Today Mars stands stationary in the sky, by tomorrow Mars makes his move to retrieve something that can’t be left behind, retrieve something that must be changed, altered or modified through his intense heat and pressure. Something must be re-sculpted and how this looks will be different and personal for each and every-one of us. The Mars retrograde is finally upon us.
Mars will be hitting on the iron metal, stoking the fires, burning hot and bright in ways we aren’t especially used too. Strong desires and urges to completely change or modify things that are seeded in anger, frustration, fury or tiredness become obvious and in dire need of modification. The focus shifts to making constructive uses for our tools and learning how to master the tools we do have with more vigour, will and strength.
Mastery comes from learning from past mistakes and learning how to hold tools that have the potential for danger or harm, whist modifying and sculpting for constructive uses. Looking at what is really causing harm or damage, strongly underlays this Mars retrograde period, allowing you to use your tools more wisely.
Mars will be going back and reclaiming many things on many levels, but in-particular finishing off what was triggered from mid-February – March. Mars will be squaring and making contact with the things he ignited then when he transited Capricorn, a sign he has a firm footing in, thanks to his exaltation in Capricorn.
Mars retrogrades occur every two years and Mars retrograding in his ruling sign of Aries is especially rare. 1988 and 1941 were the last instances this astrological transit occurred in Aries.
The question now is, what is currently being re-sculpted or sharpened through the fire and fumes? What is having the rust removed from and asking for a full refurbishment? Where do hostilities lay? Where does your anger sit? What Weapons have become blunt? What tools are outdated? Where is a lack of energy or vitality sit within you? What is the source of any and all burn out?
Answers to these questions is where the steam of this Mars Retrograde is coming from and we have from now until November to work on our skills as craftspeople to mould and reshape whilst looking at our relationship with Mars, his dynamics and various manifestations.
For a sign by sign breakdown, look to the Marathon of Bravery link below.
Mars is just 13 days away from its retrograde in Aries and is currently just 2° away from the point it retrogrades at. Meaning, Mars a fast-moving planet whose purpose is to move, energize, activate, inflame and assert its will; is basically standing still in the sky unable to enact any of his normal traits or activities. Moving only 2° in 13 days takes away the ability for Mars to do any of its normal significations, which essentially creates frustration, stagnation and pent up energy beginning to build, and build and build, until the Mars retrogradation on September 11 (AEST).
Interestingly at the time of the Mars retrogradation the Moon will be a waning in Gemini conjunct the north node, and in a tight sextile aspect, giving the beginning of this retrograde a more inflated and fiery quality thanks to the North Node, and the waning cycle of releasing of an air sign moon and its emotions. If there was a match, to strike Mars and the jacked up moreish quality of the north node (rahu) this could well be a potential hotspot, or a cautious date to keep an eye on (September 11th).
Saturn has been and will continue to square Mars. A difficult or challenging aspect in Astrology, a square aspect adds friction to the relationship between two planets, whose general natures are opposing. Both Mars and Saturn are in rulership – meaning they are equally as strong and matched in the fight. Mars moving into a retrograde cycle, makes mars more volatile and un-predictive.
Mars is basically unable to express itself and goes rogue, whilst Saturn is operating as normal, and is all about asserting consequence, restriction, government power structures and control. The Mars Saturn square has been “on” since the 18th of August and begins to cool off at the beginning of October. Returning again in early 2021.
Saturn is the stern parent, and Mars the hyperactive child however this is a Mars whose energy has been so pent up that it’s become unpredictable and is ready to set a light all that is frustrating it. Resistance to Saturn will be strong, however Saturn is all about the long game, and looks to have the upper hand in this scenario. This is the dynamic that is playing out over the next couple of months, so stay tuned in and be on the look-out ! The next couple of months is a bit of roller coaster of a ride. 2020, the year that keeps giving ! Interestingly enough, this all begins to take shape, just as Melbourne is meant to come out of Stage 4 lockdown.
Be mindful of overdoing it or underdoing things, the frustration or burn out from either are unpredictable and real, so is being accountable for it
Understand this is the energy we are operating in, expect aggressions or over handed control mechanisms to be more obvious in your life along with the jostle between the two. Your role is to look after yourself within the bigger pushes and pulls or activations.
