Mars Retrograde 2020: Proceed With Caution
Find out what’s coming during this year’s Mars retrograde.
By: Nyssa Grazda
Mars is well-known as the planet of war, but our celestial neighbor has a secondary epithet: the planet of passion! Its transit through the zodiac informs how we tackle problems, assert ourselves, and pursue love interests, creating motivating tension which keeps romance exciting and inspiring.
However, every two years Mars stations retrograde, provoking friction in relationships and, because 2020 hasn’t been chaotic enough, Mars retrograde is due to begin September 9. During its moonwalk, we are likely to feel stifled and stressed, forced to reassess our actions, instincts, and desires. To make matters worse, this cosmic drama is unfolding in Mars’ home sign of impulsive Aries. Not the most ideal setting for cool heads and clearing up misunderstandings! And during cuffing season too! Our advice: proceed with caution during the following dates to safeguard your love life…
When messenger-planet Mercury and Mars retrograde clash on September 24, we had to navigate verbal disputes. To avoid “winning” the battle (the argument) but losing the war (the relationship itself), it’s a time to put yourself in your partner’s shoes before going on the offensive.
Mars retrograde and restrictive Saturn form a tense alignment on September 29, exacerbating feelings of failure, loneliness, or limitation. Sexual appetites and romantic enthusiasm could dissipate. Use this day to examine if you’ve set healthy boundaries.
Destructive Pluto and Mars retrograde form a volatile aspect on October 9, amplifying aggressive behavior, jealous emotions, and sexual tension. Short fuses can lead you to self-sabotage, so if in doubt, create some space to cool off.
Mars retrograde opposes the vitalizing sun on October 13, prompting you to reflect on romantic motivations and question your identity within partnership. Consider how to achieve your desires without wasting energy on the wrong conquests.
On October 18, Mars retrograde and lavish Jupiter connects aggressively. Avoid risky behavior and gambling with others’ feelings. Deceiving your partner could be your downfall.
Finally, a face-off between tender Venus and Mars retrograde on November 9 presents a day of romantic intensity and reevaluation. To compromise or to contest? To seek harmony or force an issue? To stay or to go?
Mars retrograde does not cause breakups, but it does exacerbate issues already present in relationships which have hitherto been avoided. Shared ambitions and sexual expectations differ from person to person. Use this time to determine what is and isn’t working for you. Frustrations will dissipate once Mars stations direct on November 13.
Mars retrograde woes are universally felt, but the specifics can play out in a variety of ways with respect to your personal birth chart. Specifically, the “house” it transits will define the territory where Mars-specific dilemmas will present themselves. Download the Sanctuary app to find your house placements, and try a reading with one of Sanctuary’s astrologers for further clarity on how Mars’ drama will manifest for you in the coming months!
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