Recently, the pace of your days has accelerated as Mars has been moving through your third house. It’s been a good time for getting group projects off the ground and collaborating with others because you’re communicating effectively. However, with Mars now retrograde in this part of your chart, short trips might be cancelled and snafus are likely as things can slow down. Writing and reading projects might be interrupted or delayed. You might feel scattered. It’s likely that irritation and impatience can get the better of you or those in your immediate surroundings. The key to handling this energy is patience and staying positive, despite the tensions that you encounter. You have to accept this slower pace. You can’t get water from a stone. Cut yourself some slack and give yourself credit for what you are getting done, and remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)Recently you’ve been wheeling and dealing and making positive headway with money, wealth and income issues. You’ve been busy making improvements to your existing investments and moneymaking projects. Now that Mars is retrograde, you are advised to be cautious with your spending, especially when it comes to breaking new ground or signing contracts. Be prepared for financial delays or snafus, and do your best to roll with the punches that might come your way. Go back over your paperwork. Check your budgets to ensure that important items are not falling through the cracks. Tighten your belt and focus on what you do have rather than what you don’t. Detach your ego from your bank account. Remember, your value as an individual is not about how much or how little you have. It’s about how you show up for yourself and others. Pace yourself and take pride in the good work you are accomplishing now.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)You feel fired up, passionate, and more invigorated now, Gemini, as Mars is moving through your sign. You’re likely to appear to others as strong and assertive with this energy around you. However, Mars is now retrograde in your sign till mid-January and this will change the energy within you. Pent-up frustrations and unresolved issues might come to the surface. The key to dealing with this is to be patient with yourself and others, especially in your closest relationships. Try not to push yourself hard, or overdo anything because accidents are likely if you’re distracted or your head is not in the game. You can greatly benefit from calming exercises such as meditation or yoga,  going for walks or creative projects. Quiet times enjoying reading and writing are good choices, too. The key to dealing with this retrograde energy is to find ways to blow off steam so that it isn’t causing agitation or creating problems for you.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)Recently, you have had a more reflective time than others, Cancer, as Mars has been moving through your 12th house. But now that Mars is retrograde (until mid-January) be careful of being self-critical of your own actions, or nurturing resentment towards others for their accomplishments. Remember you can’t change the past, you can only pick up where you are and plough forward into the future. This can be an excellent time for realizing where you need to let go of some things because they’ve been nagging you for too long. It can be a good time for therapeutic experiences, counselling and positive self-reflection. It can also be a good time to clean house literally and figuratively to refresh your mindset. It’s important that you get more rest at this time. Take care of yourself as you might feel more vulnerable around big and bold personalities. Nonetheless, remember: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)Group endeavours and working cooperatively with others have been key themes lately, Leo. You’re bold about formulating your goals and pursuing them. Social outings and enjoyable experiences with others have been rewarding and uplifting. Now that Mars has stationed retrograde, you will find that this energy shifts. You might withdraw from some connections and give yourself more time for reflection. Before you cut any friends out of your life, or burn any bridges, you might want to reconsider your actions because you will feel differently in a few months from now. The shadow side of Mars — frustration and jealousy are more likely to affect you at this time. Others might be jealous of you, and that can throw you for a loop. Try not to get caught in the conflicts of others and keep your own powder dry. Patience and forgiveness is the key right now. Take it easy and go slow, especially with your social circles.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)Your drive and ambition are high, and you’ve been working around the clock. You’ve gotten a lot done because your desire to achieve is sharp and focused. Now that Mars is retrograde (until mid-January) it’s imperative that you separate your ego from the quality of your work or your mission objective. It’s only too easy to get carried away identifying with your job as an extension of yourself. The shadow side of Mars can affect you with this retrograde, making it so that authority figures and bosses might be more critical of your performance or fail to appreciate you. It’s best not to anger the powers that be right now because everyone is on edge. Tap into your natural sense of patience and focus on specific tasks, rather than getting a perfect score. Roll with the punches and be prepared for delays or snafus. If the boss is tough on you, the boss is tough on others as well, don’t take it personally right now.