Mars Retrograde 12/6/24-2/23/25
Heart of the matter
Astrology doesn’t predict outcomes as much as it reads the energy of events. So, what does that energetic weather feel like now? In a word- tense. A bit stuck. Uncertain and unknown.
Besides simply mapping the current terrain, astrology can also highlight themes, possibilities, and potentials. It can show the best trail between two points and the most optimum choice point. But, like a map, we can choose whether to follow it or not. Free will is a persistent thing.
Retrogrades are always meant to get our attention. The outer planets are retrograde much of the time. So, while important, those cycles are somewhat routine. The inner planets, namely Mars and Venus, are retrograde much less often, however- meaning their retrogrades get our attention. In fact, Mars stations retrograde every two years. It does so on December 6 in the sign of Leo.
What does a retrograde mean? A retrograde is a call to slow down, review, reassess, and realign. The planet’s energy is closer to Earth, intensifying its influence, which is the point. Retrogrades slow us down to reveal what isn’t working so we can consciously course correct. So, expect pauses, both forced and chosen.
Of course, the signs associated with the retrograde matter- both for our personal charts and the collective cycle. In this case, Mars is going to retrograde in both Leo and Cancer.
In short- expect to feel some things. Cancer opens us up, offering empathy, compassion, and nurturing. Its superpower lives in sensitivity, which, though a strength, can also feel like a vulnerability in a harsh world. Leo expresses what Cancer uncovers. It embodies creativity, courage, and the fiery essence of authenticity. At its best, Leo inspires through integrity, creativity, humility, and love, daring us to dream bigger and solve problems with authentic innovation.
When both energies are balanced, they complement each other beautifully. Cancer supports; Leo leads. Cancer feels; Leo articulates. Together, they embody a holistic approach to heart-centered expression.
Indeed, this retrograde highlights the theme of leadership, both personal and collective. Leo’s noble purpose is to guide us with integrity and love, sparking the flame of genuine creativity within us all. Yet, when wounded parts drive Leo leadership, it can become selfish, narcissistic, oppressive, or authoritarian. This retrograde will offer plenty of opportunities to reflect on the kind of leader we are—or the kind we follow. Probably both.
On January 6, 2025, as Mars retrogrades into Cancer, the focus will shift to the heart’s deeper waters. Cancer asks us to honor the sensitivity that makes us human while teaching us to embrace our compassion, empathy, and steadfast care.
Because right leadership requires the fire of inspiration and the empathy of service.
This retrograde is meant to make us FEEL. It is meant to hone our sensitivity so we cannot look away. Feelings get our attention. That is the whole point, after all. Our feelings carry the wisdom of truth- if we are clear enough to hear it.
This retrograde is meant to rouse us from our dormancy. It wants to reawaken our being. Rekindle our inner fire and connect us to the heart of the matter. Those things are only found in the blaze of fiery feelings like passion, compassion, joy, inspiration, and anger. These are all the feelings that lead to the sovereignty of our authentic purpose. These are all the feelings that give us the confidence to assert ourselves without the need to impress or shapeshift for acceptance. These are all the feelings that create whole movements. These are the feelings of change.
But retrogrades remind us that soul lessons don’t always come in ways we want, they come in ways we need. Brick walls of reality, glitches, forced stops, breakups, and breakdowns are dark nights meant to lead us deeper into our heart.
Which is the point. Sometimes we have to unravel a little to weave new stories. Sometimes our hearts have to shatter a little to remind us of why we are here.
Passion and purpose are found in the feeling of things, not the thinking of things. They are found in doing- service, compassion, altruism, and grace.
Sovereignty can only be truly healthy when it cooperates not controls.
So pay attention. Feel deeply. Allow your heart to ignite setting fire to the old and rising again from the ashes.
The gifts are found not in the ease but in the burning itself—in the transformation that comes when we rise from the ashes with renewed purpose, clarity, and heart.
“In these times where it has seemed dark indeed
where integrity appears solely buried in legend and lore,
it is an opportunity in contrast to the shadows,
to create miracles…
by choosing first courage,
then diligence,
standing,
opening our mouth
and speaking the truth that in rare moments,
may ignite the light.”
― Tom Althouse
Want to know what this time is revealing for you? Check out The REAL Change Astrology or contact Aleka.
Check out my other substack page, The GRIT and the GRACE.
Photo credit-© Jozef Klopacka| Dreamstime.com
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