Know that this time will pass, but if something pops up don’t brush it aside. Attend to it. Ignoring it for later, isn’t a solution when you’re dealing with such frictive energies.
Being overly aggressive or hostile yourself won’t help; it just draws you into something that will become larger than you initially anticipated.
The Sun’s transit through Leo this August breaks up the Cardinal siege which was reactivated in late June and July by the Sun’s movement through the sign of Cancer. June and July spot lit some incredibly difficult terrain and may have highlighted some strong issues and flaws, which need addressing over time, both internally and externally.
With the Sun moving into Leo, the motivation to fix or improve these situations, is stronger and less daunting as we see more opportunities for solution and the increasing assistance on offer, thanks to other planetary supports. The Sun’s entry into Leo on July 22nd/23rd saw clarity and strength come knocking at the door, opening new reserves of energy and inspiration, thanks to the break-up of the planetary tensions currently held on the Cardinal axis (Aries, Libra, Cancer, Capricorn).
The Leo Sun is supported by Mars in Aries, both planets in signs of their rulership, both active planets that LOVE to move and motivate. Mars in Aries shares the same fire and yang energy as the Sun in Leo and in August they connect to each other in a supportive trine aspect. This fire energy brings motivation, vitality and break throughs. This is the beauty of August astrologically speaking, we finally get some movement and traction. August has a lot of yang fire energy which allows us to put our emotions aside and offers strength as well as the resolve needed as we move forwards with 2020’s challenges.
In light of all the heat and friction created by the Sun and Mars contacts all month, we also have Venus entering Cancer in the first week of August. Venus finally completes her 3-month retrograde cycle in Gemini as she shifts into Cancer giving a cooling affect to help temper all the previously mentioned fire activity. Venus will be appreciative of this entry into Cancer, an element (Water) that she enjoys, after 3 months of integration, reform, change and evolution of Gemini themes, stories and activities (communications, networks, social activities, sociability, online presences etc). Venus moves to create a more healing and nurturing influence as she moves over some very tender Cancer territory as well as giving temperance to the extreme heat created by Sun and Mars, helping counter the potentials for burn out.
Mercury will enter Virgo, also a sign of its rulership from the 20th of August, which creates great opportunity for Mercury to do what it does, well! i.e.: write, reading, create, plan, trade, network, analysis and processing. Mercury is our intellect and our acumen, meaning late August will be excellent for Mercury type activities and initiations.
Overall August is a great month, we have 3 planets in their Rulership (The Sun, Mars and Mercury), which means they get to operate in the way they know and act best. Things may still be very challenging, personally and globally, however August does offer some of the best Astrology for 2020, creating space to recharge and tap into The Sun (vitality, visibility and HEALTHY ego centring) Mars (energy, charge, motivation, impulse, physicality and doing) and Mercury (intellect, analyse, communications, reading, writing and business affairs). Perhaps some of the most supportive astrological transits for the 2nd half of 2020, August is a great time to help re-align and bridge as we move towards the challenging aspect of Mars retrograding in Aries later this year.
Below is a sign by sign breakdown on where this energy will be occurring in chart, on a general level. Please note, if you know your rising sign, read that as well. If you are interested in a personalised reading, feel free to contact me direct.
AUGUST MONTHLY HOROSCOPES
Leo / Leo Rising
August brings opportunities to recharge, and shines a light on all you have achieved, what you are going to achieve, and survived in 2020. The Sun returning home, brings its warmth, focus, and nurturing, offering strength and sustenance. Mars, also supports by reconnecting with your belief systems and philosophies. August helps to reignite and centralise by re-affirming beliefs in both yourself and in others.
Virgo / Virgo Rising
Venus creates new resolutions in your career and reputation sector, before shifting her focus, to community groups and social networks. Venus loves connection and harmonisation; this offers some lovely respite after a difficult seven months. Reaching out and becoming more active in your local groups, networks or community brings pleasing and refreshing rewards.
