The archetype of Mars is the \u201cGod of War.\u201d \u00a0This gives Mars dominion over the human quality of aggression and the emotion of rage, but it also helps us to define boundaries and defend ourselves. Mars has been called \u201cthe lesser malefic\u201d but it is also the desire nature \u2013 the drive that gets us out of bed in the morning and instills excitement and eagerness to make something happen. \u00a0When Mars is repressed or afflicted in the natal chart it becomes more difficult to express, resulting in fatigue or health problems.<\/p>\n
Mars is said to be in its detriment in Libra, meaning it is not very happy there. \u00a0Rather than be directly obnoxious, as Mars prefers to be, Mars in Libra covers its irritation and anger with a veneer of Libran polish so that it can be difficult to really see the truth that lies beneath.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Over the past few months Mars made it almost to the end of Libra before it turned retrograde, and between now and May 20th when Mars turns direct again it will travel about 20 degrees back through Libra. \u00a0During this time it will become part of the big Grand Cross alignment in mid-April, intensifying the challenging dynamics and likely igniting some big fires of passion and aggression.<\/p>\n
We are also under the influence of Saturn sitting stationary in the sky, having just turned retrograde and at a virtual standstill as it begins to pick up speed for its travel back through the past to clean up any areas of our lives that need work. \u00a0At the best of times Saturn will try to put the kibosh on impulsive behavior, and Saturn retrograde periods are important times to take responsibility and face the hard realities that may be present in our lives.<\/p>\n
With both Mars and Saturn retrograde we will likely find it more difficult to begin anything new. \u00a0While Mars generally initiates activity, when retrograde he looks backwards towards the past. \u00a0\u201cI wish I had done something else\u201d will likely be a common complaint.<\/p>\n
Where Mars is conflicting with the outer planets, though, Saturn is harmonizing with the power of transformation symbolized by Uranus and Pluto. The energy now is focused on cleaning up commitments and strengthening responsibility. \u00a0This can cause a great deal of frustration because instead of two steps forward and one step back, we are just walking backwards for some time. \u00a0But you can find comfort in the fact that this rearward focus will help you to build the strength and resilience that will be required when the call for change of the April planetary events begins to blare through our consciousness.<\/p>\n
Still \u2013 with Mars not finding its full expression in the polite sign of Libra, and Saturn creating restrictions and delays, a great deal of frustration may build up if we don\u2019t find a vehicle to express this frustration productively. \u00a0Developing better communication skills, holding meetings where our opinions can be openly aired, and of course finding a physical outlet for this energy through exercise, dance, sports, and other Martian activities \u2013 all of these solutions will be very helpful in navigating the next few months.<\/p>\n
[related_posts limit=\u201d5\u2033 image=\u201d50\u2033]<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I am late with the Planetary Illuminations report this week, but you all may be feeling the influence of Mars turning retrograde on March 1st followed immediately by Saturn on the 2nd. Planets don\u2019t travel backwards, but because astrologers view the movement of the planets from our perspective on earth they sometimes\u00a0appear to travel in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":537,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2651,29],"tags":[1253,1273,1844],"class_list":["post-12000","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-featured-posts","category-planetary-cycles","tag-mars-in-libra","tag-mars-retrograde","tag-saturn-retrograde"],"yoast_head":"\n
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