If it's not Mercury, who really cares? A look at Mars Retrograde
Okay, can I just be completely and unabashedly honest for a minute?
Mars Retrograde has been kicking my ass.
From mood swings, energetic swings, physical displeasure, a total lack of motivation and creativity, to just plain and simple emotional and mental stress, I have seen, felt, shared, and experienced more than enough since September 13th. Now, of course I do not believe that Mars in retrograde is to blame for all of my problems, nor do I believe that Mars going into retrograde has manifested these problems. What I do believe, however, is that the way in which Mars resides in my astrological chart along with its, and Aries, general energetic pull, has amplified these experiences and those aspects of my life and reactions. From a personal and total novice perspective, I’d like to shallow dive into some of the influences that Mars Retrograde can have during this time (again, through personal and novice experience… so take what you will with a grain or two of salt).
Mars… If it’s not Mercury, who really cares?
So, I totally get the hype around Mercury Retrograde, I do. I get it because technology and communication are the ways in which we connect with one another, how the world is run, it’s a common ground. However, I really don’t think Mars, or any other planet really, has received the attention they deserve for their pull! Mars is in both Aries and Scorpio and rules over our creativity, motivation, sexual drive/desire, courage, action, anger, and vitality/energy. That is quite the mouthful of fiery characteristics, is it not?
Because of the uniqueness of each individual chart, these fiery characteristics may not be as strong during this retrograde cycle for some as it is for others. To better explain this, I will take a brief and simple look (again very shallowly, as a novice) at how Mars plays into my astrological chart.
Houses, Zodiacs, & Planets, oh my…
The easiest way that I am beginning to learn about how to interpret my birth chart and how astrology plays its role for me has been by looking at small pieces of where we are currently and applying it to what I already know. So starting with the most basic, I am a Sagittarius sun. I know that my sun is a fire sign. The first connection I made was noticing how my element mingles with the element of Mars, Aries, and Scorpio. Where are each of these aspects in my chart? Where do each of these show up for me in my personality and life?
To glean a deeper understanding, the houses play a crucial role in learning about ourselves. Mars is in my 12th house, Aries in my 6th, and Scorpio in my 1st. The houses direct and suggest where your energies tend to be naturally focused. There are two ways to look at how the houses influence you: from the perspective of the house, and from the perspective of the planet. This can go in depth to the point of insanity (from my beginners point of view, anyhow). So to keep it brief, Mars in my 12th house is what I will focus on for a general read.
The 12th house is that of service and sacrifice. It is the last house before the cycle starts anew, a release, self-reflection, withdrawal, reconnection, and so on. Mars being in my 12th house indicates that I may be a better advocate for others rather than for myself. Libra also resides in this house, which may appear in traits of finding myself most recharged after spending time alone. Being alone and getting away for a while may bring balance back within me.
Okay, cool. So what does that even mean and why should I (or you) even care? Well, I find it interesting to know so that I can learn about myself, how I cope, potentially new ways of coping that I may not have thought about before, or even noticing proclivities that do not serve my highest good.
I have noticed that during this time I have had a complete lack of motivation to do any work, I have been through emotional turmoils, my reproductive system has been out of sorts, I have little creativity, my energy fluctuates greatly, and I have had less desire to be around people. So again, pointing towards my chart, I experienced a mini “aha” moment when I reviewed that Libra and Mars are in my 12th house, along with how that affects me. Personally, it is nice to feel a greater sense of connection to not only myself, but to the Universe.
So what now?
Knowing these tidbits of information is great and all, but what do you do with it? Learn and grow! Adapt and understand! If this is not something you jive with, then okay! The beauty of this avenue of study/interest is that you can take from it whatever you want to, whatever you choose to. However, if you are looking for some ways to ease the woes of Mars Retrograde, here are some things I have found to be helpful over the past few weeks.
Listen to yourself and to your body!
If you feel tired, rest. If you feel energized, do something! Don’t push yourself past your limits, but also don’t limit yourself. There have been nights that I want nothing more than to curl up in my bed by 8pm, read my book for an hour while sipping at some tea, and then going to sleep. I have learned through attempts of staying out late visiting a few friends that when I need rest, I need it. Don’t make your time miserable by ignoring your mental and physical cues.
If you need some alone time, take it! If you need some mingling time, take it! It’s okay to hermit to recharge, and it’s also okay to get a little crazy to recharge. This is about listening to what you want and need.
Routines
Find a morning and/or evening routine that allows the time and space to recenter and recharge. For me, this looks like meditation, yoga, reading, having a relaxed chat with friends, grabbing dinner and eating outside, etc.
Crystals
Rose Quartz: This stone brings with it a very soothing energy. It sends gentle waves of calm and self-love to the carrier as well as facilitated connections with others. It can aid in easing emotional tensions as well as feeling into the heart center and those true emotions.
Amethyst: One of my favorites, amethyst is yet another stone of tranquility. It is said to help in relieving stress, anxiety, blockages, and confusion. Amethyst will also assist in maintaining the connection with your highest self.
Aragonite: Ah, such an earthy balancer. I have had my eyes on aragonite for a while, but never had the prompt to purchase one until now. As I write this, I have been wearing it for only around 15 hours and can already feel the difference that it has made for me. Aragonite is said to release toxic energy as well as ease emotions of anger, stagnicity, frustration, impatience, and upset. This stone is grounding and nourishing.
Citrine: I found myself drawn to citrine over the past week during my times of low energy. When keeping it on me, it brought my spirits up as well as my energy. I felt more optimistic, bubbly, and overall excited about life (which was a very welcomed experience after the weeks prior). Citrine is a solar plexus stone, feeding into that fiery energy of confidence, joy, and motivation.
Carnelian: Everyday I have been wearing a carnelian bracelet on either wrist to help bring vitality and balance within my sacral area. I have been using carnelian for emotional and hormonal balance as well as to promote inspiration.
Let go!
I mean this beyond the mental and emotional release. Let go as in, have some fun! Use this time and this fiery energy to your advantage. Go do something spontaneous that fuels your passion and desire to create and express. Whether that means going out for a night, staying in and having a dance party, exercising, whatever and however you find ways to release pent up energy.
Taking this shared experience with a grain (or two) of salt, may you learn about yourself and use this energy to your advantage, not your disadvantage.
Much love and many blessings,
-Moony