Libra / Libra Rising
The Sun’s light and warmth circulates within social groups, networks and local community. This is where you shine, feeling the warmth of re-connection after surviving a challenging seven months. Having Venus in your career and reputation sector also supports. Venus offers joy, harmony, fun with supportive energy, by bringing things together. Work activities are more pleasurable than usual. Social engagements also offer satisfying rewards.
Scorpio / Scorpio Rising
After a challenging year the Sun lights up your career and reputation sector. The Sun illuminates, providing a layer of certainty and reliability around this area. Mars is strong and your health and daily routine have good traction all month, because of this Mars influence. Real results can be achieved through health and activating that “to-do” list, as we solider through 2020.
Sagittarius / Sagittarius Rising
The Sun activates your philosophy, personal beliefs, and education sector making this August the perfect time to explore, such topic. Are there any courses that have been catching your eye recently? Any self-limiting beliefs that are outdated and need to go? The Sun and Mars are in a great position to support each other encouraging creative hobbies or projects, bringing good teachers, that work in supporting positive expressions, allowing you to let go of things that could be holding you back.
Capricorn / Capricorn Rising
Venus graces your relationships in August, offering a remedy to the pressures you have been under all year. She provides some lovely encounters strengthening your bonds with others. Mars motivates and energizes activities in, or around the home or family. Good for engaging with any home improvements or home based activities.
Aquarius / Aquarius Rising
The Sun highlights your personal relationships, bringing positivity and joy to this area. Opportunities to connect and radiate are abundant. Venus brings pleasure into the daily grind of your daily schedule. Together, Venus and the Sun allow the xsimplest and basic of exchanges in your daily life, creating softer and more enjoyable moments to take focus, within an otherwise challenging 2020.
Pisces / Pisces Rising
Having your daily routines and health sector lit up helps with rebalancing, after an intensive 2020. The Sun adds warmth and radiance as you go about your business which is refreshing and stabilising. Venus makes relations around the home more pleasurable before she shifts to focusing on creative endeavours and children. Venus likes pleasure and is never short on opportunity or experience, answer the call, when she comes knocking at your door.
Aries / Aries Rising
Mars, gets things moving offering lots of vitality and energy. Blowing off steam through physical exercise is a great use of this energy. The Sun sheds light on creative projects, creating passion and enthusiasm, so you might be drawn to put your energy into new such endeavours or ones that have slipped to the wayside. August is very much a month of getting out and doing, after surviving a very stop start 2020.
Taurus / Taurus Rising
The Sun’s focus is on your home, family and ancestors. Connecting to and spending more time focused on these areas and on people, helps nurture and warms after a challenging seven month period. Sprouting new seeds and cultivating fresh connections is beneficial in August. Venus moves to light up and create connections with your local neighbourhood, reinforcing the benefits of investing time and energy in your home, family and local surroundings.
Gemini / Gemini Rising
Venus shifting into your money sector, making those self-gratification purchases way more attractive. A good time to invest in objects or products to either beautify yourself and your surroundings. Venus in your finance house is also useful for attracting more money and earnings. August has real potential to increase wealth and self-value.
Cancer / Cancer Rising
August shines new perspectives or options on the work front with regards to income and to what your worth is. August offers an ability to see more of the opportunities. Mars in your Career sector is the energetic get up and go. Venus moving into Cancer, enhances your visibility by giving you a magnetic quality. Getting out and being able to be seen is to your advantage during August, as you solider on in 2020.
28th June 2020, Mars moves into Aries, a sign that it rules; for just over 6 months, rather than the usual 8 weeks. That’s an extra 16 weeks of Mars, an active, hot-headed, volatile, aggressive, and sword welding planet, in a sign that it’s super charged in, fun times.
