 Kyle Tunney Photography. Used with permission. | I wasn’t sure what to expect with Mars retrograde, but when I checked in for a personal symbol (again- as I mentioned in my last piece about Jupiter in Virgo- this is a super simple exercise which I will walk you through in another blog- I promise!), I saw the image of a woman standing strong with a big spear or staff in her hand - only it was actually a paintbrush! To me, this symbol clearly means to stand my ground for my creative work (a benefit of being the one who comes up with the symbol is having the author-ity to say what it means, as well!). Point taken, Mrs. Mars, point taken. |
I have about a bazillion creative projects underway at any time, and many of them fall to the wayside in favor of the myriad other things vying for my attention. (Zee life, she is bizzee, no?) Well, this wild-hearted warrior woman is clearly telling me to stand my ground (don’t let the myriad other things run off with my attentions and energies!) and to get down and dirty and finish up all of those back-burner projects! “Yes, Ma’am!” I say!
It is also interesting that Venus -the goddess of art and creativity- is in the sign of Aries -leadership, warriorship, pilgrimage- which is ruled by Mars (similar themes to Aries: action, passion, desire, aggression, etc.), which is Retrograde (re-this and re-that)! In my Exploring Venus Archetypes SoulCollage® class last month, we referred to Venus in Aries as a Warrior Woman and made cards for her (after thoroughly discussing all of her potential archetypal meanings and practical personality traits - AND investigating our own charts to find out what sign Venus was in when we were born). I wonder if this symbol that came up for me is strongest now, as we have Venus in Aries AND Mars Retrograde? I’ll have to check in again after Venus moves into Taurus (ruled by Venus! not Mars…) to see if things have changed- if a new symbol comes up for me. I’ll let you know!
It is also interesting that Venus -the goddess of art and creativity- is in the sign of Aries -leadership, warriorship, pilgrimage- which is ruled by Mars (similar themes to Aries: action, passion, desire, aggression, etc.), which is Retrograde (re-this and re-that)! In my Exploring Venus Archetypes SoulCollage® class last month, we referred to Venus in Aries as a Warrior Woman and made cards for her (after thoroughly discussing all of her potential archetypal meanings and practical personality traits - AND investigating our own charts to find out what sign Venus was in when we were born). I wonder if this symbol that came up for me is strongest now, as we have Venus in Aries AND Mars Retrograde? I’ll have to check in again after Venus moves into Taurus (ruled by Venus! not Mars…) to see if things have changed- if a new symbol comes up for me. I’ll let you know!
SoulCollage® card made by Melanie in Exploring Venus Archetypes - Venus in Aries - Warrior Woman
Another point to bring up regarding this image is that Mars retrograde is happening in Sagittarius, which, for me, means it will be taking place in my house of creative projects and children (my 5th house). So, Mars (action) retrograde (redo!) in my 5th house (creativity) seems pretty clear and straightforward to me!
I thought I’d dream up some possible themes for you that you might expect during this Mars retrograde period (from now until late June - and, since it’s already underway, you can probably already tell if what I say is true!). If you know what house cusp is in Sagittarius in your own chart, then, hooray! This will be sooo easy for you. If not, you can either go here to plug in your birth data to find out (you must know your time of birth in order to calculate houses), or you can send the same information to me and I will send you a chart. That’s pretty easy, too! :)
(And, if you really don't have the patience for any of that, you could use the sun sign I mention in parentheses, though it may not be as accurate. Please note that the house listed by number and the sun sign listed next to it are not necessarily normally related, and only sort of for this post! It's really better, IMHO, to use your house that is found in Sag, rather than your sun sign, but do as you will!) <3
Potential Experiences of Mars Retrograde (is Sagittarius) by House
1st (Sagittarius) - Rewind: You thought you knew who you were at breakfast… (but you’ve changed several times since then!) Time to reconsider who you actually are and if or how this relates and jives with your self-projection into the world. Get ready to show up and shine!
2nd (Scorpio) - Reconsider: You may have a bit of a bohemian thing going on… Is it working for you (or- if you’ve been resisting it, perhaps it’s time to give it a try! At least until summer…)
3rd (Libra) - Reframe: Resist retaliation! You may have a lot of work to do around communication, or maybe something sticky to figure out with neighbors or siblings. Take it one step at a time. It should resolve by summertime with your tempered efforts.
