Mars in 2016

Mars is a busy boy in 2016. He entered his own sign, Scorpio on January 3. Ancient astrologers associated this fiery planet with the water and earth triplicities to “cool down” his fiery nature. Although Mars symbolizes combatants, arguments, injuries and sharp pointy objects, his contacts with other planets tend to produce emotional reactions. One ancient writer said that Mars is the planet with the greatest potential for good and bad. This is because Mars is a planet of action rather than thought. The other planets give Mars his marching orders. Like a good soldier, he doesn't question those orders; he just goes about fulfilling whatever mandate he's been handed. He has the potential to be both a destroyer and a protector.

Mars is slowing down and will remain in Scorpio until March 5, when he enters Sagittarius. During the winter months, look for bright red Mars in the night sky. On April 17, Mars retrogrades at 8 Sagittarius. The planet is very near his evil twin, the red star Antares, the Heart of the Scorpion. This is not an auspicious time or place for Mars to change directions! A Jupiter-Saturn square is in progress and Mars is entangled in their strife. Both of these massive planets will tug and pull at him. Wars in foreign countries, attacks by or against foreigners or religious groups (Sag rules both), and dissension about education will create lots of contention as spring begins. The obvious hot Mars topics will be gun control and the possibility of war. Jupiter wants to expand, Saturn wants to clamp down. Contradictory imperatives create confusion. Attack or hold? Stay or go? Retaliate or negotiate? Leaders may lose control of their subordinates.

Stationary Mars hovers in the same spot for several days in mid-April, bringing matters to a stand-still. Mercury retrogrades from April 28 to May 22, adding additional confusion to ongoing situations. April is not a good month to push forward; instead, slow down and review progress to date. Allow situations to unfold at their own pace.

Retrograde Mars opposes the Sun and Venus in late May; truth and facts are disputed. Mars backs into Scorpio on May 27 and finally turns direct at 23 Scorpio on June 29 near the star Agena (beta Kentaurus). The Mars-Agena conjunction signifies steep, painful learning curves – in essence, what not to do! Mistakes may be costly, not just in terms of lost wealth, but lost control and power. Weak leaders or leaders who abuse public trust or make too many mistakes may be overthrown as midsummer arrives.

Mars is slow to regain speed after a retrograde. He re-enters Sagittarius on August 2, and is conjunct Saturn and Antares on August 24. This is a deadly and dangerous planet-star combination. Mars enters Capricorn on September 27. Mars conjuncts Pluto on October 19, a combination that brings intense issues to a furious boil. Mars regains his normal speed as he enters Aquarius on November 9 and Pisces on December 19.

Mars retrogrades often coincide with big accidents, wars, and contentious debates on a national and global level. People with natal placements from 23 Scorpio to 9 Sagittarius (or opposite or square these degrees) should exercise some caution while scheduling activities from April to July.

Mars retrogrades are useful for efforts that require a temporary re-direction of energy and focus. Be deliberate about selecting activities that channel Mars energy in useful, practical ways: start a new exercise program to tone muscles; re-design a garden; upgrade security measures at home or on a computer; sign up for Reiki instruction/treatments, or an energy-working class; take a dog to obedience school; or do home renovations. Attend to mechanical repairs and be assiduous about maintaining critical equipment. Be cautious about scheduling surgeries, particularly from April 28 through May 22 while both Mars and Mercury are retrograde. Consult with a professional astrologer to choose a good date if medical procedures are necessary.