Mars’s elongated transit of Aries is due to his retrograde in September to November 2020. The Mars Retrograde is the trickiest, out of all the planetary retrograde phases. Retrograde Mars is volatile and unpredictable, more so than any of the other planets. The other planets have a more predictable and regular retrograde cycle, not so in Mars’ case. Mars when Retrograde is notorious for its tendency towards extremes and a willingness to engage in hostilities. In most cases it tends to backfire, due to Mars when retrograde, acting in an extremely erratic nature being unpredictable, mis-directed and mis-guided. Aggressive or hostile acts during this time, generally tend to be the undoing of a person or situation. When active and fast-moving planets, like Mars; are forced to slowdown and move in motions and speeds they don’t like or are not used to, they create problems and manifest in unpredictable or unique ways or manners. Mars Retrograde if worked correctly, can give an opportunity to redefine, the rules of engagement, but to what purpose, is important, and it’s still very risky business, especially since it’s so strong in Aries.
The last time Mars was retrograde in Aries was September to November 1941, which was during WWII. During this 1941 Mars Retrograde Period, the decree that all Jewish people in Germany were to wear the Gold Star of David on their clothing and to not have contact with Non-Jewish People was signed and in-acted. The Polish Concentration camp Majdanek opened. The Siege of Leningrad began, which lasted 900 days, with the aggressor eventually defeated. In India, Mahatma Ghandi, urged his followers to begin a passive resistance against British rule in India. (a new technique of resistance, from a person who themselves, had an exceptionally strong Mars). 1941 saw no shortage of very key events, in human history occurring during this Aries retrograde. Addressing or creating extreme violence, repression and hostility, towards innocent and persecuted people, was a strong theme. As intense as these examples are, this was the last historical recording of such a retrograde in Aries. Mars also went partially Retrograde in Aries in 1988, it was slightly tempered with its retrograde back into Pisces. 2020 is the first time we have had a full Mars Retrograde in Aries since 1941.
What makes the 2020 transit of Mars in Aries, especially volatile and hostile, is the continuous aspects, that Mars will make to Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. Jupiter is weak in Capricorn, so bringing any big vision plans or positive humanitarian focused values; struggles for any influence at this time. Jupiter’s optimism has been dimmed. Saturn and Pluto are coming back online, with Saturn moving back into Capricorn in the first week of July, re-activates the Saturn Pluto vibe and events of its exact conjunction in early January 2020. We saw what a strong Mars can do, when it crossed Saturn and Pluto in February – March 2020, in Capricorn. Things quickly began to spiral out of control at this time. Now were moving into a time where Mars will again be in a strong position to continually activating this, from July – January 2021, rather than merging with this energy, it will be activating it from a more aggressive square angle.
If you have Mars retrograde IN your birth-chart, this is your time to shine. People who have it in their natal chart, tend to get activated and achieve a lot of positive things, during the retrograde time period. This is due to their natal placement being unlocked and ignited. They finally get to harness the energy they have nataly, that is usually hidden, repressed or locked away. Mars retrograde nativities tend to avoid conflict, but when the sky mirrors their natal placement, they finally get to express their strength and might. It’s almost like they build towards each retrograde cycle, to accomplish the next phases.
Things to keep in mind during this upcoming Mars in Aries Period. Watch the burning of the midnight oil and running yourself down. Overextending yourself at this time is a real possibility. This will be a marathon, not a sprint. Making up for any lost time or ground from early 2020, will be ill advised in this next 6 months, things are very much still influx for the rest of 2020. Curve balls will come, so be ready.
Mars is energetic, active and loves to assert this strength via brute force. Saturn, which Mars meets and is also strong in its rulership of Capricorn. Saturn likes to keep a routine, make long term plans and working towards them. Mars is spontaneous energy and exertion, Saturn is calculated, cautious and conservative with its energies. Saturn also likes fiscal responsibility and doing the admin. Mars, is too busy making things happen, bulldozing large areas and thinks about the consequences after. This will be the constant push and pull over the next 6 months. Making sure you keep these two squaring energies in check is very really important for the next 6 months. Saturn’s influence during this time, does however have the upper hand.
Over extending or gambling on an offer or bet, will most likely see you come off second best. Do expect some out of the blue surprises, or any hostilities that do pop up, register and keep a track of it. There could be something more to it. Don’t shy away from or ignore gut instincts. We are getting into some pretty gnarly terrain and staying on guard, without being overly defensive or hostile is extremely helpful. Managing how you exert and replenish your energy is vital. The next 6 months is some of the trickiest terrain we have had to navigate in decades. Keeping all this in mind as we enter the next 6 months will be really helpful as we enter the next phase of 2020.
