Mars Retrograde ♂℞ (30/10/22-12/01/23)
Mars retrograde marks a focal point in our charts, and our personal Mars cycle. This happens as Mars will stay 4-6 months in the same sign, instead of its usual motion of 2 months per sign. That denotes an area of our lives that is weak, lacks progress, or that generally needs work and decisive action. Mars retrograde gives us strength, will-power and a general sense of focus to tackle that house and our weaknesses there. So the first important point of this transit is to be mindful of the affected houses, as this is an area of your life that needs work, vitality and effort.
The retrograde motion will start at 1° Gemini, but most of the transit will happen in the sign of Taurus, with Mars returning there around November 13th and remaining in the Venusian sign until March 12th 2023.
Mundane
On a mundane level, this transit ticks a lot of boxes on a global sphere. As Taurus is a sign that deals with money and wealth, issues in the economy and financial crashes are a possibility for this cycle. Similarly, with Mars being the planet of war and action, issues like the War in Ukraine can be similarly affected by this transit.
Mars will turn retrograde on the 30th of October, a few days after a Solar Eclipse on the 25th, so this final week of October and the first week of November could show a turning point on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Overall, the final months of 2022 will be decisive in this war.
Rahu (the North Node) is transiting the sign of Aries, the natural sign of Mars, so issues of war are in focus now. Even though the news is flooded with this one conflict, many other things are happening on a militaristic level. The US currently discusses a military intervention in Haiti, North Korea is performing unprecedented tests and exercises, and European countries like Germany discuss the expansion of their own forces.
I believe Mars retrograde, in late 2022 and early 2023, will show big shifts on the global military sphere. New military alliances could be formed, some old ones could be broken, as well as big changes on the behavior of countries around the globe. Big shifts on the defense sectors around the world will happen in the coming months.
Brazil is a minor, albeit interesting, point as well. The country has an election coming up on October 30th, this is the 2nd and final round of the presidential election. The 1st round happened on the same day Mercury was turning direct, early in October, while the 2nd round will happen on the same day Mars turns retrograde. Elections with stationary planets close by, in my opinion, are not a recipe for happiness. Conflict and disappointment tend to come out of this. In Brazil’s case, the country’s ascendant (for the republic chart) is in Taurus, so the Mars retrograde will tend to affect the country more than usual. Intense restructuring, as well as a degree of conflict, could happen during this retrograde cycle in Brazil.
On an economic level, the global economy hasn’t been doing well since as early as 2020, although we haven’t had a big crash. A crash could happen through this cycle, although I don’t find that to be the strongest possibility. However, some important precautions and understandings must come from this cycle.
Mars is the planet of logic, dealing with strategy and being the planet of engineers, so logistics and manufacturing tend to be affected by Mars. This Mars retrograde could signal some supply chain and logistic issues around the globe. The US has imposed new sanctions in China, restricting the usage of semiconductors by Chinese companies.
China is known as the “factory of the world” as almost everything depends, at least partially, on parts manufactured in China. So these new measures, as well as the possible response from China, could create slow downs in the supply chain of electronics and other equipments. Even if something isn’t electric, an electric machine was used to make it, and said machine needs maintenance and parts. Specially in regards to electronics, we could see prices going up or some items becoming somewhat scarce.
To make a long story short, I would advise people to buy the electronics they need sooner rather than later. There is no need for desperation, but if you are mulling over a purchase, I would advise on buying it if possible. The thing about manufacturing is that it takes time, so results are not immediate. What is being sold now was made months ago, so the consequences of current actions will come in future months. Meaning we could start to see some negative consequences around February 2023. Similarly, on an economic level, these new developments will unfold themselves in the coming months.
Personal
On a personal level, Mars retrograde can either force us into taking more or less action. It is all about reviewing our deeds and strategy in life. So if we’ve been doing too much, it might be a time to slow down and take a break. If we’ve been doing too little, this could be a time where we are fired up to do and accomplish more.
Below we have predictions based on sign, you should take your sidereal Ascendant or Moon to read the correct one:
Aries: Your finances could be a key area in the coming months, a new savings plan or budget seems like a feasible idea. Some opportunities for earning more could arise. You could also be dealing with issues in your family, specially with your parents. Some of you might be entering a new educational project, or trying to increase your knowledge in some area.
Taurus: Big changes in your life could be happening, some might have already started last year. A lot of movement is happening around you in the coming months and, luckily, you tend to have the energy and the intelligence to organize and apply yourself properly to make and move things.
Gemini: This is a 12th house cycle for you, as this is the house of endings and dissolutions, it is not the most exciting or event filled transit. The moment is ideal for inner work and change, improvement on a mental and emotional level now prepares you for new projects ahead. Spirituality could play a role here as well. Worries and mental tensions now help you understand areas in your life that need to change for you to move forward. Some of you could be dealing with foreigners or foreign lands now.
Cancer: A good moment on a financial level, opportunities could come in your way in the coming months. You could receive some kind of honor or award. Change in your relationship with your older siblings, and your friends, could also come into play.
Leo: Somewhat like Taurus, Leo could be dealing with big changes in life right now. The key area is the 10th house of career, so big developments on your job could happen, with new projects and opportunities. Overall, Leo is restructuring life and turning a more joyous and happy leaf moving forward.
Virgo: Virgo might be able to find a solution for long standing problems and concerns in his life. This is a great problem solving transit for Virgo. It is also a good time for planning, another Virgo natural activity. On a mental level, tensions and worries felt now help highlight areas where you want to adjust things.
Libra: This is a moment of strong change, as Mars transits your 8th house. Some of the change happening can feel overwhelming, but you have the strength now to tackle it. New partnerships and associations can come into play with this coming cycle. Change in your family is also a possibility.
Scorpio: Much like Taurus and Leo, Scorpio will tend to see strong movement and change in his life with this cycle. Partnerships and career are key areas for Scorpio now. As Mars is your ruler, this is a key moment of renewal for you. This is a good moment, there is a lot going on your way, but you should try to not overdo it; find a good balance.
Sagittarius: With Mars in your 6th house, problem areas in your life tend to be highlighted right now. This is not the most pleasant transit, but great improvements can come from this, as you get a fuller picture of what troubles you or what needs to be fixed. This can be a time of a lot of work and problem solving. Starting a new diet or health regime would be a good idea right now.
Capricorn: Creativity figures strongly with you, new solutions, new ideas and new projects could arise from this. A good educational opportunity could also arise at this moment. If you have children, a change in your relationship can happen in the coming months.
Aquarius: This is a 4th house transit, dealing with your emotions and your inner world. Self-image issues could come into play, as you learn to deal better with issues of jealousy or comparing yourself to others. There is room for improvement in your career and relationships, as well as some good opportunities. But a key point right now is controlling your inner world, you might come out of this transit with a stronger sense of self.
Pisces: With a 3rd house transit, this could be a moment of strong movement and action. A lot could be happening with your life and career right now. Some issues with your father, or a guiding figure, could come into play minorly. This is a strong transit for you, and a lot of achievements can come from it. A minor precaution would be to avoid being harsh when talking to others or when driving.
