Mars Retrograde

Mars went retrograde in Virgo, on January 23, 2012. When a planet retrogrades, it appears to go backwards from the Earth's perspective. Of course, planets do not travel backwards, but because Astrology is viewed from the Earth's perspective, they appear to go backwards. Mars retrogrades once every two years approximately, so we are not very familiar with this energy when it occurs. When a planet goes retrograde, its energy is withdrawn or limited in some way. Mars is the planet of action, will and desire. Virgo is the sign that represents service, discernment, perfectionism, judgement and humility.

Mars went into Virgo last November, inviting us to analyze how and where we use our energy. It may have seemed like every time we go to do something, too many details popped up, slowing our progress. With Mars now retrograde in Virgo, our willpower, and what we put our energy into is looked at with discerning eyes. We can ask ourselves the question, Am I putting my energy into something that helps me achieve my souls purpose and intentions? Or is my energy best put elsewhere to achieve my goals and ambitions in life?

Another issue that may come up now, is why we judge whether something is right or wrong. What is our benchmark to judge things by? Does this benchmark come from authentic selves or from cultural conditioning? Make changes where necessary. Mars goes direct mid-April, and we will be able to move forward with more discerning actions. If we align our will with our soul's intentions, we learn humility. If we align our will with our ego, we will be humiliated.