MARS THORUGH THE SIGNS
ARIES / ARIES RISING
Having your ruler activate your house of vitality, being seen and how you present, might be a double-edged sword. Being aware of not burning out and watching your health and energy will be of great assistance over the next 6 months. Be conscious of how you do and say things, making sure you aren’t seen or interpreted, in an overly aggressive or hostile way, especially when things get a bit heated or stressful. Mars being so visible, may put any anger or frustrations on show, in ways you may not be aware of. Monitor it. How you manage your health and conduct yourself, is of great importance over the next 6 months, as the triggers and frustrations will be there. Don’t take the bait. Conservative approaches, will have the upper hand.
TAURUS / TAURUS RISING
Mars spending so much time in your subconscious, and private realms may see under the surface agitation. Sleep disruptions, maybe a thing, as well as an increase in frustrations, of things you thought you have forgotten about or want to avoid dealing with. Knowing that your subconscious will be activated and churred up over such a long-time frame will be helpful, as you learn to untangle the fuse. You may feel irritable and frustrated, that things or angers you tried to supress, pop back up. But using the determination and energy of a hot Mars to cut through the tangled cords, will be of great assistance. Mars has a severing effect and getting rid of old cords and things that hold you back, might be greatly assisted at this time, but it will unfold over a longer than wanted time frame.
GEMINI / GEMINI RISING
Mars will give a blast of enthusiasm and great momentum to groups, communities and shared activities. Having so much energy in a such a social area of your chart, means this area will be extremely active and energized. You will have lots of reserves to pull from, but it’s easy to burn through it all when your running on adrenaline. Watch you don’t over commitment or bite off more than you can chew. Keep an eye out for hostilities or aggressive behaviour from community and groups. Don’t get dragged into them, as they will pop up. Remember this is a marathon not a sprint. Longer time frames will allow for more success overall, there might be a strong drive to do it all at once. Tempering and thought out action is a lot more productive long term, than running yourself into the ground, because you found a new well of energy to tap into. Boundaries will be important when dealing with community, groups or networking activities.
CANCER / CANCER RISING
Having Mars make its home in your Career, Ambitions and Reputation sector, will make for a hot and active 6 months. Mars in Aries has its advantages but making sure you wield his energy at appropriate times is the key here. Being engaging, active, energetic and enthusiastic around Career and Reputation is important. You are worth it, and you are an asset for any team. But being cool, cautious and calculated (Saturn like) will help balance all this Mars energy, which can be exhausting in itself. Solid friends and one on one relationships will help anchor you as you traverse the next 6 months. Mars will be hot and fiery, stoking passions and maybe resentments. Be mindful of the rays you hurl around any career or reputations that relate to your career. Mars in the 10thcan be difficult but keeping the right checks and balances as well as keeping a positive active role in what battles you want to forge on the Career front are important. Just make sure you aren’t dragged into the wrong battles or the wrong side of opinions. Use Mars to help drive your ambition, without taking anyone else down or out, in pursuit of your ambitions.
LEO / LEO RISING
Mars will spend 6 months burning though your beliefs and Philosophy sector of your chart. Now you have a real chance to get rid of any self-limiting beliefs of things you didn’t think you could do. Mars is set to challenge, your belief systems, allowing them to be re-formed or moulded into a way that allows you to become more aligned with such an abundance of Mars energy. There may be challenges or glitches along the way but proving your own strength and abilities to yourself is one manifestation of this energy. Also powering through any research, study, education, books or publishing would be a positive use of Mars in Aries for so long. Just make sure that you don’t become the hostile one and being overly aggressive in challenging such beliefs in others. Not really the most positive use of this energy, but a possible manifestation.
VIRGO / VIRGO RISING
Mars will be spending 6 months in your area of shared resources and external money sources. Everything needs to be done by the book, with the potential for the odd miscellaneous expense to pop up. Managing outgoings and keeping on top of the admin is of great importance right now. Mars might feel like you are wanting to push forwards with external financial investments. Do your homework, don’t rush in. There are many other unseen variables at work. Mars might make you feel a sense of urgency and momentum around debt and resource. Keeping a conservative view, doing the groundwork as well as not hedging bets on gambles or high-risk ventures right now are good things, to keep in the forefront of your mind for the rest of 2020.
