Mars retrograde begins on September 9, and ends on November 13. This is the first time in thirty years that Mars has retrograded in Aries, his natural domicile. Mars rules sexuality, aggression, war, initiative, and our inner masculine. When Mars retrogrades, we purge and up-level in these domains—entering a period of reflection and review in how we’re relating to these areas of life. We’re observing old patterns around love, sexuality, and anger, and cutting out any damaging behaviors that have been keeping us stuck.

As Mars Retrograde begins, we’re slowing down and questioning our leadership and direction forward. Frustrations and anger may arise as we experience decreased energy and thwarted desires. But this slowing down isn’t punishment—it’s helping us transmute our anger and lay the proper groundwork for the future. 

What needs our attention? What unresolved karma is ready for resolution? 

At the same time, we’re rooting out violence and aggression, as we step back from impulsivity and unhealthy masculinity for the sake of recalibration. Luckily, the Sun is trining Jupiter as Mars stations retrograde—a positive indicator that peace, expansion, and abundance are possible if we can meet this challenging transit head on.

If something returns to us during this period, even in our dreams—a person, pattern, or feeling—it’s here for our reconsideration. We can now heal and clear it, making room for the fulfillment of our healthier desires.

As Mars forms harsh angles to Pluto, Saturn, and Jupiter, we have the opportunity for a deep clean of our karmic baggage. Past harm that we’ve caused or experienced is ready for recalibration. We can conjure our conscious awareness to face our karma and learn valuable lessons for our next chapter.

The shadows of Mars Retrograde in Aries may also arise now, eliciting conflict, impatience, and violence. We can take responsibility for our actions and retract external blame where appropriate.

What is keeping us divided now? What is keeping us at war with one another?

It’s time to look at these divisions, binaries, and aggressions honestly so we can finally liberate from them. We can apologize for past harms, take ownership of past mistakes, and clean up the residue of behaviors that have contributed to emotional or physical harm, violence, and separation.

As the divisiveness of the world ramps up, we can do our part to make peace, with ourselves and with each other, dissolving all destructive patterns in our lives that are still causing unnecessary pain.

As the heat and fires blaze, may we go inward to find our cool clarity and take ownership of past mistakes. May we make peace with ourselves and each other, rebuilding bridges we once burned, while recognizing the basic goodness inherent in us all.

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