4th (Virgo) - Rematch: Has there been fighting or reconfiguring at home or in the family? It may be time to hash it out and find out how everyone can be accommodated. Does everyone just need to take care of themselves, perhaps? Hmmm…
5th (Leo) - Redo! Time to finish up all of those old creative projects and get back in touch with your kiddo/s or someone else playful and fun who makes you feel like a kid! Kick butt creatively!!!
6th (Cancer) - Restart: Get back on track with that health regime! (You’ve got a lot of support right now with expansive, lucky Jupiter in Virgo- the sign of health!) Or, maybe it’s go back to work?! Or, get back in line with that higher Purpose that you set aside some time ago. Where is that thing?
7th (Gemini) - Rekindle? (Or, is it re-break up?) Whatever it is, it’s got relationship/s written all over it. It may not be easy, but will most likely pay off in the end. Whatever it is. Good luck!
8th (Taurus) - Oooh. Re-ally? This could be a tough placement! I keep thinking it may have something to do with taxes..? Or… other unmentionables… I’m sorry if it’s terrible. I hope it’s transformative in a good way! Do let me know, will you? (So I know what to say next time!) The good news? This, too, shall pass!
9th (Aries) - Reapply!? Either re-apply to that school or program you were considering, or for that work or travel visa, or just apply yourself to your personal or spiritual studies. And, hey- have fun while you’re doing it, will ya?
10th (Pisces) - Redirect! This house is about career, recognition, and public role. Is it time for a change in your career (please note: I am not saying a change of career, but a change in your career… subtle language difference, but HUGE ramifications for confusing the two in the real world!)? Could it be your turn to take leadership on something? Or to just be brave and try something new? Could it be time to mend a relationship with an authority figure? What can you do that will help you get ‘higher’? (You have until June to really get acting- until then might be a good time to catch up on old projects so that the coast is clear for the new one you are proposing!)
11th (Aquarius) - Revisit: It’s the same old thing in friend land (especially your male friends, perhaps? or at least the ones who are the most warrior-like or aggressive/leaders/etc.). But, does it have to be this way? What’s your role? Who in your life brings you down and who brings you up? How about you? What’s your effect on the people in your friend-groups?
12th (Capricorn) - Remaster: Your spirituality has always meant a lot to you (I’m guessing), and maybe it’s gotten into a kind of rut? Remember. Remember what works for you and what doesn’t. Remember what keeps your spirit and spirituality humming. Do that. <3
I hope these offer some insight into what is going on for you (and everyone else!) this late spring of 2016! If nothing else, you may have noticed a lot of busy-ness, maybe 3 things scheduled at once and all three of them fall away at the last minute, maybe people not really knowing what they want. Headaches!? Anyone you know been suffering from headaches (or maybe rashes)? These could all be Mars Retrograde things. Ohhhh… And did I mention that our old friend, Mercury retrograde is coming (and we’re already in the ‘shadow’)? Not to mention that Saturn is already retrograde - and in the same sign as Mars! :o But, that’s all a bunch o’ hooey for another post, I’m afraid. (But, just so ya know- if things get weird… this could be why!) As always, leave extra time to get places, overcommunicate three times in the most simple and clear way possible, if you can put off great big purchases (especially technology or travel), put them off!
Never feel that retrogrades are doom-y times (or you may well create a self-fulfilling prophecy!). Instead, always have extra patience, courtesy, and conscientiousness. It goes a long way. <3
And, if you’d like a little hiatus from the madness (and you live in Portland or environs), please do consider joining us for Exploring Venus Archetypes, Taurus edition (Pleasure Mama)! There will be chocolate! All supplies also included. At our beloved Be Space on Monday, May 2nd. See you there!
I thought I’d dream up some possible themes for you that you might expect during this Mars retrograde period (from now until late June - and, since it’s already underway, you can probably already tell if what I say is true!). If you know what house cusp is in Sagittarius in your own chart, then, hooray! This will be sooo easy for you. If not, you can either go here to plug in your birth data to find out (you must know your time of birth in order to calculate houses), or you can send the same information to me and I will send you a chart. That’s pretty easy, too! :)
(And, if you really don't have the patience for any of that, you could use the sun sign I mention in parentheses, though it may not be as accurate. Please note that the house listed by number and the sun sign listed next to it are not necessarily normally related, and only sort of for this post! It's really better, IMHO, to use your house that is found in Sag, rather than your sun sign, but do as you will!) <3
Potential Experiences of Mars Retrograde (is Sagittarius) by House
1st (Sagittarius) - Rewind: You thought you knew who you were at breakfast… (but you’ve changed several times since then!) Time to reconsider who you actually are and if or how this relates and jives with your self-projection into the world. Get ready to show up and shine!