LIBRA / LIBRA RISING
It will be challenging having Mars activating your one on one relationships for 6 months, but don’t let the agitation break your cool. Mars is quick, swift, fastmoving and energetic. You may find yourself surrounded by these kinds of people for the next 6 months. Do beware, low vibe Mars people may also crop up. Hostile, Angry, and Short Tempered, manage your relationship to these people accordingly and make sure you check yourself in these roles as the rest of the year progresses. Keeping a cool head and a good check on your one on one relations keeps you in good stead. Expect challenges, but be the cool detached one in the relationship, no matter how difficult it might be at the time.
SCORPIO / SCORPIO RISING
Having Mars sitting in the house of its joy, as well as being your ruler means you probably have some of the best pickings from this challenging 6 months. Mars rev’s up your day to day & health routines. A great time to smash through the to do list, as well as get physically active and work that body. Just be very mindful of burn out or going to hard. We are in quite an active time, so you might not need to do as much as you initially expect to get good results. Looking after yourself health-wise is essential, and don’t make the to list, do big, to be successful over the next 6 months. It’s all about bite size portions, and not over committing, though over estimation of energy sources.
SAGITTARIUS / SAGITTARIUS RISING
Mars gives good momentum for you over the next 6 months, to pursue and engage with things that bring great joy or creative outlets to you. Making sure the fast momentum and energizing doesn’t get overtaken by frustration or burn out by over committing to such projects. Deadlines and timeframes may need to be longer than usual. There is a lot going on, so make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew. Just because you love doing it, doesn’t mean you should forget about other commitments over this time frame. Balancing what you love doing and find creatively rewarding, along with the daily grind is key to keeping in balance for the next 6 months. It will do wonders for you overall.
CAPRICORN / CAPRICORN RISING
Mars spending so long in your home and family sector, will be something that needs to be managed and monitored. Mars going through the base of your chart, which also includes your ancestors stirs and agitates the depths. With Saturn in Capricorn in your 1st house, trying to establish boundaries and authority around “Who you are” and “What your identify as/with” vs Mars in your home sector, agitating and stirring up the waters of where you come from and how these things sit together, will be a tricky balancing act. The retrograde, may have you feeling like you’re challenged or moving backwards. Make sure you check your aggression and hostility towards family as you work through all this will be important. Mars in Aries is a pretty big trigger, and with it spending so long in such a sensitive and personal place in your chart, will need management. Making good with it, and using its power wisely is of the upmost importance right now.
AQUARIUS / AQUARIUS RISING
Having a strong Mars, in your local neighbourhood and resource sector, will see hot flashes or little micro aggressions pop up in your local neighbourhood, as you go about your routines. Mars also activates your relationships with siblings. Beware of these flashpoints. Not all aggressions, frustration or challenges need to be brought into. There is a lot going on for the rest of 2020, working out if what pops up in these areas is really worth putting your energy into will be part of the process. Upshot? Getting out and engaging and being active in your local community through sports or exercising in your neighbourhood, is a positive use, of all this physically strong and mobile energy. It may help take the stress off as we make our way through 2020. Be extra cautious when driving over the next 6 months, anything with strong fire power in your day to day neighbourhood should be treated with care, as its all on high rev for 6 months.
PISCES / PISCES RISING
Mars spending 6 months in your Money house, will be challenging. Watching how you spend, manage, invest or earn your money will be where Mars edges his sword from now to January 2021. Mars in your money house, may see more out goings as things you don’t expect pop up, with those annoying one off’s. Expect some unexpected expenditure, keep this in mind so you can monitor the essential and non-essential spending, before these things pop up. However, leaning into a strong Saturn in Capricorn, will be of great assistance. Use your networks or community to help establish strong structures around Money, and how you earn it. Mars maybe pushing you to get out there and earn it. Using your solid network of friends and connections, is how you end up doing it.
The Bruja Mix 