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)As Mars has been transiting your ninth house, you have felt more inspired to expand your horizons and pursue exciting new endeavours. Creative and intellectual work has attracted you, as well as travel and educational opportunities. Support from mentors and teachers might also be in the mix. But with Mars retrograde, the energy now changes. The shadow nature of Mars can manifest as a lack of desire, as well as frustration, competitive impulses and ego-driven gains. You might be inclined to second guess your abilities or question your efforts. Don’t let negative thinking get the best of you, be it about yourself or others. Best to slow down and be selective with your energy. Focus your efforts rather than trying to do too much at once. If teachers, higher-ups and mentors harp on you about things, keep in mind they’re going through their own struggles right now as well. Pace yourself and stay positive.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)Mars has been activating your eighth house of sex, death, and rebirth giving you more insight into yourself and your deeper desires, Scorpio. With Mars now retrograde in this house (until mid-January) it’s time to reevaluate what’s most important to you and conserve your energy. The shadow sides of Mars can make it easy to fall prey to petty ego games, jealousy and contempt. While it can be a good time to cut away superfluous relationships and attachments, you want to be careful that you’re not giving into whim and burning a bridge that you might regret later. On the other hand, you want to be careful of overdoing things to the point of exhaustion. Pace yourself and be discerning about who you allow into your inner sanctum. Take some time to reinvigorate yourself to bring yourself back into a good equilibrium. Creative projects and physical exercise that will help you blow off excess steam will be beneficial.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Mars has been moving opposite your sign, Sagittarius, activating your closest relationships and connections with others. You’ve been bold and brave, taking steps to get to know people better, or getting things moving in collaborative projects. Trust in what you’ve set in motion, but take some time for yourself. With Mars retrograde now until mid-January, it can mean delays and setbacks with communications. People might be quick to anger because they’re looking to place blame somewhere. Don’t take the bait. Slow down. Be forgiving of yourself and others and reflect on what really matters. It’s only too easy to get caught up in a soap opera that you don’t need to be a part of. You can use this time to keep your objectives clear. Stay focused on your long-term aims. Tap into your optimistic nature and remember that you’re an inspiration to others. Model the behaviour you want to see.Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You’ve been working hard; and you have a keen eye for detail, Capricorn! Your standards are high and you’ve been more productive as of late because Mars is activating your sixth house of work, effort, health and daily routines. As of today, Mars is officially retrograde (until mid-January) and the energy is shifting. Disruptions, snafus and even conflict can arise at your place of work, or in relation to the projects you’re overseeing. Be gentle with yourself and others at this time. Be sure not to overextend yourself physically because it’s possible to overdo it and put yourself at risk for burnout. Coworkers might be annoying or the circumstances frustrating, so keep your cool. (You can be very patient when you need to be.) Conserve your energy and take things one step at a time to avoid miscommunications or upsets. Don’t take it personally if others are short with you because everyone is feeling the pressure now.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)With Mars transiting your fifth house of creative expressions, playful experiences, romance and children, you’ve had more energy to give to these areas of your life, Aquarius. You’ve been eager to take bold action and bring new projects into reality. For the next few months (until mid-January), Mars will be retrograde in this same house and this will act like a wet blanket on your inspiration. Take things in stride and do your best not to be overly self-critical or hard on others as well. Stay focused on the positive, and be sure to give some nurturing energy to yourself and those you care about. It’s advised not to take any undue risks during this time, especially related to physical activities that require you to go beyond your comfort zone. Likewise, be mindful when around children or those younger and more impressionable. Your words carry weight and everyone is feeling more thin-skinned than usual.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You’ve been making inroads on the home front lately, Pisces. Taking better care of your surroundings and the people you’re closest to. Relationships with others may have blossomed under your nurturing and loving care. However, as of today, Mars is retrograde in this same area of your chart until mid-January, potentially causing undue friction. Old issues that haven’t been dealt with fully are back on the burner, and you’re pushed to acknowledge your part in things. Don’t be so quick to blame others for situations. Better to take stock of things and work collaboratively to find a way forward. This will be a good time to purge unwanted baggage and let go of old resentments. Keep in mind that everyone is feeling this pressure, so manage your expectations and remember to be sympathetic and forgiving. Others need you to be there for them, just as much as you need them. Remember it’s all about to give and take.
Much warmth and well wishes!