Lepidolite: Calms anxiety and emotional overwhelm, aiding in releasing old emotional patterns.
- Smoky Quartz: Grounds and protects you from absorbing negative energies, supporting emotional resilience.
Before using your crystals, cleanse them with moonlight, sage, or water (if the crystal is water-safe). Hold the crystal in your hand, close your eyes, and set an intention, such as:
- “I release emotional blockages and welcome healing.”
- “I stay grounded and connected to my inner wisdom.”
- “I embrace this time to reflect and grow emotionally.”
2. 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.
This following meditation is designed to help you align with the nurturing yet introspective energy of Mars retrograde in Cancer. It encourages you to connect with your emotions, heal old wounds, and find peace in your inner world.
1. Grounding
- Close your eyes and take three deep breaths.
- With each exhale, release tension and allow your body to relax.
- Visualize roots extending from your body into the Earth, grounding you in a sense of stability and safety.
2. Connect to the Element of Water
- Imagine yourself standing by a calm ocean under a soft, moonlit sky.
- Feel the gentle waves washing over your feet, soothing and cleansing you.
- With each wave, imagine emotional heaviness being carried away, leaving you lighter and more at peace.
3. Invoke Mars Retrograde Energy
- Visualize Mars as a glowing red light in the sky. Its energy feels softer and more introspective, encouraging you to slow down.
- See this light descending and gently entering your heart center. It brings warmth and illumination to any hidden or unresolved emotions.
4. Explore Your Inner Ocean
- Imagine diving into a vast ocean within your heart.
- As you swim, allow memories, feelings, or unresolved conflicts to arise. View them with compassion and curiosity, as if observing them from a distance.
- Ask yourself: What do I need to release? What emotions need nurturing?
5. Emotional Release and Healing
- Visualize a glowing blue light, the color of Cancer’s nurturing energy, surrounding you.
- Imagine this light wrapping around the emotions you wish to release, softening their edges and transforming them into peace and clarity.
- Whisper to yourself: I honor my emotions. I release what no longer serves me. I trust in my healing journey.
6. Rebuild Your Emotional Strength
- Picture a shell forming around your heart, not to close it off but to protect its newfound strength. This shell represents healthy boundaries and emotional resilience.
- Feel gratitude for your inner growth and the wisdom Mars retrograde has brought you.
7. Closing
- Slowly bring your awareness back to the present moment. Wiggle your fingers and toes.
- When you’re ready, open your eyes.
After the meditation, journal about any emotions or insights that surfaced. Use this time to affirm your commitment to self-care and emotional authenticity.
3. Connect With Your Emotions
With Mars retrograde in Cancer, connecting with your emotions isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Cancer, the sign of intuition and nurture, asks you to slow down and honor your inner world. Mars, the planet of action, is often about pushing forward, but in retrograde, it invites reflection rather than reaction.
This cosmic alignment creates the perfect opportunity to explore what truly drives you on a deeper emotional level.
Suppressing feelings during this time can lead to frustration or burnout, as the energy of Mars retrograde amplifies unresolved tensions. Instead, lean into the Cancerian themes of vulnerability and self-care. Journaling, meditation, or open conversations with loved ones can help you process emotions and gain clarity on where to direct your energy once the retrograde ends.
By connecting with your emotions, you’ll not only heal old wounds but also strengthen your ability to act with intention and authenticity when Mars moves forward.
5. Take Micro-Breaks When Needed
Taking micro-breaks during Mars retrograde in Cancer is essential for maintaining emotional and physical balance. This period is marked by introspection, heightened sensitivity, and a slower pace of action, making it important to honor your energy and avoid burnout.
Cancer is a deeply emotional sign, and Mars retrograde can bring buried feelings to the surface. Micro breaks allow you to step back from emotionally charged situations, helping you process your emotions in manageable doses. A few minutes of deep breathing or a short walk can prevent overwhelm and create space for calm reflection.
Mars retrograde often slows down physical and mental energy, making it harder to sustain long periods of productivity. Micro-breaks help restore your focus and vitality, aligning with the nurturing energy of Cancer. They ensure you have the stamina to approach tasks with care and intention.
Cancer encourages tuning into your inner world, and micro-breaks provide opportunities to check in with yourself. Use these moments to ask:
- How am I feeling right now?
- What do I need to feel supported?
This practice strengthens your connection to your emotional needs and helps you navigate challenges with greater self-awareness.
It is not a time for pushing through resistance; it’s a time for soft, intentional action. Micro-breaks remind you to work with your energy instead of against it, helping you move forward in a way that feels aligned and sustainable.