2nd (Scorpio) - Reconsider: You may have a bit of a bohemian thing going on… Is it working for you (or- if you’ve been resisting it, perhaps it’s time to give it a try! At least until summer…)
3rd (Libra) - Reframe: Resist retaliation! You may have a lot of work to do around communication, or maybe something sticky to figure out with neighbors or siblings. Take it one step at a time. It should resolve by summertime with your tempered efforts.
4th (Virgo) - Rematch: Has there been fighting or reconfiguring at home or in the family? It may be time to hash it out and find out how everyone can be accommodated. Does everyone just need to take care of themselves, perhaps? Hmmm…
5th (Leo) - Redo! Time to finish up all of those old creative projects and get back in touch with your kiddo/s or someone else playful and fun who makes you feel like a kid! Kick butt creatively!!!
6th (Cancer) - Restart: Get back on track with that health regime! (You’ve got a lot of support right now with expansive, lucky Jupiter in Virgo- the sign of health!) Or, maybe it’s go back to work?! Or, get back in line with that higher Purpose that you set aside some time ago. Where is that thing?
7th (Gemini) - Rekindle? (Or, is it re-break up?) Whatever it is, it’s got relationship/s written all over it. It may not be easy, but will most likely pay off in the end. Whatever it is. Good luck!
8th (Taurus) - Oooh. Re-ally? This could be a tough placement! I keep thinking it may have something to do with taxes..? Or… other unmentionables… I’m sorry if it’s terrible. I hope it’s transformative in a good way! Do let me know, will you? (So I know what to say next time!) The good news? This, too, shall pass!
9th (Aries) - Reapply!? Either re-apply to that school or program you were considering, or for that work or travel visa, or just apply yourself to your personal or spiritual studies. And, hey- have fun while you’re doing it, will ya?
10th (Pisces) - Redirect! This house is about career, recognition, and public role. Is it time for a change in your career (please note: I am not saying a change of career, but a change in your career… subtle language difference, but HUGE ramifications for confusing the two in the real world!)? Could it be your turn to take leadership on something? Or to just be brave and try something new? Could it be time to mend a relationship with an authority figure? What can you do that will help you get ‘higher’? (You have until June to really get acting- until then might be a good time to catch up on old projects so that the coast is clear for the new one you are proposing!)
11th (Aquarius) - Revisit: It’s the same old thing in friend land (especially your male friends, perhaps? or at least the ones who are the most warrior-like or aggressive/leaders/etc.). But, does it have to be this way? What’s your role? Who in your life brings you down and who brings you up? How about you? What’s your effect on the people in your friend-groups?
12th (Capricorn) - Remaster: Your spirituality has always meant a lot to you (I’m guessing), and maybe it’s gotten into a kind of rut? Remember. Remember what works for you and what doesn’t. Remember what keeps your spirit and spirituality humming. Do that. <3
I hope these offer some insight into what is going on for you (and everyone else!) this late spring of 2016! If nothing else, you may have noticed a lot of busy-ness, maybe 3 things scheduled at once and all three of them fall away at the last minute, maybe people not really knowing what they want. Headaches!? Anyone you know been suffering from headaches (or maybe rashes)? These could all be Mars Retrograde things. Ohhhh… And did I mention that our old friend, Mercury retrograde is coming (and we’re already in the ‘shadow’)? Not to mention that Saturn is already retrograde - and in the same sign as Mars! :o But, that’s all a bunch o’ hooey for another post, I’m afraid. (But, just so ya know- if things get weird… this could be why!) As always, leave extra time to get places, overcommunicate three times in the most simple and clear way possible, if you can put off great big purchases (especially technology or travel), put them off!
Never feel that retrogrades are doom-y times (or you may well create a self-fulfilling prophecy!). Instead, always have extra patience, courtesy, and conscientiousness. It goes a long way. <3
And, if you’d like a little hiatus from the madness (and you live in Portland or environs), please do consider joining us for Exploring Venus Archetypes, Taurus edition (Pleasure Mama)! There will be chocolate! All supplies also included. At our beloved Be Space on Monday, May 2nd. See you there!
Experience a SoulCollage workshop at Be Space with Melanie of Beautiful Astrology! Click to sign up!
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