The general meaning of Mars retrograde transit is followed by information about Mars retrograde in the birth chart.

Mars Retrograde Dates

• October 30, 2022, to January 12, 2023 – 25° to 8° Gemini
• Dec 6, 2024, to Feb 23, 2025 – 06° Leo to 17° Cancer
• January 10 to April 1, 2027 – 10° Virgo to 20° Leo

Mars Retrograde Meaning

From Earth, Mars appears to move backward in the sky (retrograde motion) for about 80 days every two years. Mars is retrograde 9% of the time, which is a relatively low percentage compared to the other superior planets, which average about 38% and even Mercury at 19%. This rarity is one reason Mars is considered the most challenging planet when it is retrograde. We are not as accustomed to it as we are to other retrogrades.

The other reason is that Mars does not station retrograde in trine to the Sun, unlike the other superior planets. Mars’s retrograde is more noticeable, eventful and disruptive than other retrogrades because it trines the Sun two weeks before reversing.

the excitement of potential just prior to its retrogression is often overinflated, resulting in the shocking ‘surprise factor’ and sudden withdrawal of direct energy… energy flow from Sun to Mars gives the illusion that everything is moving along quite well. The station can be quite an abrupt phenomenon, creating a cessation of interest, drive, energy and focus in what might have been an important project or relationship prior to that station. ^[1]

Mars signifies goal-directed energy, strength, self-assertion, ambitions, fighting spirit and passion. Mars retrograde redirects, represses, inhibits, internalizes and reverses these energies. Everything requires more effort, leaving you feeling drained, ineffective, impotent, irritated, or frustrated. You may become less competitive, confident or assertive.

Mars rules ambition, hostility, anger, pain, conflict, abuse, sex and sports. These areas are subject to fate, repeating themes, karmic lessons, contemplation, change, and rethinking. Suppressed anger, resentment or wounding may resurface.  Unresolved issues or old partners may reemerge and cause problems until you find closure. You may question the integrity or morality of your goals, desires, actions and behaviors.

Besides the retrograde and direct stations, the Sun’s opposition is the most critical part of the Mars retrograde journey. This midpoint in the cycle represents a turning point that exposes any remaining repressed or unresolved issues. Heightened conscious awareness enables honest self-evaluation, relief from tension, and a new direction forward.

Mars retrograde favors reacting more than taking direct action. War, rebellion, invasion and ceasefires often begin, end or are subject to reversals during the Mars retrograde cycle. For example, during the previous retrograde phase in 2022:

• Sept 03 – Mars entered the retrograde zone.
• Sept 30 –Russia annexed Kherson.
• Oct 17 – Sun trine Mars.
• Oct 30 – Mars stationed retrograde.
• Nov 11 – Ukrainian forces recaptured Kherson.

Mars Retrograde Natal

Mars retrograde in your birth chart suggests you find it difficult to express your sexuality, competitiveness or strength. Perhaps you struggle with being direct, courageous, or showing initiative. You tend to internalize these everyday, healthy expressions of Mars energy so that you hesitate, take action at the wrong time, or have psychological hangups about sexuality or gender.

This fear of taking decisive action and standing up for yourself stems from past life crises related to injury and pain. You may have fallen victim to a violent death, war crime or rape. Maybe you were victimized and abused because of your sexuality. It could even be the case that you lost your temper and severely hurt or killed someone.

There are endless possible scenarios of how Mars energy can turn destructive once your adrenaline kicks in and you act on primal instincts in survival mode. Whatever the case, whether victim or perpetrator, you come into this life with a deep understanding of the pain that results from Mars in a state of rage.

Therefore, it is understandable that you are somewhat cautious about taking risks or leaving yourself vulnerable. While young, painful past-life experiences may be repeated, albeit not to the same extreme.

Mars retrograde in your natal chart subjects you to many fated events to bring you out of your shell and teach you how to express Mars energy safely. Aspects to Mars and any fixed star conjunctions will give more detail on handling Mars retrograde in your natal chart.