Mars, the fiery planet, activator and troublemaker, has been retrograde since last December. This is a whole different experience than Mars cruising merrily from one sign to the next. Mars makes things happen but in a different way. There is a change of direction, sometimes literally backward which is what retrograde is. It depends on your situation.
Here, spring on the mountain that has no name. The view through my kitchen window.
Anyway, here goes. In November Mars was in Leo, square to my natal Saturn, slowing down and behaving differently in my chart. This was right on the axis of my ascendant (the physical body) and 7th house. I saw it coming and figured I would muscle through it as usual. Mars takes two years to go through the zodiac so I have seen many Mars cycles. Anything could happen. I could have had an accident or other physical problems. If I was in a relationship I would have had issues with my partner. When I was married, for twenty years, I had lots of problems! Not now, though, the picture is very different.
So, Mars stationed in 6 Leo, early December and retrograded during the winter to 17 Cancer, in my 6th house of health. Also right on top of my Mercury, but luckily I didn’t have any fights with anybody. Mars stationed in late February, entered Leo April 18, squared natal Saturn again, and on May 2 is right back in 6 Leo. Later in May Mars will cross my Venus in 14 Leo, so I wonder if I’ll meet someone special. But as you know, it takes more than one transit happening at the same time for a new romance to start so I have no expectations.
What happened to me was, starting last spring, one of my knees started giving me a pain. There is a little arthritis plus something else. My mobility slowed down quite a bit so I gained weight. (If that doesn’t sound like Mars square Saturn I don’t know what.) I’ve been to a doctor, got some shots and I’m getting another one soon. I went to physical therapy. The damn knee still hurts when I get up in the morning. Mars retrograde. It could have been worse. I could have been stuck at home or unable to drive. I know people whose situations are much worse than mine.
Well, there you have it. I’ve been pretty patient and I accept the situation. I’m taking care of my body. I’m older now. The reason things happen is to teach patience, compassion and empathy for others. It may be partly from karma but when you have the visceral experience you understand other people’s suffering. You are kinder and more sympathetic to them.
Here is another perfect example. When I was nineteen, early June 1974, I had German measles. Unusual for a young adult. I had a fever, swollen glands and a nasty rash. Mars. I was planning to work as a lifeguard, swim, get tan, party with friends and see my boyfriend, and none of that was allowed for about three weeks. I was housebound and I was furious. I still had the attitude of a child. Mars was not retrograde but he was in the exact same place in Leo, square to natal Saturn! Compounding the situation was Saturn transiting over my Sun in Cancer at the same time. Saturn the teacher sometimes figures into the problem, slowing things down and throwing obstacles in your path, and Mars the activator guarantees that this will happen.
Celestial Almanac: Gemini New Moon May 27, Scorpio Full Moon May 12.
Lots going on in your sign now! Venus, Mercury, Saturn and Neptune are coming and going at different times. At the beginning of the month, Venus, Neptune and Saturn are in conjunction. There are all sorts of possibilities. Creativity, spiritual inspiration and new realizations of what is going on in your life. Because of Venus, there may be a new friendship or romance with an older, wiser person, and you could learn from him. Mars in Leo is good for your social life.
The Sun is here until May 20 and Mercury here May 10-26. Communications, social media and technology are favored, especially regarding real estate, business and finance. Because of Mars, a lot is going on at home. You may be renovating or moving. There are changes in family relationships. Not necessarily any problems, but if there are, this is the time to sort them out. Pluto is stationing in Aquarius which may affect your career.
Mercury follows the Sun into your sign which is very good for communications. This is one of Mercury’s ruling signs and he is happy here. Watch the New Moon on May 27. New beginnings are possible, and now is the time to start a project or make plans. Schedule meetings and lectures. Writing, speaking, social media, travel and short trips are favored. Lots of socializing. You will get along very well with everyone this month.
Because of the Aries planets, your career or position in the world requires your attention. If you have been working, you may have a job change, a lay off or you may retire. The field you are working in may go through changes or doors may close. It may have nothing to do with work. You may have a creative or spiritual inspiration. Painting, drawing, teaching or writing will appeal to you right now. Over the next few months your world view may change.
Mars in Leo is in a positive high energy cycle for the next several weeks. Find a project you can sink your teeth into. Your health is good. This transit is good for starting a new workout or diet. Venus trines Mars for the whole month and this is very good for romance, friendship and all artistic pursuits. Business relationships are favored too. Mars can make you aggressive and hot tempered but with the trine to Venus, things can work out amicably. Travel is favored as well.
While the Sun is in Taurus travel and exploration are favored. When the Sun and Mercury move into Gemini, your work and career assume more importance. Communications and social media are favored. It is a good time for interviews and presentations. You make a good impression. At the New Moon on May 27, you can make a fresh start. Begin a new project, start a new chapter or go on a job interview. Make a wish, make new plans.
The planets in Aries call attention to your marriage and all one-to-one relationships, including business partnerships. Read about Aries. Rekindle the spark or evaluate your marriage. Venus can make this a favorable and pleasant period for you. Your partner may have age related problems so now is the time to take care of him. Or you may begin a relationship with an older partner, a professor or spiritual teacher. It could be very interesting.
When the Sun and Mercury move into Taurus romance, marriage and all relationships are favored. Communications improve. Agreements in business are favored and contracts can be drawn up. Mars in Leo is once again affecting your work and career. Your ambition is fired up again, and the trine from Venus brings favorable influences, in the arts and entertainment. The atmosphere in the office is upbeat. These are excellent transits for your professional life.
The planets in Aries bode well for your social life. Because of Venus new friendships and romance are just around the corner, as well as inspired creativity and the arts. Visit museums and go to a concert or Broadway show. Jupiter is winding down in your marriage house but is still a good influence for expanding your relationships and fulfillment with your partner. Business is progressing as well.
Changes have been happening on the home front for a while, and because of polarity, probably in your career too. Corporate leadership and takeovers are possible, affecting your position. You may have to move. It depends on your situation. You may plan to retire and move to Florida. Or your job may be just fine, you may simply want to downsize. A relative may come back into your life, or aging parents may need your attention.
Last fall Mars in Leo added some spark to your marriage, or conversely caused some trouble. He is back again. If some problems weren’t sorted out then, they will be back to bite you in the ass. It depends on your situation. Can’t be that bad, however, and Venus trine Mars during the whole month will help smooth things out. Romance, affection, friendship and creativity are favored. This also helps in business agreements and negotiations.
Saturn will leave here on May 25 and you will notice a change in the energies. You will feel a lot lighter as if a burden has lifted. Work and responsibilities will ease up in some way. What a relief! With the Sun and Jupiter in Gemini at different times there will projects at home and activities with the family. Weddings or new babies. The Gemini New Moon on May 27 will be good for new beginnings. Start a project. Turn over a new leaf. Make a wish.
